The following statement was issued 10 June 2000 by Spokesman for Secretary- General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is delighted at the outcome of the Beijing plus Five negotiations. He applauds the spirit of cooperation shown by delegations in their efforts to ensure that gains made by women in Beijing five years ago are consolidated, protected and advanced.

The Secretary-General notes with satisfaction that the outcome document maintains in full all of the commitments in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and that, in some areas, the Platform has been strengthened. He is also greatly encouraged at the progress made in dealing with new issues, including actions to combat trafficking, domestic violence and honour crimes, to ensure women’s full enjoyment of their rights to health and related services, to empower women economically and politically, and to encourage their full participation in peacekeeping, peacemaking and preventive diplomacy. He also noted with satisfaction decisions aimed at ensuring that women reaped the benefits rather than bear the burdens of globalization.

Press Release SG/SM/7448 WOM/1214