15 February 2005

• Special measures of reform are expected to be announced by the Secretary General by mid-March to indicate his determination to "move forward again."

• The appointment of a new chief for U.N. Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is expected soon. It has been under review since last September. The deck has been shifted again with the change of Chef de Cabinet. The outgoing one had his own short list. The new one, a development leader, will certainly have his own short list. The most decisive list however is that which is tucked in the head of the Secretary General.

• A new agenda for the forthcoming Economic and Social Council is under preparation. The outgoing President, Finnish Ambassador Rasi is now succeeded by Pakistan's prominent diplomat Munir Akram.