9 July 2001

The President today spoke at the opening of the United Nations Conference on Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. In his opening statement the President noted that the holding of the Small Arms conference reflects the collective awareness of severity of the problems associated with this illicit trade, as well as determination to solve them with a Programme of Action to be concluded at this Conference. He added that the Small Arms conference is an important part of the follow-up to the Millennium Summit and called for resolve in turning the commitments of the Summit Declaration into reality. The full text of his statement is available on the Statements and Messages page.

Prior to the opening of the Conference Mr. Holkeri met with HE. Mr. Camillo Reyes, who was later elected the President of the Conference.

The President signed the Book of Condolences for the Vice-President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Omar Ali Juma.

Later in the day the President's office moved to new temporary office facilities while the old ones are being renovated before the start of the next General Assembly Session.