Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–December 29, 2010.  INDEX: DEPARTMENT Suspicious Package at U.S. Embassy to the Holy See / All Personnel Safe Situation in Cote d’Ivoire / DOD Team on the Ground at Embassy / ECOWAS / Attack on UNOCI Peacekeepers / Contingency Plan / EU’s Acceptance of Ambassadors Named by President Ouattara[Read More…]

NEW YORK–(ENEWSPF)–29 December 2010 – The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Côte d’Ivoire will “robustly” fulfil its mandate, breaking through roadblocks if needed, to protect civilians and the “legitimate Government” after the outgoing president’s refusal to step down in the face of his rival’s internationally recognised electoral victory, a top[Read More…]

NEW YORK–(ENEWSPF)–28 December 2010 – A large crowd today attacked a three-vehicle convoy of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Côte d’Ivoire in the commercial capital of Abidjan, slashing one soldier with a machete and setting one of the vehicles on fire. The attack happened in the Yopougon neighbourhood of[Read More…]

NEW YORK–(ENEWSPF)–28 December 2010 – The United Nations has delivered ballots for more than 4 million voters in Southern Sudan for next month’s independence referendum, culminating a six-year peace process that ended two decades of civil war between the north and south. Each ballot carries two pictures: one hand, signifying[Read More…]

Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–December 27, 2010.  We are deeply concerned that a Russian judge today has indicated that for a second time Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev will be convicted.  We are troubled by the allegations of serious due process violations, and what appears to be an abusive use of the legal[Read More…]

Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–December 27, 2010.  INDEX: DEPARTMENT Statement on Khodorkovsky-Lebedev Case / Negative Impact on Russia’s Reputation Bus Crash in Egypt / U.S. Citizens Killed Rumor that Secretary Clinton is Stepping Down Security Procedures and Posture at Embassies EGYPT Bus Crash in Egypt / U.S. Citizens Killed / Working with Healthcare[Read More…]

Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–December 26, 2010.  Michelle and I extend our warmest thoughts and wishes to all those who are celebrating Kwanzaa this holiday season.  Today is the first of a joyful seven-day celebration of African American culture and heritage. The seven principles of Kwanzaa — Unity, Self Determination, Collective Work and[Read More…]

Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–December 25, 2010.  THE PRESIDENT:  Merry Christmas, everybody.  Michelle and I just wanted to take a moment today to send greetings from our family to yours. THE FIRST LADY:  This is one of our favorite times of year.  And we’re so fortunate to be able to celebrate it together[Read More…]

NEW YORK–(ENWESPF)–23 December 2010 – In the face of increased successes by international forces and the national army in Afghanistan, the Taliban may attempt spectacular attacks in the coming weeks, the top United Nations envoy in the country warned yesterday. “In other words, our sentiment is: before it gets better[Read More…]

NEW YORK–(ENEWSPF)–23 December 2010 – Human rights officers in Côte d’Ivoire have substantiated allegations of more than 170 killings, hundreds of arrests and dozens of cases of torture, ill treatment and enforced disappearance of people over the past one week, a senior United Nations rights official said today. The West[Read More…]