Syria: Ban voices deep regret after Security Council fails to agree on resolution

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced deep regret after Security Council members were today unable to agree on a resolution backing an Arab League plan to resolve the crisis in Syria, where thousands of people have been killed over the past year since authorities crackdown on a pro-democracy uprising.

Lebanon: UN-backed tribunal to try four men accused of Hariri killing in absentia

The United Nations-backed independent tribunal set up to try suspects in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri announced today that it will try four men accused of carrying out the crime in absentia.

Yemen: UN relief chief welcomes release of seven humanitarian workers

The top United Nations humanitarian official voiced relief today that seven aid workers abducted earlier this week in Yemen have now all been released unharmed.

Visiting Gaza, Ban reiterates commitment to plight of Palestinians

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon travelled today to the Gaza Strip, where he underlined his commitment to continue working for peace and stability in the Middle East, and voiced his concern about the need to increase humanitarian assistance for Palestinians.

UN atomic agency to hold further discussions with Iran over nuclear programme

Experts from the United Nations atomic energy watchdog have wrapped up their visit to Iran, saying they will continue to hold discussions later this month over concerns about the country’s nuclear programme.

In Middle East, Ban urges stepped-up efforts to resolve Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on Israelis and Palestinians to take steps that will build trust and ensure an environment conducive to sustained negotiations, voicing his hope that the nascent talks begun last month between the two sides will continue.

Security Council debates situation in Syria

The Security Council this afternoon began debate on the situation in Syria, where thousands of people have been killed over the past 10 months in a Government crackdown against a popular uprising. LIVE WEBCAST

UN certifies that new camp for Iranian exiles meets international standards

United Nations refugee and human rights officials said today that they have confirmed that the infrastructure and facilities at a new camp in Iraq for residents of the settlement formerly known as Camp Ashraf meet international standards, as stipulated in last month’s agreement on voluntary relocation between the UN and the Iraqi Government.

Ban encourages Jordan and Arab neighbours to continue with reforms

The Arab world has a “generational opportunity” to create a future it deserves, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today during a visit to Jordan, voicing his support for ongoing reforms in the country and the region.

UN welcomes Iraqi ratification of pact on rights of persons with disabilities

The United Nations welcomed today the ratification by Iraq of a convention that protects, promotes, and ensures the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by persons with disabilities.