29 May 2001

The President today discussed upcoming General Assembly special sessions on Habitat +5 and HIV/AIDS, which are to be held respectively 6-8 June and 25-27 June 2001.

During his meeting with the May chairs of the five regional groups the President brought up various practical issues in connection with the two special sessions. The process of improving the working methods of the General Assembly was also brought up during the meeting. A summary of the meeting is available on the statements and Messages page. Prior to the meeting the new Permanent Representative of Denmark, H.E. Ms. Ellen Loj had paid a courtesy call to the President.

Mr. Holkeri continued discussing special session preparations during his meetings with the Member States which do not belong to regional groups and later with the Permanent Observers. The issue was brought up also during President's meeting with Ambassador Fonseca of Brazil.

The President today met with H.E. German Garcia Duran, Chairman of the Preparatory Committee of the special session on HABITAT, to discuss arrangements pertaining to the session.

The President today also chaired over a meeting of the open-ended working group on the Causes of Conflict and the Promotion of Durable Peace and Sustainable Development in Africa. The meeting was held in a form of panel discussion which was followed by an open debate. A summary of the meeting is available on the Statements and Messages page.

Earlier in the day the President met with H.E. Mr. Anwarul Karim Chowdhury, Permanent Representative of Bagladesh to discuss issues related to the work of the Security Council. Bangladesh will be holding the presidency of the Council during the month of June.

Later in the day the president attended a reception to bid farewell to H.E. Mr. Sorin Ducaru and to welcome H.E. Mr. Alexandru Nicuulescu, hosted by H.E. Mr. Sorin Ducaru, Permanent Representative of Romania.