This daily news round-up is prepared by the Central News Section of the Department of Public Information. At Conference on Disarmament, Iran's Foreign Minister outlines initiative to reduce tension in South Asia. New UN survey shows that Iraqis are benefiting more from medical care, but drugs are still in short supply. Security Council members call on political forces in Haiti to ensure continuation of democratic process. Refugees from Kosovo continue to arrive in Albania, according to the United Nations refugee agency.
Clear skies enable delivery of emergency assistance to survivors of earthquake in Afghanistan.
Narcotic crops can be eliminated or drastically reduced in a decade, says head of United Nations drug control. United Nations expert appeals to Equatorial Guinea to grant clemency to 15 death-row inmates. Foreign ministers from the five permanent members of the Security Council met in Geneva on Thursday to exchange views on the recent nuclear tests carried out by India and Pakistan. At the conclusion of the meeting its Chairman, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jianxuan, told reporters that the five expressed deep concern over the present situation in the South Asian region and the desire to cooperate closely in order to prevent an arms race in the area, beef up the international non-proliferation regime, and promote the peaceful settlement of the dispute between India and Pakistan. Mr. Tang said the meeting marked the beginning of an important stage.