HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SPOKESMAN'S NOON BRIEFING

BY STEPHANE DUJARRIC
ASSOCIATE SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
 OF THE UNITED NATIONS

UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

Friday, December 17, 2004

…

 ANNAN DISCUSSES PALESTINIAN ELECTIONS WITH U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR

  • Before heading off to Brussels, the Secretary-General met in Washington with U.S. National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice.
     
  • They had a very positive and substantive meeting, on a whole range of issues, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Haiti, Liberia and the Middle East Peace Process – and notably the upcoming Palestinian presidential elections.
     
  • Asked whether Rice expressed confidence in the Secretary-General, the Spokesman said the discussions with Rice did not focus at all on the Secretary-General’s job, but on issues on which the United Nations and United States are working closely.
     
  • The purpose of the Secretary-General’s visit, he said, was to present the High-Level Panel’s report to an influential panel and to hold substantive working meetings with U.S. officials, including Powell and Rice. The objective of the visit, he added, was accomplished.

…

 

U.N. ENVOY TO ASSUME NEW RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING LEBANON

  • Today, outgoing UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Terje Roed-Larsen will leave the region tomorrow to assume new responsibilities as the Secretary’s Special Envoy for the implementation of Security Council .  He will be based in New York and also serving as the President of the International Peace Academy.
     
  • Asked about Larsen’s new responsibilities, the Spokesman clarified that it would deal with Lebanon. The Secretary-General would call on Larsen to assist in writing the reports on follow-up to resolution 1559.

…

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: Electoral issues, Palestine question, Situation in Lebanon
Publication Date: 17/12/2004