Economic and Social Council

50^th Meeting (AM)

ECOSOC ESTABLISHES COMPOSITION OF ADVISORY GROUP AIMED

AT PEACE-BUILDING, RECONSTRUCTION IN BURUNDI

The Economic and Social Council this morning established the composition of its Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Burundi, which was created on 21 July to help the country through its transition from conflict to peace and aid its reconstruction.

PLAN TO BRING LANDLOCKED COUNTRIES ‘CLOSER’ TO SEA TO BE WORKED

OUT AT ALMATY CONFERENCE, 28–29 AUGUST

(Received from a UN Information Officer.)

YOUNG ENVIRONMENTALISTS WILL GATHER IN DUBNA, RUSSIAN FEDERATION

FOR UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE, 25 - 27 AUGUST

(Reissued as received.)

NAIROBI/DUBNA, 21 August (UNEP) -- Young environmentalists from more than 60 countries are meeting in the Russian Federation to discuss environmental topics vital to sustainable development in the twenty-first century.

2002 A RECORD YEAR FOR LIBERALIZING FDI LAWS AND REGULATIONS

(Reissued as received.)

GENEVA, 21 August (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) -- In an effort to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), countries are increasingly improving their investment climates, judging by the record number of changes introduced into national laws and bilateral instruments signed last year.

SECRETARY-GENERAL DEEPLY CONCERNED BY SHARP ESCALATION

OF MIDDLE EAST VIOLENCE

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

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned at the sharp escalation in violence in the Middle East.  While recognizing the right of Israel to live in security, Israel does not have the right to resort to extrajudicial measures, as it used today in the Gaza Strip.

IN REMARKS TO STAFF AFTER BAGHDAD BOMBING, SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS

SERVICE WITH UN ‘IS NOT SIMPLY A JOB –- IT IS A CALLING’

Following is the text of remarks by Secretary-General Kofi Annan to United Nations staff members today:

Dear friends,

Today our hearts are heavy with loss.

Our senses reel from the sights and sounds of one of the darkest days in the history of the United Nations.

Security Council

4812^th Meeting (AM)

COALITION PARTNERS BRIEF SECURITY COUNCIL ON SITUATION IN IRAQ, CALLING

FOR STEPPED UP INTERNATIONAL INVOLVEMENT, ENHANCED SECURITY

Council Members Voice Support for Stronger

UN Role, Timetable for Return of Iraqi Sovereignty

HEAD OF UN GENEVA OFFICE EXPRESSES SORROW, OUTRAGE AT LOSS

OF COLLEAGUES IN ATTACK ON UN BAGHDAD HEADQUARTERS

Pays Tribute to Sergio Vieira de Mello for his Dedication to Cause of Peace

(Reissued as received.)

INTERNATIONAL FRESHWATER FORUM TO BE HELD IN DUSHANBE,

TAJIKISTAN 29 AUGUST – 1 SEPTEMBER

HOW CAN WE THANK LOST COLLEAGUES?  VOW EACH DAY TO COMPLETE WORK

THEY BEGAN, SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL IN VIDEO MESSAGE

Following is the text of Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s video message following the bomb attack on the United Nations Mission in Iraq, delivered

20 August: