The recent consensus on global development adopted at a United Nations conference in Monterrey, Mexico, must be transformed into reality, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today told key finance ministers from across the world meeting with the UN Economic and Social Council in New York.

Expanding on the concept of a multinational force he had floated last week in response to the spiralling Middle East violence, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today told a private meeting of the Security Council that the latest tragic developments in the region gave additional urgency to the consideration of his idea and outlined the goals, nature and functions of such a force.

Reaffirming the duty of countries to protect their citizens, especially in the aftermath of last year’s terror attacks against the United States, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today warned that such protection must not come at the expense of human rights.

Talks between United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and senior Iraqi officials that were set to take place next week will be postponed at the request of Baghdad, a UN spokesman announced today.