Kofi Annan

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The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the continued stalemate in the Ivorian peace process, which has led to a deterioration of the political climate in the country. The Ivorian people and the international community have invested considerable efforts in the political process, as defined in the roadmap based on a number of Security Council resolutions, including resolution 1721 (2006), as well as the decisions of the African Union.

SG: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I thought you would not want me to leave without getting one more chance to question me. But I'm sure you don't want to hear another farewell speech. I would just like, though, to acknowledge the magnificent announcement by the Spanish Prime Minister yesterday, that Spain is donating $700 million to the effort to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. This is the largest contribution yet made to the UN for this purpose by any country, and I believe it is a splendid example of international solidarity which I hope other members will follow.

Amid the perils and promise of globalization, South-South cooperation enables developing countries to share their experiences and successes with others. In particular, it provides a platform to cooperate on issues of concern to developing countries, from the struggle to eliminate extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS.

SG: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I thought you would not want me to leave without getting one more chance to question me. But I'm sure you don't want to hear another farewell speech. I would just like, though, to acknowledge the magnificent announcement by the Spanish Prime Minister yesterday, that Spain is donating $700 million to the effort to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. This is the largest contribution yet made to the UN for this purpose by any country, and I believe it is a splendid example of international solidarity which I hope other members will follow.

Madam President, Prime Ministers, Excellencies, Dear friends and colleagues,

What can I say ? except “Thank you”?

First, thank you, dear colleagues in DPI, for making that very professional, and for me deeply moving, film. Nane and I will treasure it as a wonderful souvenir of these ten incredible years. You have captured some of the saddest moments, and many of the happiest. You have reminded all of us what a privilege it is to serve this Organization, what sacrifices it can involve, but also what fun it can be. And perhaps that's the most important thing to remember.

I am delighted to send you warm greetings on the historic fiftieth anniversary of Japan's membership in the United Nations. Japan has witnessed a remarkable transformation into a democratic, dynamic and prosperous nation, while contributing to the advancement of humanity across the globe.

Madam President, Prime Minister Erdogan, Prime Minister Rodriguez Zapatero

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Mr. Prime Ministers, let me thank you for coming here specifically to discuss this Alliance of Civilizations. I think your presence here indicates the importance you attach to the subject, and harmony in our world.

Migration is a strong expression of an individual's will to overcome adversity and live a better life. Over the past decade, improved travel and communication facilities have increased the number of people with the desire and capacity to move to other places.

This new era of mobility has created opportunities for societies throughout the world, as well as new challenges. It has also drawn attention to the strong link between international migration and development.

The Secretary-General continues to be concerned about the situation in Bangladesh in the lead-up to next month's elections. He hopes that all parties will make the necessary compromises to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral environment.

He calls upon the non-party Caretaker Government to ensure a level playing field for the elections, particularly through the restoration of confidence in the Bangladesh Election Commission. And he encourages the main political parties to work to overcome their differences in the interest of democracy.

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned over the recent deterioration in the security situation in the occupied Palestinian territory and the increase of intra-Palestinian violence. The Secretary-General calls for respect by all parties for the rule of law, and for Palestinians to resume dialogue in order to resolve differences peacefully and seek national unity.