Page 64 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International

political crises but also with the protection of human rights, promotion of
economic and social development, preservation of the environment - indeed
solution of all these problems.

More than ever before, governments and people realize that the solution to
these problems can be found only within the framework of multilateralism,
based on the United Nations Charter.

I am very pleased to say that Switzerland, which was the initiator of the
concept of multilateralism and its implementation as far back as the last century,
is today the fifth largest contributor per capita to the United Nations. At a time
when, as you know, the UN is experiencing a grave financial crisis, I congratu-
late the Swiss Government on the scrupulous way it pays its contributions,
punctually and in full, to the United Nations specialized agencies.

I should also like to thank Geneva, the second pole of United Nations
activities world-wide. Not only its international roots deep in the past, but also
its contemporary atmosphere of democracy, rule of law and humanity, explain
its present status and augur well for the future. As well as the Swiss
Confederation as a whole, Geneva is proof of the wise words of the famous
Swiss writer, Max Fritsch, who once said that the real good fortune of
belonging to a small country is that in its patriotism is not at odds with
humanity.

By putting on this United Nations Day concert, the Geneva authorities
have once again demonstrated their commitment to our Organization, whose
diplomatic corps and staff consider themselves as part and parcel of the Geneva
community. The harmony to which we aspire, one and all, is most eloquently
expressed in music, reaching into the heart of every individual in a language
that transcends frontiers.

In conclusion, I should like to voice my deep gratitude to the Council of
State of the Republic and Canton of Geneva and to Geneva City Council for
their constant, cordial and generous hospitality towards the international
community.

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