United Nations Daily Highlights, 08-07-21

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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 MICHELE

MONTAS

SPOKESPERSON FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON

UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

Monday, July 21, 2008

BAN KI-MOON WELCOMES REPORT ON POST-CYCLONE NEEDS IN MYANMAR

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

welcomes today's release of the Post-Nargis Joint Assessment Final Report on the margins of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers meeting in Singapore.

The

report offers a comprehensive, credible assessment of the humanitarian and medium-term recovery needs in the affected areas. As the product of an effective partnership between ASEAN, the United Nations and the Government of Myanmar, this report will help guide the relief and recovery efforts in Myanmar to ensure that the short-and medium-term needs of Cyclone Nargis survivors are properly addressed.

The Secretary-General congratulates ASEAN for the constructive role it has played in the successful Tripartite Core Group coordination mechanism. He believes this partnership serves as a very good basis for further cooperation between the Government of Myanmar, ASEAN and the United Nations.

The Post-Nargis Joint Assessment report

confirms that by early June, some 1.3 million people had been reached with some form of assistance, and that a second wave of deaths from disease and starvation had not occurred. The report also highlights the revised Appeal, for $482 million, which was launched on 10 July in New York. To date, some $300 million is still needed for the period up to April 2009.

Under-Secretary-General John Holmes, in Singapore today, urged Donors to continue their support to relief and recovery and commit funds pledged, based on the credible information gathered in the assessment and the broad access granted to the affected areas.

Holmes will travel to Myanmar tomorrow, for his second trip to the area since the last visit in May with the Secretary-General.

Asked about a letter from Myanmar parliamentarians, the Spokeswoman confirmed that the Secretary-General has this morning received a letter from five parliamentarians, which is being studied.

UNITED NATIONS TO HELP SUPPORT MEDIATION PROCESS IN ZIMBABWE

In a statement issued after the noon briefing, the Secretary-General welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the parties in Zimbabwe, which provides a framework for formal talks to end the political crisis in the country.

The Secretary-General commends the efforts of President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and his mediation team in facilitating the signing of this agreement.

The United Nations is committed to support these mediation efforts through its participation in the recently-formed Reference Group.

The Secretary-General encourages all sides to engage, in good faith, in serious talks that would lead to a lasting solution to the political crisis and address the urgent economic and humanitarian needs of the Zimbabwean people.

The Secretary-General also urges the enabling of humanitarian operations in order to allow the provision of assistance to those in dire need.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Haile Menkerios, has returned to New York after taking part in consultations in South Africa over the weekend on Zimbabwe.

As has been announced publicly, the United Nations has agreed, at the invitation of the Government of South Africa, to join a Reference Group on Zimbabwe, which will accompany the mediation process and consult, as needed, on how to facilitate and advance the negotiations. The other members of the Reference Group are the African Union and the Organ on Politics, Defense and Security of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). President Mbeki remains fully in charge of the mediation process.

Asked how the United Nations assesses Menkerioss role, the Spokeswoman said that he had joined the reference group on Zimbabwe at the invitation of South Africa and has provided input in that context. However, she noted, South African President Thabo Mbeki remains the mediator.

Asked whether the United Nations believes that South Africas mediation has failed, Montas said it does not, and she pointed to the agreement signed today as one example of the process moving forward. She said that a statement would be issued later today on that agreement.

BAN KI-MOON HOPES FOR PEACEFUL/DIPLOMATIC RESOLUTION TO CAMBODIA-THAILAND BORDER TENSIONS

The Secretary-General is closely following the situation on the Cambodia-Thailand border near the Preah Vihear Temple. He is concerned about the current escalation of tensions between the two countries, including the buildup of troops.

The Secretary-General calls for restraint on both sides and hopes that this matter can be resolved peacefully and by diplomatic means in the context of the excellent relations that traditionally exist between the two countries.

DARFUR: HUMANITARIAN COORDINATOR CALLS FOR SUPPORT TO SUSTAIN SERVICES TO PEOPLE IN NEED

According to the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), the security situation in Darfur over the weekend was relatively calm.

A peaceful demonstration attended by approximately 2,000 people - mainly students - took place in Nyala, South Darfur, on 20 July.

In the past 24 hours, UNAMID forces conducted 19 security and confidence-building patrols throughout the region, and humanitarian programmes continued.

UNAMID Joint Special Representative Rodolphe Adada yesterday met with the new UN-AU Chief Mediator for Darfur, Djibril Yipènè Bassolé. The Special Representative briefed Bassolé on the current situation in Darfur and the efforts being undertaken to speed up the deployment of the UNAMID peacekeeping force. Adada assured the Chief Mediator of UNAMIDs full support to make this mission a success.

UNAMID Force Commander General Martin Luther Agwai and Assistant Secretary-General Jane Holl Lute today visited the troops in Shangil Tobaya, North Darfur, following the death of seven peacekeepers on 8 July and to show UNAMID's appreciation for all their hard work.

Meanwhile, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ameerah Haq, assured the Sudanese people that essential lifesaving services continue to be provided to vulnerable citizens of Darfur despite the atmosphere of ongoing insecurity, which has limited services and impeded access to some areas where people need assistance. Haq called for the support and cooperation of all relevant authorities to help sustain these critical services to the civilian population.

Asked whether the Secretary-General supports the efforts by the League of Arab States regarding the International Criminal Courts actions dealing with President Omar al-Bashir, the Spokeswoman emphasized that the International Criminal Court is an independent body, and the Secretariat does not interfere in its work. The ICC, she said, will decide on the requests for indictments.

Montas said that the Secretary-General was concerned about the ICC activitys impact on the mandated humanitarian work the United Nations undertakes in Darfur, but added that such concern does not influence in any way the decisions of the ICC.

She added that the UN Secretariat has not received any formal request from Egypt regarding a conference on Darfur.

Asked about Bassoles status, she said later that Bassole would serve as Burkina Fasos foreign minister through 1 August, and would work as mediator from then onward.

Asked about temporary relocations of UN personnel from Darfur, the Spokeswoman said that no relocations have been taken since Friday. She said that 316 staff had been relocated to Entebbe and Obaid.

SECURITY COUNCIL TO TAKE UP NEPAL AND GEORGIA

The

Security Council will hold consultations at 3:00 this afternoon. Council members are considering the Secretary-Generals recommendation, conveyed by Special Representative Ian Martin, for a six-month extension of the

UN Mission in Nepal.

Then, after that, the Council expects to hold a private meeting on the situation in Georgia.

SECRETARY-GENERAL AND SERBIAN FOREIGN MINISTER AGREE

ON IMPORTANCE OF CLOSE ENGAGEMENT WHILE MOVING FORWARD ON KOSOVO

Asked about the Secretary-Generals meeting on Friday with Serbia's Foreign Minister, Vuk Jeremic, the Spokeswoman said that they discussed the situation in

Kosovo, particularly in follow-up to the Security Council

meeting on 20 June.

They agreed on the importance of close engagement while moving forward with the implementation of the measures set forward in the Secretary-General's

Special Report to the Council. They reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close dialogue, Montas said.

Asked about the way forward on Kosovo, the Spokeswoman noted that the Secretary-General has tried to find the least objectionable solution for all parties, in conformity with Security Council resolution 1244.

Asked about the role played by Special Representative Lamberto Zannier in the reconfiguration of the UN presence in Kosovo, Montas said that he had a role to play in the dialogue that is taking place on the ground daily as the reconfiguration proceeds.

U.N. SENDS HUMAN RIGHTS INVESTIGATORS TO CONGOLESE JAIL

The UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) has sent a team of human rights investigators to a prison in the town of Mbuji Mayi, in the Kasaï Oriental province. That follows the deaths of some 26 prisoners from severe and acute malnutrition since February.

The Mission said that very little was being done by the authorities despite the alarming number of inmates dying of malnutrition.

The most recent deaths took place on July 14th when four prisoners died of hunger, bringing to 10 the number of inmates starved to death this month alone.

Meanwhile, two dozen prisoners are considered to be in extremely critical condition due to malnutrition or starvation.

Originally built for 200 inmates, the prison in Mbuji Mayi now houses 425 prisoners.

LANDMINE-RELATED DEATHS DROP IN AFGHANISTAN

The UN Mine Action Centre for

Afghanistan today provided an update on its work in clearing mines and unexploded ordnance from that country. The Centre said that over the past six months, it has helped to collect and destroy more than 38,000 anti-personnel mines and 419 anti-tank mines, as well as more than 950,000 items of unexploded ordnance.

During the month of June, the Centre recorded a record low figure of people dying from mines and unexploded ordnance, with 24 victims recorded. The Centre hopes that number can diminish even further.

Asked about 13 Afghans reportedly killed in recent days in air strikes, the Spokeswoman noted that the Secretary-General had repeatedly raised the issue of civilian casualties with the relevant authorities.

GAZA HUMANITARIAN SITUATION STILL WORRYING

Asked whether the Secretary-General has asked for Israel to provide relief for Gaza, the Spokeswoman said that the humanitarian situation in Gaza has been a constant preoccupation of the Secretary-General. He discussed it recently with a range of leaders he met in Paris.

Asked for additional information on the crossings, she later added that: Karni, the main commercial crossing between Israel and Gaza, is still closed, except for a conveyor belt; Rafah is closed except for humanitarian cases; Sufa is open; and Kerem Shalom is still closed. An increased amount of goods -- such as cement, pipes and fuel -- are coming into Gaza largely through conveyor belts at Karni and Sufa, but that is still far below the needs of the population.

People's access continues to be severely restricted and there have been no significant improvement since the recent cessation of hostilities. Border authorities have confirmed to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) that they have applications for more than 5,000 people from Gaza who wish to travel abroad, including for medical and academic reasons.

U.N. MISSION ASSISTS IN ISRAEL-LEBANON EXCHANGE

Asked about photos showing troops of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) saluting what were reported to be coffins of Hezbollah casualties, the Spokeswoman noted that UNIFIL assisted in the exchange of Lebanese prisoners and the handover of mortal remains, through the UN Position at the Ras Naqoura crossing point between Israel and Lebanon.

During the process, UNIFIL provided assistance in the form of area security at the crossing point, liaison and coordination as well as limited logistical support to the Lebanese Government.

Montas said that the soldiers shown in the photograph were not involved in any way in the Lebanese ceremonies and were carrying out their normal mandated duties along the road used by the convoy. UNIFIL said it is customary in most armies for military personnel in uniform to salute whenever a coffin passes in a procession.

They were merely following this customary military tradition and saluted coffins draped in Lebanese national flags, she added.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

BALANCED OUTCOME TO DOHA TRADE ROUND COULD BE GOOD FOR DEVELOPMENT: All this week in Geneva, the Trade Negotiations Committee of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is meeting to discuss a range of issues, including tariffs and agriculture subsidies, that could shape a final agreement on the Doha Development Agenda. In opening remarks today, WTO Director General Pascal Lamy told committee members that they are within reach of a major step in the drive to conclude the Doha Round this year. Amid rising food and energy prices and financial market turbulence, a balanced outcome to the Doha Round could provide a strong push for economic growth, improve prospects for development, and ensure a more stable and predictable trading system, Lamy said.

NEW SOIL DATABASE LAUNCHED: The Food and Agriculture Organization, along with several partners, has

launched a world soil database. It tracks such things as current and future productivity, erosion risks, water limitations, and potential for carbon storage as a way to reduce greenhouse gases.

In other news, two Norwegian

music festivals have become the first such gatherings to sign on to the UN Environment Programmes Climate Neutral Network. As part of the initiative, festival organizers are providing solar charging points for mobile phones, electric golf carts for on-site traveling, and wind- and solar-powered lighting systems.

NO ANNOUNCEMENT YET ON HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF: The Spokeswoman, in response to questions, said that the appointment of a High Commissioner for Human Rights would be confirmed once the General Assembly approves the appointment, after it receives the Secretary-Generals nomination. She noted that the Member States had been consulted widely in receiving names for the post.

SECRETARY-GENERAL OPEN TO SAUDI INITIATIVE: Asked whether the Secretary-General would be involved in a Saudi inter-faith initiative, the Spokeswoman recalled that the matter had been discussed when the Secretary-General visited Saudi Arabia last month. She could not confirm that the Secretary-General had been formally invited to participate but added that he is open to following up on this process.

U.N. MISSION HAS HELPED WITH FOOD DISTRIBUTION IN HAITI: Asked about the UNs role in making sure food aid gets to Haiti, the Spokeswoman said that the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) has been involved in aiding food distribution by UN bodies like the World Food Programme, but was not directly involved with the distribution of bilateral aid through non-governmental organizations.

DETAILS ON PAKISTAN INVESTIGATION NOT YET FINALIZED: Asked about a proposed commission to look into the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, the Spokeswoman reiterated that the details of such a proposal remain to be determined.

WITNESS PROTECTION IMPORTANT: Asked about the UNs role in providing information in the International Criminal Court (ICC) case involving Thomas Lubanga, the Spokeswoman noted that there are cases when victims choose to provide testimony on the basis of confidentiality, and she underlined the importance of protection of witnesses.

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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