United Nations

 The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

In view of recent developments in Fiji, the Secretary-General has decided to designate Sergio Vieira de Mello, currently the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for East Timor, as his Special Envoy and has asked him to proceed to visit Fiji as soon as possible.  Mr. Vieira de Mello will assess the situation in Fiji and express to the Government and leaders of political parties in Fiji the Secretary-General’s concerns about the resort to unconstitutional and violent actions intended to bring about a change of Government.  The Secretary-General urges the release of the hostages and the restoration of democratic rule in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of the Fiji Islands.

Mr. Vieira de Mello will report the Secretary-General on the outcome of his mission.