7 June 2001

The President today continued presiding over the General Assembly special session on Habitat. Some 60 representatives of delegations addressed the Assembly today. Mr. Holkeri also hosted a luncheon in connection with the special session.

The President held a number of meetings to discuss issues related to the special session. He met with H.E. Mr. Nasser Al-kidwa, Permanent Observer of Palestine and in another meeting with Mr. Michael Southwick, Head of Delegation of the USA to the Habitat special session. Mr. Holkeri also met with H.E. Mr. Nathan Sharansky, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Construction and Housing of Israel.

During his meeting with Mr. Holkeri, the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mr. Jacob Kellenberger brought up, inter alia, the issue of safety and security of humanitarian personnel.

Later the President attended a buffet reception in honour of Ms. Riitta Widen, hosted by H.E. Mr. Jukka Leino, Consul General of Finland.