Friday, 23 January 2004
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Purpose of UN is for Collective Action to Prevent and Remove Threats to Peace: Annan in Davos

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today that the role of the United Nations, the efficacy of its Charter and the system of collective security are now under serious strain. Addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, he said that states have the right to defend themselves and each other if attacked. He added, however, that the first purpose of the UN is for collective measures to prevent and remove threats to peace:

"We must show that the United Nations is capable of fulfilling that purpose not just for the most privileged members of the organization who are currently and understandably preoccupied with terrorism and weapons of mass destruction."

The Secretary-General said the United Nations must also protect millions of people from the familiar threats of poverty, hunger, and deadly disease. He said people should understand that a threat to some is a threat to all and needs to be addressed accordingly.

Secretary-General Calls for Strengthening of Peacekeepers in Liberia

The UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Tuliameni Kalomoh today presented the Secretary-General's report on the Security Council mission to West Africa. The report covers the situation in Guinea Bissau, Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia and Sierra Leone. On Guinea Bissau it says the political process for the preparations of elections is back on track after the military committee handed over power to a civilian transitional government. On Liberia, it says the implementation of the peace process would also contribute to consolidating peace in neighbouring Sierra Leone and the entire West African region. The report was introduced to the Security Council by Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Tuliameni Kalomoh:

"As members are aware, UNAMIL, that is the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia, is yet to attain its full troop strength. And the report calls upon those member states that have promised troops to redeem their pledges as soon as possible."

Mr. Kalomoh said the UN is confident that in the next month or two UNAMIL will have acquired a substantial troop strength in the country to begin the process of demobilization, disarmament an reintegration of former combatants.

UNHCR Verifies Reports of Exodus of Sudanese to Chad

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR says it is monitoring the border region between Sudan and Chad amidst reports that thousands of Sudanese refugees have crossed into Chad. The agency says the refugees are reported to have arrived in the past week following heavy fighting in the Darfur region. UNHCR spokesman, Kris Janowski says local authorities have reported that more than 2,000 people arrived in the surroundings of Waddi Sandi which is 23 kilometres from the border:

"We are trying to confirm them first in the sort of northern section of the border affected by this exodus. We will also sent a team down to the southern section of the border. That, however, will take a few days since it's a very, very remote area, very far away, in fact, from where our presence is at the moment.

UNHCR said the refugees interviewed said the exodus was sparked by the burning of houses and dynamiting of wells by Sudanese troops in ten villages.

UN Security Assessment Team Arrives in Baghdad

A two man UN security liaison team consisting of a military adviser and a security coordinator arrived in Baghdad today. A UN spokesman says the team's primary purpose would be to liaise with the Coalition Provisional Authority and the coalition forces. The spokesman said this is very important in achieving enhanced safety and security for the national UN staff as well as that of its premises in Iraq. The UN says the opening of a direct line of communication with the coalition on security measures is necessary for planning for the safety and security of UN personnel, activities and assets in Iraq and for an eventual return of its international staff to Iraq.

UN Population Fund Welcomes U.S. Decision To Contribute $34 Million

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has welcomed the decision of the United States lawmakers to appropriate $34 million for the Fund.