DSG/SM/25

SPEAKING ON UN DAY, DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS MUSICIANS OF PHILHARMONIE DER NATIONEN HAVE SET EXAMPLE OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AT ITS BEST

Une des plus belles tradition des Nations Unies est de c�l�brer la journ�e de l'ONU en musique. Venons d'entendre deux oeuvres magnifiques, superbement interpr�t�es de Beethoven un des g�ants de l'histoire de la musique. Dans quelques instants, nous aurons le plaisir d'entendre �voquer en musique l'histoire de Sch�h�razade, cette femme pleine de ressources dont la finesse et l'intelligence ont mis en �chec l'arbitraire d'un homme puissant et brutal.

I know you are here to listen to Rimsky-Korsakov, and not to me. So I will say only two things.

First, on behalf of the Secretary-General, to convey his regrets that he is not to be here with us on this United Nations day. As you know, he is on an official visit to the Republic of Korea.

Secondly, on behalf of all of us, I wish to express our gratitude to these brilliant young musicians, who have set us a great example of international cooperation at its best; and to the Permanent Mission of Germany which has so generously sponsored this event.

Many thanks indeed, Ambassador. It is with great pleasure that I now yield you the floor.

* *** *
United Nations