11 June 2001

The President today opened a new week-long session of the Open-ended Working Group on Security Council Reform. In the morning, the discussion focused on the question of periodic review of the expanded Council. In the afternoon, the Working Group continued its discussion on the working methods of the Council (Cluster II). Mr. Holkeri also hosted a luncheon for H.E. Mr. Thorsteinn Ingolfsson, Permanent Representative of Iceland and H.E. Mr. John de Saram, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka, vice-chairmen of the Working Group.

Later in the day the President attended three receptions. The first one was held in honour of the Members of the Commission on Human Security and hosted by H.E. Mr. Yukio Satoh, Permanent Representative of Japan. Another reception was held on the occasion of the Third Substantive Session of the Preparatory Committee for the Special Session of the General Assembly on Children, hosted by H.E. Ms. Patricia Durrant and Ms. Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of UNICEF.

Mr. Holkeri also attended a reception on the occasion of the 103rd Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence hosted by H.E. Mr. Enrique A. Manalo, Charge d'Affaires.