United Nations Daily Highlights, 08-07-15

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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 MARIE OKABE

DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON

UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

BAN KI-MOON MEETS IN BERLIN WITH GERMAN CHANCELLOR

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is in Berlin, where he met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. They discussed Sudan, Afghanistan, the Middle East, Georgia/Abkhazia, Kosovo and Irans nuclear programme.

Earlier today, the Secretary-General had a bilateral meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, with whom he discussed Cyprus.

In Paris yesterday, the Secretary-General met separately with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and he discussed with both all aspects of the Middle East Peace Process. He commended both leaders for their continued commitment to the peace process and discussed how to make vital progress in the period ahead in the bilateral negotiations on the core issues, in implementation of Phase One Road Map obligations, in addressing immediate concerns in Gaza and solidifying the recent calm, and on the regional track between Israel and Syria.

Speaking to reporters yesterday after meeting with French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, the Secretary-General said he saw some encouraging developments in the situation in the Middle East in general, including the election of a president and the formation of a unity Government in Lebanon, the agreement between Lebanon and Syria to launch a diplomatic process to establish diplomatic relations, and the indirect talks between Syria and Israel through the auspices of Turkish Government.

DARFUR: PEACEKEEPERS CONDUCT PATROLS AND HUMANITARIAN WORKERS DISTRIBUTE FOOD

The situation in Sudan was reported to be calm by both UN missions in the country.

The United Nations-African Union mission in Darfur (UNAMID) said that security patrols and humanitarian escorts by the peacekeepers, as well as humanitarian activities continued as usual.

UNAMID forces today conducted 10 security and confidence-building patrols throughout Darfur.

Humanitarian workers, meanwhile, continued their operations such as food distribution to the most vulnerable, water support provision of non-food items, health (i.e. treatment to rape victims) and the protection of civilians.

In Khartoum, the UN mission in Sudan (UNMIS) says it continues to support the Comprehensive Peace Agreement process working with and alongside Sudanese partners. Emphasis is on helping sustain humanitarian and other activities and supporting affected Sudanese.

UNMIS reports three protests today related to the case presented yesterday by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) -- one in Kassala, one in El Obeid and one in Khartoum. All were reported to be peaceful. The rally in Khartoum took place outside UNDP premises.

No demonstrations were reported in Darfur today.

She later announced that the Secretary-General latest report on the deployment of UNAMID was issued.

Asked about the consolidation of UN personnel in Sudan, the Spokeswoman said that the temporary relocation of non-essential personnel out of Sudan began today, and is expected to affect some 200 people. However, she said, all peacekeeping operations continue on the ground, with the large UN presence largely in place. That presence includes some 7,800 military personnel, more than 1,600 civilian police and nearly some 1,800 civilian staff.

Asked about the reasons for the relocation, she said that relocation measures were taken in response to the deteriorating situation on the ground, detailed in the Secretary-Generals most recent report on UNAMID, which was

issued today.

Okabe said that last weeks attack on UN peacekeepers was the worst against UNAMID in the past six months.

Asked whether last weeks attack was linked to this weeks ICC announcement, the Spokeswoman said that the investigation into the incident was ongoing. She noted that it had taken place in a Government-controlled area.

Asked about UN relations with the Sudanese authorities in light of the ICC procedure, the Spokeswoman reiterated that a panel of ICC judges is currently considering the prosecutors request. Meanwhile, the United Nations continues to operate in line with its mandate, with two peacekeeping missions deployed in Sudan, as well as a major humanitarian operation and support for the peace process.

Asked whether UN peacekeepers would have to arrest indicted suspects, the Spokeswoman said the question was hypothetical until indictments are issued. She said that the peacekeeping mandate is spelled out in the resolutions of the Security Council.

BAN KI-MOON HOPES REPORT ON TIMOR- LESTE LEADS TO JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION

The Secretary-General

has taken note of the submission of the final report of the Commission of Truth and Friendship to the Presidents of Indonesia and Timor-Leste and the subsequent joint statement issued by the two Governments. He looks forward to the early public release of the report and hopes that this process will be the first step towards achieving justice and reconciliation.

The Secretary-General welcomes the commitment by the two Presidents to follow up action and encourages the Governments of Indonesia and Timor-Leste to take concrete steps to ensure full accountability, to end impunity and to provide reparations to victims in accordance with international human rights standards and principles and in line with the

recommendations of the Commission of Experts and the Secretary-Generals report on Justice and Reconciliation for Timor-Leste.

The Secretary-General reiterates the availability of the United Nations to extend its technical assistance in the implementation of such measures.

Meanwhile, nearing the end of a three-year solar-energy programme in Timor-Leste, the Department of Economic and Social Affair says that solar energy can become a viable alternative energy source for that country. According to DESA, the project to bring solar power to rural communities, piloted in communities on Atauro Island and in Aleiu District, has shown that solar can become a real energy option for rural communities. It adds that with proper support, communities have the potential to manage their energy needs in an affordable and sustainable way.

U.N. SPECIAL ADVISOR GAMBARI LOOKS FORWARD TO RETURNING TO MYANMAR NEXT MONTH

In response to questions, the Spokeswoman confirmed that the Secretary-Generals Special Adviser, Ibrahim Gambari, received a letter of invitation to again visit Myanmar in mid-August. This is consistent with the standing invitation extended to Gambari by the Myanmar authorities; he was initially invited to visit in late May, but that was overtaken by the cyclone that struck earlier.

Gambari looks forward to returning to Myanmar on behalf of the Secretary-General. Discussions are ongoing regarding the precise timing, programme and objectives of his visit.

Asked whether Gambari would meet with Aung San Suu Kyi and with Senior General Than Shwe, the Spokeswoman noted that the discussions on his programme continue. She noted that Gambari has met with Aung San Suu Kyi on each of his visits, as well as with Myanmars senior leaders on several occasions, and he looks forward to continuing his dialogue with all concerned.

UNITED NATIONS CONCERNED OVER RAPID DETERIORATION OF SECURITY IN SOMALIA

The UNs Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Mark Bowden, today

expressed grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation for humanitarian workers in that country. He also expressed deep concern over the unacceptable level of violence against Somali civilians. Recent killings have brought the number of aid-related workers killed in Somalia this year to 19. Bowden said it is intolerable that humanitarian workers striving to save lives in one of the most difficult environments in the world are being targeted and killed.

The Unted Nations, for its part, is urgently taking measures to ensure the protection of its staff in Somalia while at the same time allowing them to carry on with their vital humanitarian work.

Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP)

reports that gunmen in Somalia have killed an agent for a WFP-contracted transport company. He was the fifth such staff member to be killed in Somalia this year. WFP condemns the shootings, but says it is committed to operating in Somalia, adding that more than two million people need aid in that country because of drought and high food prices.

SECURITY COUNCIL HOLDS CONSULTATIONS ON U.N. MISSION IN CHAD AND CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

At 3:00 this afternoon, the

Security Council will hold consultations on the UN Mission in Chad and the Central African Republic, known as

MINURCAT.

Council members last week received the Secretary-Generals latest

report on MINURCAT, which expresses deep concerns about the repeated rebel incursions into Chad. Meanwhile, the report says, the situation in the northeastern part of the Central African Republic remains calm following the signing of a peace agreement between the government and one of the main rebel groups active in the region.

VOTER REGISTRATION UPDATE CENTERS OPEN IN IRAQ TODAY

The UN Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) congratulated the countrys Independent High Electoral Commission for the successful opening today of 563 voter registration update centers throughout Iraq. The centres provide an opportunity for all Iraqis to verify and update their details so that they are registered to vote in elections.

All internally displaced persons and Iraqis are encouraged to visit their local voter registration centre in the next 30 days so they can participate in the election process.

Also, Staffan de Mistura, the Secretary-Generals Special Representative for Iraq, concluded a five-day visit to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), which included discussions on the issue of Disputed Internal Boundaries in Iraq. He described his visit as successful, and reiterated that UNAMI will continue to consult with the Government of Iraq and all stakeholders on this important issue, before and after the completion of the United Nations' analysis of the relevant districts, including options for the future of Kirkuk.

Asked whether the United Nations was encouraging Iraqi refugees to return to their home country, the Spokeswoman said that returns are a voluntary process.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

WORLD TRADE REPORT 2008 LAUNCHED TODAY: The World Trade Organization (WTO) today

launched its annual World Trade Report.

This years report, entitled Trade in a Globalizing World, looks at the gains from international trade and the challenges arising from higher levels of integration.

It notes that international cooperation, including the ongoing Doha Round, the opening of trade, actions to reduce trade costs, and the implementation of multilateral agreements, can all contribute to enhanced opportunities to gain from trade. To manage the risks arising from globalization, WTO calls for a balance between open markets and complementary domestic policies, along with international initiatives.

ICJ TO ISSUE FINAL CLARIFICATION OF RULING ON MEXICANS IN U.S. PRISONS: Tomorrow, the International Court of Justice is expected to issue a final clarification of its ruling in a case brought by Mexico against the United States concerning certain Mexican nationals being held on death row in U.S. prisons. The ICJ had earlier ruled that the United States was in breach of international obligations for not granting Mexican consular services to these prisoners. But after problems and disagreements in implementing the earlier ruling, Mexico recently asked to clarify it. The Court is scheduled to issue the Order at 9 a.m. New York time.

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONTINUES DISCUSSING ZIMBABWE ISSUE WITH REGIONAL LEADERS: Asked why the Secretary-General had issued a statement responding to remarks by the Zimbabwean Permanent Representative to the United Nations, the Spokeswoman said that the Secretary-General felt strongly about the issue and had not found the remarks to be helpful. She noted that the Secretary-General has been discussing Zimbabwe with regional leaders and had sent a senior official to the region recently.

SELECTION PROCESS IS ONGOING FOR NEW HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF APPOINTMENT: Asked when the Secretary-General would brief the General Assembly on the next High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Spokeswoman said that the selection process on that appointment is ongoing.

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

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