SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES UNITED STATES DECISION TO ENGAGE IN DURBAN REVIEW TALKS

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the United States decision to send a delegation to engage in the preliminary negotiations to finalize the draft outcome document of the Durban Review Conference, scheduled for 20-24 April 2009 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Secretary-General urges all Member States to engage constructively on all the outstanding issues of the outcome document to ensure a successful outcome of the Conference.

The Secretary-General condemns racism in all its forms and manifestations.  Combating and eliminating discrimination and inequality require active engagement by all.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record