United Nations Noon Briefing 13.5.08 Notes
From the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Michelle Montas

China
- SG expresses "deepest condolences" to those injured and hurt by China earthquake
- OCHA ready to "respond immediately" if China asks for UN help

Myanmar
- Humanitarian efforts continue in Myanmar
- UN calling for a 'relief corridor' to distribute aid
- Plastic sheets, blankets, and kitchen sets being distributed
- UNHCR in Yangon airport
- Another UNHCR and UNICEF airplane scheduled to arrive tomorrow
- WFP has distributed enough food for 74k people with first ration of high energy biscuits and rice
- WHO distributed supplies to many NGOs
- Malaria relief kits and diarrhea kits
- Working to get a "revolving stock of drugs"
- Government's response "still too slow" - Michelle

Zimbabwe
- Top UN official in Zimbabwe says UN country team receiving an increasing number of reports asking for help to those affected by violence
- incidents of violence in farming areas and rural areas
- UN country team has received evidence of violence
- many IDPs fled homes for fear of reprisals from ruling party
- Security Council will read a presidential statement on Sudan on ways to reform
- Need a "common framework" to deal with Sudan on security
- UN should engage in security sector reform
- UN is primary provider of security in Sudan
- SG monthly report on deployment on UNAMID out now in which SG expresses his disappointment in continued violence
- SG voiced "extreme concern" about violence specifically on Chad border

Lebanon
- Lebanon, yesterday afternoon SG met with Friends of Lebanon to discuss ongoing crisis - Friends of Lebanon welcomed the Arab League initiative
- Group remains "deeply concerned" about violence, which threatens the safely and security of the region