UN chief and Kenyan premier discuss reform, humanitarian situation in Horn of Africa

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga have exchanged views on the situation in the Horn of Africa, including the problem of marime piracy off the coast of Somalia, and the food crisis there.

Meeting on Saturday on the margins of the ongoing annual general debate of the General Assembly, Mr. Ban and Mr. Odinga also discussed the implementation of Kenya's new constitution and preparations for next year's general elections.

The Secretary-General reiterated the United Nations readiness to continue supporting Kenyan authorities in the implementation of constitutional reform, and preparations for the elections.

Separately, the Secretary-General also met with the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Igor Luk?ić, witht their discussions focusing on a range of issues, including developments in Western Balkans and progress in the implementation of the “UN Delivering as One” initiative in Montenegro.

Their tête-à-tête also touched on the effects of the global financial crisis on middle-income countries, as well as climate change and sustainable development in the light of preparations for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in Brazil next year.