China to Continue Support for UN GA PresidentChina attaches great importance to the role of the United Nations (UN) and the president of the UN General Assembly, whom it vows to continue to support as usual, said Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan Monday.At a meeting with visiting President of the 55th General Assembly, Harri Holkeri, Tang praised Holkeri for his efforts toward holding last year's UN millennium summit, strengthening the UN's role and materializing the follow-up actions of the summit. Tang voiced appreciation for Holkeri's adherence to the "one-China" principle. He expressed particular appreciation for Holkeri's cooperation with the Chinese side at a general committee's meeting of the 55th General Assembly last September on foiling an attempt to seek Taiwan's representation in the UN. Holkeri spoke highly of China's active participation in UN work and the important role it has played in international affairs. He expressed the belief that the cooperative relationship between the UN and China will see further development in the new century. The two sides also exchanged views on the work of the General Assembly, the reform of the UN Security Council and UN peace- keeping missions. Holkeri and his delegation arrived here last Friday at the invitation of Tang. Holkeri Calls for Closer Ties between UN, PublicHarri Holkeri, president of the 55th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, reiterated in Beijing Monday the need for the UN to enhance cooperation with the public."I have emphasized that we need to explore innovative ways to enable civil society to contribute to the work of the UN system, " Holkeri said while addressing a seminar organized by the United Nations Association of China. "I will continue to keep this issue on my agenda and support all efforts to implement this commitment," he added. Holkeri reflected upon the U.N. Millennium Summit that took place last September, saying the U.N. can play a critical role in making sure that globalization becomes a positive force for all and offers benefits in a more equal manner. He also talked about the reform of the United Nations. Later, Holkeri attended a luncheon hosted by the All China Women's Federation. He praised the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995, describing it as a "turning point in the advancement of woman status and gender equality." In the meantime, he expressed appreciation for China's recent ratification of the International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Holkeri also called for special attention to the situation of girl children in the world, appealing to the governments of all states to grant them rights equal with boys. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |