SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES AGREEMENT TO START INTER-CONGOLESE DIALOGUE

Following is the text of a statement issued today attributable to the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ASKS YOUNG PEOPLE TO PLEDGE TO PROMOTE

EQUALITY,JUSTICE AND DIGNITY, AT CONCLUSION OF DURBAN YOUTH SUMMIT

Following is the text of the keynote address given in Durban today by the Secretary-General of the Racism Conference and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, to the Youth Summit entitled "United to Combat Racism: a Youth Vision":

Background Release

WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM TO OPEN IN DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA ON 31 AUGUST

DURBAN, 27 August -- The World Conference against Racism will take place in Durban, South Africa from 31 August to 7 September, with progress having been made on some of the key issues before it, including questions related to slavery, identification of the victims of racism and the Middle East.

HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS EXPRESSES CONFIDENCE

ON OUTCOME OF WORLD RACISM CONFERENCE

JOHANNESBURG, 27 August -- The Secretary-General of the World Conference against Racism, High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, expressed confidence today that the Durban meeting will reach a breakthrough in dealing with past wrongs in order to build a better future.

PRESS STATEMENT BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON BURUNDI

Following is the text of today's statement on Burundi by the President of the Security Council, Alfonso Valdivieso (Colombia).

Members of the Security Council reiterated support for the decisions adopted on 23 July by the Fifteenth Summit of the Regional Initiative on Burundi and for the efforts of the Arusha Facilitator, Nelson Mandela, and of Deputy President Zuma.

SECRETARY-GENERAL’S SPECIAL ENVOY TO VISIT MYANMAR

TO FACILITATE TALKS, 27-30 AUGUST

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

Mr. Razali Ismail, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Myanmar, will visit Yangon from 27 to 30 August 2001 to help facilitate the talks between the Government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for democratization and national reconciliation in Myanmar.

HOST COUNTRY AGREEMENT FOR MANAGUA MEETING ON MINE-BAN CONVENTION SIGNED

Background

PROSPECTS OF CONFERENCE ON DISARMAMENT MOVING AHEAD

IN 2001 ARE NOT ENCOURAGING, PRESIDENT SAYS

(Reissued as received)

Secretary-General Kofi Annan arrived in Oslo late in the afternoon on Sunday, 19 August, to begin a two-day official visit in Norway, where he and his wife, Nane, had just spent a few days holidays.