United Nations Daily Highlights, 06-10-27

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

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING

BY STEPHANE DUJARRIC

SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

U.N. HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

Friday, October 27, 2006

ANNAN: U.N. CHIEF IN SUDAN REMAINS IN HIS POST UNTIL YEARS END

Secretary-General Kofi Annan has now confirmed that Jan Pronk will continue to serve as his Special Representative in the Sudan until the end of the year, when his contract is set to expire.

Following ongoing consultations with the Sudanese authorities, it is expected that Mr. Pronk will return to Khartoum during November to organize an orderly handover to the Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Mission in Sudan, before returning to New York for debriefings and the completion of his mission.

On Sunday 22 October, the Secretary-General received a letter from the Sudanese Foreign Minister, which stated that the Government of National Unity considered Pronks mission as terminated, and requested Mr. Pronk to leave Sudan within 72 hours. The Secretary-General subsequently requested his Special Representative to travel to New York for consultations.

The Secretary-General has protested the decision with President Omar al-Bashir of the Sudan, and has reiterated his full confidence in Jan Pronk.

The Secretary-General has made it clear that he alone can decide on the tenure of his Special Representatives. However, he also realizes that at a critical time in the Darfur negotiations, it is important that we preserve a good working relationship with the Government of Sudan and he is certain the officer in charge, Taye Zerihoun, will be able to provide this.

The Spokesman made clear in response to questions that Pronk continues to serve with the full confidence and support of the Secretary-General. He underscored the principle that only the Secretary-General has the authority to decide on the tenure of his envoys.

Asked where Pronk would be, Dujarric said he would work in New York after he returned from Khartoum.

Asked whether the course laid out in todays statement had been approved by the Sudanese Government, the Spokesman said that the United Nations does not anticipate any problems with the scenario that was laid out.

Asked whether the United Nations had asked Pronk to stop writing a blog, the Spokesman said that the United Nations had discussed the blog with Pronk, and he noted that the blog was considered to represent Pronks personal views. He declined to characterize the internal discussions with Pronk further.

He said, in response to questions about the UN policy concerning blogs, that the general policy is that the United Nations expects its staff to use sound judgment in all communications. He said that the Secretary-General had put out a fairly liberal policy allowing staff to communicate with the media on areas under their competence.

The United Nations, Dujarric said, was working on adapting staff guidelines on speeches and communications to deal specifically with blogs and communications in the 21st century.

Asked whether Pronk would continue blogging, the Spokesman said that was his personal decision.

ANNAN APPEALS FOR CALM ON EVE OF D.R. CONGO RUN-OFF VOTE

The Secretary-General welcomes the progress made in the technical preparations for the conduct of the second round of the presidential election and the provincial assembly elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 29 October.

The Secretary-General, however, is very concerned about the increasing level of violence, as election day approaches. The overwhelming majority of the Congolese people are determined to exercise their democratic right to freely elect their leaders through participation in the polls. The successful holding of peaceful and credible elections is vital for future peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Secretary-General urges the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and, in particular, the presidential candidates, to take all possible steps to ensure that the elections are conducted in an atmosphere of calm and that the process is transparent and free.

Asked about violence in the Congo, the Spokesman said that the United Nations expects all those in a position of leadership to exercise responsibility.

SECURITY BEEFED UP ACROSS D.R. CONGO AHEAD OF ELECTION

The United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) says that it has reinforced security and placed military observers in strategic points across Kinshasa and the rest of the country ahead of Sundays run-off presidential election.

The Mission says that election results are expected on 19 November.

ANNAN: SOLUTION TO SOMALI CRISIS MUST BE POLITICAL, NOT MILITARY

Asked about a report of Ethiopian and Eritrean troop presence in Somalia, the Spokesman said that, as a matter of policy, the United Nations does not comment on leaked or reportedly leaked documents which it cannot authenticate.

He said that the United Nations receives second-hand reports from the press and other parties, but it is not in a position to verify these reports or to comment on any presence of foreign troops in Somalia. The United Nations does not have the mandate to do so, he added.

The Secretary-General stresses that the solution in Somalia is political and not military, Dujarric said, and he urges the Somali parties to settle their differences through dialogue, and he calls on the international community, especially Somalia's neighbours, to avoid any action that could further aggravate the situation. He added that all nations should respect and abide by the arms embargo on Somalia.

HEAD OF MANAGEMENT TO WORK ON CAPITAL MASTER PLAN BEFORE LEAVING U.N.

Asked who will head the Department of Management following the departure of Under-Secretary-General Christopher Burnham, the Spokesman said that the UN Controller, Warren Sach, would be the acting head of the department. However, he said, the Secretary-General would not nominate a replacement for Burnham, and would leave that decision to his successor.

Asked whether Burnham would come back to deal with the Capital Master Plan, the Spokesman said that Burnham would go to the private sector. He noted that Burnham would work on the Capital Master Plan during his remaining time in office, and that work on the Plan would continue afterward, with a UN office tasked with that job.

Asked whether the Secretary-General would make any further senior appointments during his time in office, the Spokesman noted that the head of the World Food Programme was expected to be named in the coming weeks, as that process had begun before the selection of the new Secretary-General. In general, he said, the Secretary-General would not permanently replace any of his Under Secretaries-General who might leave before the end of December.

CHIEFS OF PRINCIPAL ORGANS REVIEW SYSTEM-WIDE COORDINATION

The Heads of the six Principal Organs of the United Nations (General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice and the Secretariat) held their eighth annual meeting in New York on 26 October 2006. The meeting was followed by a luncheon hosted by the Secretary-General. This annual process was initiated by the Secretary-General in 1998 in order to exchange views, facilitate coordination and improve efficiency in the workings of the Organization.

The Secretary-General and the five Presidents discussed recent, important developments in their respective areas, including the situation in Lebanon and the expansion of UNIFIL, reform of the Security Council, progress of the Human Rights Council and the newly established Peacebuilding Commission, as well as measures to expedite and enhance the workings of the International Court of Justice.

The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Jan Egeland, briefed the meeting on the United Nations response to humanitarian crises. Changes in the nature and magnitude of humanitarian challenges required more strategic resourcing, improved capacity to respond to multiple emergencies, closer coordination with non-UN actors and strengthened ability to operationalize resolutions adopted by Member States through activities on the ground. The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), a key reform proposal of the Secretary-General, was a significant development, allowing the Organization to deploy staff, goods and services immediately where needed, while also devoting much needed attention to forgotten crises.

HEAD OF PEACEKEEPING, U.N CHIEF IN SUDAN TO BRIEF SECURITY COUNCIL

This afternoon, the Security Council will hear briefings on the situation in Sudan from the Secretary-Generals Special Representative for that country, Jan Pronk, and from Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Marie Guéhenno. Pronk and Guéhenno will speak to reporters following those consultations.

This morning, the Council began its work with a private meeting to hear from the President of the International Court of Justice, Rosalyn Higgins.

After that, Council members went into consultations on Timor-Leste, to receive an update on that country from Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hédi Annabi.

U.N. POLITICAL CHIEF DISCUSSES NORTH KOREA WITH SOUTH KOREAN OFFICIAL

In Seoul today, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Ibrahim Gambari, continued his visit to East Asia, meeting with the Vice Foreign Minister for Multilateral Affairs, Mr. Lee Kyu-Hyung. The focus of their discussion was the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and the importance for all parties to return to the framework of the six-party talks. They also discussed the situations in Darfur, Myanmar and the Middle East. In particular, Gambari thanked Vice Minister Lee for the Republic of Korea's continued support to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), where the Republic of Korea provides troops to protect the UN compound in Erbil. Both sides agreed to maintain close contact on these and other issues.

Gambari also used the occasion of his visit to meet with African representatives resident in Seoul, to discuss Korea's initiatives to support development in Africa and the situation in Darfur.

Asked about Under-Secretary-General Ibrahim Gambaris talks during his recent Asia trip about the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, the Spokesman said that this was part of Gambaris regular travels, and he noted the Secretary-Generals support for the six-party talks concerning the Korean peninsula.

ANNAN TO DELIVER LECTURE ON AFRICA, ATTEND FORUM ON HIS LEGACY

The Secretary-General will be in Washington on Monday where, in the afternoon, he will deliver the annual Oliver Tambo lecture at Georgetown University.

He is expected to say that Africa is in a defining struggle for its destiny. With unprecedented vigor and resolve, its people are addressing the gravest challenges confronting their continent. Today, they need the international community to work with them, and invest in them, to ensure the better future that can and must be Africas.

The following morning he will deliver remarks at a two-day conference which will assess his legacy in Africa, as Secretary-General. The conference, organized by the African Studies Programme at Georgetown University, will bring together academics and Africa specialists.

The Secretary-General will be back in New York on Tuesday afternoon.

LEBANON SPECIAL ENVOY TO BRIEF SECURITY COUNCIL, MEDIA

In response to earlier questions about the Secretary-Generals latest report on the implementation of

Resolution 1559, regarding Lebanon, which went to the Security Council last week, the Spokesman said that Terje Roed-Larsen, the Secretary-Generals Special Envoy for the implementation of that resolution, will brief the Council on that report next Monday, in closed consultations.

After that, Roed-Larsen has agreed to talk to the press at the stakeout outside the Security Council.

Asked about reports that the violence in Gaza may increase, the Spokesman said that the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East, Alvaro de Soto, recently conveyed to the Security Council the Secretary-Generals concern at the violence in Gaza and his call for restraint and a halt to all military operations.

ANNAN PROPOSES CREATING OFFICE OF REGISTER OF DAMAGE IN ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN WALL DISPUTE

A report from the Secretary-General to the General Assembly on the establishment of a register of damage related to Israels construction of a barrier in the West Bank is out as a document today.

The report presents the institutional framework required for the register, in compliance with the request by the General Assembly for such a register (in a resolution adopted in August 2004).

In it, the Secretary-General proposes to establish an office of the Register of Damage in Vienna. That office would include a Board comprised of three independent members, as well as a small secretariat.

GREEK CAPITAL TO HOST FIRST INTERNET GOVERNANCE FORUM

The first meeting of the Internet Governance Forum starts on Monday in Athens, Greece, and will last until 2 November. The theme is "Internet Governance for Development".

The Forum is an offshoot of the World Summit on the Information Society, held in Tunis last November, where Governments asked the Secretary-General to establish such a forum to discuss public policy issues related to the Internet.

ANNAN TO ADDRESS U.N. YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

The Secretary-General will open the UN Global Youth Leadership Summit on Sunday morning in the General Assembly Hall.

The Summit will focus on engaging young people in decisions about the future of their communities, their regions and the emerging global society.

It will also be an opportunity for young professionals seeking a way to connect to the larger global community as they move towards taking their place in leadership positions.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL SUSPENDED OPERATION IN NOVEMBER 1994: Asked about the work of the Trusteeship Council, the Spokesman later said that the Trusteeship Council suspended operation on 1 November 1994, with the independence of Palau, the last remaining United Nations trust territory, on 1 October 1994. [By a resolution adopted on 25 May 1994, the Council amended its rules of procedure to drop the obligation to meet annually and agreed to meet as occasion required -- by its decision or the decision of its President, or at the request of a majority of its members or the General Assembly or the Security Council.]

U.N. TEAM IN NIGER TO ASSESS REPORTS OF MASS DEPORTATIONS: Asked about reports of expulsions of people from Niger, the Spokesman said that the UN Refugee Agency and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs had dispatched teams to the area to clarify the situation.

ERITREA MAINTAINS BAN ON U.N. HELICOPTER FLIGHTS, RESTRICTS PEACEKEEPERS MOVEMENT: Asked about Eritreas statement that its troops in the Temporary Security Zone were doing development work, the Spokesman noted that the Secretary-General, in a recent statement, had asked for those troops to be withdrawn. He noted the UN Missions difficulty in monitoring activity in the area because of Eritreas UN helicopter ban and restrictions on the movement of UN forces.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION UNVEILS NEW APPROACH TO TREAT TROPICAL DISEASES: The World Health Organization (WHO) unveiled a new strategy to fight some of the most neglected tropical diseases that destroy the lives and health of poor people. The approach contained in a newly published manual, Preventive Chemotherapy in Human Helminthiasis, focuses on how and when a set of low-cost or free drugs should be used in developing countries to control a set of diseases caused by worm infections.

ANNAN TRUSTS CYPRUS WITH RESOLVE DISPUTE WITH U.N. DEVELOPMENT AGENCY: Asked about a dispute between Cyprus and the UN Development Programme, the Spokesman said that the Secretary-General was leaving it to Cyprus and the UNDP to resolve it.

THE WEEK AHEAD AT THE UNITED NATIONS

Saturday, October 28

Sigma Huda, the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, will visit Bahrain from 28 October to 1 November.

Sunday, October 29

The Secretary-General will open the UN Global Youth Leadership Summit in the General Assembly Hall at 9:30 a.m. The three-day Summit will bring together young leaders from around the world who will examine their roles in helping achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.

The International Labour Office (ILO) will today release a new report on youth employment trends and the number of youth living in poverty.

Monday, October 30

The Secretary-General will be in Washington, DC today and tomorrow, to deliver the Oliver Tambo Lecture at Georgetown University and to attend an academic conference on The Kofi Annan Legacy for Africa.

The Security Council is scheduled to hold a private debate on the Central African Republic this morning. It then plans to hold consultations in the afternoon on the 1559 report.

At 10:30, President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal will hold a press conference on the UN Global Youth Leadership Summit. Also expected to participate in the press conference is international tennis player Serena Williams, among others.

The first-ever meeting of the Internet Governance Forum will take place in Athens, Greece, from 30 October to 2 November. The theme is: Internet Governance for Development.

The 32nd session of the Food and Agriculture Organizations Committee on World Food Security takes place in Rome from 30 October to 4 November.

The 5th session of the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families will run in Geneva from 30 October to 3 November.

Tuesday, October 31

Today is the last day of Japans Presidency of the Security Council. The Council is scheduled to meet this morning on Western Sahara, to adopt a resolution on the UN Mission there.

Wednesday, November 1

Today is the first day of Perus Presidency of the Security Council.

Friday, November 3

The guest at noon will be Adolf Ogi, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace. He will discuss the new book on the achievements of the International Year on Sport and Physical Education 2005, and the new Action Plan on Sport for Development and Peace.

Office of the Spokesman for the Secretary-General

United Nations, S-378

New York, NY 10017

Tel. 212-963-7162

Fax. 212-963-7055

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