UN evacuated over 'suspicious odour'

The UN Security Council and General Assembly were evacuated today due to a "suspicious odour," a UN spokesman said.

Spokesman Farhan Haq said the evacuation was a precautionary measure. "We are currently trying to identify the odour with local authorities," he said.

Both the Security Council and the General Assembly had scheduled meetings today, which were delayed by the evacuation.

The UN complex in Manhattan on the banks on the East River is currently undergoing a $2 billion refurbishment.

Reuters