New York

17 February 2009

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on US delegation to negotiations on the draft outcome document of the Durban Review Conference

The Secretary-General welcomes the United States' decision to send a delegation to engage in the preliminary negotiations to finalize the draft outcome document of the Durban Review Conference, scheduled for 20-24 April 2009 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Secretary-General urges all Member States to engage constructively on all the outstanding issues of the outcome document to ensure a successful outcome of the Conference.

The Secretary-General condemns racism in all its forms and manifestations. Combating and eliminating discrimination and inequality require active engagement by all.