Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs describes the condition of Iraqi people as deplorable. Norway and the Netherlands become first Member States to contribute to the newly-created UN Trust Fund for Preventive Action against Conflict. General Assembly invites Secretary-General to conclude an agreement with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The World Food Programme appeals for emergency food aid to former Soviet Republic of Tajikistan.
Government officials meet in Geneva to negotiate an agreement on hazardous chemicals.
United Nations seminar on assistance to Palestinian people assesses opportunities for promoting broad-based growth. A new favourable international climate can lead to the beginning of progress on the question of East Timor, says Nobel Peace Prize winner. The Secretary-General briefed the Council on the developments in the country and expressed the view that the United Nations should concentrate its efforts on those areas which threatened stability, the Spokesman said. Special Representative, Ambassador Mohammed Sahnoun, to pursue reconciliation in the region and to help coordinate reconstruction plans. Mr. Akashi told the UN press corps on Friday that the Iraqi authorities expressed serious concern about delays in the arrival and distribution of humanitarian goods.