15 November 2004

• The post of UNCTAD Chief awaits a decision by the Secretary General. Candidates are being interviewed. Some say the front runner is the Vice Chancellor of the New Dehli University. Others think it may be an African. There seems to be no serious consideration for the growingly important region of Euroasia. A candidate is expected to be named by end November.

• Proposals for Security ($97 million) will be reviewed thoroughly by the Administrative and Budgetary bodies. While key big powers are supportive, many questions are expected from most countries wary of the type of "security" personnel whom they may have to host; also some feel $30 million would do it.

• The anniversary of the universal Declaration of Human Rights will be celebrated on 10 December.