AFRICAN UNION’S COMMITMENT TO HUMAN RIGHTS, EFFORTS FOR CONFLICT PREVENTION

DESERVE FULLEST SUPPORT, SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL

Following is the text of remarks as delivered by Secretary-General Kofi Annan at the ceremony marking the fortieth anniversary of “Africa Day” in New York today:

PRESS STATEMENT ON BURUNDI BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Following is today’s press statement on Burundi by Security CouncilPresident Munir Akram (Pakistan):

Members of the Security Council:

-- Welcome the positive developments which have taken place in Burundi and further encourage the political actors and armed groups in Burundi to opt for dialogue and to eschew violence;

UNEP HELPS SPEARHEAD GREAT APE RESCUE MISSION

‘Kano Two’ Gorillas Going Home Following

Historic Deal between Cameroon and Nigeria

LAGOS/NAIROBI, 23 May (UNEP) -- A pair of western lowland gorillas, among the rarest and most endangered species in the world, will today jet out of Nigeria to a new life after being rescued from the clutches of the illegal pet trade.

SECRETARY-GENERAL ‘DEEPLY SADDENED’ BY HEAVY LOSS OF LIFE

FOLLOWING ALGERIAN EARTHQUAKE, OFFERS UN ASSISTANCE

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

SECRETARY-GENERAL APPOINTS WILLIAM LACY SWING AS NEW SPECIAL

REPRESENTATIVE FOR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

In a letter dated 16 May 2003, addressed to the President of the Security Council, the Secretary-General informed Council members of his intention to appoint William Lacy Swing of the United States to succeed Amos Namanga Ngongi as his Special Representative for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). 

LASTING PEACE AND SECURITY IN CENTRAL AFRICA STILL SLOW

IN ARRIVING, SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS

(Delayed for translation of text, originally delivered in French.)

SECRETARY-GENERAL ‘PROFOUNDLY SADDENED’ AT DEATHS OF MILITARY OBSERVERS;

CALLS ON ALL CONGOLESE PARTIES TO RENOUNCE VIOLENCE

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

PRESS STATEMENT ON DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Following is today’s press statement on the Democratic Republic of the Congo by Security Council President Munir Akram (Pakistan):

The Security Council received a letter from the Secretary-General calling for the deployment of a possible emergency international force.

Some Member States have been approached by the Secretary-General to participate in this force.

SECRETARY-GENERAL ASKS SECURITY COUNCIL TO PREVENT FURTHER DETERIORATION

OF DIRE SITUATION IN BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

The following statement by Secretary-General Kofi Annan was issued on

10 May:

PRESS STATEMENT ON DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Following is today’s statement to the press on the Democratic Republic of the Congo by Security Council President Munir Akram (Pakistan):

The Security Council was briefed by Under-Secretary-General Jean-Marie Guehenno on the deteriorating situation in Bunia in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.