Sam Nujoma, Co-Chair of Millenium Summit & Pres of Namibia

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 Permanent Mission of the Republic of Namibia to the United Nations
                 135 East 36 Street, New York, N.Y. 10016
                 Tel: (212) 685-2003  Fax: (212) 685-1561 

                     STATEMENT BY H.E. DR. SAM NUJOMA
                  PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA
         IN HIS CAPACITY AS CO-CHAIRMAN OF THE MILLENNIUM SUMMIT
                 ON THE OCCASION OF THE OFFICIAL OPENING
                        OF THE MILLENNIUM SUMMIT 
                  UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK
                           6 SEPTEMBER, 2000


Esteemed Co-Chairperson,
Excellencies Heads of State and Government,
Excellency the Secretary-General,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am mindful of what this particular sitting arrangement up here represents
for you and in the eyes of the world out there. By a happy coincidence of
circumstances, the two Heads of State of Finland and of Namibia are
co-chairing this historic Millennium Summit. We will, naturally, rely on the
wise counsel and assistance of our illustrious Secretary-General.

This arrangement was made because of the 54th Session of the General
Assembly was under the Presidency of my compatriot, Honourable TheoBen
Gurirab, Namibia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and the 55th Session of the
General Assembly will be under the Presidency of Mr. Harri Holkeri, former
Prime Minister of Finland, who started his work yesterday. I am grateful and
thank my colleagues and delegations for this honour.

I am most delighted, indeed, to congratulate my dear Colleague and
Co-Chairperson, Her Excellency Tarja Halonen, President of Finland, for her
election. I renew, once again, my pledge and determination before you all,
to do all I can to work hard and make a meaningful contribution toward the
achievement of the best possible conclusion of the Summit for which all of
us and the future generations will be proud.

Peoples of the world have high expectations for social change; determination
to put thing right; to put men and women on the same footing before the law;
to conquer fear, poverty and alienation in the society; and to use benefits
of science and technology for peace, human security; empowerment of the
poor, poverty eradication and for sustainable development.

Excellencies,
Mr. Secretary-General,
Delegates,

We have come to the United Nations Headquarters to exchange views and agree
on all the necessary steps that we must take, individually and collectively,
to strengthen and I quote "The Role of the United Nations in the 21st
Century" unquote. We are here because we believe in the United Nations, in
its Charter and in the common objectives and principles for which our
indispensable Organisation stand. We are here as world leaders. And now is
the time and today is the day for a new beginning to give renewed impetus to
peace, cooperation, development, security and stability in the world.

United Nations Peace Operations is another area of common concern. Armed
conflicts,- civil wars as well as the vicious and destructive acts of
terrorist groups should be condemned, for, they prolong human suffering and
severe hardship in the world. It is in this connection that the recent
release of the Brahimi Report on UN Peace Operations is so important and
timely. This much-awaited report has been placed before the Millennium
Summit and we must consider it as our own plan of action.

As Heads of State and Government and eminent personalities, we must add our
voices to the call for the observance of the Olympic Truce during the
forthcoming Olympiad, which will be held at Sydney, Australia, from 15
September to Ist October 2000. Our message for global solidarity, goodwill
and human brotherhood must be clear and solemn. We are doing this in the
spirit of building a peaceful and better world through sport. May peace
prevail on earth!

I thank you.

SOURCE: http://www.un.org/millennium/summit.htm
 
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