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Following the release of a report confirming that Iran has completed necessary preparatory steps to start the implementation of a plan of action aiming to resolve the nuclear issue, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on 16 January welcomed the achievement of having reached “Implementation Day,” highlighting that he is heartened by the lifting of sanctions on Iran.

Today, the people of Taiwan have voted. Respect for democracy, the rule of law and human rights underpin the successful conduct of these elections.

UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said:

“The Presidential and legislative elections held in Taiwan today are testament to Taiwan’s thriving democracy. I offer my warm congratulations to the people of Taiwan on the smooth and mature conduct of those elections and to Dr Tsai Ing-wen and her party for having won their support. I hope that Taiwan and the Chinese Government will continue their dialogue to resolve differences and maintain the recent trend of constructive relations.”

Mads Damgaard Peterson (centre), a Danish volunteer, stands in front of a large mattress made from repurposed life-jackets at Moria refugee registration centre on Lesvos. Lifejacket foam is both comfy and insulates against the cold.

Syrian refugee child being held by her mother ©UNHCR/Mark Henley

Young refugee Telma proudly displays the glazed gingerbread biscuits she has made in the Kanepes cultural centre in central Riga, Latvia.

Josephine Servis (Right) fled violence in the Central African Republic and is staying with Blandine Ngeki (Left) in Zongo, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Special representative for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Maman S. Sidikou (on screen), addresses the Security Council by video conference.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon delivers informal briefing to the General Assembly.

The UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) provided logistical support to the Independent Electoral Commission by transporting election material for the October 2015 poll.