12 June 2001

Mr. Holkeri today presided over the General Assembly election of 27 ad litem judges of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. After a lengthy delay in the beginning of the meeting, the President remarked that this delay showed the need to introduce new technology to enable the Assembly to conduct elections in a speedy fashion. He said that this issue was being taken up by his Office in the context of enhancing the functioning of the Assembly and asked for the support of Member States in this. His statement was applauded by Delegates who had waited for a full hour to get new ballot papers.

In between the elections Mr. Holkeri attended a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the Russian Federation, hosted by H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Permanent Representative of Russia and H.E. Mr. Pavel Prokofyev, Consul General of Russia.

The President today participated in a live web chat with members of Plan's Children Forum from Finland. This chat was held in connection with this week's Preparatory Committee for the General Assembly Special Session on follow-up to the World Summit of Children. During the chat children asked Mr. Holkeri questions related to the rights of children.

The President attended a luncheon hosted by H.E. Ambassador Lichem of the Foreign Ministry of Austria, Department of International Organizations.

Later in the day the President attended a reception in honour of H.R.H. Princess Lalla Meryem, hosted by H.E. Mr. Mohamed Bennouna, Permanent Representative of Morocco. After the reception the President was the guest of honour in a dinner, hosted by Ambassador Valdes of Chile.