26 January 2001

The President briefed the Security Council during its open debate on East Timor. Mr. Holkeri was invited to address the Security Council after his recent visit to East Timor, where he familiarized himself with the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), a complex peace operation. Mr. Holkeri stressed that East Timor will need the assistance and presence of the international community for a long time to come and that the UN operation in East Timor requires the necessary support for its operation. The full text of his remarks is available on "Statements and Messages" page.

In the afternoon, the General Assembly took action on a resolution for assistance to El Salvador in the aftermath of the earthquake of 13 January 2001. In his opening remarks, the President, on behalf of the Members of the Assembly, extended his deepest sympathy for the tragic loss of life and extensive material damage to the Government and people of El Salvador, as well as to those of India and Pakistan who suffered from an earthquake today.

Later in the day Mr. Holkeri attended a farewell reception for Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs.