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U.N. AGENCIES ASSESS NEEDS AFTER FLOODS IN DPRK, AT GOVERNMENT'S REQUEST
Concerning the floods in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the World Food Programme (WFP) reports that UN agencies were invited by the government of that country to participate in a joint assessment mission -- in a preliminary request for assistance.
The mission - which includes WFP, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO)-visited today one of the four provinces affected by the floods. It is expected to continue its assessment on Wednesday, as well as the following day, in order to identify the needs of the populations affected by the floods.
RELIEF EFFORTS FOR FLOODS VICTIMS IN SOUTH ASIA AND SUDAN
Regarding the floods in South Asia, UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP) have so far distributed 90 tonnes of high protein biscuits in Bangladesh, and expect to deliver 24 more tonnes this week.
In Nepal, UNICEF has provided more than two thousand mosquito nets and has delivered radio broadcasts in the country's four regional languages on the necessity of water purification to prevent disease.
In India, where floods have affected some 24 million people, UNICEF is distributing rehydration packs, water jerry cans and water purification packs. The agency is also conducting a massive vaccination campaign against chicken pox.
Meanwhile, in Sudan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says at least 365,000 people have been affected, and preliminary estimates show that the number in need of food assistance may swiftly rise. WHO has prepositioned medical supplies in several locations and has prepared a plan to prevent further diarrhea outbreaks.
HYBRID FORCE'S COMPOSITION STILL BEING DISCUSSED
Asked about comments attributed to African Union Chairman Alpha Oumar Konaré, that a sufficient number of African troops had been pledged for the AU-UN hybrid operation in Darfur and non-African troops would not be needed, the Spokeswoman said that the Secretary-General is pleased that African countries are willing to provide the number of troops that are needed.
However, she added, beyond numbers of troops, other capabilities are needed, including transportation and communication, which could be provided by other States, not necessarily African ones.
Asked about help from Western countries, Montas said that help has been offered in areas like technology and transport, where some Western nations have a particular capability.
Asked whether some of the troops pledged for Darfur could instead be sent to support the African Union Mission in Somalia, Montas said that was a decision for individual troop contributing countries to make.
The composition of the hybrid force is still being worked out and discussed, she said. The objective is to put a force on the ground as soon as possible.
SECURITY COUNCIL DISCUSSES DARFUR, HAITI, CHAD, MIDDLE EAST WITH SECRETARY-GENERAL
The members of the Security Council held their monthly luncheon with the Secretary-General today.
The Secretary-General spoke to reporters at the second-floor Security Council stakeout position following the luncheon. He said that he had discussed Darfur, Chad, Haiti and the Middle East with Council members.
U.N. SPECIAL COORDINATOR CALLS ON LEBANESE PEOPLE TO OVERCOME THEIR DIFFERENCES
The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Geir Pedersen, today issued a statement that appeared in several Lebanese papers on the first anniversary of the end of last summer's war.
Pedersen writes that, since the end of the war, significant divisions have emerged on the Lebanese political scene, and the tensions they bring about hinder progress and threaten stability once more. If the Lebanese people wish to forge a prosperous and peaceful future for their country, he says, they must be able to overcome their differences and work together.
There are a number of initiatives to assist the various parties to come together in dialogue and reach mutually acceptable solutions, both on the presidency and the composition of the government. These efforts will continue, and will be supported to the utmost extent possible by the Secretary-General, Pedersen writes.
Asked about the UN's work on Shab'a Farms, the Spokeswoman said that the work has not been finished.
Asked about any deployment of UN troops along the Lebanon-Syria border, Montas said that would be a matter for the Security Council to decide.
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
U.N. CONTINUALLY ASSESSES SECURITY SITUATION IN IRAQ: Asked about the UN presence in Iraq, the Spokeswoman said that the United Nations has up to 65 international personnel in Iraq already, and is continually assessing the security situation to determine any further deployment. A new head of the UN Mission should be announced soon.
Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
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