2 November 2000

The General Assembly discussed its agenda item on culture of peace, including the International Year for the Culture of Peace (2000) as well as the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010). Later on the General Assembly began its discussion on the worldwide impact of HIV/AIDS.

The President met with H.E. Mr. Rudolf Scharping, Minister of Defense of Germany. They discussed the ongoing work of the Organization, including the Millennium Summit follow-up, consideration of the Brahimi report, consideration of the scale of assessments and reform of the General Assembly and the Security Council.

The President met with Mr. Alexandru Niculescu, Deputy Permanent Representative of Romania and Chairman of the Second Committee to discuss issues relating to the work of the committee.

The President had a meeting with members of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Finnish Parliament who have been visiting the United Nations this week. Later in the day, the President attended a dinner given in his honour by H.E. Marjatta Rasi, Permanent Representative of Finland, with the members of the foreign relations committee attending.

Mr. Terje Roed-Larsen, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Process and personal representative of the Secretary General to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority briefed the President about the situation in the Middle East over the phone due to a cancellation of their planned meeting.

The President met the Ambassadors of Belgium, H.E. Mr. Andre Adam and of Australia, H.E. Ms. Penny Wensley. They briefed the President about the positions of the so-called G10 group concerning Security Council reform.

The President of the Security Council for November, Mr. Arnold Peter Van Walsum, met the President in order to introduce the tentative work programme of the Council for the month of November. A photograph of their meeting can be viewed on the "Photos" page.

The President met with Ms. Pirkko Kourula, Director of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Pledging Conference. This years pledging conference will be held on 11th November. A photograph of their meeting can be viewed on the "Photos" page.