UNITED NATIONS, Sept 13: Almost 100 heads of state and foreign ministers are expected to attend the 61st special session of the United Nations general Assembly next week.

The session will deliberate on a wide spectrum of issues ranging from the rising tensions in the Middle East, Iraq and Afghanistan to plans for UN reform and global development.

During the session, the 191-member assembly will also elect Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s successor. Mr Annan’s second five-year term expires at the end of this year.

“In a way, it will be a watershed session on several major issues — terrorism, the Middle East and the leadership of the UN,” said Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Munir Akram on Tuesday.

President Pervez Musharraf, who will arrive in New York on Saturday, will be one of the most watched and scrutinised heads of state this year.

On Sept 19, the president will attend a luncheon hosted by Secretary-General Kofi Annan for visiting world leaders.

Pakistan has played an important role in the UN reform process.

On Sept 20, the president will co-host a dinner with the Italian prime minister for the representatives of like minded states that have forged a joint approach on UN Security Council reforms.