UN-brokered grain and fertilizer deals ‘indispensable’ to global food security

UN-brokered grain and fertilizer deals ‘indispensable’ to global food security

In a statement issued by his Deputy Spokesperson, António Guterres reiterated “the importance of full and continued implementation” of the agreements signed last July in Istanbul, known as the Black Sea Initiative – allowing Ukrainian grain and foodstuffs safe passage to world markets – and the Memorandum of Understanding with Moscow over fertilizer exports. Russia…

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Haiti: ‘Take urgent action now’ urges ECOSOC President

Guterres appeals for humanitarian, security and political action to end Haiti’s ‘living nightmare’

He said citizens of the Caribbean nation are “trapped in a living nightmare” as armed gangs encircle the capital, Port-au-Prince, blocking roads, controlling access to food and healthcare, and undermining humanitarian support. Mr. Guterres was speaking at UN Headquarters fresh from a visit to the country and a summit of regional leaders, held in Trinidad…

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Iran nuclear deal: Despite differences, still ‘best available option’, Security Council hears

Iran nuclear deal: Despite differences, still ‘best available option’, Security Council hears

Briefing the Security Council on the state of the JCPOA, Ms. DiCarlo set the tone for the discussion by stating, “diplomacy is the only way to effectively address the Iranian nuclear issue.” The 2015 deal sets out rules for monitoring Iran’s nuclear programme and paves the way for the lifting of UN sanctions. It was agreed…

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Amarnath Yatra, stricter restrictions in the guise of security, fear and terror in the valley

Amarnath Yatra, stricter restrictions in the guise of security, fear and terror in the valley

Image Courtesy: ANI Restrictions for Amarnath Yatra in Occupied Kashmir have been tightened in the guise of security. According to the Kashmir Media Service (KMS) from Srinagar, another 60,000 personnel of the occupying Indian forces have been deployed in the occupied valley. According to KMS, Indian forces have intensified raids and searches in various areas…

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UN Security Council terminates Mali peacekeeping mission

UN Security Council terminates Mali peacekeeping mission

Security Council members reiterated strong support for the full withdrawal of the decade-old UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), and the transfer of security responsibilities to the country’s transitional Government, which has been in power since a coup in 2021. Commending the peacekeeping operation and its staff, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for the…

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Security in eastern DR Congo continues to worsen, Security Council hears

Security in eastern DR Congo continues to worsen, Security Council hears

“So far, the ceasefire between the M23 and the FARDC has held up relatively well and has contributed to some security gains”, said UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Pobee. “The relative calm in Rutshuru territory, for example, allowed more than 45,000 people from the Bishusha group to return home”, she said.  She noted, however, that…

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Ukraine: War ‘weakening’ international security, political affairs chief warns

Ukraine: War ‘weakening’ international security, political affairs chief warns

“The war in Ukraine has created a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe, traumatized a generation of children, and accelerated the global food and energy crises,” said Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. “We cannot discount further dangerous knock-on effects,” she cautioned, citing urgent concerns, from rising death tolls to nuclear threats. Worsening conditions The impact…

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Somalia in danger of losing hard-won gains, Security Council hears

Somalia in danger of losing hard-won gains, Security Council hears

“Whilst many challenges and risks lie ahead, there are also many opportunities, and I urge all international partners to lean in and provide additional support to the people,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia Catriona Laing. Regarding current security conditions, Ms. Laing, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), raised concerns…

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