Mr. President,
Mr. Secretary-General,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 

 Global crises, global action - that is the motto chosen for this United Nations Special Session and, indeed, the issue we are dealing with could hardly have been put more aptly: HIV/AIDS is a global problem that can only be controlled if we respond jointly to this challenge.

 In the battle against HIV/AIDS, in international policy, the world is embarking on a new quality of partnership in these very days. This only became possible, when it was generally realized that HIV/AIDS is not only a public health problem, but one which spans development, economic and even security policy. Today, HIV/AIDS ranks very high on the international agenda. This is why it is necessary to hold this Special General Assembly which I perceive as the result and culmination of the discussions which have been held so far in international policy. I thank Kofi Annan for this very important initiative.

Germany also welcomes the plans for the creation of a Global Fund for HIV/AIDS and Health. The setting up of such an instrument to provide swift, targeted and efficient resources for necessary and meaningful measures in the countries and regions that are most affected, and most at risk, will meet a very real need. I sincerely hope that the ongoing negotiations on the setting up of a single fund will succeed soon and adequately addresses the existing problems. At this point, I can state that Germany of course will support this fund. It must be noted, however, that, while such a fund can certainly contribute to solving the problems, it is certainly not the solution.

 In addition to all international willingness to help, responsibility also lies with the governments of the countries affected and at risk. They must commit themselves to the fight against HIV/AIDS and assume the leadership role in their countries. This implies -however difficult in individual cases - bringing the problems to the public and calling them by name. This includes for example to break the taboo of homosexuality. It also includes the rights of women and girls as fundamental human rights, including the right to sexual self-determination. In this context, quite frankly, I have to say, I am shocked that HIV-infected men have sexual intercourse with very young girls [virgins] in the believe that they can cure the disease by doing so. Naming and exposing this is a precondition for HIV/AIDS to be effectively controlled. Prevention is only possible through comprehensive open public information, education and targeted strategies that lead to behavioural changes. And prevention remains - in the absence of effective vaccines - the best strategy against HIV/AIDS.

 The basic prerequisite for efficient prevention is solidarity with those affected as a humanitarian imperative. Due to the experience of my country in controlling AIDS, I can affirm one thing: Even in Germany, the early eighties saw fierce social and political debates over the right approach.

However, at the end of these debates, we had devised a generally accepted national concept for AIDS control that - with the involvement of the NGOs - was based on solidarity.

 Such a concept is certain to provide a sound general basis. However, the specific problems vary from one country to another and no-one can, or even wants to, tell the other what to do. What we will gladly do, though, is to offer and share our experiences.

 Leadership also implies linking up with all of those involved, for instance: the NGOs, the communities, experienced partners such as UNAIDS and the co-sponsors within the UN framework.

 UNAIDS has transferred best practices from one part of the world to the actors in other parts of the globe and thus has created awareness of the problem itself.

 It is not least thanks to UNAIDS that many countries have got national AIDS control plans, either about to be or already being implemented. Thus UNAIDS merits thanks and recognition. Germany will continue to give full support to UNAIDS' leading role of co-ordinator and catalyst in the fight against AIDS in the future as well.

 One final thought which is important to me: This Special General Assembly is the result and the climax of the political discussions on HIV/AIDS that have taken place so far. We are now at another crucial turning point. The global crisis has been recognised. We know what should be done. Now the time has come to take global action. Let us take on this task together. Let us pursue the common goal of ultimately eradicating HIV and AIDS from the globe.

Thank you.