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- Sri Lanka bans UN role in war crimes probe
Sri Lanka's government today said it would prohibit the United Nations from conducting an independent investigation into claims that the military committed war crimes during the final months of its 25-year civil war against Tamil Tiger separatists. UN representatives, however, would be allowed to testify before the state's Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission, which human rights groups say lacks credibility and impartiality. AlertNet/Reuters (12/30)       - Funding gaps imperil UN's Afghan food programs
UN food-for-work and school feeding programs in Afghanistan are at risk because of funding shortfalls of some $400 million for 2011. Ultimately all World Food Program efforts in the country are at risk, according to a UN report, but food programs specifically intended to reach 7.3 million people could be suspended after a few months. AlertNet/IRINnews.org (12/29) - Cholera also claims Haiti rice crop
Much of the rice harvest in Haiti is likely to be lost because of fears of cholera contamination among farmers, who are reluctant to work in rice paddies that are fed by rivers and canals. Moreover, the UN says part of the crop could go uneaten, despite food shortages, because consumers do not want to buy rice from areas afflicted by cholera. CNN (12/30) - How mHealth is bringing care home
Mobile health proponents are pouring tens of billions into development applications to address health issues related to aging populations, infirm patients and lack of access to medical facilities. Live video consults and home-based treatments that transmit data to medical professionals are among the applications being tested. Supporters see mobile health as particularly vital for the developing world -- especially regions like sub-Saharan Africa where 70% of the population has cell phones but little access to medical care. BBC (12/26)  | - U.S. is concerned by Pakistan disappearances
U.S. officials are raising concerns with Pakistan over persistent reports from human rights groups that thousands of political separatists and militants have disappeared into Pakistani custody. Rights groups charge Pakistan has been rounding up people over the past decade, using the war on terror as a pretext, and holding them without charge -- and have raised questions over allegations of the widespread use of torture against prisoners. A recent U.S. State Department report also includes charges Pakistani security forces executed unarmed Taliban militants rather than arrest them to face trial. The New York Times (free registration) (12/29) - Street protests spread across India over jailed rights activist
The recent sentencing to life imprisonment of an Indian pediatrician -- an outspoken activist on behalf of disenfranchised peoples expelled from mineral-rich forest areas -- has sparked street protests throughout the country. Human rights activists say police planted evidence and manufactured testimony against Binayak Sen, who was convicted of sedition and conspiracy for allegedly assisting the deadly Maoist insurgency. The Washington Post (12/28) - Gbagbo faces threat of ouster
Leaders of West African countries on Wednesday delivered an ultimatum to Cote d'Ivoire President Laurent Gbagbo, saying that he must step down and go into exile or face a military confrontation. Gbagbo, who has the support of the country's military and security services, is widely seen to have lost an election last month to Alassane Ouattara, whose new UN ambassador says the country is "on the brink of genocide." The Independent (London) (12/29) , Bloomberg Businessweek (12/29) - West Africa holds together in opposing Gbagbo, for now: The unwillingness of Laurent Gbagbo to recognize results of the Cote d'Ivoire elections has united governments around the world in calls for him to step down, but has put West African leaders in a difficult position. Presidents across the region have united to apply pressure on Gbagbo, but his resistance to diplomatic pressure and sanctions is raising the specter of the need for force. The New York Times (free registration) (12/29)
- Bashir ups the ante in Darfur talks
Sudanese officials will no longer participate in talks with Darfuri rebel groups taking place in Qatar if progress is not reached by today, President Omar al-Bashir warned. Bashir indicated Sudanese authorities would instead begin new talks inside Darfur itself, and fight any group that resists talks. BBC (12/30) - Brazil takes stock of Lula's achievements
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva steps down as president of Brazil on Saturday after two four-year terms during which he helped the country transform into a regional economic and political power player. Lula's adroit financial policies helped tame Brazil's economy and spur growth that increased the middle class by 29 million people and pulled an additional 20 million out of poverty. Google/The Associated Press (12/28) - U.S. responds to diplomatic rebuff from Chavez
U.S. authorities revoked the visa of Venezuela's ambassador Wednesday, a day after Venezuela said it would reject the appointment of U.S. diplomat Larry Palmer, increasing diplomatic tensions between the two countries. President Hugo Chavez declined to support Palmer's appointment, alleging the diplomat made disparaging remarks about Venezuela. Google/The Associated Press (12/30)
- What do you think was the UN's biggest accomplishment in 2010?
| Providing disaster relief in Haiti and Pakistan |  29.55% | | Helping to nearly eliminate polio in Africa |  23.08% | | Climate-change agreements in Cancun |  16.19% | | Assisting in free and democratic elections |  15.38% | | Nuclear non-proliferation review conference |  8.10% | | Something else |  7.69% | - UN Wire will not publish Friday
In observance of the New Year's holiday, UN Wire will not be published Friday. Publication will resume Monday. |
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