SECRETARY-GENERAL'S STATEMENT AT CEREMONY TO RAISE FLAG OF THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

Following is the text of Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali's statement on the occasion of the hoisting of the flag of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia at Headquarters on Saturday, 21 October:

Few images command so great a sense of collective strength and solidarity than the flags that line the United Nations. Today we are proud to have that of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to be one among them. It makes eloquent an association that began on 8 April 1993, when this new yet ancient country joined the United Nations.

There is a special sense of satisfaction on this occasion, for it was under the auspices of the United Nations that the "Interim Accord" was reached and signed on 13 September this year. This represents an important step towards the peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues in the region.

The raising of the flag today reflects that improved understanding. It symbolizes friendship in the region and within the international community. As its colours fly, along with those of its fellow Member States, may the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia live in peace as a full member of the family of nations.