United Nations Daily Highlights, 10-06-02

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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

U.N. HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL VOTES TO INVESTIGATE ISRAELI ATTACK ON GAZA AID FLOTILLA

In Geneva, the

Human Rights Council today decided to send an independent international fact-finding mission to investigate violations of international law resulting from the

Israeli attack on a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza.

The move is part of a resolution adopted by the Council. The Human Rights Council also condemns the attack and calls on Israel to fully cooperate with the International Committee of the Red Cross to provide information on the whereabouts, status and condition of the detained and injured persons. It demands that Israel release all those detained and facilitate their safe return to their homelands.

The Human Rights Council adopted the resolution, by a vote of 32 in favor, three against, and nine abstentions.

The Spokesperson, in response to a question about the Secretary-General's views concerning the Human Rights Council decision, noted that it was a decision taken by Member States on the Council.

In response to questions about the

Secretary-Generals response to the calls for an investigation into the attack on a flotilla bringing humanitarian assistance to

Gaza, the Spokesperson noted that the Secretary-General has been in touch with a wide range of representatives to determine the way forward.

When he returns to New York from Africa today, she said, the Secretary-General expects to meet with representatives of Israel, Turkey, the Arab Group and members of the

Security Council on the way ahead. He also spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, she said. All of these efforts, she added, would help to determine what kind of role can be played by the UN Secretariat.

Okabe noted that, immediately after the incident, the Secretary-General had issued a strong

statement and called for an investigation.

Asked about aid going into Gaza, she noted that the Secretary-General had designated his

Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process,

Robert Serry, and the Commissioner General of the

UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East,

Filippo Grandi, to work with the Quartet other Quartet representatives in an effort to advance the implementation of the points made in the Security Council Presidential Statement. This includes ensuring the delivery of humanitarian assistance from the convoy to its destination as called for by the Security Council.

SECURITY COUNCIL ADOPTED PROGRAMME OF WORK FOR JUNE

The

Security Council this morning adopted its programme of work for June.

The Security Council also adopted a resolution this morning, fixing the date of 9 September 2010 for meetings of the Council and the

General Assembly, to decide on filling the vacancy at the International Court of Justice following the departure of one of those judges.

PEACE JIRGA OPENS IN KABUL, SEEKS COMMON VISION ON BRINGING PEACE TO AFGHANISTAN

Afghanistans Consultative Peace Jirga opened this morning in the capital Kabul, with 1,600 participants from across the country taking part in the three-day event. The jirga is intended to develop a common vision about the way forward for bringing peace to Afghanistan.

Staffan de Mistura, the Secretary-Generals Special Representative for

Afghanistan, attended the ceremony, and said, The Peace Jirga is an important stepping stone in developing the Afghan-led peace process. He expressed confidence that the results from these discussions will lead to the next steps in a national dialogue to bring peace in Afghanistan.

De Mistura noted violence that had taken place today, but said that, despite the violence, the Jirga continued and participants remained focused on the important discussions taking place.

U.N. ENVOY IN IRAQ WELCOMES CERTIFICATION OF MARCH ELECTION RESULTS

The Secretary-Generals Special Representative for

Iraq,

Ad Melkert, has

welcomed the decision announced yesterday by the Federal Supreme Court, certifying the results of the March election in accordance with the Constitution of Iraq.

He described it as a crucial step in electing a government that will shape the countrys future for the next four years.

Melkert encouraged Iraqi leaders to move swiftly and work together to complete the formation of the new government through an inclusive process.

SECRETARY-GENERAL APPOINTS LISA BUTTENHEIM NEW SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR CYPRUS

The

Secretary-General has appointed Lisa M. Buttenheim of the United States as his Special Representative in Cyprus and Head of the

United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

Ms. Buttenheim brings to the position extensive experience with the United Nations in the political and peacekeeping areas.

Ms. Buttenheim succeeds

Tayé-Brook Zerihoun of Ethiopia, to whom the Secretary-General expresses his appreciation for his dedicated service and exemplary leadership of UNFICYP over the last two years.

ANNIE LENNOX APPOINTED UNAIDS GOODWILL AMBASSADOR

The world renowned Scottish singer songwriter and womens activist Annie Lennox has been

named as International Goodwill Ambassador for the

Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). She will speak out for women and girls affected by the HIV epidemic.

UNAIDS says that the lack of access to quality sexual and reproductive health services contributes to the high number of deaths among women of the reproductive age.

Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

United Nations, SA-1B15

New York, NY 10017

Tel. 212-963-7162

Fax. 212-963-7055

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