Annan proposes measure to spur UN action to help poorest countries

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has recommended the establishment of an Office of the High Representative to deal with the world's poorest nations, as well as landlocked developing countries and small island States.

The proposal came in a report by Mr. Annan to the General Assembly on a mechanism to follow up the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) over the coming decade.

The New York-based High Representative, who would be appointed at the level of Under-Secretary-General, would assist the Secretary-General in following up the action plan.

The goal of that Programme is to arrest the further deterioration in the socio-economic situation of the least developed countries, and to reactivate and accelerate their growth and development.