Annan predicts Security Council could adopt Iraq resolution shortly

The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, today said he expected the Security Council to adopt a new resolution insisting that Iraq comply with previous UN decisions, and voiced his hope that Baghdad would listen to the Council's demand.

"I expect that probably sometime this week or not long after there will be a resolution approved unanimously by the Council," the Secretary-General said upon his arrival in Tajikistan, where he is continuing his tour of Central Asia.

In the mid-afternoon, the Secretary-General met with President Emomali Rakhmonov and Foreign Minister Talbak Nazarov. Afterward, he told the press that he and the President had discussed the fight against terrorism, development, poverty alleviation, the need for strengthened institutions and good governance. Their talks also touched on Afghanistan, regional cooperation on water and energy management, and cross-border movements.

After travelling to the UN office in Tajikistan, where he told staff to "work as a team," the Secretary-General spoke to the Tajik Parliament, voicing his strong belief that the country could serve as an example to Afghanistan, and urging them to work to establish the rule of law. "Popular trust in the judiciary and the fairness of the authorities is the best safeguard against extremism and renewed violence," he said.

Before travelling to Tajikistan, the Secretary-General yesterday went to Bishkek to begin an official visit to Kyrgyzstan, where President Askar Akayev met him at the airport. Later, the Secretary-General met for more than an hour with the President, including one-on-one sessions before and after meeting with their delegations. Mr. Akayev also awarded the Secretary-General the Order of Manas, the highest honour the Government can give to exceptional individuals.

At a press encounter following the meeting, the Secretary-General said that their discussions centred on economic and social development, the fight against terrorism, drug-trafficking, good governance and the UN-Kyrgyz relationship, which he called "excellent."

The Secretary-General then met with leading members of Parliament, including the Speakers of the Upper and Lower Houses.

Before leaving Bishkek, the Secretary-General this morning inaugurated the new UN House that will provide a common workspace for all UN agencies working in the country.