SECRETARY-GENERAL TO DISPATCH ASSESSMENT MISSION TO CENTRAL AFRICA

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

In accordance with the Security Council’s request, contained in its presidential statement of 31 October 2002, the Secretary-General has decided to dispatch a Multidisciplinary Assessment Mission to the Central Africa subregion.  The Mission will start on 9 June 2003, for approximately two weeks.  It is entrusted with determining the measures to be taken for the implementation of a “comprehensive, integrated, resolute and concerted approach to the issues of peace, security and development” in the subregion.

The Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Tuliameni Kalomoh, will lead the mission, which will comprise representatives of various departments and agencies of the United Nations system.  They will visit the 11 countries belonging to the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

Since the role of the United Nations is to support the efforts of regional States and institutions, the Mission will be carried out in partnership with ECCAS.  Two ECCAS senior officials will accompany the Mission.

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