ACTIVITIES OF SECRETARY-GENERAL IN WASHINGTON, D.C., 6 JANUARY

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon attended a luncheon hosted by President George W. Bush in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, 6 January.

President Bush and the Secretary-General discussed a number of pressing subjects, including the situation in Gaza, and regional issues such as Darfur, Myanmar and the Korean peninsula.  They also exchanged views on global issues such as climate change, the financial crisis, global health and United Nations reform.

The Secretary-General reiterated to the President that the United States is a critical partner for the United Nations.  He thanked President Bush for the cooperation he extended to the United Nations over the past two years and Mr. Ban said he looks forward to working closely with the incoming United States President and Administration.

The Secretary-General also met that day with First Vice-President of the Sudan and President of the Government of Southern Sudan, Salva Kiir.  They discussed the implementation of existing agreements:  the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Abyei road map.  They exchanged views on the possible impact of indictments by the International Criminal Court on peace and stability in the Sudan.  On Darfur, the Secretary-General affirmed “we must make progress as a matter of urgency, especially if the people of Darfur are to participate and be represented in the national elections in 2009.”

The Secretary-General returned to New York that afternoon.