UN Direct

Kofi Annan Resigns: The SG announced the resignation of the United Nations-League of Arab States Joint Special Envoy for the Syrian crisis, Kofi Annan today. Mr. Annan informed both the SG and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Mr. Nabil El Araby, of his intention not to renew his mandate when it expires on 31 August 2012.

WFP in Syria: After reports indicating an increase in violence in Aleppo in the last 72 hours, the UN observer mission there renewed its call  to the Syrian government to quell violence in the city.

SG Announces High-Level Panel: Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed 26 civil society, private sector and government leaders from all regions to a High-level Panel to advise on the global development agenda beyond 2015 today.

The SG’s Travels: Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon returned to New York on Saturday after his trip to China, the Balkan States, and London for the opening of the Olympic Ceremonies. Mr. Ban briefed the press today on the contents of his travels, the current situation in Syria, and his response the Arms Trade Treaty conference that concluded on Friday.

Arms Trade Treaty: Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today appealed to countries to show flexibility and make progress in the negotiations of a treaty that would regulate the conventional arms trade. With just two days left before the end of the United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), Mr. Ban is also concerned about the “very limited progress in the negotiations” according to a statement issued by his spokesperson.

SG’s travels: The Secretary-General began his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina today, where he met with the Members of the Presidency, among other top officials, and also addressed the Parliamentary Assembly.

The SG’s travels in South- East Europe: Continuing his visit to South-East Europe, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today stressed the importance of dialogue and engagement across the region, highlighting the importance of the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia.

International AIDS Conference: UN officials have called for a renewed commitment to tackle HIV/AIDS and end the epidemic once and for all, as over 20,000 delegates from all over the world gathered in the United States capital for the XIX International AIDS Conference.

SG's visit to Slovenia: Slovenia has much to offer to Europe, the world and the United Nations, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today as he addressed its Parliament, highlighting the contributions of this “small but crucially important” country.