United Nations Daily Highlights, 02-10-08

United Nations Daily Highlights Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The United Nations Home Page at <http://www.un.org> - email: unnews@un.org

OF THE NOON BRIEFING

BY FRED ECKHARD

SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS

UN

HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

Tuesday, October 8, 2002

TOP HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICIAL SEEKS INVESTIGATION INTO GAZA ATTACK

High Commissioner for Human Rights Sergio Vieira de Mello met with Israels Ambassador in Geneva, Yaakov Levy, and handed him a letter for Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres expressing extreme concern over the deaths of at least 14 Palestinians in Gaza during an Israeli attack on Monday.

In his letter, Vieira de Mello said the killing was an unacceptable loss of civilian life, which appeared to constitute violations of the Geneva Conventions and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Israel is a party. He asked for assurances that Israel would fully, impartially and transparently investigate the killings and take appropriate action against those responsible.

On Monday, in a statement, Secretary-General Kofi Annan deplored the Israeli attack on the town of Khan Younis and was particularly concerned by reports that a missile from an Israeli helicopter gunship was fired into a crowd of civilians in reckless disregard of the obligation under international humanitarian law to protect the civilian population. Such actions have no legal or moral justification, the statement said. The Secretary-General reiterated his appeal to both sides to halt all violent and provocative acts, as called for by the Security Council.

IRAQI SHORTFALL FOR HUMANITARIAN GOODS RISING

The Office of the Iraq Programme says that, for the week that ended October 4, Iraqi oil exports averaged 1.4 million barrels per day and generated an estimated $258 million in revenue, at current prices and rates of exchange.

The Government of Iraq has budgeted the humanitarian expenses for the current Phase XII of the oil-for-food program at over $5 billion. In order to make this amount available to the program, after the necessary deductions under relevant Security Council resolutions, Iraq would need to export about $7 billion worth of oil during the current phase.

However, because of the reduced levels of oil exports, Iraqs total revenue for the phase is now expected to reach $4.2 billion, leaving about $3 billion to be made available to the humanitarian program a $2 billion shortfall.

A similar revenue shortfall from earlier phases of the program has affected more than $2.5 billion worth of approved humanitarian supply contracts.

UN MISSION RESPONDS TO STUDENT DEMONSTRATION IN KISANGANI

The UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo today reported a series of incidents in Kisangani involving UN personnel and vehicles that began with a reported robbing of a university professor by elements of the Congolese Rally for Democracy.

Following the incident, students of the university demonstrated by blocking the road to the airport. They were demonstrating against the UN Mission for not providing protection to the civilian population.

A minibus carrying UN civilian police en route to the airport was stopped by the students and set on fire. A truck carrying Uruguayan peacekeepers was also stopped by students who threw stones at the vehicle before letting it pass. UN troops later dispersed the students, who tried to set a second truck on fire.

ANNAN SAYS PREVLAKA DISPUTE MAY BE NEAR CLOSURE

The Secretary-General, in his latest report to the Security Council on the UN Mission of Observers in Prevlaka, says he believes that the closure of another chapter in the tumultuous recent history of the Balkans is within reach, with Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia about to take another step toward normal relations.

He says he is encouraged by the commitment of the two Governments to resolve their dispute over the Prevlaka peninsula, and adds that it is apparent that the parties are working in good faith to reach an interim agreement aimed at normalizing the situation on the ground.

The Secretary-General is convinced that the parties will be able to narrow their differences in the near future to the point where the small UN Mission in Prevlaka is no longer needed. He recommends that the Security Council extend the Missions mandate for two months, until December 15, with the Mission to prepare for its withdrawal after that, to be completed by the end of December.

If Croatia and Yugoslavia reach agreement before December 15, he adds, he will discuss with the Security Council the possibility of shortening the timeframe for the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers.

The Council has scheduled consultations on Prevlaka this Thursday.

SECURITY COUNCIL WRAPS UP MEETING ON COUNTER-TERRORISM

The Security Council this morning wrapped up its open meeting on Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts, with presentations by 12 speakers and the adoption of a presidential statement.

In the statement, the Council confirmed the continuation of the current arrangements for the Bureau of the Counter-Terrorism Committee for another six months. It noted with satisfaction that 173 Member States had submitted a report to the Committee, and called on those who have not yet submitted a report to do so urgently.

Council members also are holding their monthly working luncheon with the Secretary-General this afternoon.

Asked about the progress of the Security Council in dealing with Iraq, the Spokesman said the Council is still waiting for the circulation of a draft resolution, which, to his knowledge, has not yet happened.

UNHCR CONCERNED ABOUT FIGHTING IN COTE D'IVOIRE, LIBERIA

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says it remains concerned at the situation in Cote dIvoire, where a UN inter-agency humanitarian team, which traveled to the country to assess the situation, was turned back on the outskirts of the capital, Abidjan, for security reasons. UNHCR reports that the demolition of houses continues in Abidjan, affecting thousands of people, including refugees. UNHCR also notes worsening conditions in the countrys second largest city, Bouaké, including lack of water, electricity and food. The UN inter-agency team plans to visit that city in the next few days.

UNHCR today also drew attention to renewed fighting in Liberias Upper Lofa County, which last week drove some 3,000 Liberians into neighboring Sierra Leone. The new arrivals bring to about 16,000 the number of Liberian refugees living in precarious conditions in border areas in Sierra Leone with most of the refugees being women and children in poor physical condition.

UNHCR also reports that, following renewed tensions between Sudan and Eritrea, the agency has been forced to suspend its plans for the voluntary repatriation of thousands of Eritrean refugees currently living in Sudan. Restrictions on UNHCR movement in eastern Sudan were lifted, however, and the agency has resumed its efforts to register Eritreans in that area who want to return home. More than 100,000 Eritreans remain in Sudan, UNHCR says.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Asked about the Secretary-Generals reaction to U.S. President George W. Bushs Monday night speech on Iraq, the Spokesman said that Annan had watched it and was pondering its impact on deliberations that are expected to get underway in the Security Council on a draft resolution.

Asked about reports that the Secretary-General will visit China this month, the Spokesman said he had no comment at this time, noting that no announcement has been made about his travel plans.

African Parliamentarians are meeting today in Cotonou, Benin, to discuss the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD), and the Secretary-General, in a message delivered by UN Development Programme Associate Administrator Zephirin Diabré, wishes the Parliamentarians success. He says, Increased participation by Africans in the decisions affecting their lives will be a key factor in the success of NEPAD and the development of this continent.

In addition to the theme of City-to-City Cooperation in Monday's observance of World Habitat Day, UN-Habitat also launched a Water and Sanitation Trust Fund aimed at halving, by 2015, the number of people who do not have access to basic sanitation or clean water.

Trinidad and Tobago finished paying its full balance for this years regular budget, with a payment of just over $2,600, making it the 105th Member State to have paid its regular budget dues in full for the year.

Office of the Spokesman for the Secretary-General United Nations, S-378 New York, NY 10017 Tel. 212-963-7162 - press/media only Fax. 212-963-7055

All other inquiries to be addressed to (212) 963-4475 or by e-mail to: inquiries@un.org

United Nations Daily Highlights Directory - Previous Article - Next Article