Page 92 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International

• Recently, my mandate as Director-General has been broadened.
In addition to my current responsibilities, I have been nominated
by the Secretary-General as his Personal Representative to the
Conference on Disarmament as well as its Secretary-General; ....

• It has been decided that the newly-appointed High Commissioner
on Human Rights is to be based here in Geneva.

12. As Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, I would
like to state that my future planning will be guided by two objectives:

Firstly, to increase the traditional role of Geneva in carrying out the global
mandate of the United Nations, by strengthening the political dimensions of its
activities, with emphasis on peace promotion through peacemaking, peace-
building, arms regulation and disarmament;

Secondly, to strengthen Geneva as a centre for conference diplomacy and a
forum for dialogue and negotiation with regional organizations in Europe, the
Mediterranean area and the Euro-Asian continent.

13. In pursuing these objectives I am facing a number of complex
problems. However, I am concerned not with the problems - life is a problem-
solving exercise - but rather with the lack of will to seek the best solutions. At
this distinguished gathering I would like to raise one particular problem - we
need good channels of communication with the diplomatic community. To
this end, I have initiated regular meetings with regional groups to inform them
about our mission. I hope this practice will prove useful and I expect we shall
receive feedback from them shortly.

14. In particular, the Diplomatic Committee, which comprises diplomats
accredited in Geneva, could also be an excellent vehicle for such contacts. In
my opinion, this Committee can and should deal with matters concerning not
only the host country, but also UNOG. The Committee can discuss all the
problems of real importance and its agenda should be expanded to include a
number of substantive issues. I also believe that the ambassadors accredited to
the Conference on Disarmament could also be represented at the Committee.
Preparations for the 50th Anniversary of the UN in 1995 provide us with a
good opportunity to consolidate our cooperation and revitalize the Committee.

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