United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan arrived in South
Africa Monday morning for a three-day visit that will include talks
with President Thabo Mbekion the global body's reform.
Annan, who was on his first official visit to South Africa since
assuming leadership of the UN in 1997, is to meet Mbeki at the
president's Tuynhuys office in Cape Town on Tuesday, the Department
of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
"The official visit is... taking place within the context of
ongoing consultations with member states regarding the proposed
package of comprehensive reform of the UN including the UN Security
Council as well as international financial institutions," the
statement said.
"In this regard, President Mbeki will meet with the UN
Secretary-General within the context of South Africa's conviction
that the multilateral system of global governance remains our only
hope in resolving current challenges facing the international
community," it added.
Annan is scheduled to address the National Assembly on Tuesday,
reflecting on his tenure thus far and on challenges facing the
multi-lateral system.
He was expected to pay a courtesy call to former president
Nelson Mandela, visit the Hector Petersen memorial in Soweto, hold
discussions with civil society representatives, and interact with
local UN staff.
"South Africa is indeed honored to host and to be associated
with this eminent and great son of Africa who has played a critical
role in shaping global affairs in ongoing efforts to create peace,
stability, sustainable development while pushing back the frontiers
of poverty and underdevelopment," said the statement.
Annan is to depart South Africa for Madagascar on Wednesday.
(Xinhua News Agency March 14, 2006)
