OBAMA TO SPEAK TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE UNITED NATIONS, SEPT 23, 2009

LINKS TO PRESIDENT OBAMA'S ADDRESS TO THE UNITED NATIONS 64TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

UNITED NATIONS PAGE

www.unausa.org/obamaspeakstotheworld

Click here to watch the speech live.

Streaming video and Live Chat via

UNA-USA will be presenting President Obama's speech live video streaming on Wednesday the 23rd. Additionally we will be hosting a live chat through the Facebook application located here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When UN Secretary/General, Ban Ki-moon talks, does the Government of Sudan care what he says?

Deeply Concerned at Reports of Recent Clashes between Sudanese Government Forces,

Rebels in North Darfur, Secretary-General Calls on All Parties for Restraint

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by reports of recent clashes between the Government of Sudan and rebel forces, and the resultant loss of civilian lives and properties in the area of Korma, North Darfur.

The Secretary-General calls on all parties to use restraint, renew their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and redouble their efforts to reach a political settlement of the conflict in Darfur.

The Secretary-General also reiterates the importance of ensuring a safe and free passage for United Nations and humanitarian personnel to assess the situation on the ground and provide life-saving assistance to those in need.

Source: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2009/sgsm12473.doc.htm

Secretary-General Strongly Condemns Deadly Attack on Village in Southern Sudan

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the 20 September attack on residents of Duk Padiet village in Jonglei State, in Southern Sudan. Initial reports indicate upwards of 100 persons were killed in the attacks. The United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) continues to determine the full extent of this terrible event.

The Secretary-General urges the Government of Southern Sudan to further strengthen their efforts to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of these crimes.

In the meantime, the Secretary-General commends the efforts of the Government to restore order, deter retaliatory attacks and to pursue dialogue and reconciliation among all concerned parties.

Source: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2009/sgsm12472.doc.htm

Secretary-General Remains ‘Gravely Concerned’ by Abduction of Two

United Nations Staff Members of Hybrid Mission in Darfur

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General remains gravely concerned by the abduction of two international staff members at the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), taken from their homes on 28 August 2009. UNAMID officials are working closely with authorities from the Government of Sudan to ensure their safe release.

The Secretary-General wishes to underscore the importance of the peacekeeping and humanitarian work being undertaken in Darfur, and his belief that United Nations staff members carry out valuable work around the world, which they should be able to do without fear of harassment or intimidation. The Secretary-General expresses his solidarity with the families of the abducted staff members, and calls for their safe and speedy return.

Source: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2009/sgsm12471.doc.htm