News from the United Nations 9.8.08

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed concern regarding the recent wave of violence in Nepal. In the latest violent up-swing, seven Maoists have been killed. The Maoists were shot by police early this week. The spokesperson for the UN mission in Nepal was “shocked” by the killings. Through the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, the Secretary-General urged “all parties to exercise restraint and remain calm.” The SG also encouraged a political resolution to the violence.

– — –

In Zimbabwe, South African leader Jacob Zuma refuted claims by the Zimbabwe government that the electoral process was “manageable.” The election, held 11 days ago, is still being contested as President Robert Mugabe continues to maintain that he is within the margin needed for a runoff. Local law requires a runoff election if a clear winner is not determined within three weeks of election day. On 4 April, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for a swift, transparent resolution.

– — –

The Word Food Programme (WFP) in Rome has issued a report that details the top world hot-spots. The report, Hunger’s Global Hotspots: 8 April 2008, highlights areas of regional conflict, and analyzes both violence and humanitarian need. Countries on the list include Afghanistan, Chad, Ethiopia, Iraq, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Somolia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe.