A regular, the 63rd, session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) begins its work at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday. On a proposal by the regional group of Latin American and Caribbean countries, Nicaragua''s ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs Miguel d''Escoto Brockmann has been elected the president of the session.

It is planned that more than 160 items on the agenda will be considered during the session. These include such subjects as the ensurance of peace and security, the fight against terrorism, the upholding of human rights, environmental protection, and social and economic development matters.

Delegates to the General Assembly are to carry on the examination of matters, raised at previous sessions, and dealing with a reform of the UN Security Council, revitalisation of the work of the Organisation itself, as well as HIV/AIDS control efforts.

A general political debate is to be held at the new session according to tradition. This time it will be held from September 23 to October 1. More than 120 Heads of State and Government are expected to take part in the general debate.