NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IS SACRED PLACE, SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS AT LUNCHEON IN NAIROBI
Press Release
SG/SM/6546
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IS "SACRED PLACE", SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS AT LUNCHEON IN NAIROBI
19980504 Following is the text of Secretary-General Kofi Annan's toast at a luncheon today hosted by the Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya, Francis X. Ole Kaparo, on Nairobi:I have been greatly honoured by this invitation to lunch today. I have greatly enjoyed your hospitality and the opportunity of meeting some of the members of your National Assembly. Last year, an African artist gave the United Nations a gift: a painting called "The Sacred Tree".
Trees are a common theme in art; they are symbols of life, family, fortitude and roots. In African village life, a tree can also have great spiritual meaning. A tree such as the baobab is often the place where people gather to decide issues of common concern: decisions with far-reaching effects on individuals, families, villages and entire societies.
The painter of "The Sacred Tree" had such a tree in mind. Indeed, in presenting it to the United Nations, he said "The Sacred Tree" represents African democracy in action.
What the tree is to the village, the National Assembly is to the nation. It is a sacred place. A place where some of the country's most important business is carried out. A place where the elected representatives of the people -- a rich tapestry of views, traditions and beliefs -- come together for dialogue and debate. From the National Assembly emanate the laws of the land: laws affecting peoples' livelihoods and living conditions; their health and homes, the well-being of their children, their freedom.
Parliamentarians thus carry tremendous responsibilities. More than anyone else, you must give voice to the Kenyan peoples' struggles and aspirations. You must ensure that the concerns of the poor, the marginalized and the vulnerable are kept at the forefront of national debate. In short, as the embodiment of Kenyan values, you are a key institutional bridge between the State and society.
Today, your role is even more pivotal than ever.
- 2 - Press Release SG/SM/6546 4 May 1998
Your country, like other countries in this great continent, faces great challenges.
As parliamentarians you have the difficult task of balancing, protecting and creating the conditions that will improve the day-to-day lives of each and every Kenyan man, woman and child. That is the parliamanetary calling. It is also the mission of the United Nations in the global context.
Let us, together, recall the "sacred tree", the symbol of African democracy in action, as I ask you to raise your glasses in a toast to the National Assembly of Kenya.
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