United Nations Radio: Food crisis looms in Libya

Food crisis looms in Libya

Libya will face what's been described as a 'full blown food security crisis' in about 45 to 60 days unless a major effort is made to replenish its food stocks.

The World Food Programme (WFP) says that the North African country is unable to import enough food due to the disruption of the port and banking system caused by a popular uprising against the Libyan leader, Muammar Qadhafi.

Dally Belgasami, the head of WFP office for the Middle East and North Africa, said a team has done an assessment of the food situation in Libya.
"The assessment team found that the population is at risk of a full blown food security crisis within 45 or 60 days, state of fact, if steps are not taken to immediately increase the flow of commercial goods. We need to replenish stocks of food and inputs for local production, especially animal feed, maintain social safety network, including food distribution."

Renovating UN Headquarters

The United Nations Headquarters in New York is undergoing an extensive refurbishment programme, also known as the Capital Master Plan (CMP). Built between 1950 and 1952, this icon of mid-century modern architecture is starting to show its age. Under the plan, the appearance of public spaces will be preserved. However, with a technologically up-to-date infrastructure, the entire complex will be greener, more energy efficient and even more secure.

Crisis in Libya

On 17 March, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1973, approving a "no-fly zone" over Libya and authorizing "all necessary measures" to protect civilians from Colonel Muammar Al-Qadhafi's forces. The Security Council has already imposed sanctions on his regime for its violent repression of peaceful protesters. The International Criminal Court is investigating Al-Qadhafi for crimes against humanity.