WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION'S ANNUAL MEETING STARTS IN GENEVA

( Editorial: --> 3032 ) GENEVA, May 11 (Hina) - The 51st annual general meeting of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Assembly commenced on Monday in Geneva. At this year's five-day meeting, about 1,000 delegates from 194 member countries are expected to confirm the election of former Norwegian Premier Gro Haarlem Bruntland as general director of this international organisation. One of the main topics of the meeting will be the introduction of new criteria for the division of WHO's resources. Because of the newly-emerged states in Europe, the resources cannot be allocated according to the criteria of 40 years ago, said leader of the Croatian delegation, Deputy Health Minister Zeljko Reiner. The WHO Assembly is also expected to adopt a declaration on health in the world and hold elections for new members of the Executive Committee. It will also release a report on the world's health situation in 1998. This year's meeting officially marks the 50th anniversary of WHO's foundation. Many state leaders are expected to attend the main celebration on Thursday. (hina) mrb/rm 111539 MET may 98