29 November 2000

The President spoke at a meeting in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. In his statement he reiterated the overwhelming support and commitment of the international community to promote the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people. He referred to the resumed 10th emergency special session of the General Assembly held in October and also noted that for peace to take root and become viable social and economic development is essential. The full text of his remarks is available on the "Statements and Messages" page and a photograph from the meeting can be viewed on the "Photos" page. Later the President presided over the General Assembly's discussion of the question of Palestine.

Earlier in the day the General Assembly adopted by a recorded vote a resolution concerning a zone of peace and cooperation of the South Atlantic. The Assembly also adopted, without a vote, a resolution on the International Decade for a culture of peace and non-violence for the children of the world (2001-2010). The General Assembly also adopted, without a vote, a resolution on the implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development and of the special session of the General Assembly held in June this year. The General Assembly also adopted without a vote a resolution on the role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order. The Assembly stressed the need for a broad-based consensus for action towards the achievement of the goals of development and poverty eradication. In further action, the General Assembly took note of the President's appointment of five members of the Consultative Committee of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM).

The President met with the Chairman of the Fifth Committee, H.E. Mr. Gert Rosenthal to discuss the work of the Fifth Committee. The Chairman briefed the President on the status of the Committee's negotiations on some of the major issues before it, including the two scales of assessments.

The President hosted a luncheon for the Under-Secretaries-General to discuss the follow up to the Millennium Summit, consideration of the Brahimi report and reform of the General Assembly.

During his meeting with Mr. Holkeri, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada, H.E. Mr. Michel Duval briefed him about the discussion in the Working Group of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping concerning the implementation of the Brahimi Report.

Later in the day the President had a coupe de champagne with the Finns working at the United Nations.