UN will work with region on issues of concern, Annan tells Caribbean leaders

In a message to Caribbean Heads of State gathered in Jamaica to discuss crucial issues affecting the region, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today said the United Nations would continue to work in partnership with them on a range of challenges including international trade and HIV/AIDS.

"A particular concern is the slow progress of international trade negotiations in areas of special interest to developing countries, such as eliminating the unfair competition faced by farmers and producers in poor countries, opening developed-country markets to developing-country goods," Mr. Annan said in the message to the 24th regular meeting of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM). The message was delivered by Anwarul Chowdhury, the UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.

The Secretary-General also stated that giving poor people better access to affordable life-saving medicines is a major challenge, with the Caribbean experiencing a dramatic increase in adult prevalence rates of HIV/AIDS.

"The United Nations system has a strong presence in the region, helping people in their daily lives, assisting governments in improving administration and governance, and working closely with the CARICOM secretariat itself," Mr. Annan said.

Mr. Annan also noted that the Caribbean region would gain a high profile in the United Nations with the election of Saint Lucia's Minister of External Affairs as President of the upcoming 58th session of the General Assembly.