PRESS CONFERENCE BY PRESIDENT OF FINLAND

Press Briefing

PRESS CONFERENCE BY PRESIDENT OF FINLAND

The President of Finland and Co-Chair of the Millennium Summit, Tarja Halonen, told correspondents at a Headquarters press conference this morning that the Summit had started well. It was on time and there was a growing recognition of a millennial momentum, which should be used to shape the new century. She expressed the hope that Member States would shape a common vision for the new era. The Secretary-General’s report to the Summit was a good basis for the action that the Summit participants would consider. All the heads of State and government who had spoken so far shared her view that the report was a good basis for discussions on a new vision.

Turning to the General Assembly session that would follow the Summit, President Halonen expressed the hope that it would continue its work in the positive spirit prevailing at the Summit. The Summit had started well and many delegations were optimistic.

President Halonen was asked how gender violence and discrimination could be discouraged while at the same respecting and promoting the world’s cultural diversity. Since no cultures promoted the humiliation of people on the basis of their gender, she said, their respective notions of fairness should be used against gender violence and to stress the equality of men and women. Similarly, nations should use United Nations principles to act against gender discrimination and violence.

“We should respect cultures for themselves, understand them and grasp their essence”, said President Halonen. “We can then keep the cultures, but seek equality of genders”. Even though there are sensitive issues, such as sexual rights, everyone should be ready to support women’s rights, no matter which cultures they came from, President Halonen emphasized.

In response to a question on the killing of a United Nations worker in West Timor, President Halonen expressed shock and said that she agreed with the Secretary-General that actions should be taken to prevent a recurrence. Unarmed civilian workers from United Nations and other agencies went to areas where even armed soldiers feared to tread, all in brave efforts to save the lives of others. Therefore, Member States should protect them. On West Timor in particular, she said that the Government of Indonesia should address the matter urgently.

On how many women leaders were attending the Summit, the Co-Chair said there were about a half of a dozen of them. “It wouldn’t be a long queue if we try to queue for a telephone box”, she commented.

Turning to a question as to how many States would sign treaties during the Summit, President Halonen said that 82 of them had so far indicated they would do so. That, she said, was a success.

Halonen Press Conference - 2 - 6 September 2000

Therese Gastaut, Spokeswoman for the Summit, added that the number of States that would sign or ratify treaties was an unprecedented measure in carrying forward and strengthening the international rule of law.

Regarding attendance by delegates from the Democratic Republic of Korea, President Halonen said she was sorry about what had happened to some of them. At the same time, the safety of all should be guaranteed. She expressed hope that all parties would attend the Summit.

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