12 October 2000

The President today conducted the General Assembly elections for eighteen members of the Economic and Social Council. The countries elected by secret ballet are: Andorra, Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Italy, Iran, Nigeria, Nepal, Netherlands, Pakistan, Peru, Republic of Korea, Romania, South Africa, Uganda and USA.

The President met with H.E. Mr. John de Saram, Ambassador of Sri Lanka. They discussed the work of the open-ended Working Group on the Question of Equitable Representation and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Other Matters Related to the Security Council.

The President met with H.E. Dr. Nasser Al-Kidwa, Ambassador and Permanent Observer of Palestine to the UN, who briefed the President about the situation in Middle East. The President expressed his concern about the situation and reassured the Ambassador of his support for the efforts of the Secretary General of the United Nations.

Mr. Holkeri attended a luncheon hosted by the Permanent Representative of Finland, H.E. Ms. Marjatta Rasi for Ambassadors of the Member States of the European Union. Topical issues, including the situation in the Middle East, follow-up to the Millennium Summit, and the implementation of the Brahimi Report were discussed.

Later in the day Mr. Holkeri gave a speech about the work of the General Assembly for the Nuorsuomalainen Sanomalehtimiesyhdistys (Association of the "Young Finns" Newspapermen) and attended a reception hosted by the Consul General of Finland for Nuorsuomalainen Sanomalehtimiesyhdistys.