Press Release

booklet ‘focus 2004:  treaties on the protection of civilians’ issued;

preparation for september headquarters ratification event

OFFICE OF PROSECUTOR OF INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT OPENS FIRST INVESTIGATION

(Reissued as received.)

Fifty-eighth General Assembly                              

 Fourth Committee                                          

Economic and Social Council

2004 Organizational Session

15^th Meeting (PM)

Economic and Social Council fills vacancies on subsidiary bodies

un announces initiative to align managerial practices with global compact;

aims to make un leading example of ‘responsible corporate ctizenship’

UNITED NATIONS LAUNCHES NEW WEEKLY RADIO PROGRAMME ON AFRICA

The United Nations Department of Public Information announces the launch tomorrow, 24 June 2004, of “UN and Africa”, a new weekly radio programme dedicated to Africa and issues relevant to the continent.  This new 15-minute English-language programme covers topical, relevant, current-affairs-related stories about what the United Nations is doing for, in, and about Africa.

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS ‘IN THE STRONGEST TERMS’ MURDER OF HOSTAGE IN IRAQ

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

The Secretary-General is appalled by the murder of Mr. Kim Sun-Il, who was taken hostage in Iraq on 17 June 2004. 

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms this heartless crime, which no political or other cause can justify. 

SECRETARY-GENERAL strongly appeals for immediate release of Hostages in iraq

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

The Secretary-General is very concerned about the recent trend of hostage-taking in Iraq.  In the latest incident, Mr. Kim Sun-Il, interpreter from the Republic of Korea for a trade company, was taken hostage on 17 June 2004.

UN ENGAGEMENT WITH CIVIL SOCIETY VITAL TO ‘TURN THE PROMISE OF PEACE AGREEMENTS

INTO REALITY OF PEACEFUL SOCIETIES’, SECRETARY GENERAL TELLS SECURITY COUNCIL

Following is the text of remarks, as delivered by Secretary-General Kofi Annan, at today’s Security Council debate on “The Role of Civil Society in Post-Conflict Peace-Building”:

Security Council