ACTIVITIES OF SECRETARY-GENERAL IN INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI, 11 DECEMBER

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan travelled to Independence, Missouri, early on Monday, 11 December, to deliver his last speech as Secretary-General to an American audience, at the Truman Presidential Museum and Library.

In that speech, he spelled out five lessons derived from his 10-year experience at the helm of this Organization, saying that five principles are essential for the future conduct of international relations:  collective responsibility, global solidarity, the rule of law, mutual accountability and multilateralism.  (See Press Release SG/SM/10793.)

The Secretary-General also challenged American leaders of today and tomorrow to live up to President Harry Truman's example of enlightened leadership in a multilateral system.  He also participated in a brief question and answer session at the Library.