18737: Esser: UN Briefing on Haiti (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: D. Esser torx@joimail.com

United Nations
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING

BY FRED ECKHARD
SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS [excerpt]
UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

Tuesday, February 17, 2004

ANNAN "EXTREMELY CONCERNED" BY SITUATION IN HAITI

* The Secretary-General was asked by a reporter, upon entering the
building today, about the situation in Haiti, and said that the
United Nations was extremely concerned.

* He said that the United Nations has been in touch with the
Caribbean Community and the Organization of American States in
reassessing its own participation and how it should become more
actively engaged. He added, "I may have some announcements in the
next few days."

* The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs remains
concerned about the humanitarian situation and the insecurity which
is affecting the transport of food aid.

* In the meantime, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, is
stepping up its contingency planning and urging Haiti's neighbours to
receive refugees in the event of an exodus.

* Asked if the Secretary-General had any reaction to the suggestion
by French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin that a UN
peacekeeping force be sent to Haiti, the Spokesman the Secretariat
had no reaction. The Spokesman encouraged the journalists to seek the
views of members of the Security Council.

* Asked for the status of the UN's recent humanitarian mission to
Haiti, the Spokesman later answered that the mission to Haiti has
been on the ground for eight days and will remain there until the end
of this week. On Friday, the Spokesman said, the UN Resident
Coordinator launched an appeal to set up a humanitarian corridor from
Port-au-Prince, through Gonaives and to the northern regions of the
country.

* Asked for more details on the Secretary-General's anticipated
announcement, the Spokesman said that the Secretary-General had
decided sometime ago to increase the UN's humanitarian involvement in
the country but he was also looking for ways to be "plugged-in" to
the political situation on the island.

* Asked if the Secretary-General was about to appoint a Special
Representative, the Spokesman said he did not want to anticipate any
decision by the Secretary-General.

* Asked who was the current advisor to the Secretary-General on
Haiti, the Spokesman said that the Secretary-General currently relied
on the Department of Political Affairs, under the leadership of Under
Secretary-General, Kieren Prendergast.

.