SECRETARY-GENERAL, IN SEOUL, SAYS CURRENT VISIT WILL FORGE CLOSER TIES BETWEEN UNITED NATIONS AND REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Press Release
SG/SM/6768

SECRETARY-GENERAL, IN SEOUL, SAYS CURRENT VISIT WILL FORGE CLOSER TIES BETWEEN UNITED NATIONS AND REPUBLIC OF KOREA

At Luncheon Hosted by President Kim Dae-Jung, Secretary-General Says Human Rights Commission Would Be Powerful Instrument of Service to People

The following is the text of the toast given by Secretary-General Kofi Annan today at a luncheon in Seoul hosted by President of the Republic of Korea, Kim Dai-Jung:

Mr. President, let me first thank you for those kind words. It gives me great pleasure to see you again today. I remember very fondly our first visit in New York in June. I think I can fairly say that earlier this year, you visited my home: the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Now I have closed the circle by joining you here in yours, the great Republic of Korea; the fabled land of the morning calm.

I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the welcome that my wife, my team and I have received from your people. It illustrates yet again the commitment of the Republic of Korea to international cooperation for the common good, and to a strong United Nations.

It is my great hope that this visit will enable us to forge even closer ties that will help us address the many problems and challenges facing Korea and the international community at this time.

Your election to the highest office of this Republic has great symbolic and practical importance. It was, without a doubt, a victory for freedom, democracy and human rights, not only in Korea, but throughout Asia and around the world.

I know I will not be the first -- or the last -- to say that your example recalls, in many ways, the life of Nelson Mandela. Like Mandela, you endured prison and physical violence for your beliefs. Like Mandela, you are living proof that justice can prevail and liberty can emerge from the darkest days. Like Mandela, you have taken office to promote a process of reconciliation and healing that is the only true foundation for lasting peace and prosperity.

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Since then I have been most encouraged to see the commitment made by Korea, under your leadership, to establish a human rights commission: an independent body that will be an impartial advocate not just for individuals, but for fairness.

I share your hope that this commission will prove to be a powerful instrument of service for the Korean people. The United Nations, which has considerable expertise in this area, stands ready to assist and to also learn from your experience.

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