Annan says Iraq needs Swiss help
The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, says the UN will call for Swiss assistance in the reconstruction of Iraq.
His comments came after talks with members of the Swiss government, during his first official visit to Bern since Switzerland joined the UN last year.
The Secretary-General held talks with Swiss President Pascal Couchepin, during which Iraq, the Middle East, and the crisis in Liberia all came up for discussion.
Couchepin reaffirmed Switzerland’s support for the UN’s role in the reconstruction of Iraq. He said rebuilding civil and political institutions were key to handing power back to the Iraqi people as quickly as possible.
“The Swiss are ready to help in that process,” Couchepin said.
Financial support
Annan thanked Switzerland for its support, in particular for its backing for the UN special representative to Iraq, Sergio Viera de Mello.
“[De Mello] will be starting [various] projects and he will need help in areas of human rights and perhaps in helping to train the police,” Annan said.
“I’m sure one of the nations he will turn to for money for these projects will be our great supporter and friendly nation, Switzerland.”
Switzerland has experience of providing practical support for some civil reconstruction projects: Swiss experts trained police officers in Bosnia.
He added that there would probably be a donor conference for Iraq in October at which funding for various projects would be allocated.
Liberian worries
Annan also highlighted the conflict in Liberia during his visit.
UN aid agencies are currently struggling to stave off a humanitarian crisis in the capital, Monrovia, where hundreds of thousands of civilians have taken shelter.
The Secretary-General over the weekend called for an international peacekeeping force to be sent to the country immediately, but the UN Security Council on Monday delayed taking a decision.
“I would have preferred urgent reaction, but apparently they are talking among themselves,” Annan said in Bern.
“I think the situation is urgent and tragic and I would urge a prompt and quick decision.”
Olé Prize
But Annan was given a respite from weighty global issues, when Bernese children handed him the Olé prize for “child friendly” policies.
Annan received the prize – an ornamental plate – in person from members of Bern’s children’s parliament.
He told them they were the guardians of a future world, and urged them to continue their activities.
swissinfo with agencies
The UN Secretary-General says Switzerland’s help will be needed for the rebuilding of Iraq.
On his first official visit to Bern since Switzerland joined the UN last September, Annan also praised Switzerland’s support for UN efforts in Iraq’s reconstruction.
The situation in the Middle East and the humanitarian crisis in Liberia also came up for discussion during Annan’s talks with the Swiss president, Pascal Couchepin.
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