SECRETARY-GENERAL'S ACTIVITIES IN FRANCE, 20 - 21 JUNE

Press Release
SG/T/2185

SECRETARY-GENERAL'S ACTIVITIES IN FRANCE, 20 - 21 JUNE

Secretary-General Kofi Annan travelled to Paris on Sunday, 20 June, beginning a trip which would also take him to the Russian Federation and to the United Kingdom.

On Sunday evening, he met with French President Jacques Chirac. Their discussions focused on the situation in Kosovo. In a press encounter following their meeting, President Chirac welcomed the important role the United Nations had to play in helping to end the Kosovo conflict. President Chirac commended the recognition of the essential role of the United Nations and the renewed share of the Organization in resolving international disputes. Mr. Annan said the "major role of the United Nations had been reaffirmed", stressing that he was pleased that the Organization had been "re-integrated" into the process of finding a solution for Kosovo.

The Secretary-General departed Paris for St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, the following morning, Monday, 21 June.

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