DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

Following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s noon briefing by Fred Eckhard, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

Good afternoon.

**Guest at Noon

We’re going to have a guest at the noon briefing today.  It will be Major General Lalit Mohan Tewari.  And he is here to give his wrap-up briefing following the end of his tour of duty as Force Commander of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.

**Iraq

The Secretary-General this morning briefed the Group of Friends of Iraq on the work done by his fact-finding mission to that country, headed by Special Adviser Lakhdar Brahimi.  He told them that we now have a better insight into and understanding of the needs, concerns and expectations of the Iraqi people.

He particularly drew attention to the consensus that has emerged that direct national elections are the best way to establish a fully representative and legitimate parliament and government.  At the same time, there is wide agreement that elections cannot be successfully achieved unless carefully prepared under optimal technical, security and political conditions.

The Secretary-General emphasized that it is crucial that we do not give the impression that Iraq’s fate could be decided over the heads of its people, stressing the need to engage the Iraqi people further as they chart their own destiny.

The meeting with the Group of Friends ended about half an hour ago, and the Secretary-General told reporters afterward that the meeting was important because the 46 delegations in the Group were able to hear of the mission’s progress.

And he said he shared with the Group the emerging view that elections could not be held by the end of June, but that the June 30 date for the handover of sovereignty must be respected.  The Secretary-General added that we need to find a mechanism to create a caretaker government and then help prepare for elections some time later.

**Statement Attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on India-Pakistan

We have the following statement attributable to the Spokesman concerning India and Pakistan:

“The Secretary-General is greatly encouraged by the steady progress being made in the bilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan.  He is heartened by the agreement reached at the latest round of talks in Islamabad at the level of foreign secretaries on a schedule of meetings for the coming several months and the commitment reiterated to discuss and arrive at a peaceful settlement of all bilateral issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, to the satisfaction of both sides and the people concerned.

“The Secretary-General considers these very positive developments as evidence of the determination of the two countries to settle all outstanding issues and to open a new era of cooperation and peaceful coexistence.  Once again, he encourages both sides to remain steady in this course and to approach the more difficult stages of the talks in a spirit of compromise and visionary statesmanship.”

**SG to Japan

The Secretary-General will be leaving for Japan tomorrow on a five-day official visit.  His visit to Japan will be his first since January 2002 and his sixth visit to Japan as Secretary-General.  The purpose of his visit is to closely exchange views on the issues the international community faces now, such as Iraq and the reform of the United Nations.

During his stay in Japan, the Secretary-General is scheduled to meet the Emperor, then the Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi, and Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi.  The Secretary-General will give an address to the Diet for the first time.  And he will also meet with Japanese business leaders, and give a news conference.

**Cyprus

Cyprus talks resumed earlier today when Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash met this morning in the presence of the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto.

The head of the UN mission in Cyprus, Zbigniew Wlosowicz, also attended the meetings which took place at the Nicosia Conference centre in the UN Protected Area.

The first session began at 10 a.m., local time, and lasted just over two and half hours.  Speaking to reporters afterwards, de Soto described the meeting as “very constructive”, adding that there had been “ample good will and a businesslike spirit” shown by the two sides.

He said that both leaders had agreed that they and their delegations schedule meetings with the UN good offices team every morning at 9:30 a.m. This would leave afternoons free “for internal consultations”.

Meanwhile, the technical committees of experts dealing with law and treaties also began their work today.  We expect to have a full transcript of de Soto’s comments available shortly.

**Haiti Update

The Security Council issued a press statement yesterday expressing its deep concern over the increasing violence and political crisis in Haiti.  Council members condemned the acts of violence and also called upon the Government of President Aristide and the opposition to overcome their differences peacefully and democratically through constitutional means.

Haiti will also be discussed at the General Assembly.  In light of the continuing deterioration of the situation in Haiti and deep humanitarian concern for its people, the President of the General Assembly has requested that Member States be briefed on the United Nations’ monitoring of the situation and other action being taken regionally and internationally.  The briefing by the Secretariat is expected to take place tomorrow, Friday at 10 a.m.

In an update from Haiti, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that today a 10-member UN inter-agency assessment mission is travelling by air to the north-western town of Port-de-Paix and the north-eastern town of Cap Haïtien, to assess the humanitarian situation.  With unrest spreading in the north and central parts of the country, access to some areas has largely been blocked.  However, it is reported that representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the non-governmental organization CARE have managed to reach the city of Gonaives with emergency supplies.  And a press release with further details is available.

**Security Council

The monthly Security Council luncheon with the Secretary-General is scheduled for today.  There are, however, no meetings or consultations of the Council scheduled.

**Somalia

On Somalia, the Secretary-General says that the agreement reached on amending the transitional charter at the Somali leaders’ meeting in Nairobi marks a breakthrough, and he hopes that Somali leaders will continue to build on the progress made towards establishing an inclusive government in Somalia.

In his latest report to the Security Council on Somalia, which is out on the racks today, the Secretary-General underscores that progress in the political area must be accompanied by serious efforts to realize tangible improvements in the security situation on the ground.

He voiced concern over insecurity and violence in many parts of the country, and tensions over control of the Sool and Sanaag regions, and warned that Somali leaders and militias should be aware that they will be held accountable for continued human rights violations.

**Hague Hearing

The International Court of Justice announced today that the proceedings on the “Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the OccupiedPalestinianTerritory” will be broadcast live on the internet.  More information is available in a press release upstairs.

**Afghanistan

The new head of the UN Mission in Afghanistan welcomed the landmark reached yesterday, when a female KabulUniversity student became the one millionth Afghan to register to vote.

In his first press conference since taking his new post, Jean Arnault noted the excitement among Afghans over the election year and said, “We believe that this momentum towards the elections is going to pick up further pace”.

**Afghanistan/UNODC

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime has released its report on the intentions of Afghan farmers for 2003/2004 and the outlook isn’t bright.  The report shows that opium poppy cultivation could expand further in 2004 -- two farmers out of every three interviewed said they plan to increase significantly their opium poppy cultivation this year.

Last year Afghanistan produced its highest amount of opium since 1999... estimated at 3,600 metric tons.  The harvest accounted for more than three quarters of the world’s illicit opium production.  The survey on farmers’ intentions was carried out in October 2003, shortly before the start of the 2004 opium season.  We have more in a press release in my office.

**Environment

On the environment, seven communities from throughout the tropics received international recognition today as winners of the United Nations Equator Prize, which honours their extraordinary work to reduce human poverty while conserving biological wealth.

The winning communities, from Brazil, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Namibia and Tanzania were each awarded $30,000, at a Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ceremony, on the closing day of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

In his message to the event, the Secretary-General said that the stories behind the Equator Prize showed the extraordinary passion, dedication and courage that grass-roots organizations bring to issues of water, energy, health, agriculture and biodiversity.

**Africa/Trade

Turning to trade issues and Africa, the UN Conference on Trade and Development is releasing a report on 26 February which finds that the majority of African countries are boxed into a trading structure, which leaves them dependent on the production of commodities.

The report, “Economic Development in Africa:  Trade Performance and Commodity Dependence”, says that this position means the African countries are subject to lower prices for their exports, as well as volatile foreign exchange earnings.  In turn, these can hamper efforts to diversify into more productive activities and add to debt burdens.  The report calls for a response to ease the problem of commodity dependence.  Proposals include more balanced trading arrangements and strengthened domestic institutions.  We have details upstairs.

**Côte d’Ivoire

From Côte d’Ivoire, failure to increase international support to Côte d’Ivoire could result in the destabilization of neighbouring countries.  This was the conclusion of a recent report from Côte d’Ivoire issued by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Abidjan.

An appeal requiring $60 million in 2004 to meet the humanitarian needs and support the return of displaced persons has received only 1.5 per cent so far.  You can read more about this in a press release.

**Guest at Noon Tomorrow

And finally, Abdula, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Côte d’Ivoire, will be joining us at the noon briefing tomorrow to give you an update on the humanitarian situation in that country.

I will take your questions and then we will ask Major General Tewari to come up to the table.  Yes?

Questions and Answers

Question:  Fred, I am wondering, can we have the opportunity to talk to Mr. Annan and Lakhdar Brahimi after their luncheon?  Is anything set up for that?

Spokesman:  There is a stakeout set up on the fourth floor.  I am not saying they will stop at the microphone.  But the microphones will be there for anyone attending that lunch that wants to talk to you to do so.

Question:  And second question:  Does the SG have any plans to travel to the region?  India and Pakistan, maybe later this year or...?

Spokesman:  We don’t announce trips that much in advance.  So, there is nothing I can tell you about his future travel plans right now.  Yes, Akram?

Question:  Lakhdar Brahimi, didn’t he hint that the election is possible in Iraq?

Spokesman:  Look at the statement that the Secretary-General gave coming out of the meeting.  The position is one that I already quoted in at the beginning of this briefing, as well.  Debbie?

Question:  Fred, Mr. Brahimi alluded to the fact that the SG would be sending out a first set of recommendations.  When might that occur?

Spokesman:  Mr. Brahimi’s report is still being finalized.  So, although he and the Secretary-General discussed the elements of it this morning before the meeting of the Group of Friends, the report itself is probably going to take another day or two to be finalized in both its parts, Mr. Brahimi’s part and the electoral part of Ms. Perelli.  And he said it’s not going to be one off.  So, I think that first report is going to address the issue of elections and then I think it will be submitted to the Iraqi Governing Council and the CPA, as well as to the Security Council.  And then I think the Iraqis will have food for thought, if they will have to think through the next steps given the conclusions that the Secretary-General summarized after the meeting today on elections.  I think it’s safe to say that Mr. Brahimi’s intention is to remain engaged on this issue.

Question:  I am sorry.  Just to follow up.  You say not one off and then you say the first report will address the issue of elections.  So, therefore, there is a second report to come?

Spokesman:  We’ll have to see what follows next.  So, as I said, the Iraqis will think through the implications of Mr. Brahimi’s and the Secretary-General’s recommendations on the elections.  And should they then want help thinking through the mechanism for establishing a provisional or, as the Secretary-General said, a caretaker government, as I said, Mr. Brahimi remains engaged.

Question:  Is there the possibility or the likelihood or even discussion now of his return to Iraq to gather more facts as he called this a fact-finding mission, I think?  Is there the possibility now already that you envision him going back as part staying engaged?

Spokesman:  I think you’re pushing it too fast.  Food for thought.  Iraqis consider what next steps are needed, they decide whether they want his help and if that request is forthcoming, then we’ll see whether he will be returning or not.  Joe?

Question:  Fred, the idea of an international conference outside of the region, that’s in Europe and floating around.  Is that still a possibility or is that being discounted?

Spokesman:  I don’t know.  I did not hear that mentioned this morning.  That doesn’t mean it’s on the table.  But I don’t know whose table it’s on.  Serge?

Question:  Fred, I did not quite understand on this situation in Haiti.  You mentioned something about the President –- which appears to be a precedent here –- that he needs to be briefed or something like that?

Spokesman:  I reported on OCHA’s mission that they are sending out now.  I did refer to the President here and then in a separate item I reported on the press statement issued by the Security Council yesterday.  I will just repeat what I said:  “...condemn the acts of violence and also called upon the Government of President Aristide and the opposition to overcome their differences peacefully and democratically through constitutional means”.  That’s wording from the press statement.  Yes, sir?

Question:  Can we think that from now on the United Nations will announce the three different reports about an election?  Brahimi’s report and Perelli’s report and the conclusion by the Secretary-General?

Spokesman:  No.  Those things are going to be brought together.  So, Mr. Brahimi’s report and Ms. Perelli’s report are going to be consolidated into one and then presented by the Secretary-General to the Governing Council, the CPA and the Security Council.

Question:  Maybe it will be in the next week or something?

Spokesman:  I hope so.  Yes?

Question:  Fred, the first set of the report, are you going to make it public?  Can we get our hands on that report?

Spokesman:  Let’s wait and see the way in which it is transmitted.  I suspect yes, but I am not aware that a decision has been made yet.  Joe?

Question:  Mr. Brahimi left the region without a consensus about how to go forward amongst the Iraqis.  Is it fair to say that the UN in this situation will have to impose a solution on the parties?

Spokesman:  Mr. Brahimi’s approach to this fact-finding mission was to talk to Iraqis and get a sense of their thinking.  It’s not surprising, given the hundreds of people that he met with and the wide spectrum of opinion that he consulted, that there wasn’t unanimity of view.  But he feels that the ideas have to come from the Iraqis.  So, I don’t think you will see him advocating, imposing a solution.  Yes?

Question:  You told us that the Secretary-General said that elections before June 30 are impossible; that you need to make some mechanism to create a caretaker government.  Did the Secretary-General present some of his ideas about how to make such a caretaker government?

Spokesman:  No.  I mean, there may be ideas internally in this house.  But, I think the essence of the report the Secretary-General already gave you, when he said elections are the way to go. The 30th of June is probably too soon to organize elections.  But the transfer of sovereignty should take place on the 30th of June anyway.  So, if the Iraqis accept that conclusion, then they have to say, okay what do we do from the 30th of June to when we can have elections?  And that’s what the Secretary-General and Mr. Brahimi hope the Iraqis will give thought to.  Will the UN be involved in that process?  We’re waiting to see, waiting to see if we’re asked in.  And as I said, Mr. Brahimi is engaged.  Ruth?

Question:  When you say the Iraqis must be involved in this, must decide, who are you talking about?

Spokesman:  The broadest amount of support from Iraqi society that you can get for whatever mechanism is agreed upon, the more security you’ll have in carrying out the process of setting up that mechanism and putting it in place.  So, you are looking for the broadest possible support from Iraqi society.  Yes, sir?

Question:  Your opinion on the United States indication that they wouldn’t attend the International Court of Justice hearing about the fence in Israel, as well as Israel.  They are not going to attend the hearing.  What are the Secretary-General’s thoughts on that?

Spokesman:  I don’t have his thoughts on that.  But I think I would prefer to refer you to the ICJ in the event they have anything to say about it.  And of course to the two Governments concerned that we’ve quoted.  But I would have no comment on their sovereign decision to get involved or not get involved in this case.  Joe?

Question:  Fred, can you explain a little bit about the thinking of the Secretary-General in keeping June 30 as the date?  Because it’s open to some criticism that he is agreeing with US domestic agenda.  If he wants elections, why is June 30 the date that was necessary?

Spokesman:  This is not his idea.  What I said was he talked to wide spectrum of Iraqis, he talked to the Coalition Provisional Authority.  In his view, there is a strong consensus in Iraq to go ahead with the transfer of sovereignty on the 30th of June.  It’s not his idea.

Question:  Did he glean that from what Brahimi brought from Iraq?

Spokesman:  Yes.

Question:  Fred, how is the transfer of sovereignty going to happen?  I mean, how?

Spokesman:  That’s what the Iraqis will have to decide with the CPA.  And should they want UN help then we’ll see whether Mr. Brahimi and the Secretary-General want to get back into the game.  But as I already said, Mr. Brahimi is ready to help.  He is remaining engaged.  He is waiting for the Iraqis now to think through the implications of this paper that they will be given in a few days on the election side of the issue.  And then if they want help on the follow-up, what mechanism, therefore, do we put in place, we’ll make a decision when that request comes.  Ruth?

Question:  With Iraq under foreign occupation, how easy is it to discern what the Iraqis want?

Spokesman:  Mr. Brahimi said that he had no difficulty apart from some constraints resulting from the security situation, in meeting with a broad spectrum of Iraqis.  Legally there is an occupation.  Legally the authority in the country now is the Coalition Provisional Authority.  He met with the Coalition Provisional Authority, as well, when he was in Iraq.  These are the two elements -- the occupiers and the Iraqis themselves -- that he is dealing with and that he did deal with in this fact-finding mission.  Yes?

Question:  Is there any update on security, because obviously there is still a team out there on behalf of the UN, if I am correct, assessing the security situation for any potential return?  So, what is the status of that team and any sense of what...?

Spokesman:  I have nothing on their ongoing work.  It involves an assessment of the threat and it involves practical things like, can the Canal Hotel be brought up to standards to meet the current threat, whatever it might be?  And if not, what other options might there be?’  So, those are the kinds of things this team is looking at.  Mohamed?

Question:  Regarding the active engagement by Lakhdar Brahimi, will he accept a Special Representative offer of Kofi Annan or not?

Spokesman:  He is 70 years old and I don’t think he has any desire to assume operational responsibilities that come with the job of Special Representative.  So, I think you can pretty safely rule out Lakhdar Brahimi as Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Iraq.  Akram?

Question:  Are we going to see the UN more involved in Iraq prior to 30 June?

Spokesman:  The Iraqis themselves and the Coalition Provisional Authority have asked for our assistance in this phase, the first phase leading up to 30 June.  What we have just finished doing, or will have finished when we issue this report, is part of that effort.  I have already indicated that we are happy to remain engaged.

Okay, General Tewari why don’t you come up and take this seat?

* *** *