23 October 2000

Mr. Holkeri attended a luncheon discussion with the Messengers of Peace and Goodwill Ambassadors to the United Nations, who had been invited by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr Kofi Annan.

The President was invited to the African Group to discuss the future work of the Working Group on the Causes of Conflict and the Promotion of the Durable Peace and Sustainable Development in Africa with the view of the consideration of this item in the General Assembly on 1st November.

Later in the day Mr. Holkeri attended to the Fourth Annual Race Against Poverty Awards, "Breaking the Silence of HIV/AIDS", organized by the United Nations Development Programme and held in the General Assembly hall. Mr. Holkeri issued a message in support of the event. The full text of the message is available on the "Statements and Messages" page.

The President met with the Permanent Representative of Tunisia, Ambassador Said Ben Mustapha, who informed the President of the resolution initiated by Tunisia on the World Solidarity Fund.

The President attended a reception held prior to the United Nations Correspondents' Association's Annual Awards Dinner.

Mr. Holkeri attended a dinner hosted by the Permanent Representative of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, H.E. Abuzed Omar Dorda, in honour of H.E. Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, Foreign Minister of Namibia and former President of the General Assembly.