SECRETARY-GENERAL, UNVEILING PORTRAIT OF BOUTROS BOUTROS-GHALI, SAYS IT IS PICTURE OF MAN WITH COURAGE TO STICK BY HIS DECISIONS

14 June 1999

Press Release
SG/SM/7030
ORG/1286

SECRETARY-GENERAL, UNVEILING PORTRAIT OF BOUTROS BOUTROS-GHALI, SAYS IT IS PICTURE OF MAN WITH COURAGE TO STICK BY HIS DECISIONS

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At Headquarters Ceremony, Kofi Annan Also Says Boutros-Ghali Deserves Gratitude of All Who Know Organization to be Indispensable and Irreplaceable

Following is the text of the statement by Secretary-General Kofi Annan at the unveiling of the portrait of former Secretary-General Boutros Boutros- Ghali, at Headquarters today:

Dr. and Madame Boutros-Ghali,

It is very good to see you both back in this House today.

I hope, Dr. Boutros-Ghali, that you have brought along a good pen -- because I am sure that after we have unveiled your portrait, many of our colleagues will be wanting you to sign copies of your new book.

I know that your book tells many interesting stories. But the portrait we are about to see also tells several stories in its own right.

It tells us of a man at home and at peace with his roots and his environment -- whether at home or abroad. The river that runs through the canvas finds its source in the heart of Africa. It flows through Egypt -- and through time. The skies above are heavy: perhaps we are seeing the calm before a sandstorm. If so, the picture shows us a man with inner strength enough to be prepared for it.

It shows us a landscape peopled by one man and his books -- books that are also his life's work. On the spines are Arabic titles such as An Introduction to Politics and -- further down the shelf -- International Organizations.

They are works this man wrote himself. They are also the destiny he wrote for himself.

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They sum up the life of a scholar and a diplomat -- from his start as an eminent academic, and his service with the International Law Commission, to a distinguished political career, culminating in his leadership of two international organizations -- the United Nations and La Francophonie.

This is the picture of a man with the courage to stick by his decisions, and with the fortitude to stand by his convictions.

It reminds us that we are all ultimately alone with our choices; that in the end, each of us has to rely on his inner compass and his inner strength.

This is the private landscape of a remarkable mind. It was captured by an artist with a remarkable eye -- Even Richardson, whom you, Dr. Boutros-Ghali, personally commissioned. We are very pleased to have Mr. Richardson with us today.

Perhaps there is one presence physically missing from the picture. But I sense it is very nearby, as it has always been: I mean, of course, your wife, partner and constant support, Leah.

Dr. Boutros-Ghali: you led with a firm and steady hand a United Nations seeking to find its bearings in a world full of sudden change. You gave our work solid intellectual foundations in your agendas for peace, development and democracy. You opened the door to the reforms we are pursuing today.

For all those things, you deserve the gratitude of all who know the United Nations to be indispensable and irreplaceable.

It is with pride and pleasure, therefore, that I invite you, Dr. Boutros-Ghali, to join me in unveiling this portrait of the sixth Secretary-General. As we pass by it in the days and years to come, may it serve as an inspiration to us all. May it remind us that being at peace with one's conscience is the best reward for a life's work as a true citizen of the world.

We are delighted that today you continue to bring those qualities to bear on your new mission - pour le plus grand bien d'innombrables autres citoyens du monde.

Monsieur le Secrétaire général, Madame, je vous remercie.

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