SECRETARY-GENERAL DIRECTS ‘THOROUGH INVESTIGATION’ OF ALLEGATIONS

OF ABUSE OF CHILDREN IN WEST AFRICAN REFUGEE CAMPS

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

The Secretary-General is clearly shocked and disturbed at the news of the possible extensive abuse of children in refugee camps in West Africa.

Biographical Note

SECRETARY-GENERAL APPOINTS BRIGITA SCHMŐGNEROVÁ AS NEW EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

OF ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE

The Secretary-General announced today the appointment of Brigita Schmögnerová as the new Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Europe, at the Under-Secretary-General level.

WORLD’S WATER PROBLEMS CAN BE ‘CATALYST FOR COOPERATION’

SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL IN MESSAGE ON WORLD WATER DAY

Following is the message of Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the World Day for Water, observed 22 March:

The theme of this year’s observance of World Day for Water -– “Water for Development” –- reflects the fundamental place of water in sustaining life and conserving the environment.

SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS ON ANGOLAN PARTIES TO USE 'NEW AND CHANGED

CIRCUMSTANCES' TO ADVANCE CAUSE OF PEACE

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

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT MUST MARK BREAK WITH BUSINESS AS USUAL,

SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL IN LECTURE AT LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS

Following is the text of Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s 25 February lecture to the London School of Economics and Political Science entitled “From Doha to Johannesburg by Way of Monterrey:  How to Achieve, and Sustain, Development in the Twenty-first Century”:

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT IN SRI LANKA

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the ceasefire agreement signed last Friday between the Government of Sri Lanka and the “Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam” (LTTE).  He congratulates the parties and the Norwegian Facilitation for this important step.

SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS ZIMBABWE ELECTIONS CRITICAL TEST FOR DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA

The following statement was issued on Thursday, 21 February, by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

SECRETARY-GENERAL DEEPLY CONCERNED AT REPORTS CONCERNING

MADAGASCAR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

The following statement was issued on 21 February by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General has been following very closely the situation in Madagascar since the first round of presidential elections of 16 December 2001, the results of which called for a second round.

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS KIDNAPPING OF COLOMBIAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

The following statement was issued on 24 February by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General condemns the kidnapping by the FARC of presidential candidate, Ingrid Betancourt, as a clear violation of international humanitarian law.  Such violent actions undermine the forthcoming elections and intimidate the civilian population.

WINSTON A. TUBMAN APPOINTED HEAD OF SOMALIA POLITICAL OFFICE

Secretary-General Kofi Annan has designated Winston A. Tubman as Head of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS).  Mr. Tubman will assume his duties next month in Nairobi, Kenya, where the Office is currently located.