UN NEEDS SUPPORT, STRENGTH, INITIATIVE, LEADERSHIP OF UNITED STATES, SECRETARY-GENERAL TELLS FORTIETH BALL OF UNA/USA

27 October 1998

Press Release
SG/SM/6774

UN NEEDS SUPPORT, STRENGTH, INITIATIVE, LEADERSHIP OF UNITED STATES, SECRETARY-GENERAL TELLS FORTIETH BALL OF UNA/USA

19981027 American People Want Their Leaders To Give UN That Support 'on Time and without Conditions', Kofi Annan Stresses

Following is the text of the address by Secretary-General Kofi Annan to the fortieth ball of the United Nations Association of the United States (UNA/USA), in New York today:

Thank you, John, for that generous introduction. I am honoured to receive this award from UNA/USA. Your steadfast friendship and passionate support over 50 years has immeasurably advanced the cause of the United Nations in the United States.

Let me also congratulate you on hosting this wonderful evening, and, in particular, on your choice of my fellow award winner. Succeeding last year's winner, Bob Rubin has big shoes -- and deep pockets -- to fill.

Now, I don't expect Bob to outdo Ted Turner here tonight -- though of course any contribution would be most welcome. I don't even expect him to address some of our friends in Washington in quite the same terms that Ted did last year -- and those of you who were here will know what I mean.

But I do expect him to continue his outstanding stewardship of the United Nations economy in its global leadership role -- particularly in these months of economic turmoil. I would also like to take this opportunity to say how pleased I am to be working with Secretary Rubin to meet the global economic challenge.

Beginning with a meeting earlier this month at the United Nations, we have intensified our joint deliberations to focus on how the contagion may be halted and to ensure that the recovery will help the poorest of our world.

Now, as you all can imagine, I have not often had occasion over these past months to envy my colleague Michel Camdessus at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He and his team have been confronted with unprecedented

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disruptions in the global financial system, and they are doing what they can to return emerging markets to stability and growth.

I did envy Michel once, however.

That was when I opened the Wall Street Journal on 14 October and saw the following headline, and I quote: "Gingrich, After a Special Visit from Rubin, Gives New Life to IMF Funding Initiative". I remember thinking: if only we had known; if only we had gotten you to mention the United Nations, as well. Now we know what to do next year.

We are indeed meeting at a time of global turmoil and trial, of opportunities, but also of challenges -- to globalization, to our international institutions and to the very ideals of the United Nations. Whether it is the fight for peace, or for human rights or for development, our efforts today will help determine the contours of tomorrow.

To succeed, the United Nations needs the support, the strength, the initiative and the leadership of the United States. And as John has just illustrated in his remarks, the American people want their leaders to give the United Nations that support -- on time and without conditions.

I trust that one day this message will be heard in Washington.

Indeed, we have recently witnessed -- in the Middle East and in the Balkans -- just what this nation can achieve when its will is engaged and its courage is summoned.

We have witnessed America at its best.

Let me therefore take this opportunity to congratulate President Clinton and his entire administration for the agreement reached last week between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

Let me also pay tribute to my friend Dick Holbrooke for stopping the assault on the people of Kosovo and for reaching the agreement that we hope will lead to a negotiated settlement.

I look forward to working with him at the United Nations -- sooner, I hope, rather than later.

I look forward to a partnership with Ambassador Holbrooke -- and the United States -- because we have more wars to prevent, more conflicts to halt, more poverty to end and more suffering to alleviate.

Our work is never done. But I know that you in this audience will never rest.

That is what gives me faith in the future.

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