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by His Excellency Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand on the Occasion of the 56th Anniversary of the United Nations, United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok 24 October 2001, 09.00 hours |
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Mr. Executive Secretary, Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my great privilege to be asked by His Excellency the Prime Minister of Thailand to address this auspicious occasion on his behalf, joining all of you today to celebrate the 56th Anniversary of the United Nations. On behalf of the Government and people of Thailand, I wish to sincerely extend to you, Mr. Executive Secretary, and through you, to the Secretary-General and all staff members of the United Nations, our warmest congratulations on the 56th anniversary as well as on the Nobel Peace Prize recently bestowed upon Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the United Nations. The United Nations under the leadership of Secretary-General Kofi Annan has significantly advanced the world towards conflict prevention, sustainable development, humanitarian mission and the culture of peace. The Prize is so very well deserved. The staff members of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) are also to be commended for their contribution to achieving this Nobel Peace Prize. Distinguished Guests, The 11 September 2001 tragedy and the unfolding events and tension have created a new security landscape. Politically, the | |