THE UNITED NATIONS KILLENNIUM SU

THE UNITED NATIONS., NEW YORK

8th September 2000

In the name of God, The Merciful The Compassionate

Mr. President,

Leaders of Member States,

Mr. Secretary‑General,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have the pleasure to address this important international gathering on behalf of His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Essa Al‑Khalifa, Amir of the State of Bahrain, and convey to you His greetings and wishes that this summit will achieve its noble goals and strengthen the role of the United Nations and the adherence to its Charter and noble principles.

Bahrain truly feels a full part of this vast gathering of this open and diverse United Nations community. For Bahrain, throughout the history of its civilisation, has embodied these very values as part of the great family of humanity, through its tangible and continuous coexistence with various cultures, beliefs and principles.

Bahrain continues, to this day as it has throughout the ages, to take the lead and to serve as an example of this, both among its neighbours and within its region. Bahrain has consistently confirmed its pioneering role in free trade and economic openness. Furthermore, it has been a symbol of ideal coexistence and durable peace with all its neighbours, as proven by over five thousand years of history. This is a responsibility that Bahrain will willingly continue to carry in the future, as it has done in the past.

Having become a member of the Organisation in 1971, after attaining full political independence and the exercise of full sovereignty over all its islands, territory and territorial waters, as

endorsed by the Security Council, the State of Bahrain has fully participated in all meetings and activities of the United Nations. It has fulfilled all the entailing membership obligations, both regionally and internationally, as has been manifested during its term as a member of the Security Council in 1998 and 1999.

Today, as we the leaders and representatives of the member states of this august Organisation meet here to contemplate our future course, it is incumbent upon us to take this opportunity to reflect on our present situation, and the challenges posed by political, economic, scientific and cultural developments. These developments and changes bring not only positive aspects, but also give rise to certain concerns and apprehensions, for example with regard to globalisation and in respect of issues such as international peace and security, and the fight against poverty, organised crime, terrorism, extremism and threats to the environment.

Our gathering should be an opportunity to identify the future priorities of the new century, and in particular the issues of maintaining international peace and security, the achievement of peaceful and amicable solutions to all regional and international conflicts, due to negative effects of such conflicts on world progress and prosperity.

The conflict and wars witnessed by the Middle East region for over a half a century have proved, through their draining of the resources of states and peoples of the region and their hindering of development projects, the necessity and importance of such solutions.

Today, while efforts are continuing to search for a solution of this conflict, we hope that the efforts of the co‑sponsors of the peace process and those of the United States of America in particular, along with other regional and international parties will succeed in achieving a just, comprehensive, and durable peace that would

ensure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people in the establishment of their own independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. The negotiations and contacts between the parties to the peace process have proved that Jerusalem is the key to peace, because of its distinguished status to the Arabs and Muslims. The withdrawal from the occupied Syrian territories since 1967 is an important matter in order to reach a comprehensive, just, and durable peace.

Attention to the future of humanity, and the safeguarding of that future from other dangers such as weapons of mass destruction, and terrorism, should also be one of the priorities of the new century. Ensuring respect for human rights while ensuring that such rights are not exploited as a political pretext to interfere in the internal affairs of other states, promoting dialogue and mutual enrichment between civilisations, and the establishment of regional and international cooperation based on partnership and mutual interest should also be among these priorities.

The lofty principles and objectives set out in the United Nations Charter in order to achieve justice, peace, security and stability require us to strengthen the role of the United Nations and restructure and reform its organs and work, in particularthe Security Council, which requires the achievement of transparency in its work and equitable representation in its membership. The role of the United Nations General Assembly in dealing with peace, security and justice, should also be confirmed.

In conclusion, we would like to commend His Excellency; Kofi Annan, for his sincere and unceasing efforts to strengthen and invigorate the role of the United Nations in enhancing security, stability and peace throughout the world.

Peace and Grace of God be upon you.