The General Assembly finally gave a green light to start a $1.9 billion renovation of the U.N.'s landmark headquarters in New York after years of delays, a move welcomed Saturday by outgoing Secretary-General Kofi Annan

The 39-story glass-and-steel building, overlooking the East River, was considered modern when it was constructed 54 years ago but it has not seen a major overhaul since and now violates safety and fire codes.

Stressing its "serious concern at the hazards, risks and deficiencies of the current conditions of the building," the assembly late Friday night approved the budget committee's plan to refurbish the building.

The headquarters, designed by a team of 11 international architects led by American Wallace K. Harrison, has its gems