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 Stéphane Dujarric, Associate Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

Good afternoon.

**Guest at Noon

Our guest today will be Ambassador John Ashe, who chairs the 13^th session of the Committee on Sustainable Development.  And he will be joining us shortly to brief on the outcome of the session which ends today. [The briefing by Ambassador Ashe was postponed.]

**Secretary-General - Indonesia

Updating the Secretary-General’s ongoing visit to Indonesia.

This morning, he addressed the opening of the Asian-African Summit, appealing to each of the leaders gathered there to come to New York in September, and he asked them to instruct their representatives in New York to work energetically in the coming months to agree on language and decisions that will pave the way for a historic reform and renewal of the United Nations.

And we have copies of his speech upstairs.

On the sidelines of the Summit, the Secretary-General held 10 back-to-back bilateral meetings.

He met with the King of Nepal, the Presidents of Algeria, Nigeria, Indonesia, followed by the Prime Ministers of the Republic of Korea and Thailand, the President of the Philippines, the Prime Minister of Japan, and the Presidents of Viet Nam and Pakistan.

**Sudan

Turning to Sudan, the acting UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Wendy Chamberlin, is in N’Djamena, Chad, today, on the final stop of her five-day mission to Sudan and Chad.

In the Chadian town of Iriba yesterday, she met with refugees from Darfur and listened to their concerns about the difficulties they face when seeking water, food, firewood and education for their children.

There are some 200,000 refugees from Darfur in 11 camps in eastern Chad.  And a 12^th camp is scheduled to open soon, according to UNHCR.

**UNHCR - Colombia

Also from UNHCR, the refugee agency and other UN agencies are today visiting an area in Colombia around the village of Toribío, in the south-western province of Cauca, in order to evaluate the humanitarian needs of the displaced indigenous population in the area.

In the past week, fighting between the Colombian Army and guerrillas displaced around 3,500 indigenous Nasa people in that area, and it is believed that if fighting continues, that number could quickly reach as many as 5,000.  And we have more information on that upstairs, as well.

**Human Rights Commission

Today was the last day of the sixty-first session of the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva.

In a closing statement, Louise Arbour, High Commissioner for Human Rights, said she had found the forum to be a source of both encouragement and concern.

Pointing to several resolutions that had "helped advance our understanding of human rights", she added that the Commission’s ability to address human rights issues at the national level was demonstrably deficient.  And we have her speech available upstairs.

**SG Report – Western Sahara

On Western Sahara, the Secretary-General’s latest report on the situation in Western Sahara is out on the racks.

In it, he says that the increase in high-level contacts is an encouraging development.

However, he adds, the overall improved political climate hasn’t ended the stalemate between the parties, on the core issue of how the people of the territory can exercise their right of self-determination.

He also recommends a six-month extension of the mandate of the UN mission in that country.

**Djibouti

Turning to Djibouti, the Government of Djibouti has requested international assistance for nearly 30,000 people affected by drought.  In response, the UN Country Team is preparing an inter-agency flash appeal.  And we have more information on that upstairs.

**Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific

Just two more notes.  On Monday, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific will launch its 2005 survey on the region.  And this will take place in Bangkok.

This year’s survey predicts that Asia and the Pacific will continue to have the fastest-growing regional economy in the world.

At the same time, however, the report will note that the region’s economic prospects have been undermined by high oil prices, tsunami, bird flu, and HIV/AIDS.  The survey also highlights social issues such as the dynamics of an ageing population.  And we have embargoed copies of that upstairs.

**Disaster Relief Conference

On Monday, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, together with Business Round Tables, which is an association of CEOs of leading US companies, will host a conference at UN Headquarters from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., to advance the idea of public and private partnerships in response to global disasters.

The UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator, Jan Egeland, and former US President Bill Clinton will speak on the issue.

We have more information upstairs.

**Correction

Lastly, a quick correction for an item I read yesterday on Nepal.

We told you yesterday that the mission that went to Nepal -- to plan for an expanded UN human rights presence in that country -- had been headed by Walter Kälin, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, as well as Dennis McNamara, who is the Director of the UN’s Internal Displacement Division.  In fact, that mission was undertaken by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The mission headed by Mr. Kälin and Mr. McNamara looked only at the human rights of internally displaced persons, as well as broader issues related to internal displacement in Nepal.

And Mr. McNamara will be here to tell you more about the mission at his press conference, which will be right after the noon briefing.

And I think that’s it from me.  Any questions?

Yes, Sylviana?

**Questions and Answers

Question:  On Lebanon; two commissions are due to arrive in Beirut, Lebanon.  One on Sunday, the other one on Monday.  The first one is now called the Electoral Process.  Is it true?

Associate Spokesman:  Give me all your questions, then I’ll answer them.

Question:  The first commission for the implementation of resolution 1559 is due to arrive on Sunday.  Is it true?  Can you confirm it?

Associate Spokesman:  We’ve got a lot of travel to Lebanon with different people.  So, let me try to set the record straight.  There is, as I mentioned, a verification team which will verify the full and complete Syrian withdrawal of their armed forces, intelligence assets and military hardware.

That team is being put together by the Peacekeeping Department and it will be a technical team led by military experts.  They will travel in the coming days.  I don’t have a hard date for you on that as yet.  The other team and commission that we had announced, which is the one that will look into the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, although the head of the commission that will lead this investigation has not yet been named, we will be sending over the next few days a small advance team to prepare the ground for the commission when it can actually start its work.  This small team will look at basically administrative, logistics and communications issues.  And it’s about six working-level staffers and they will be working closely with Lebanese authorities to prepare the ground for the commission, which will look into Hariri’s murder.

Yes, go ahead

Question:  Another question.  Can you confirm that the report, Annan’s report on the implementation of the resolution, will be out on 26?

Associate Spokesman:  Yes.  That’s what we’ve been told, no later than the 26.  It will be given to members of the Security Council no later than the 26.

Question:  What is the SG’s reaction on the decision of the Head of LebaneseGeneralSecurity, Mr. Jamil Sayed, and the Head of the Lebanese Police Forces, who agreed, both of them, to be at the disposal of the Prime Minister?

Associate Spokesman:  No comment on that at this time.  Yes?

Question:  You mentioned the two teams being sent to Lebanon in the next few days.  Will the UN also be sending a team of electoral experts?

Associate Spokesman:  I just checked with the Electoral Division.  They had not yet received a request from the Lebanese authorities to send such a team.

Question:  So, as of now no one has been sent?

Associate Spokesman:  No.  Yes?

Question:  Is there any development with regard to the selection of the Administrator of UNDP?

Associate Spokesman:  No, we’re not yet ready to announce the new head of UNDP at this point.  Massoud?

Question:  Stéphane, do you have any answers to the questions that I asked about Mr. Strong yesterday?

Associate Spokesman:  Yes, we’re putting together a chart for you on his various jobs within the UN system since the late ’40s and we should have that early this afternoon.

Question:  Can you also check on the fact that Mr. Strong was working for UNDP also at...(interrupted)?

Associate Spokesman:  The grid should be pretty comprehensive and it should cover all his work in the UN system.

Question:  Okay.  So it will also cover the fact...(Inaudible) under one year?  Was he paying taxes on it or not?

Associate Spokesman:  You and I will go take a look at the chart, and hopefully it will answer all your questions.  Yes, Mark?

Question:  I am just wondering on Sudan, the mission went to discuss what should be done about Darfur.  Is a report due out in the next couple days? ...(Inaudible)...and (Interrupted)?

Associate Spokesman:  I’ll check.  Yes, Bill?

Question:  The verification team that’s going over on 1559, presumably they’re going to be over and back in time to give their input to the Secretary-General’s report that is due out on Tuesday, right?

Associate Spokesman:  No.  What I said yesterday was the Secretary-General’s report that will be out on the 26 May include the official announcements from both the Lebanese and the Syrians that they have withdrawn.  The verification by the UN that that withdrawal has actually taken place will come when this verification team has come back and reported to us on their findings.

Question:  So, their findings are not expected to be part of the 1559 report?

Associate Spokesman:  No.  No.  This latest report will not be included in the 26.  And they will go and report back as soon as they feel they have enough to report back on.

Yes?

Question:  (Inaudible question)?

Associate Spokesman:  They will work as long as it takes them.

Question:  Can you tell us where the process of choosing the chairman for the international team leading the investigation to Hariri’s killing is at?  How many candidates are there?

Associate Spokesman:  It’s still going on.  They have not yet found the person they wanted.

Question:  There were suggestions that one person was found then he dropped out or something.  Can you confirm that?

Associate Spokesman:  No, I can’t.  Yes, Mark?

Question:  Steph ...(Inaudible) Volcker people might be talking to Mr. Strong?

Associate Spokesman:  No.  I think you should ask that to Mr. Volcker.

Question:  Are there any plans for Mr. Strong to come here to talk to us?

Associate Spokesman:  There may be something on that front.  I don’t think it will take place here, in this room.  But you may want to try to contact him.  We can talk after the briefing.

Question:  Has the Secretary-General spoken to Mr. Strong?

Associate Spokesman:  Not that I am aware, but I can double-check on the phone calls.

Question:  Just one question.  Can UN officials work on the board of various corporations while they are still employed with the United Nations?

Associate Spokesman:  It depends what their employment contracts are; whether they are full-time, part-time...  But I can go back and check the exact staff rules for you.

Yes, Bill?

Question:  The team that’s going over, the advance team relating to the Hariri assassination, what is the make up of that?  What departments do they come from?

Associate Spokesman:  It’s basically DPA -- Political Affairs -- some peacekeeping people, administrative staff.  Basically, the idea is for them to prepare the groundwork in terms of, really, logistical issues, communications, so when the commission is named and actually is fully formed, they can just fly in and begin work with a lot of the logistical issues already having been resolved.

Yes, Mark?

Question:  Just with regard to North Korea, -- well Korea and the UN’s work there.  One, Mr. Strong’s stepped aside.  I mean, you know, maybe he (Inaudible).  Is the UN looking for somebody else to fill his role?  What sort of impact does him stepping aside have on the UN’s work in North Korea?  Is it basically they shut down certain avenues of talks.  I am just trying to get a sense of...(Interrupted)?

Associate Spokesman:  No.  I addressed this yesterday...(Interrupted).

Question:  I’m sorry I wasn’t here.

Associate Spokesman:  No, it’s okay.  He has not shut down the work.  He was being backed by a team from the Political Affairs Department.  They’re maintaining the file, keeping up the contacts, and they will be ready to travel if needed.  So, this will cover us for the time being.

Question:  (Inaudible question)?

Associate Spokesman:  At this point, I am not aware of that, no.

Yes, Bill?

Question:  He will be the lead person in that file?

Associate Spokesman:  It’s working-level staffers in the Political Affairs Department.  I mean, I could try and get you the name of who the lead person is, if you like.

Yes, Mark?

Question:  Stéphane, on the 1559 report, you said “no later than the 26”, I mean that opens up fears of something coming out (Inaudible)?

Associate Spokesman:  I know, I know.

Question:  Tuesday?

Associate Spokesman:  Yes.  Not over the weekend.  I would hope not, for your sake and mine.

Question:  And not the 27 either?

Associate Spokesman:  No.  I was told no later than the 26.  Yes, Steve.

Question:  Maurice Strong, even if everything is cleared with the Volcker Commission over the next few months, is he ever coming back as a career representative or not?  Or is he completely finished?  Is this step-aside temporary or...?

Associate Spokesman:  I addressed this yesterday.  He said he was stepping aside while the matter was...(Interrupted).

Question:  (Inaudible interruption)?

Associate Spokesman:  He means he’s stepping aside while the matter is being cleared.  I am not going to go any further than that.

Question:  So step aside while the matter is being cleared?  So once he’s cleared, that means he’s coming back?

Associate Spokesman:  That means at this point, he’s stepped aside until this matter is cleared.  I can’t predict what will or will not happen in the future.

Question:  But the Secretary-General now knows that he had these business dealings with TongsunPark, who has also had problems in the 70s and so forth.  The Secretary-General now knows that, which may have reinfluenced him in taking him on in the first place.

Associate Spokesman:  I really have nothing further to add than what I have said.

Thank you very much.

Sorry, Ambassador John Ashe is tied up in negotiations and we will announce when he will be able to come down to speak to you.

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