Military

DATE=10/10/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-N-ANNAN T-V (L-O)

NUMBER=2-281622

BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-N Secretary-General Kofi Annan will discuss the issue of terrorism directly with the people of the United States in a nationally televised appearance. Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United Nations.

TEXT: The event, is being described as a "national town hall meeting" on terrorism. Retired U-S journalist Walter Cronkite will briefly interview Mr. Annan and then the Secretary-General will take questions from people in 10 U-S cities where the "town meetings" will be held.

The broadcast will take place Thursday, exactly one month after the terrorist attacks on the United States.

Mr. Annan's spokesman, Fred Eckhard says the televised appearance by the U-N chief will be followed by panel discussions in the 10 participating cities.

/// ECKHARD ACT ///

Each panel will include business and civic leaders, elected officials, youth, community leaders and clergy. A senior representative from the U-N will also be in each city so that the U-N will be present in flesh and blood and not only on the T-V screen.

/// END ACT ///

U-N officials say the televised "town meetings" will provide an opportunity to improve the image of the United Nations in the United States and demonstrate that the world organization can make a real contribution in the fight against international terrorism.

In recent years, public opinion polls have indicated a degree of skepticism about the United Nations by U-S residents.

The televised "town hall" meetings are being sponsored by the Better World Campaign, a U-S-based organization that fosters awareness of the role the United Nations plays in international affairs. (Signed)

NEB/UN/BA/RAE