Press encounter after lunch with Prime Minister Goran Persson of Sweden (unofficial transcript)
Press events | Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General
SG: [inaudible]...but I think it has been able to get across to the world that xenophobia, racism exists in every society, and we all have to work very hard to uproot it.
Q: What has it meant for the North-South dialogue?
SG: I think there has been some tension, but I hope this is not insurmountable, particularly since the two issues concern both north and south. When you take the Middle Eastern issue, there were north and south positions. And of course, the issue of slavery, colonialism and reparations is also north-south. But I think that mature people can discuss these issues in a responsible manner, disagree, maintain their relations and keep going.
Q: What is your opinion of the countries that have left the Conference?
SG: As I said, it was unfortunate that the US and Israel left. I personally believe that all countries should stay at the table, fight for their values, fight for the right language and ensure that we come up with the right document. And many countries are today doing just that, and I'm still hopeful we will get the right results.
Q: You don't think it was a mistake to arrange this Conference?
SG: I don't think it's a mistake. If it were a mistake, then by implication we are saying that racism and intolerance do not exist. Look around you. It's very much an issue. It is unfortunate that the Member States could not organize themselves to discuss it in a calmer and more constructive manner without all the divisions.
Q: Was it premature?
SG: Not at all. As I indicated, we have it all around us. If we didn't discuss it this year, when would we discuss it? And I think the discussions will continue. What we hope is that once you have raised the awareness, and discussed what possible measures governments and societies can take, everybody would go home and focus on what needs to be done. The document or a declaration is only a beginning. The important thing is that they go home and act on these issues. Thank you very much. *****