15 February 2008

• Africa Steering Group on the Millennium Goals will be meeting early March with participation by the Secretary General, the Chairman of the African Union and the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. Don't hold your breath.
  
  

• Friends of Myanmar, a group wisely formed by the Secretary General, will be making efforts collectively and individually to open a more effective dialogue with the intransigent military regime there. India and China are being particularly approached because of their potential influence. Perhaps some results would show by March.
  
  

• Over half a million Tajikstan citizens facing unusually cold weather conditions are appealing for U.N. assistance. Various humanitarian agencies are expected to meet to plan urgently needed help.