25 September 2000

The President continued his bilateral meetings with the committee chairpersons by meeting the Chairman of the First Committee, H.E. Mr. U Mya Than, from Myanmar. The discussions concentrated on the main topics to be expected in the First Committee. The President reiterated his request for the Committee to work in an efficient manner and encouraged the Chairman to explore any possibilities for further rationalization of the work.

Mr. Holkeri met with the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), H.E. Mr. C.S.M. Mselle. During the meeting, the Chairman highlighted the advisory and expert role of the Committee. The implementation of the Brahimi Report and its financial implications were touched upon.

President participated in a wreath laying ceremony commemorating the 39th anniversary of the death of former United Nations Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Dag Hammarskjold, and those who accompanied him on his last mission of peace.

Mr. Holkeri gave a speech at the opening of the annual United Nations Staff Day event. He made a special appeal to Member States, the Security Council and the Secretary-General to take urgent action to improve the safety and security of United Nations and associated personnel. The full text of his speech is available on the "Statements and Messages" page.

The President was the keynote speaker at a luncheon hosted by the Chairman of the Board of the United Nations Association of the USA, H.E. Mr. Bill Luers. In his speech Mr. Holkeri emphasized the importance of multilateralism, the role of the General Assembly and some of the issues he considers to be important in the coming weeks in the General Assembly. The full text of his speech is available onthe "Statements and Messages" page.

Later in the day Mr. Holkeri met with the Israeli Ambassador, H.E. Dr. Yehuda Lancry, who briefed the President on the status of the on-going negotiations on the Middle East. The President reiterated his support to the peace process and encouraged the parties to continue their efforts in finding lasting peace. The deputy Permanent Representative of Israel, H.E. Mr. Aaron Jacob, took also part in the meeting.

In the evening, Mr. Holkeri participated the concert celebrating United Nations Staff Day.