1 February 2001

The President had his monthly luncheon meeting with the President of the Security Council for the Month of February, H.E Mr. Ben Mustapha, Permanent Representative of Tunisia. They discussed the programmes of the Security Council and the General Assembly, in particular the open debate on peace building that is a concern of both organs.

The President met with H.E. Mr. Gems Mugume from the Department of International Co-operation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda and with Minister Councellor Mr. Fred Beyendeza. They briefed the President on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the prospects for the peace process in the country.

Later the President met with the Chairman of the PrepCom of the Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDCs), H.E. Mr. Jacques Scavee. They discussed issues related to the upcoming conference, which is to be held 14-20 May in Brussels, as well as issues related to the PrepCom, which is to be held 5-9 February in New York. The President will address the PrepCom on 5th February.

The President also met with the members of the Finnish Delegation to the PrepCom for the General Assembly Special Session on Children. The discussion centered on the issues related to the ongoing PrepCom.