SECRETARY-GENERAL THANKS CANADA FOR SUSTAINED SUPPORT OF UNITED NATIONS, WITH "VISION AND PROFOUND UNDERSTANDING" OF GLOBAL MISSION
Press Release
SG/SM/7248/Rev.1*
SECRETARY-GENERAL THANKS CANADA FOR SUSTAINED SUPPORT OF UNITED NATIONS, WITH VISION AND PROFOUND UNDERSTANDING OF GLOBAL MISSION
19991207Montreal Speech Lauds Role in Peacekeeping, Food Security, Other Issues; Notes Initiative on Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflicts
This is the text of a statement by Secretary-General Kofi Annan this evening at a gala in Montreal organized by the United Nations Association (UNA) of Canada:
I am very pleased to be here with you this evening, among friends of the United Nations. Allow me first to express my gratitude to all the Canadian dignitaries who, by their presence, are demonstrating once again their support for the United Nations.
I would also like to thank the Canadian United Nations Association for making possible this magnificent event. Lastly, I wish to pay tribute to all who, responding to the invitation of the Association, have come to support our common cause.
In few places would it be more appropriate to talk about a common cause. Believe me, it is not my intention to diminish the wonderful job done by UNA Canada. They can truly take pride in being a window into our work, and a channel for Canadians to become engaged in critical international issues affecting us all. But no one can fail to see that they start with two great advantages: a nation that cares and a Government that leads by example.
Of course, what is a blessing for UNA Canada is also a blessing for the United Nations. For over 50 years, thousands of Canadians have made invaluable contributions to the work of the United Nations system, in areas ranging from peacekeeping to food security, and from international justice to United Nations reform. From Lester Pearson to Louise Fréchette, all share, or shared, a special commitment, a special vision, and a pride in being responsible world citizens.
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* Reissued to replace text originally delivered in French.
- 2 - Press Release SG/SM/7248/Rev.1 7 December 1999
Over the years, many brave Canadians have also given their lives for the cause of peace. Today I would like to pay tribute to one of them in particular, Daniel Rowan. A young and enthusiastic Canadian government official, he died on his way to Pristina before he had a chance to contribute, as he wanted, to rebuilding the prison system in Kosovo. As we continue with our difficult task in that devastated region, he will not be forgotten.
Kosovo is just one of the many burning issues Canada has had to address as a current member of the Security Council. While chairing the Council, Canada also made a point of putting a closely related but much wider issue on the Council=ðs agenda: the protection of civilians in armed conflicts.
I agree very strongly that this is a matter the international community needs to tackle urgently. The systematic targeting of civilians is a horrifying new trend in armed conflicts, be it in Europe, in Africa or in Asia.
It is also, unfortunately, only one of many issues, old and new, that stand in the way of a safer world for future generations. By putting emphasis on human security, Canada shows it shares the UN=ðs vision of a peace that is more than the absence of war. Canada=ðs leading role in the fight against landmines, its promotion of sustainable development and its concrete initiatives in the area of peacebuilding -- all this shows your country=ðs profound understanding of our mission: to help create a world in which societies can grow, and can manage their differences without violence.
When I say our mission, I mean it.