SECRETARY-GENERAL BRIEFED ON FOREST FIRES IN INDONESIA BY UNEP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

6 March 1998

Press Release
SG/SM/6479

SECRETARY-GENERAL BRIEFED ON FOREST FIRES IN INDONESIA BY UNEP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

19980306 The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General was briefed today by the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Klaus Topfer, about the serious situation arising from the recent outbreak of forest fires in Indonesia. The Secretary-General took note, with appreciation, of Mr. Topfer's initiative to address the economic, health and environmental impact of the fires, and asked Mr. Topfer to coordinate the United Nations system's response. Mr. Topfer will monitor and coordinate the global assistance and expertise provided by the international community through the United Nations system.

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