ACTIVITIES OF SECRETARY-GENERAL IN QATAR, 3 - 4 SEPTEMBER

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan flew from Tehran, Iran, to Doha, Qatar, on Sunday afternoon, 3 September.

He held talks there with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabr Al-Thani.  They discussed implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), and Qatar’s contribution of troops to an enhanced UNIFIL, as well as other pressing issues facing the region.  They agreed that the resolution offered a unique window of opportunity to move forward not just on Lebanon, but on all the peace tracks as well.

The Emir then hosted a dinner in honour of the Secretary-General and his delegation.  The Secretary-General was accompanied by his senior advisers -- Terje Roed-Larsen, Special Representative for implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004); Vijay Nambiar, Special Political Adviser; and Michael Williams, Senior Adviser.

The Secretary-General held talks in Doha on Monday morning with the First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabr Al-Thani.  Their discussions focused on Lebanon and the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701.

In a press conferencefollowing the talks, the Foreign Minister announced that Qatar was sending 200-300 troops to Lebanon to participate in the enhanced international peacekeeping force in south Lebanon.

The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation to Qatar for its contribution and its consistent support for the United Nations.

The Secretary-General then flew to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.