26 July 2001

The President today presided over two open-ended informal/informals of the Plenary on the revitalization of the General Assembly with the view to achieve some concrete results during this session.

The President today met with H.E. Mr. Dumisani Kumalo, Permanent Representative of the Republic of South Africa and Mrs. Elissavet Stamatopoulou-Robbins, Deputy to the Director in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The discussion focused on the arrangements for the upcoming World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, which will take place in Durban, South Africa, at the end of August.

Mr. Holkeri today also met with Mr. Elliott Abrams, special Advisor to President Geroge W. Bush for Democracy, Human Rights and International Operations. Acting Ambassador of United States, H.E. Mr. James Cunningham also attended the meeting. Mr. Abrams briefed the President of the US position regarding the forthcoming World Conference against Racism.