Secretary-general URGES LATIN AMERICANS TO ORGANIZE THEMSELVES,

EXPAND THEIR RIGHTS TO STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY

The following is the text of Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s video message to the official presentation of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Report on Democratic Development in Latin America in Lima, Peru, today, 21 April 2004:

secretary-general Names Independent Panel to Probe ‘Oil-for-Food’ Allegations

NEW YORK, 21 April–- United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan today announced the formation of the independent panel that will conduct an inquiry into allegations of impropriety in the administration and management of the Iraq “oil-for-food” programme.

PRESS STATEMENT ON KUWAIT AND THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS

BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Following is the press statement on the Secretary-General’s fifteenth report on Kuwaiti and third country nationals, delivered today by Security Council President Gunter Pleuger (Germany):

Security Council                                           

security council adopts resolution welcoming appointment

 

of inquiry into iraq ‘oil-for-food’ programme

Concerned by allegations regarding the administration and management of the United Nations “oil-for-food” programme, the Security Council this afternoon welcomed the Secretary-General’s appointment of an independent high-level inquiry to investigate the matter.

palestinian relief agency resumes distribution of emergency food in Gaza strip

(Reissued as received.)

Gaza, 21 April (UNRWA) -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) today recommenced the distribution of emergency food aid to some 600,000 refugees in the Gaza Strip.

COMMISSION ADOPTS CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENTS ON AFGHANISTAN,

HAITI, NEPAL, TIMOR-LESTE AND COLOMBIA

Decides to Appoint Independent Experts

On Burundi, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Terrorism

(Reissued as received.)

COMMISSION ADOPTS RESOLUTIONS ON MYANMAR, DEATH PENALTY,

 

OTHER ISSUES ON PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

Mandates of Three Special Rapporteurs Extended

(Reissued as received.)

ACTING HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CONDEMNS

TERRORIST BOMBINGS TODAY IN IRAQ, SAUDI ARABIA

(Reissued as received.)

GENEVA, 21 April (OHCHR) –- The following statement was issued today by the acting United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Bertrand Ramcharan: