Betsy Pisik

U.N. ambiguity adds to image as paper tiger

At an Egyptian resort this week, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe preened with the other African leaders, seemingly oblivious to calls that he negotiate with the opposition after a flawed election.

July 4, 2008

Poll: ‘Big powers’ taint U.N.’s image

A top U.N. official said Monday that the world's "big powers" have tarnished the world body's image of neutrality, at a time when the United Nations is increasingly threatened by terrorist attacks.

July 1, 2008

Ban denies he has filled human rights post

Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will not appoint a successor to U.N. human rights advocate Louise Arbour before her term ends on Monday, and he dismissed a claim by the president of East Timor that he had been offered the job.

June 27, 2008

Overhaul of security sought

A critical assessment of U.N. security risks around the world recommends an overhaul of safety and security procedures and reaffirms that host governments and the United Nations share responsibility for keeping U.N. staff safe.

June 25, 2008

U.N. official quits over attack

The official responsible for the safety of U.N. field staff resigned Tuesday after an internal U.N. panel found widespread violations of U.N. security procedures.

June 25, 2008

U.N. security official expected to resign

BREAKING NEWS -- The official responsible for the safety of U.N. field staff is expected to resign today after an internal U.N. panel found widespread violations of U.N. security procedures.

June 24, 2008

Rice urges global action to end political violence

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice demanded greater international action Thursday on Zimbabwe before and during next week's runoff elections.

June 20, 2008

Actress Farrow pleads for Darfur

Actress and activist Mia Farrow Tuesday reprimanded the 15 members of the U.N. Security Council for their inaction on Darfur, telling diplomats in a closed meeting that they have failed desperate people as well as U.N. principles.

June 18, 2008

Report: U.N. official diverted funds

An internal investigation has sharply criticized the head of the U.N.'s "good governance" division, finding he has diverted donated funds and mismanaged a $2.8 million trust fund.

June 12, 2008

Ban chides critics of choice for U.N. post

The office of Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday lashed out at advocacy groups complaining that he is choosing the next U.N. human rights advocate in secret.

June 10, 2008

Search process for post at U.N. raises ire

A secret Cabinet convened by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will select the new U.N. high commissioner for human rights in the next few weeks.

June 9, 2008

Officials: 950 million need food aid

World leaders, alarmed over the spiraling number of hungry in their countries and at their borders, Tuesday urged each other to contribute money, ideas and compassion to feed an estimated 950 million people.

June 3, 2008