Remarks by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern TD at UN Spokesman’s Noon Briefing

I was deeply honoured by the invitation from Secretary-General Annan to act as Envoy, along with three such distinguished statesmen, for the September Summit. 

I accepted the invitation because of importance that Ireland has always attached to the United Nations, but particularly because of the crucial nature of the issues that the Secretary-General has placed before us for decision in September. 

The Secretary-General's recommendations are bold and ambitious.  I believe they are also achievable, otherwise I would not have accepted this mandate.  

Kofi Annan has demonstrated leadership.  He has set before us what we need to do to meet the threats and challenges of the twenty-first century.  He has shown us a means by which we can act together to reach the Millennium Development Goals, to maintain international peace and security, to combat terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, to secure global respect for fundamental human rights. 

He has also given us proposals to equip the United Nations to meet these threats and challenges, and to make the Organisation a better instrument for the international community.

It is now up to us, the Members of the United Nations, to take up the challenge.  As Envoys, our task is to help the Secretary-General to convince governments of the comprehensive character of the Secretary-General's proposals, and of the need to reach decisions in accordance with the coherent logic that runs through them. 

Could I stress that in the conduct of my role as Envoy, I will be acting solely on behalf of the Secretary-General.  I have no specific Irish agenda to pursue, other than our interest in an effective United Nations, and a strong and effective multilateral system.