HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SPOKESMAN'S NOON BRIEFING
BY STEPHANE DUJARRIC
ASSOCIATE SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK
Thursday, January 20, 2005
*PLEASE NOTE: There will be no Noon Briefing on Friday as UN Headquarters will be closed
to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid Al-Adha, or the “Feast of the Sacrifice.”
…
UNRWA CHIEF BEING REPLACED AFTER NINE YEARS IN POST
- Asked whether Peter Hansen was being replaced as Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) because of U.S. and Israeli pressure, the Spokesman said that was not the case.
- He noted that, by the end of March, Hansen will have completed three full terms and an additional month as head of UNRWA. Hansen, he said, has done a very good job leading the dedicated UNRWA staff in providing vital assistance, under very difficult circumstances, to the Palestinian refugee communities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and in the region.
- The Spokesman added that the Secretary-General feels that after nine years, it is time for a change and someone else will take the leadership of UNRWA.
- Asked whether U.S. Congressman Tom Lantos, during a recent UN visit, had asked for Hansen to leave, the Spokesman said he was unaware of that.
…
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: Highlights of the Noon Briefing
Document Sources: Secretary-General, United Nations News Service
Subject: Palestine question, Refugees and displaced persons
Publication Date: 20/01/2005
Document Sources: Secretary-General, United Nations News Service
Subject: Palestine question, Refugees and displaced persons
Publication Date: 20/01/2005