ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT, IN UNITED NATIONS DAY MESSAGE, NOTES ‘OLIVE TREE’ THEME

FOR 2006, SAYS ORGANIZATION MUST REMAIN GLOBAL BEACON OF HOPE, PEACE

This is the text of the message of the President of the General Assembly, Sheika Haya Rashed Al Khalifa ( Bahrain), to mark the observance of United Nations Day on 24 October:

Sixty-one years ago, on 24 October, the Charter of the United Nations entered into force.  World leaders rose to the challenges of their time, demonstrating, by their actions, that peace, security and prosperity are indivisible and must be shared by all.  This purpose is as valid today as it was in the wake of World War II.  Today, we are in urgent need of reaffirming our commitment to dialogue, in order to build bridges and restore trust amongst people all over the world.

As we celebrate the United Nations Day, we recognize the role the Organization plays in providing a path towards peace, tolerance and understanding, and that it continues to represent the determination of the peoples of the world to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours.  Today, let us also honour the tireless dedication and sacrifice of all those who have served to further the ideals of the United Nations family.

This year, the theme for the United Nations Day is the olive tree -- a universal symbol for peace since ancient days.  Appropriately, two olive branches embrace the globe in the United Nations logo.  The olive tree has always been a symbol of our Organization, reflecting our mission to act as a global beacon of hope and peace for millions around the world.

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For information media • not an official record