United Nations Daily Highlights, 08-07-03

United Nations Daily Highlights Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING

BY MICHELE MONTAS

SPOKESPERSON FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON

UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

Thursday, July 3, 2008

[There will be no noon briefing on Friday, 4 July. The UN will be closed in observance of Independence Day in the United States.]

BAN KI-MOON RETURNS HOME TO SOUTH KOREA FOR FIRST TIME SINCE BECOMING SECRETARY-GENERAL

The Secretary-General today arrived in Seoul, in the Republic of Korea. This is his first visit to his home country since becoming Secretary-General.

He met today with Korean peacekeepers, who had either served or will be serving with the UN in Lebanon. He commended them on their global outlook and their commitments to serve not just their own national interests but those of the world.

The Secretary-General also met with Ms. Yi So-yeon, a Korean astronaut who recently carried the UN flag into outer space. She presented him with that flag as well as photos of it in space. The Secretary-General, for his part, praised the important role that women are playing in all fields of work in the Republic of Korea and throughout the world.

The Secretary-General then met with UN staff, noting the sacrifices they make to serve the international community, before heading to Seoul National University to accept an honorary degree.

At the University, the Secretary-General said that now was the time to help others follow the Republic of Koreas path to prosperity, democracy, and respect for human rights. By serving others, we serve ourselves, as Koreas future is tied to the worlds future, he said. He added that Koreans can, and must, play a larger role in addressing the pressing challenges on the global agenda, given their economic potential, scientific and technological advances.

The Secretary-General also made remarks to the UN Association of the Republic of Korea, before attending a private dinner with the Korean Foreign Minister.

Asked whether the Secretary-General would travel to the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, the Spokeswoman noted that the Secretary-General had said he intends to go, but she added that such a trip was not imminent.

SECRETARY-GENERAL TO HEAD TO FRANCE AND GERMANY

The Secretary-General is expected to return to New York on the 9 July from his trip to Northeast Asia. He will then travel again on 12 July, as he has been invited by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to participate in the Paris Summit for the Mediterranean, which will take place on 13 July. The following day, the Secretary-General will attend the French National Day Military Parade, which will for the first time include United Nations peacekeepers from different parts of the world.

On 15 and 16 July, the Secretary-General, upon invitation by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, will visit Germany. During his stay, he will meet the Chancellor, the Foreign Minister and other Cabinet Ministers in Berlin. He will address a conference organized by the Bertelsmann Foundation. He will also visit the UN campus and meet UN staff in Bonn, before returning to New York on 16 July.

COLOMBIA: BAN KI-MOON WELCOMES RELEASE OF HOSTAGES

In a statement issued yesterday afternoon, the Secretary-General warmly welcomed the announcement by the Government of Colombia, earlier that day, of the rescue of hostages held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), including former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, three United States citizens and eleven members of the Colombian armed forces.

The Secretary-General called on the FARC to immediately and unconditionally release the remaining hostages, whose security is their responsibility. He urges the FARC and other groups to engage in dialogue with the authorities, with a view to freeing hostages and ending the violence that has afflicted Colombia for so long.

ASSESSMENT MISSION TO LOOK INTO SOLUTIONS FOR GEORGIA-ABKHAZIA PEACE PROCESS

A UN assessment mission on the Georgian-Abkhaz peace process will be heading to the region this weekend to carry out consultations with key actors involved in the process. It will be led by Dr. Bertrand Ramcharan, former acting UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and former Director of the International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia.

The mission will visit Tbilisi and Sukhumi for meetings with the parties and representatives of the international community. It will also visit the capitals of the Group of Friends of the Secretary-General and consult with relevant regional organizations.

The mission will report back to the Secretary-General on key challenges in the UN-led peace process and possible solutions.

MOST WEST AFRICAN COUNTRIES REMAIN FRAGILE

A report by the Secretary-General on the UN Office for West Africa (UNOWA) is available today. In it, he says that most West African countries are currently in a period of transition, from conflict to peace consolidation, and remain fragile and vulnerable to outbreaks of renewed violence. In that regard, he says the UNs ability to meet expectations, in terms of assistance and coordination, will be key if its to preserve its effectiveness and influence in the subregion.

The Secretary-General adds that Said Djinnit, his Special Representative for West Africa and Chairman of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission, will continue to promote the smooth and peaceful implementation of the relevant ruling and agreement -- so that the settlement of the border dispute between Cameroon and Nigeria can serve as a model for West Africa.

U.N. MISSION IN CHAD & CENTRAL AFRICAN REP. HOLDS BLOOD DRIVE

The UN Mission in Chad and the Central African Republic (MINURCAT) is holding a blood collection drive today in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the Chadian Center for Blood Transfusion.

All MINURCAT staff members have been encouraged to participate in this effort, which will help save lives among Chadians, especially among children and pregnant women. This blood collection is being held in the context of the World Blood Donor Day 2008 campaign, whose theme this year is "Giving Blood Regularly" - an effort to commit volunteer blood donors to donate regularly and over the long term.

HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICE CONCERNED BY DEVELOPMENTS IN MONGOLIA

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights today expressed concern about developments in Mongolia. It called upon the authorities there to exercise the utmost restraint, to ensure that due process is followed in the case of any detentions, and to properly investigate the incidents leading to deaths and injuries.

The Office also noted that Mongolia is party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which stipulates that fundamental rights -- such as the right to life and the prohibition of torture -- cannot be suspended even in times of emergency.

EMERGENCY FOOD OPERATIONS CONTINUE IN MYANMAR & ETHIOPIA

Exactly two months after Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar, the World Food Programme (WFP) says much devastation remains. Large areas of cultivable land and vital crops have been flooded and rendered useless. Yet the people of Myanmar have proven resilient, WFP says.

Over the past two months, the agency has delivered more than 18,000 tons of food to nearly 700,000 people in the Ayeyarawdy delta. But its ongoing emergency operation remains less than half funded, with a shortfall of $38 million.

Meanwhile, WFP is expanding its operations in Ethiopia, in response to an urgent request from the Government. WFP plans to reach more than four and a half million people with food aid, up from approximately 3.2 million people now, even as it faces a major shortfall in food and funds.

The agency is also providing aid to roughly four million people elsewhere in the Horn of Africa. The Regional Humanitarian Partnership Team in Nairobi says that more than 14 million people in the region will require urgent food aid and other assistance in the coming months.

FORMER COMMANDER OF BOSNIAN MUSLIM FORCES ACQUITTED

The Appeals Chamber of the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia today acquitted Naser Ori&#263;, a former commander of Bosnian Muslim forces in and around Srebrenica, of crimes committed during the 1992-1995 conflict.

Ori&#263; had been sentenced in 2006 to two years in prison for failing to take necessary and reasonable measures to prevent the murder and cruel treatment of a number of Bosnian Serbs, but both the Prosecution and the Defence appealed the judgment.

The Appeals Chamber found that the Trial Chamber failed to make all of the findings necessary to convict a person for command responsibility under the Tribunals statute.

AFRICAN WAR CRIMES SUSPECT TRANSFERRED TO INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT

Today, the Belgian authorities surrendered and transferred Jean-Pierre Bemba, President and Commander in Chief of the Mouvement de libération du Congo (MLC), to the International Criminal Court.

Bemba is alleged to be criminally responsible for five counts of war crimes and three counts of crimes against humanity committed on the territory of the Central African Republic, from 25 October 2002 to 15 March 2003. In a statement, the Court appreciated the steps taken by the Belgian authorities in the enforcement of the arrest warrant and Bembas surrender and transfer, as well as the cooperation of the Dutch authorities to transport him to the detention centre.

Yesterday, following its decision imposing a stay on the proceedings of the case involving Thomas Lubanga, the Courts Trial Chamber ordered Lubangas release. However, since an appeal may be filed within five days, the order granting release shall not be enforced until the expiry of the five day time-limit.

WORLD URBAN FORUM TO TAKE PLACE AS PLANNED

UN-HABITAT has

responded to earlier reports about the possible postponement of World Urban Forum by announcing today that the Forum will take place as previously planned from 3 November 2008 in Nanjing, China.

After the recent earthquake in Chinas Sichuan Province, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of China, which is host to the Fourth session of the World Urban Forum, had suggested a possible postponement of the meeting to enable the Ministry to focus on the reconstruction effort, which is a priority.

However, recognizing the efforts that have already gone into the preparations for the Forum, the Government of China has confirmed that it will host the Forum in Nanjing from 3 6 November. UN-HABITAT and the Committee of Permanent Representatives in Nairobi have expressed their appreciation of the constructive approach and understanding of the Government of China.

INTERNATIONAL TOURISM REMAINS STABLE

Despite the uncertainties posed by the global economy, international tourism has

remained stable in recent months.

According to the World Tourism Organizations World Tourism Barometer, international arrivals grew by roughly five percent between January and April, compared to one year earlier. All regions posted gains, with the fastest growth in the Middle East, Northeast and South Asia, and Central and South America.

Despite rising fuel prices and a deteriorating economic picture, the World Tourism Organization expects tourism to continue to grow for the rest of the year, though at a slower pace.

DARFUR: U.N. STILL CONSULTING WITH PARTIES ON POSITION OF RWANDAN GENERAL

Asked whether the UN Secretariat had asked the Government of Rwanda to replace the Deputy Force Commander of the UN-AU Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), Gen. Karenzi Karake, by another Rwandan general, the Spokeswoman said that the United Nations takes this issue seriously and is continuing to consult with all parties, including the Rwandan authorities. We will have more to say on this in the near future, she said.

Asked who could make the change in the UNAMID post, the Spokeswoman said that it would have to be a joint decision of the Secretary-General and of the AU, in consultation with the country involved in providing that official.

She could not confirm a report that Rwanda said it would pull its peacekeepers from UNAMID if there were a change in the Deputy Force Commander.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

SECURITY COUNCIL TAKES UP DRAFT RESOLUTION ON ZIMBABWE: In consultations this morning, the members of the Security Council discussed a draft resolution, concerning Zimbabwe, which had been circulated by the United States. That draft text is to be discussed further at the expert level this afternoon. The Spokeswoman declined to comment when asked whether the Secretary-General would support sanctions on Zimbabwe, saying that was a matter for the Council to consider.

REFUGEE AGENCY INTERVIEWS ASYLUM SEEKERS IN EGYPT: The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has now interviewed 179 detained Eritrean and Ethiopian asylum seekers in southern Egypt to assess their claims for refugee status. UNHCR has welcomed the cooperation of the Egyptian authorities in permitting these interviews to take place and under good conditions. The agency has requested information about some 1,400 Eritreans. It continues to seek prompt and unhindered access to all asylum seekers believed to be in detention.

U.N. ENVOY WRAPS UP AFGHANISTAN TRIP: Radhika Coomaraswamy, the Secretary-Generals Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, is wrapping up a trip to Afghanistan. She gave a press briefing today in Kabul, discussing her trip and her concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the country, and she urged all parties to begin to take action to prevent children from being used on the battlefield.

NO ANNOUNCEMENT YET ON HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF: The Spokeswoman said that there was no announcement to be made yet on a new High Commissioner for Human Rights, with interviews for that post still taking place.

PREPARATIONS BEING MADE FOR NEXT MYANMAR TRIP: Asked whether Special Adviser Ibrahim Gambari would visit Myanmar soon, the Spokeswoman said that Gambari has a standing invitation to go back, but such a trip would have to be prepared. The UN Secretariat was currently in the process of making preparations.

SPECIAL COMMITTEE DENIED ACCESS TO OCCUPIED TERRITORIES: Asked about a "UN human rights group" being denied entry into Israel, the Spokesperson later clarified that the correspondent was probably referring to the "Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories," which was established in December 1968 by a General Assembly resolution and composed of representatives of three Member States. Since its establishment, she later added, the Special Committee has repeatedly been denied cooperation by the Government of Israel or access to the occupied territories.

U.N. BODY TO APPROVE DRAFT TREATY ON CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY SEA: Today, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), a standing subsidiary body of the General Assembly, is scheduled to approve a draft convention on carriage of goods by sea. The draft treaty to be submitted to the next session of the General Assembly for adoption without additional negotiation is of great importance for the world commerce in that it will establish a more equitable regime which takes into account the interests of all parties and which will reduce transaction costs.

THE WEEK AHEAD AT THE UNITED NATIONS

4-11 July 2008

Friday, July 4

In Seoul, The Secretary-General is scheduled to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Cemetery, address the National Assembly, and meet with the President and Prime Minister.

U.N. Headquarters in New York is closed for an official holiday (U.S. Independence Day).

Saturday, July 5

In the Republic of Korea, the Secretary-General is scheduled to address a Model UN at Cheongju University.

Today is the International Day of Cooperatives.

Sunday, July 6

The Secretary-General continues his visit to the Republic of Korea.

Monday, July 7

Through Wednesday, the Secretary-General is in Toyako, Japan, where he is scheduled to attend the Group of Eight Summit.

At 10 a.m., the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Substantive Session holds a dialogue with the Executive Secretaries of the Regional Commissions. Beginning at 3 p.m. and running through Wednesday, ECOSOCs Coordination Segment will focus on the role of the UN system in efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger.

The guest at the noon briefing is Radhika Coomaraswamy, Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, who will brief on her recent trip to Afghanistan.

Tuesday, July 8

At 10 a.m. in the Trusteeship Council Chamber, the General Assembly holds a debate on Climate Change and the Most Vulnerable Countries: the Imperative to Act, a follow-up to its February high-level debate on climate change.

Wednesday, July 9

This morning, the Security Council is scheduled to hold consultations on the 1701 report. In the afternoon, a debate on Afghanistan is scheduled.

At 11 a.m. in Room S-226, General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim briefs on his activities, recent developments related to the work of the Assemblys 62nd session, and on upcoming events.

Thursday, July 10

The Revised Appeal for the Myanmar Cyclone Disaster is scheduled to be launched at 9 a.m. in the Trusteeship Council Chamber.

Beginning at 10 a.m. and running through 14 July, ECOSOCs Operational Activities Segment will provide an opportunity for the Council to follow up on the implementation of policy recommendations of the General Assembly.

Friday, July 11

Today is World Population Day.

Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

United Nations, S-378

New York, NY 10017

Tel. 212-963-7162

Fax. 212-963-7055

to the Spokesperson's Page

United Nations Daily Highlights Directory - Previous Article - Next Article