Syria peace talks set for Jan. 22 in Geneva - UN | Reuters. GENEVA, Nov 25 (Reuters) - An international peace conference aimed at ending Syria's civil war will be held on Jan. 22, the first face-to-face talks between the government of President Bashar al-Assad and rebels seeking to overthrow him, the United Nations said.

UPDATE 2-Syria peace talks set for Jan. 22 in Geneva - UN | Reuters: "The United Nations is hoping for a peaceful transition in Syria, building on an agreement between world powers reached in June last year. The deal calls for the warring sides to agree to set up a transitional governing body with full executive powers, including over military and security entities."

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U.N. chief hails Congo agreement with M23 rebels [UPDATE] - UPI.com. " Representatives of the government and the M23 signed the agreement in Nairobi, Kenya, after weeks of stalled talks. The deal requires M23 to abandon the rebellion and form a political party, the New Times of Rwanda reported. Ban said the agreement "constitutes a positive step toward ending cycles of deadly conflicts that have caused immense suffering to the Congolese people." "The peace agreement signed is a good step that can be built on," said James Mugume, the permanent secretary in Uganda's Ministry of Foreign affairs.

U.N. chief hails Congo agreement with M23 rebels [UPDATE] - UPI.com: "A communique issued in conjunction with the agreement indicated refugees and internally displaced persons would be allowed to return to their homes in Kinshasa.

It also grants amnesty to M23 rebels for acts of war and insurgency, establishes transnational security arrangements leading to disarmament and calls for the release of rebels being detained for acts of war and rebellion."

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UN Chief Appeals for Peace in CAR. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is appealing to the Central African Republic to end violence he says has taken the country to "the brink of ruin." In a video address to the CAR's people Friday, Mr. Ban said he is "deeply troubled" by what is happening in the country and called on "everyone to follow the path of peace." He spoke soon after the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights' office said there had been an alarming increase in tensions among religious communities in the CAR. In a briefing, spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said 27 Muslims were killed in the western village of Bohong. She said the Muslims appear to have been killed Thursday by "anti-balaka" fighters, who are mostly Christian. The spokeswoman said there have also been reports of retaliatory attacks between Christians and Muslims in the capital, Bangui, over the past few days. In his video address, Mr. Ban said people in the CAR should not allow the "voices of hatred" to sow division where it previously did not exist. "Whatever your faith or background, you share the same history and the same future. I call on religious and community leaders -- Muslim and Christian -- to act as messengers for peace. "

UN Chief Appeals for Peace in CAR: "Relief organizations say fighting and sectarian violence have left more than 600 people dead over the past week.

The U.N. refugee agency says the recent unrest has displaced almost 160,000 people. The agency says about 38,000 civilians have sought refuge at Bangui's airport, where there are "no latrines or washing facilities."

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United Nations News Centre - Haiti: UN peacekeeping mission voices concern at recent violence in several cities. The head of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Sandra Honoré, noted the resurgence of violence and killings perpetrated in Cité Soleil, as well as violent incidents around schools in Cap Haitian. “Such crimes are particularly disturbing as they endanger the safety of all, and the social peace that Haiti needs to move forward on the path of strengthening rule of law and socio-economic development,” she stated in a news release. The Mission urged all Haitians, civil society and other actors, including political, religious and community leaders, to continue working for peace.

United Nations News Centre - Haiti: UN peacekeeping mission voices concern at recent violence in several cities: "MINUSTAH also reiterated its commitment to support Haitian authorities, especially the Haitian National Police, to prevent violence and to strengthen the rule of law institutions in line with its mandate.

Last month the UN Security Council extended MINUSTAH's mandate until mid-October 2014. In doing so, it reiterated that building the capacity of the Haitian National Police remains “a most critical task” for the Mission."

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Damascus (AFP) - Syria has so far "fully cooperated" in destroying its massive chemical arsenal, the chief of the joint Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and United Nations mission said Monday. "To date, the government of Syria has fully cooperated in supporting the work of the advance team and the OPCW-UN joint mission," said mission chief Sigrid Kaag in Damascus. Kaag said that "by joining the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Syrian government has indicated its commitment to the task" of destroying it arsenal. A team of UN-OPCW inspectors arrived in Syria on October 1 to oversee the implementation of UN Security Council 2118, which orders the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons and production facilities by mid-2014. "The timeframes are challenging given the goal of the elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons programme in the first half of 2014," Kaag said in a statement. She said the team had "had very good meetings with the highest levels of the Syrian government". "There is constant, close cooperation," said Kaag, describing the destruction of the chemical arsenal as "one common goal".

Syria fully cooperative on chemical disarmament: mission head - Yahoo News: "The Security Council passed its resolution after hundreds of people were killed in sarin gas attacks on the outskirts of Damascus on August 21.

The United States threatened military strikes, but then reached a deal with key Damascus backer Russia which became the basis for Resolution 2118."

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International Day of Peace observances may include: Reading UN and UPF statements about the International Day of Peace and observing one minute of silence A forum on the theme chosen by the United Nations Prayers and readings from various religions (see PowerPoint presentations in English | French | Russian | Spanish), which can be read as representatives of various religions each light a candle or pour water into a common bowl Music, art, dances, and food from various cultures A march, rally, service project, or sports event

United Nations International Day of Peace: "For potential partners see:
The International Day of Peace Vigil
The Peace Pole Project
United Religions Initiative Cooperation Circles
Campus Peace Centers
Peace Jam's Global Call to Action"

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Each year on September 21, the UN invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities and commemorate the International Day of Peace through education and public awareness on issues related to peace. In the quest for peace, UPF and its Ambassadors for Peace around the world organize commemorations of the International Day of Peace each year. Theme for 2013: "Education for Peace" "It is not enough to teach children how to read, write and count. Education has to cultivate mutual respect for others and the world in which we live, and help people forge more just, inclusive and peaceful societies." - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, 100-day Countdown Message to the International Day of Peace

United Nations International Day of Peace: "2013 Observances Planned
Argentina - International Poetry Contest awards in Buenos Aires
Austria - Forum with Rigoberta Menchu at the Vienna International Centre
Barbados - A week of activities in Bridgetown
Costa Rica - Television broadcasts and a peace fair in San Jose
Czech Republic - Celebration in Prague
Dominican Republic - Celebration in Bonao
Ecuador - A celebration in the National Assembly's former Senate Hall
Netherlands - Peace education, music and refreshments in The Hague
Nigeria - National Peacebuilding Convocation in Abuja
Paraguay - Seminar in Asuncion
Peru - Forum in the Peruvian Congress
Solomon Islands - Educational forum in Honiara
UK - Concert in London of Middle Eastern music featuring Tally Koren and Nizar Abu Zeidolomo"

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