United Nations

SG/SM/9199
                                                                                                                        16 March 2004

José Antonio Ocampo to Serve as UN Focal Point for Bolivia

NEW YORK, 15 March (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

Following his November 2003 visit to Bolivia and further to a request from the Bolivian Government for assistance, the Secretary-General has asked José Antonio Ocampo, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, to serve as the focal point for the United Nations system in its efforts to mobilize international assistance for Bolivia.

To fulfil that task, Mr. Ocampo will travel to Bolivia to review the situation and report back to the Secretary-General.  He will hold discussions with the Government and key national actors, as well as international organizations and institutions.  Mr. Ocampo is expected to conduct his first mission on 16-18 March.

* *** *