Page 61 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

Bringing the Concept to Life

MESSAGE FROM MR. BOUTROS BOUTROS-GHALI,
ECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS
ON THE OCCASION OF THE VISIT BY THE MEMBERS
OF THE SWISS FEDERAL CHAMBERS
TO THE PALAIS DES NATIONS

Geneva, 7 October 1993

Mr. President of the Counseil National,
Mr. President of the Conseil d’État,
Distinguished Members of Parliament,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Y our presence here in the Palais des Nations is, for all of us, of
particular importance, since this is the first time that the United
Nations has welcomed the entire membership of a national
Parliament. I should, therefore, have greatly liked to welcome you in person. I
should have also liked, on the same occasion, to pay a solemn tribute to the
support which Switzerland extends to the World Organization. Switzerland's
status within the United Nations gives little indication of the role it plays, since
your country is a very active and very diligent Observer. And its support for the
Organization is unwavering.

Switzerland today is the fifth contributor to the United Nations per capita.
And at the present time when, as is well known, we are experiencing a serious
financial crisis, I wish to congratulate your country on the rigour with which it
pays, regularly and in full, its contributions to the United Nations agencies.

I should also like to thank Switzerland for associating itself so devotedly to
the activities we are undertaking to promote economic and social development
and humanitarian causes. I need only mention your contribution to the efforts
made by UNICEF, by UNDP and by the Office of the High Commissioner for
Refugees.

Similarly, Switzerland's participation in peace-keeping operations is
exemplary. From this standpoint, the diversity of its contribution reflects the
new missions now being entrusted to the World Organization.

Switzerland has provided medical assistance in the context of the peace-
keeping operations in Namibia and, at present, in Western Sahara. It has

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