Mr. President,
Distinguished Delegates,

First of all, I wish to congratulate you on your election as President of the 26th Special Session of the General Assembly devoted to the review of the problem of HIV/AIDS in all its aspects. Slovakia associated itself with the statement presented by the representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union. Nevertheless, it is my pleasure and honor to make a statement on the national level.

Please, allow me to express my gratitude and high appreciation for the excellent work of the Preparatory Committee on the final document - Declaration of Commitments on HIV/AIDS. I would like to assure you, Mr. President that Slovakia will continue to provide its support to the successful conclusion of this important Special Session.

Mr. President,

Slovakia, like several other Central European Countries, has been experiencing a complex economic transition, a part of which is the transformation processes of the health sector.

In April this year, the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic, in cooperation with the civil society institutions organized the National Program on HIV/AIDS Advocacy Meeting. Our aim was to strengthen the commitment and to intensify the coordination and cooperation at all levels of the society in combating the pandemic desease.

In avoiding dramatic trends in the future, the Slovak National AIDS Program has been recognised as the most significant element in this partnership. Besides the reinforcement of the existing multisectoral cooperation, another area of responsibility is to develop complex preventive measures and antiretroviral treatment and care. Furthermore, it is imperative to mobilise adequate human and material resources.

The creation of a sub-regional partnership of the National AIDS Programs is crucial for prevention of the HIV/AIDS spread. Strengthening of international technical cooperation of the UNAIDS and also of the European Union Accelerated Action Program will provide a significant assistance to my government.

Mr. President,

We concurred greatly the clear principal statements made by the United Nations Secretary General, especially the need for a strong and committed leadership at every level of the multilateral fight against the HIV/AIDS and the need of resources. We welcome its initiative to create the "Global AIDS and Health Fund", emphasizing that all efforts should be done in order to become operational by the end of the year 2001.

We believe that this United Nations Assembly Session is the great opportunity, which has never been before, to unify the increased efforts, resources and political will of the international community. Our unity will combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic and hopefully reveres its course.

Mr. President, Distinguished Delegates, thank you for your attention.