ACTION TAKEN BY WORKING GROUPS ON DRAFT DECLARATION AND DRAFT ACTION

PROGRAMME, 31 AUGUST - 2 SEPTEMBER

DURBAN, 3 September -- As of 2 September, Working Group I on the draft declaration had so far held four meetings, while Working Group II on the draft programme of action had held six meetings.  Working Group I is being chaired by Marc Bossuyt of Belgium, and Working Group II is being chaired by Bonaventure M. Bowa of Zambia. 

                                                         RD/948

PRESIDENT, SECRETARY-GENERAL URGE DELEGATES TO COMMIT TO ENSURING

SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION TO CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM

DURBAN -- The President and the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Conference against Racism this morning urged delegates to continue their work in a spirit of give-and-take to ensure a successful conclusion to the Conference.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT ENCOURAGES CONFERENCE TO WORK HARD TO MAKE

OUTCOME A LANDMARK FOR FURTHER ACTION AGAINST RACISM

Following is the text of a statement today by Harri Holkeri, President of the United Nations General Assembly, at the opening of the World Conference against Racism in Durban, South Africa

SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT TELLS CONFERENCE ‘WE MUST COMBINE TO DEFEAT

CONSEQUENCES OF SLAVERY, COLONIALISM AND RACISM’

Following is the text of an address today by the President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, at the opening of the World Conference against Racism in Durban, South Africa:

                                                         SG/SM/7934

SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES CONFERENCE TO MEET WORLD’S EXPECTATIONS

WITH CALL FOR ACTION TO COMBAT RACISM

Must Banish from New Century Hatred and Prejudice of Past

Following is the text of the opening address today by Secretary-General Kofi Annan to the World Conference against Racism in Durban, South Africa:

CONFERENCE MUST ISSUE CLARION CALL TO END UNSPEAKABLE EVILS OF RACISM,

CONFERENCE PRESIDENT SAYS

   Following is the text of an address today, as received, by Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa and President of the World Conference against Racism, at the opening ceremony of the Conference in Durban, South Africa:

MARY ROBINSON, SECRETARY-GENERAL, WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM

Mary Robinson, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, is Secretary-General of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance taking place in Durban, South Africa, from 31 August to 7 September. 

Mrs. Robinson, a former President of Ireland, has served as High Commissioner since June 1997.

NKOSAZANA DLAMINI ZUMA ELECTED PRESIDENT

OF WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM

Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, South Africa's Foreign Minister, was elected President of the World Conference against Racism as it opened in Durban this morning.