15 January 2005

• More announcements are expected in senior posts between January and March as the Secretary General will have time to focus on his new strategic management. That, at least, is general expectation.

• The first Volcker report is anticipated before end January dealing with Food-for-Oil enquiry. A first attempt at lowering expectations appeared in an interview granted by the former Federal Reserve Board chairman where he expressed an impression that "there was no smoking gun."

• A global report on Human Development will be produced by the U.N. Development Group. Brussels will be one of the main launching points.