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27/09/2004
Afghan pre-election weapons handover welcomed by UN
In a move that will help stabilise the country ahead of next month's elections, nearly half of all heavy weapons in Afghanistan have been handed over to UN authorities.
So far, 1,916 heavy weapons have been cantoned in Jalalabad, Gardez, Kunduz, Mazar-i-Sharif, Kabul, Kandahar and Herat, while the process is scheduled to begin this week in the Panjshir Valley, according to UNAMA spokesman Manoel de Almeida e Silva.
With momentum building for the collection of arms in Afghanistan as voters prepare to go to the polls in an historic election next month, a spokesperson for UN Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said: “The Afghanistan New Beginnings Programme started collecting heavy weapons in Herat just eight days ago and has already moved about 130 of the 286 heavy weapons known to exist in the west.
“Cantonment began in Kandahar just six days ago and already 86 of the 337 heavy weapons in the area have been moved to a cantonment site as well.”
UNAMA also said that the number of officers and soldiers who have started their return to civilian life “is rapidly approaching the 17,000 mark”.
So far most of these people have chosen to go into agriculture, while others are seeking training in areas like carpentry, tailoring and metal work. A small percentage has opted to join the national army and the national police, according to the UN.
(gmcg)
So far, 1,916 heavy weapons have been cantoned in Jalalabad, Gardez, Kunduz, Mazar-i-Sharif, Kabul, Kandahar and Herat, while the process is scheduled to begin this week in the Panjshir Valley, according to UNAMA spokesman Manoel de Almeida e Silva.
With momentum building for the collection of arms in Afghanistan as voters prepare to go to the polls in an historic election next month, a spokesperson for UN Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said: “The Afghanistan New Beginnings Programme started collecting heavy weapons in Herat just eight days ago and has already moved about 130 of the 286 heavy weapons known to exist in the west.
“Cantonment began in Kandahar just six days ago and already 86 of the 337 heavy weapons in the area have been moved to a cantonment site as well.”
UNAMA also said that the number of officers and soldiers who have started their return to civilian life “is rapidly approaching the 17,000 mark”.
So far most of these people have chosen to go into agriculture, while others are seeking training in areas like carpentry, tailoring and metal work. A small percentage has opted to join the national army and the national police, according to the UN.
(gmcg)
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05 February 2004
Libya adopts Chemical Weapons Convention
Weapons inspectors have met with the Libyan government today as the Chemical Weapons Convention, which the country adopted last month, comes into force. A team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) were in Tripoli today after Libya became the 159th State to join the convention.
Libya adopts Chemical Weapons Convention
Weapons inspectors have met with the Libyan government today as the Chemical Weapons Convention, which the country adopted last month, comes into force. A team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) were in Tripoli today after Libya became the 159th State to join the convention.
25 October 2004
UK must act now to defend itself against bio-terrorism, says BMA
If the development of biological and genetic weapons is not curtailed, it will be "virtually impossible" for Britain to defend itself from terrorist bio-weapons attack, according to the British Medical Association (BMA).
UK must act now to defend itself against bio-terrorism, says BMA
If the development of biological and genetic weapons is not curtailed, it will be "virtually impossible" for Britain to defend itself from terrorist bio-weapons attack, according to the British Medical Association (BMA).
18 July 2003
Blair and Bush stand behind decision to go to war
Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George Bush have stood firm in their decision to go to war, amid continued questions over the reliability of key intelligence claims about Saddam Hussein's military capabilities.
Blair and Bush stand behind decision to go to war
Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George Bush have stood firm in their decision to go to war, amid continued questions over the reliability of key intelligence claims about Saddam Hussein's military capabilities.
20 January 2004
Global community must curb illicit small arms trade: UN
The UN Security Council has urged the international community to do more to halt the flow of the illicit small arms and light weapons, warning that they could end up in the hands of terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida.
Global community must curb illicit small arms trade: UN
The UN Security Council has urged the international community to do more to halt the flow of the illicit small arms and light weapons, warning that they could end up in the hands of terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida.
03 October 2003
Straw claims WMD report backs case for Iraq war
The Foreign Secretary has claimed that the report into Iraq's weapons programme provides "conclusive and incontrovertible evidence" that Iraq had breached UN resolutions.
Straw claims WMD report backs case for Iraq war
The Foreign Secretary has claimed that the report into Iraq's weapons programme provides "conclusive and incontrovertible evidence" that Iraq had breached UN resolutions.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
