UNITED NATIONS

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Statement of His Excellency Jean Ping,
President of the 59th session of the General Assembly,

Tribute to the memory of His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III

(New York, 6 April 2005)

I have the sad duty to pay tribute to the late head of State of the Principality of Monaco, His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III, who passed away this morning, Wednesday, 6 April 2005.

During his reign, His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III enabled the Principality of Monaco to experience prosperity and gain a reputation as a modern State in the aftermath of the Second World War, through to economic and social development for the benefit of the population of Monaco, thereby earning the affection of his people and the esteem of the entire world. Prince Rainier also represented and affirmed, steadfastly and skillfully, the personality of the Principality of Monaco during his reign, which lasted for almost 56 years.

We are grateful to him for his profound belief in multilateral diplomacy and for his support for the endeavours and actions of the United Nations. His political vision and determination facilitated Monaco's evolution on the international scene, enabling it to become, in 1993, a Member of the United Nations.

On behalf of the General Assembly, I request the representative of the Principality of Monaco to convey our condolences to the Government and the people of the Principality of Monaco, as well as to the bereaved family of His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III.