Wednesday, April 30, 2008

UN to tackle food crisis this week

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has announced a concerted effort by 27 key UN agencies to tackle the growing crisis in the sharp rise in basic food prices.

The UN has warned that sharp rises in cereal prices have left 37 poor countries in an emergency situation, sparking food riots.

A committee is scheduled on Monday to tackle the problem at a two-day conference in the Swiss capital Bern.

The conference will explore long-term measures to solve the world's food crisis, including adjudicating between advocates of protectionism and those who favour opening up markets.

Rising populations, strong demand from developing countries, increased cultivation of crops for biofuels and increasing floods and droughts have sent food prices soaring across the globe.

Results of the deliberations are expected Tuesday when Ban Ki-moon gives a press conference.
source:http://story.japanherald.com

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