U.N. Secretariat

Let me start by thanking the families and friends who made the journey to be with us today, and by sending my prayers to those who could not be here. Spouses, mothers, fathers, children, siblings and others who have lost their loved ones -- our hearts go out to all of you.

I probably speak for most of us in saying that the past month has been among the longest and blackest in our lifetimes.

Today, despite the best efforts of the international community and the United Nations, war has come to Iraq for the third time in a quarter of a century.

Perhaps if we had persevered a little longer, Iraq could yet have been disarmed peacefully, or -- if not -- the world could have taken action to solve this problem by a collective decision, endowing it with greater legitimacy, and, therefore, commanding wider support, than is the case now.

Following is statement delivered by Secretary-General Kofi Annan at the special meeting of the Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee:

Following is the statement of Secretary-General Kofi Annan to the 20 January Security Council ministerial meeting on terrorism:

The Security Council, in today’s meeting, is showing the firm will of the international community to address the scourge of terrorism. Your presence here at ministerial level is a sign of the importance that the world attaches to dealing effectively with this global threat.

Following is the statement by Secretary-General Kofi Annan to the Security Council at meeting to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Committee on Counter-Terrorism:

Your meeting today reflects your determination to confront reality rather than escape from it; to recognize an evil rather than excuse it.

Following is the text of the address by Secretary-General Kofi Annan to the United Nations General Assembly:

Two weeks ago, as you will all remember, we were looking forward to this day, as the day when we would begin our General Debate.

Many of you expected to be represented here by your head of State or government, or by your foreign minister.

I had, myself, hoped to set out for you what I see as the main priorities for the work of the Organization over the next five years.

But alas, Mr. President, that was two weeks ago.

We are all traumatized by this terrible tragedy. We do not know yet how many people have been killed or injured, but inevitably the number will be high. Our first thoughts and prayers must be for them and for their families. I wish to express my profound condolences to them, and to the people and Government of the United States.

There can be no doubt that these attacks are deliberate acts of terrorism, carefully planned and coordinated -- and as such I condemn them utterly. Terrorism must be fought resolutely wherever it appears.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President, [United States Vice President Al Gore] for that thoughtful statement. Your presence here today is a promising start indeed to the New Year, and welcome evidence of your country's commitment to the United Nations.

As we open this new millennium, many of us have much to be thankful for. Most of the world is at peace. Most of us are better educated than our parents or grandparents. We can expect to live longer lives, with greater freedom and a wider range of choices.

Following is the text as delivered of Secretary-General Kofi Annan's address presenting his annual report to the opening meeting of the United Nations General Assembly:

I am deeply honoured to address this last General Assembly of the twentieth century, and to present to you my annual report on the work of the Organization. The text of the report is before you.

On this occasion, I shall like to address the prospects for human security and intervention in the next century. In light of the dramatic events of the past year, I trust that you will understand this decision.

The following is a statement to the press by Secretary-General Kofi Annan on United Kingdom-United States military action against Iraq, in New York:

This is a sad day for the United Nations, and for the world. My thoughts tonight are with the people of Iraq, with the 370 United Nations humanitarian workers who remain in the country, and with all others whose lives are in danger.