Suspicious envelope closes UN cafeteria

In this file picture, New York City Police boat patrols New York's East River near the United Nations Secretariat building. Photo: AP.

A U.N. spokesman says preliminary results indicate that a suspicious envelope found in the United Nations headquarters cafeteria contained a “non-toxic” substance.

Spokesman Martin Nesirky, said on Friday that the United Nations is still awaiting final laboratory results on the non-organic substance and the cafeteria would remain closed.

The United Nations closed its main dining room and staff cafeteria on Thursday after the envelope was found. U.N. security staff called in New York City authorities to help investigate the contents of the envelope.

The envelope contained a white powder, a U.N. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the investigation is under way.