The United Nations today announced that it is pulling out all but essential international staff from Pakistan’s northwest and tribal areas. A statement issued by the UN said the decision has been taken bearing in mind the intense security situation in the region. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has declared a security level of Phase IV for the North West Frontier Province and tribal areas, under which only emergency operations will be carried out in the region and security measures for staff will be enhanced. The UN is reducing the level of international staff in the country and confining its work only to emergency humanitarian relief and security operations.<br/>