UN General Assembly president puts forward plans for implementation of Summit outcome

Jan Eliasson, president of the UN General Assembly, on Friday put forward new plans for Summit follow-up, calling on member states to implement the 2005 World Summit outcome effectively.

In a letter to all member states, Eliasson said he set out new plans based on the views expressed at the World Summit and General Debate, and on those which have been communicated to him in recent days.

"The issue that remains of the utmost importance is development, " he noted. "The United Nations must play its part in ensuring that the international community has in place appropriate ways and means to achieve the timely and full realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)."

Eliasson also mentioned the establishment of the Peace Building Commission, saying the work should be focused on with urgency.

"The Outcome Document stipulates that the Commission should begin its work no later than 31 December 2005," he said. "For this to be possible, we should aim to conclude our negotiations by early November."

Eliasson planed to begin informal consultations of the plenary in the coming days with the objective of agreeing on the elements necessary for bringing the Peace Building Commission into operation.

On the issue of the Human Rights Council, he said the this is a recognition of the range and importance of the issues which need to be discussed.

"I have also been reminded that there are practical and budgetary reasons to strive for agreement before the end of the year," he noted.

He suggested a draft resolution to be brought before the General Assembly following more intense negotiations after a short period of consultations among member states.

Elaisson also vowed open and transparent intergovernmental discussions on issues of UN management reform, encouraging the General Assembly to take as many decisions as possible well in advance of March 31.

He said he is calling an informal meeting of the plenary on Tuesday in order to involve all member states in the finalization of the plans.

"However, timely and effective implementation of the 2005 World Summit outcome through our common efforts would be a major contribution to revitalizing the central body of the United Nations," he concluded.

Source: Xinhua