United Nations Daily Highlights, 05-08-03

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

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SPOKESMAN'S NOON

BRIEFING

BY STEPHANE DUJARRIC

SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

Wednesday, August 3, 2005

UNITED NATIONS APPEALS FOR CALM IN SUDAN FOLLOWING GARANG'S DEATH

Secretary-General Kofi Annan is

concerned about the reports of continuing violence in Khartoum and elsewhere in Sudan following the recent tragic death of Dr. John Garang de Mabior. The Secretary-General appeals for calm and calls on all Sudanese to refrain from actions which may lead to tension during this time of mourning.

While all available information suggests that the helicopter crash was a tragic accident, the United Nations system stands ready to assist the authorities concerned in an investigation conducted in accordance with internationally established standards and practices.

The Secretary-General shares the widespread sorrow expressed by the Sudanese people and the international community. At the same time, he welcomes the parties reaffirmation of their commitment to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and its implementation, which is a fitting tribute to First Vice-President Garang.

On the ground, Jan Pronk, the Secretary-Generals Special Representative for Sudan, also

appealed to the people of Sudan to uphold Garangs vision for peace, stop the rioting and behave responsibly in the face of the tragedy that has struck the country.

Pronk said that the United Nations will also be providing the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM) with logistical assistance for the funeral arrangements on Saturday in Juba.

Asked what kind of assistance the United Nations might provide to the investigation into the crash, the Spokesman said that the UN mission has received requests for assistance for logistical support such as in transporting the body of Garang, his family and SPLM leaders plus food, tents, communications and medicine.

KOFI ANNAN IS TROUBLED BY COUP REPORTS IN MAURITANIA

The Secretary-General is deeply troubled by the reports of an attempt underway to overthrow the Government of President Ould Taya in Mauritania by force.

The Secretary-General

condemns any attempt to change the government of any country unconstitutionally and stresses that political disagreements should be settled peacefully, through the democratic process.

U.N. ATOMIC AGENCY ASKS IRAN TO DELAY NUCLEAR ACTIVITIES

The Spokeswoman for the

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Melissa Fleming,

said today that the Agency has made it clear that it needs until the middle of next week to get its surveillance equipment in place in the Iranian city of Isfahan before any seals could be cut and nuclear activities started.

The Agency, she said, calls on Iran again not to start any activities in Isfahan before the IAEA inspection system is in place.

U.N. AGENCIES HELPING IN NIGER CRISIS

The UN Childrens Fund, or UNICEF,

reports that its Deputy Executive Director, Rima Salah, is en route to Niger to assess the agencys efforts to help children suffering from the current food crisis.

Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) is

working to double the number of people receiving food aid, but warns that time is of the essence, since the rainy season will soon hamper access.

Although the international community has rallied over the past two weeks to support Niger, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners are updating and revising their appeal for the country, because of the severity of the ongoing crisis.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs expects to issue that appeal in the next few days.

Asked about the appeal for Niger, the Spokesman said the Secretary-General supported the effort to obtain more funds for Niger.

PEOPLE DISPLACED IN EASTERN CONGO ARE RETURNING HOME

More than 5,000 internally displaced people in the eastern

Democratic Republic of the Congo are returning home voluntarily, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports.

The returns are taking place as UN peacekeepers, as well as Government troops and national police, have made significant advances in providing 24-hour security in the town of Bunia and its surrounding area. OCHA is encouraging the displaced persons to return home to rebuild their lives in and around Bunia.

U.N. HAITI MISSION FOCUSES ON CHILDRENS NEEDS

The child protection unit of the

UN Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) has begun a series of

seminars for politicians aimed at focusing their attention on the needs children.

The seminars are timed to coincide with the current election campaign. They are designed to acquaint candidates with problems of children, including sexual abuse, exploitation and lack of education.

Participating are members of some 40 political parties, MINUSTAH specialists, and representatives of the

International Organization for Migration, the

UN Childrens Fund, and a local policy study institute.

LATIN AND CARIBBEAN ECONOMIES ARE GROWING

The UNs Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean is presenting its annual report today in Santiago, Chile.

The

report says that economies in the region grew by 4.3 percent this year.

It also says that indications are that the economies will expand again next year, for the fourth year in a row.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUCCESS REPORTED AGAINST LOCUSTS IN AFGHANISTAN: The UN Food and Agriculture Organization today

reports that an operation designed to control locusts in croplands there has been successful. All the main agricultural areas have been cleared, the FAO reports.

SECURITY COUNCIL: There are no meetings or consultations of the

Security Council scheduled for today

Office of the Spokesman for the Secretary-General

United Nations, S-378

New York, NY 10017

Tel. 212-963-7162 - press/media only

Fax. 212-963-7055

All other inquiries to be addressed to (212) 963-4475 or by e-mail to: inquiries@un.org

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