Annan to attend Tokyo meeting on Afghanistan's reconstruction

Secretary-General Kofi Annan will head to Tokyo this weekend to attend next week's International Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan, a United Nations spokesman announced today.

Spokesman Fred Eckhard told reporters in New York that in addition to participating in the Conference, scheduled for 21 and 22 January, Mr. Annan would hold several high-level meetings during his official visit, which will run through 23 January. These include an audience with Emperor Akihito and discussions with the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and members of Parliament as well as business leaders.

The Conference is being co-chaired by Japan, the United States, the European Union and Saudi Arabia.