Over 60 countries sign arms trade treaty

More than 60 countries have signed a landmark conventional arms trade treaty, but the US has held back from joining the first wave of signatories.

• UN Assembly set to adopt arms treaty
• Sign arms treaty, says Tutu
• UN gathers for arms trade treaty talks

World powers call for new Iran sanctions

Britain, France and Germany have officially called for new European Union sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme, diplomats say.

• Banks face years of fines over Iran
• US crackdown hits another UK bank
• Iran shrugs off EU oil embargo
• Iran, world powers set for showdown
• SA hopeful of Iran oil breakthrough
• EU could review Iran oil ban 'soon'

Bleak outlook for young South Africans

Youth unemployment in SA will take longer than previously thought to revert to levels seen before the global financial crisis, the ILO says.

• SA unemployment 'exceptional'
• Marcus warns on joblessness
• Way forward for SA

UN ends sanctions on Libya bank

The UN Security Council have lifted sanctions on Libya's central bank and a key investment bank freeing tens of billions of dollars to ease a post-Gaddafii cash crunch.

• Gaddafi killing could be war crime: ICC
• US dismisses Gaddafi killing role
• Aisha Gaddafi demands ICC probe

Area near Gaddafi compound struck

Nato has pounded the area near Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's compound again, rattling windows in the heart of the capital with thunderous booms as smoke rose from the vicinity.

• Nato denies Libya bus bombing claim
• Gaddafi plays chess as fighting rages
• Libyan rebels move closer to Tripoli

UN expects food prices to remain high

In spite of a slight drop in May, concerns about stocks will keep global food prices high and volatile for the rest of 2011, warns a report by the UN's food agency.

• Taming food prices
• Climate change spurs food prices: study
• Clinton warns on food price threat

Green energy use to surge: UN

The most comprehensive United Nations overview of the sector says use of renewable energy could increase by three to 20 times by mid-century.

• Rassie injects energy: Smit
• Manuel pledges neutrality on green fund
• Green fund may mean more taxes for SA

Zuma reaffirms position on Libya

The presidency has reaffirmed South Africa's position with regards to the conflict in Libya, calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to attacks on civilians using peaceful means.

• SA rejects Libya 'regime change doctrine'
• Libyan doctors stranded in SA
• Gaddafi escaping trial lesser of two evils: Tutu

UN warns on oil as food prices spike

The UN says oil price surges induced by Middle East unrest would affect volatile global food prices, which again hit a record high in February.

• Climate change affects malaria, food prices
• Oil, food bode ill for inflation
• China rice laced with heavy metals: report

Ford urges US to save nature

Actor and environmentalist Harrison Ford has urged the United States to step up its role in protecting nature.

• Ford and Flockhart tie the knot
• Ford honoured at film fest

Libya elected to UN rights council

Libya has been elected to the UN Human Rights Council over the objections of numerous NGOs that said the country was unfit to serve.

• UN divided over human rights

UN seeks $7.1bn for relief

The United Nations has called on richer governments to provide a total of $7.1bn in 2010 to fund urgent humanitarian assistance for 48 million people in 25 countries.

• Billion hungry people need help
• Under-nourished kids dying

Pakistan braces for bombings

Pakistan has braced for more militant attacks ahead of an anticipated offensive against a Taliban stronghold.

• Taliban claims UN blast
• New Taliban chief may be dead
• Taliban 'stronger than ever'

Bomber strikes UN office

Two Pakistani women and an Iraqi national were killed when a suicide bomber struck a heavily-fortified UN office in the heart of the Pakistani capital Islamabad, officials say.

• Pakistan suicide bombs kill 12
• Rally behind Pakistan - Obama
• Taliban 'stronger than ever'

Call for Suu Kyi's release

China and other allies of the military government in Myanmar have joined an international call for the release of jailed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

• Judges reject Suu Kyi's appeal
• 'Political' prisoners get amnesty
• Join elections, says Myanmar

Hillary likes 'being president'

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton likes being president - at the UN Security Council - as the United States holds the revolving Security Council presidency.

• No, never - Clinton on WH
• Hillary for president, again?

'End sexual violence in wars'

The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution calling for a halt to the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war.

• Guinea army 'raped' women
• UN drops soldier rape case
• Clinton to tackle rape in DRC

Fears as climate talks resume

UN negotiations for a global climate treaty have resumed in Bangkok amid fears that delegates will fail to agree on a draft text.

• 'Climate change laws crucial'
• Earth - Journey of a lifetime
• Climate change is speeding up

Honduras edges toward talks

Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya and the country's de facto government have edged toward possible talks to end a stand-off.

• Demand reinstatement, UN told
• Cops break up pro-Zelaya demo
• Honduran leader offers talks

'Stop subsidising fossil fuel'

President Barack Obama is calling on the world to end massive government subsidies that encourage the use of fossil fuels blamed for global warming.

Gaddafi chastises UN over wars

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has chastised the UN for failing to intervene or prevent 65 wars that have erupted around the world since the organisation was founded in 1945.

• Obama pleads for 'new era'
• Demand reinstatement, UN told

Obama star power faces test

US President Barack Obama is making his UN debut, hoping his star power can throw new muscle behind a policy agenda that is already struggling to deliver.

• Obama pushes for Mideast talks
• It's not about race, says Obama
• Obama overhauls missile defence

Rajoelina invited to UN meeting

The United Nations has invited Madagascar's diplomatically isolated president, Andry Rajoelina, to next week's General Assembly meeting, says his office.

• AU condemns Rajoelina's govt
• 'Consensus' govt appointed
• Adhere to the deal - Ban