SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES HOPE THAT UNITED STATES WILL REMAIN ENGAGED IN UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS WORK

SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES HOPE THAT UNITED STATES WILL REMAIN ENGAGED

IN UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS WORK

Following is the text of a statement issued today by the Office of the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General understands the United States' disappointment at not being re-elected to the Human Rights Commission.  The United States has played a leading role over the years in drafting landmark documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and has been a key member of the Commission.  The Secretary-General believes that the United States made a major contribution to the work of the United Nations in the field of human rights, and he strongly hopes

that they will remain engaged in this important area of our work.

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