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Azerbaijan has experienced rapid economic growth and significant poverty reduction since the onset of the ongoing oil boom. Appropriate policies have helped maintain macroeconomic stability and allowed a buildup of buffers in the oil fund. Although growth slowed in 2009, following the global crisis, the country escaped serious negative consequences, and the non-oil economy has been performing strongly since then.

A mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by Mr. Johannes Wiegand, held discussions with the Kosovar authorities during November 2–11, 2011 as part of the first assessment of Kosovo’s Staff Monitored Program (SMP). The SMP runs until end-year, associated policies target decisive steps towards fiscal sustainability and stronger budget management and execution. Successful implementation would help establish a track-record of sound fiscal management that could pave the way for financial assistance by the IMF in 2012 and facilitate the continuation of donor support.

New York: The President of the General Assembly, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, today urged the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to strengthen its role as the central mechanism for coordination of economic and social issues and to play the key role in implementing decisions of UN conferences and summits.

Executive Directors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have welcomed the region’s economic recovery from the global financial crisis and its overall positive outlook. Directors noted, however, that the recovery has been uneven across member countries and that inflation is on the rise due to high international food and fuel prices. They were also concerned with the continued high levels of unemployment and poverty, and the remaining impediments to stronger and sustained growth. In this context, Directors emphasized the need for stepped-up efforts on structural reforms and infrastructure investment to foster broad-based long-term growth and poverty reduction.

New York: At least 43 villages in Nigeria continue to present cases of lead poisoning, 18 months ago after cases were first discovered in the region, the United Nations reported today, calling for an increase in preventive measures in the African country.

New York: United States tourists will gradually start visiting Europe in larger numbers despite the downward revision of the economic outlook in the US, according to a new report released this week by the United Nations agency promoting responsible and ?sustainable tourism.

New Delhi: India and China are likely to set up a new joint border management mechanism by the end of this year.

New York: The United Nations human rights office today voiced concern at recent events in Egypt, including the military trial and jailing of a blogger/activist, and called on the interim authorities to ensure full respect for basic freedoms.

New Delhi: The Union Minister of Railways Dinesh Trivedi today hinted at a possible hike in railway passenger and freight fares with a view to accomodate the rising fuel cost. He also announced a plan to prevent the misue of the Tatkal Ticket Booking Scheme.

New York: Small amounts of a radioactive particle have been detected in the air in the Czech Republic and other European locations, but they do not pose a health risk to the public, the United Nations nuclear agency reported today.