28 November 2000

The General Assembly today considered assistance in mine action, noting that while progress had been made in clearing the 70 million landmines now planted in one third of the world's countries, a huge challenge remained.

The President attended the launch of the International Year of Volunteers 2001.

The President spoke at the launch of the Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeals on humanitarian assistance. In his remarks he referred to the Millennium Declaration in which the world leaders committed themselves to ensure that civilians affected by humanitarian emergencies are given everyday assistance and protection. The full text of his remarks is available on the "Statements and Messages" page.

The President attended a luncheon hosted by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Kofi Annan on the occasion of the International Year of Volunteers 2001.

The President met with the President of the Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Dr. Astrid Heiberg. The discussion was much focussed on the HIV/AIDS pandemic and on the recent Ouagadougou Pan-African meeting of the Federation on this and other health and development issues in Africa. A photograph from their meeting can be viewed on the "Photos" page.

During his meeting with the President Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, Special Representative of the Secretary General for East Timor, briefed him about the situation in East Timor and the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) mission. A photograph of their meeting can be viewed on the "Photos" page.

Later in the day the President attended a dinner, hosted by the Permanent Representative of Finland, H.E. Ms. Marjatta Rasi for ambassadors "To meet the President.