HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SPOKESMAN'S NOON BRIEFING

BY FRED ECKHARD
SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
 OF THE UNITED NATIONS

UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

Wednesday, November 17, 2004

 ANNAN CONDEMNS BRUTAL EXECUTION OF MARGARET HASSAN

…

UNITED NATIONS HELPED FORM PALESTINIAN ELECTORAL COMMISSION

 

  • Asked about the Palestinian elections scheduled for next January, the Spokesman said that, as part of the process of reform of the Palestinian Authority, in a project funded by the donor community, since 2002 the United Nations served as lead technical advisor in the formation of a new Palestinian Electoral Commission. The UN’s assistance included training, drafting of plans of operations and registration projects.
     
  • Until earlier this year, the UN’s chief technical advisor had been Carlos Valenzuela, who is now in Iraq. His post has now been filled by an electoral official from the European Union.
     
  • This new commission, the Spokesman said, is now ready to go.
     
  • The United Nations is now awaiting a further request of assistance that may be needed to plan for elections in January.

…

  Office of the Spokesman for the Secretary-General
United Nations, S-378
New York, NY 10017
Tel. 212-963-7162 – press/media only
Fax. 212-963-7055

All other inquiries to be addressed to (212) 963-4475 or by e-mail to: inquiries@un.org


Document Type: Press briefing
Document Sources: Secretary-General
Subject: Palestine question, Statehood-related
Publication Date: 17/11/2004