19 October 2000

This morning the General Assembly concluded its discussion on the report of the Security Council, with Mr. Holkeri presiding. The General Assembly then took up the issue of the elimination of coercive economic measures as a means of political and economic compulsion.

The President met with the Delegation of the Political Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. He invited the members of the Delegation to attend the Plenary meeting tomorrow, when the agenda item on "Cooperation between the United Nations and the Council of Europe" will be discussed and the resolution adopted. Members of the Delegation asked a range of questions dealing with the initiative of the Committee to enhance cooperation with the United Nations, among other issues.

The President met with the chairpersons of the regional groups to inform them, and through them the membership at large, about forthcoming undertakings and consultations.

The President attended a "Meet the President" luncheon for the Under-Secretaries-General of the United Nations hosted by the Under-Secretary-General of the Department of General Assembly Affairs and Conference Services, Mr. Yongjian Jin.

Office of the President held a meeting with the Coordinators of the upcoming high-level events and conferences to discuss how the outcome of the Millennium Summit could be implemented through these processes. The Coordinators for the following events took part: HABITAT II five- year review conference - Colombia, Chairperson of the Preparatory Committee; Racism Conference - Senegal, Chairperson of the Preparatory Committee and South Africa, Host of the Conference; Financing for Development - Co-Chairmen: Denmark and Thailand; Least Developed Countries III conference - Belgium, Chairperson of the Preparatory Committee and European Commission, Host of the Conference; Children's Summit - Jamaica, Chairperson of the Preparatory Committee; Small Arms conference - Mozambique, Chairperson; HIV/AIDS Special Session which is being coordinated by the Office of the President of the General Assembly.

Later on the day Mr. Holkeri attended a reception hosted by the Permanent Representative of Italy, H.E. Mr. Sergio Vento, in honour of the delegation of the Political Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.