United Nations, New York, 2 March, 2011 - The United Nations today opened a new political office designed to support the efforts of Central African nations to consolidate peace and prevent conflict, as well as to tackle cross-border challenges such as arms trafficking and organized crime. "The establishment of this office honours the aspirations of the leaders of this sub-region who for years have been seeking a United Nations regional political presence to help address some of the major threats to peace and security in this part of Africa," Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe said at the inauguration ceremony in Libreville, Gabon. Full story: www.un.org =