United Nations Daily Highlights, 06-12-08

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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, December 8, 2006

ANNAN SLAMS WORLDS UNSTEADY COMMITMENT TO HUMAN RIGHTS

This Sunday is Human Rights Day, and Secretary-General Kofi Annan marked the occasion this morning by addressing an event at the Time Warner Center here in New York, in which he said that the United Nations has often failed to live up to its responsibility to promote human rights worldwide. Noting that he had tried to make human rights central to all of the UNs work, he said he wasnt sure how far he had succeeded.

To fix the situation, the Secretary-General offered four suggestions. First, he said, we must give real meaning to the principle of Responsibility to Protect. Second, we must put an end to impunity. Third, we need an anti-terrorism strategy that does not merely pay lip-service to the defense of human rights, but is built on it. And fourth, we must move beyond grand statements of principle and work to make human rights a reality in each country.

The Secretary-General placed a particular focus on the need for governments to do better in protecting the people of Darfur, asking, How can an international community which claims to uphold human rights allow this horror to continue?

The theme for Human Rights Day this year is the fight against poverty as a matter of obligation not charity. Recognizing that poverty is both a cause and a product of human rights violations, this year's focus emphasises that today poverty represents one of the gravest human rights challenges in the world.

ANNAN: SUDAN MUST PROTECT ITS CITIZENS IN DARFUR

The Secretary-General, in response to a question about the so-called hybrid force going to Darfur, noted that the Abuja summit of the Africa Union Peace and Security Council had endorsed that approach. He went on to say that the international community has been willing to go into Darfur and that it was the Sudanese authorities who have refused to accept that help.

We are continuing pressing them and we have asked others with influence to work with them, both from the global arena, and also leaders in the region, he said.

He emphasized that the responsibility to protect its citizens is the responsibility of the government in Khartoum. In time, he said, they may have to answer collectively and individually for what is happening in Darfur.

Meanwhile, the situation in eastern Chad remains extremely volatile, with ongoing military movements as well as inter-communal tensions, reports the UN refugee agency. The agency, UNHCR, says it is working to ensure the basic needs of refugees such as water, food and primary health services are met while continuing the relocation of staff.

Asked whether Jan Pronk had returned to Sudan, the Spokesman said he had been expected to do so today.

Asked about criticism from Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir about UN efforts, the Spokesman noted that the Secretary-General, in his press comments, had made clear that the responsibility to protect the people of Darfur lies in the Sudanese Governments hands.

He added that the United Nations has also called for renewed dialogue among all parties and for a Darfur-Darfur dialogue, as well as for the laying down of arms by all factions. The only solution in Darfur, Dujarric said, is a political one.

SECURITY COUNCIL DISCUSSES CYPRUS SITUATION

The Security Council this morning held consultations on Cyprus. Michael Moller, the Secretary-Generals Special Representative to that country, briefed Council members on the situation in Cyprus and on the work of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, UNFICYP.

Security Council members also met this morning with the countries that contribute troops to UNFICYP.

Yesterday afternoon, the Security Council received a briefing in closed consultations on Fiji, by Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Angela Kane.

In a statement to the press afterward, Ambassador Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser of Qatar, the Council President, said the Council members strongly hope all sides will exercise restraint in the wake of the coup. He added that the Council members were gravely concerned at the turn of events in Fiji and urged a peaceful solution in accordance with the countrys constitution.

ANNAN: PROSPECTS FOR CIVIL WAR IN IRAQ ARE REAL

The Secretary-Generals latest report to the Security Council on Iraq is out as a document, and it mentions the significant increase in sectarian violence, insurgent and terrorist attacks and criminal activities in the past few months. Civilian casualties, the report says, have reached an all-time high. The Secretary-General warns, The prospects of all-out civil war and even a regional conflict have become much more real.

He says that Iraq needs to develop a fully inclusive political process that is focused on bringing all disenfranchised and marginalized communities into the political mainstream. The Iraqi Government must also establish a monopoly on the use of force. And there is a need to cultivate a regional environment that is supportive of Iraqs transition.

The Secretary-General says it may be worthwhile to consider an arrangement that could bring Iraqi political partiers together, possibly outside Iraq, with the United Nations playing a facilitating role. He also expresses his pleasure at the UNs lead role in the development of the International Compact for Iraq.

The Security Council will hold an open debate on Iraq on Monday, and Ashraf Qazi, the head of the UN Mission in Iraq, will brief the Council on the report. He is expected to speak to the press at the Security Council stakeout afterward.

Asked about the reports conclusion that the Iraq war may spread beyond its borders, the Spokesman said that the Secretary-General believes that the problems in the Middle East have to be dealt with comprehensively and not in isolation. There needs to be a comprehensive, regional approach to the problems in Iraq, Lebanon and the Israeli-Palestinian issue, he said.

In response to comments that the problems in Iraq and Lebanon were not linked, the Spokesman said that each area has its particular tensions, but to think that violence cannot spread is foolish. Conflicts, he said, do not observe national boundaries.

ANNAN REPORTS GREATER STABILITY IN SOUTHERN LEBANON

Next Monday afternoon, the Security Council will discuss the implementation of

resolution 1701, concerning Lebanon; and today, a letter from the Secretary-General to the Council providing an update of that resolutions implementation is out on the racks.

In the letter, the Secretary-General says that the military and security situation in UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)s area of operations has stabilised since September, although the UN force reports air violations by Israel on an almost daily basis.

The letter also notes that, since September, there have been 13 instances where UNIFIL came across unauthorized arms or related material in its area of operations, and informed the Lebanese Armed Forces, which took prompt action to confiscate or destroy the materials.

Asked about the Israeli presence in the northern part of the village of Ghajar, the Spokesman said that UNIFIL is working with the Israeli and Lebanese forces to secure Israels withdrawal from that area and remains hopeful that they can obtain an agreement by next week on Israels full withdrawal.

Asked about UN work on the Shaba Farms, the Spokesman said that the letter reported on the progress of that work.

ANNAN: LATEST EXTENSION OF COTE DIVOIRE TRANSITION IS FINAL

The Secretary-Generals latest report on Côte d'Ivoire, out on the racks today, describes a relatively calm security situation following last months adoption of Security Council

Resolution 1721.

He says that resolution, which extended the transitional government for a year, provides a sound framework for re-launching aspects of the peace process that have been stalled since August.

The report notes that Côte d'Ivoire has experienced sporadic clashes unrelated to the resolution. And the humanitarian situation there remains a source of concern.

The Secretary-General appeals to President Laurent Gbagbo and other political leaders to work with Prime Minister Charles Konan Banny in disarmament, identification and the restoration of State authority. He also calls for President Gbagbo and Prime Minister Banny to eschew confrontation and maintain a constructive working leadership.

Pointing out that this current 12-month extension of the transition process is final, he says the situation brooks no further delay.

PROPOSED SOMALIA PEACEKEEPING FORCE WILL BE REGIONAL

Asked about reported fighting in Somalia, the Spokesman said he did not have any new update about events on the ground.

However, in response to questions about whether the Security Councils recent resolution may have prompted renewed fighting in Somalia, the Spokesman said that the Secretary-General, in comments to the press on Thursday, had made clear that he wanted the countries sending troops through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to reach out to all the Somali parties. They need, he said, to make it clear that they are not going to fight against any one faction in the country.

The Secretary-General, Dujarric said, had made the point that the troops that go n should be there to foster peace.

Asked whether it would be better not to send troops to Somalia, the Spokesman said that the Security Council resolution calls for the dispatch of troops under the authority of IGAD, not the United Nations. The United Nations has no authority over the troops.

PEACEKEEPERS SHOT AT D.R. CONGO REBELS IN SELF-DEFENSE

Asked about reports that seven civilians were killed during fighting between the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and an armed faction in the eastern Congo, the Spokesman said that there had been fighting recently after renegade Congolese forces attacked the town of Sake.

Those forces were warned by the UN Mission (MONUC) that they could face fire if they fired upon civilians, but the Congolese faction proceeded to fire on MONUC. In accordance with its mandate, the UN Mission, along with the Congolese Armed Forces, fired on the renegade forces, and some casualties resulted.

The Spokesman added, in response to a reporters comment about what MONUC was fixated on doing, that the Missions focus was on helping the Congolese people bring peace to their country.

U.N. POLICE DETAIN 17 LOOTERS IN TIMOR-LESTE

The UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste reports that UN Police, in cooperation with a unit of the New Zealand Defence Force, have arrested 17 people on Tuesday this week in connection with an attack on a police post in the town of Bidau.

The suspects appeared in the Dili District Court yesterday and were remanded in custody until their trial, whose date has yet to be set.

SUSPECT TELLS TRIBUNAL WILL RESUME EATING, ENDING STALEMATE

The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia says that Vojislav eelj, a suspect in the Tribunals custody who has refused to eat since November 11th, will now resume taking foodstuffs and receive medical attention.

The Tribunal's doctor commenced an examination of eelj in order to determine his condition and what immediate steps are required in order to safeguard his health.

eelj informed the Tribunal that his decision was made in view of the Appeals Chamber's decision issued today, which granted his appeal against the Trial Chamber's decision to impose stand-by counsel.

VIETNAM TO TEST U.N. CONSOLIDATION OF IN-COUNTRY PROGRAMS

Kemal Dervi&#351;, the head of the UN Development Group and UN Development Program Administrator, today joined the Government of Vietnam in announcing that Vietnam will be the first pilot country in the One UN program, which aims to streamline the UNs work at the national level in order to make it more efficient and responsive.

Dervis said the program will also ensure a unity of purpose and coherence in management and operations while maintaining the distinct identity, agenda, and goals of the various agencies.

The Vietnam segment will bring together six agencies UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, UNIFEM, UNV and UNAIDS and commitments are expected from others to join or cooperate with the programme in the near future as the program is expected to take place at least five other countries.

U.N CHILDRENS FUND TURNS 60

The UN Childrens Fund is celebrating its 60th anniversary today. And in a message prepared for the occasion, the Secretary-General said that since UNICEFs creation at the end of World War Two, the agencys advocacy on behalf of children has changed the international discourse, putting a human face on development.

He noted that UNICEFs emergency responses have saved the lives of millions of children caught up in wars and natural disasters. If UNICEF didnt exist, the world would have to invent it, he said

COUNTRIES ARE URGED TO JOIN CONVENTION AGAINST CORRUPTION

Tomorrow is International Anti-Corruption Day. In a message to mark the occasion, Antonio Maria Costa, head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, says that, since corruption affects us all, we all have a role to play in stopping it.

He adds that momentum to prevent and fight corruption can grow if more States sign on to and implement the UN Convention against Corruption, which came into force one year ago.

ANNAN TO DELIVER MAJOR SPEECH AT TRUMAN LIBRARY

On Monday the Secretary-General will travel to the Truman Museum and Library at Independence, Missouri, to pay homage to the memory of one of the United Nations' founders and to deliver his last speech as Secretary-General to an American audience.

He will spell out five lessons derived from his 10-year experience at the helm of this organization and challenge American leaders of today and tomorrow to live up to Truman's example of enlightened leadership in a multilateral system.

THE WEEK AHEAD AT THE UNITED NATIONS

[For planning purposes only and is subject to change.]

Saturday, December 9

Today is International Anti-Corruption Day.

Sunday, December 10

Today is Human Rights Day.

The technical assessment mission to Nepal led by Ian Martin, the Secretary-Generals representative in Nepal, will be in Kathmandu today. The mission, which will be in Nepal until the 16th, will plan for a full-fledged UN mission to support the peace process.

The five-day High-level Conference to Review the First Year of the United Nations Convention against Corruption begins today in Jordan.

Monday, December 11

Today is International Mountain Day.

This morning, the Security Council is scheduled to hold an open debate on Iraq. In the afternoon, the Security Council is scheduled to hold consultations on the 1701 report.

Ross Mountain, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will be the guest at the noon briefing.

UNICEF will launch its annual flagship report, State of the Worlds Children, at 10:00 a.m. at UNICEF House.

The Ad Hoc Expert Group on the Consideration of Content of the Non-legally Binding Instrument on all Types of Forests begins its five-day meeting today. At 11:15, Messrs. Hans Hoogeveen and Hamidon Ali, Chair and Vice-Chair of the UN Forum on Forests will hold a press conference.

In Kiev, Ukraine, the seven-member governments of the Carpathian Convention begin a three-day ministerial conference on protecting the natural and cultural heritage of the mountainous areas of Central and Eastern Europe.

The General Assembly will take up the report of the Security Council and the issue of Security Council reform.

Tuesday, December 12

This morning, the Security Council is scheduled to hold an open debate on the Middle East. In the afternoon, the Council is scheduled to hold a meeting of troop contributing countries to the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire, followed by consultations on Côte d'Ivoire.

In Geneva, the Human Rights Council will hold a special session on the human rights situation in Darfur.

The Peace Building Commission will hold its second round of country specific meetings: Burundi will be discussed on Tuesday and Sierra Leone on Wednesday.

Wednesday, December 13

This morning, the Security Council is scheduled to hold a meeting of troop contributing countries to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, followed by consultations on United Nations Disengagement Observer Force and the situation in Iraq and Kuwait. In the afternoon the Security Council is scheduled to hold an open debate on United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo.

Ambassador Ali Hachani of Tunisia, President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), will hold a press conference at 11:00 a.m. to discuss ECOSOC reform.

At 1:00, Ambassador Don MacKay of New Zealand, chairman of the General Assembly committee that negotiated the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, will hold a press conference on the General Assemblys adoption of the Convention.

Thursday, December 14

The General Assembly will hold a plenary meeting at 10:00 a.m. to pay tribute to Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and to administer the of oath of office to Secretary-General Designate Ban Ki-moon. Mr. Ban will hold a press conference at noon in Conference Room 4.

This afternoon, the Security Council is scheduled to have a briefing on the International Criminal Court.

Friday, December 15

This morning, the Security Council is scheduled to vote on resolutions regarding United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire, United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus and United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, followed by an open debate on the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

In the afternoon, the Security Council is scheduled to hold consultations on Guinea-Bissau.

The General Assembly will resume the 10th Special Emergency Session to discuss the establishment of the UN Register of Damage caused by the Construction of the Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

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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