UN chief lauds RP presidency on Security Council

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has lauded the Philippine’s two-year presidency of the powerful UN Security Council and the country’s constructive contribution to the UNSC’s work.

Annan’s citation was contained in his letter dated Dec. 30, 2005 and addressed to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo.

In his letter, Annan extended his "sincere appreciation to your (Philippine) government for its constructive contribution to the Security Council’s work.

"In particular, I should like to acknowledge your Permanent Representative’s able chairmanship of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) concerning Somalia," Annan said.

The UN secretary-general also cited Lauro Baja’s "active role" as chairman of the 1566 Working Group Against Terrorism, and as vice-chairman of the committees on Liberia and Sudan and the 1540 committee against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

He said the "Philippines will be remembered for its two distinguished presidencies (of the UNSC) during the months of June 2004 and September 2005, and notably for its initiative to convene a meeting of the Security Council at the level of heads of state and government on 14 September 2005, at the 60th anniversary of the United Nations."

President Arroyo is the first Filipino and Asian leader and the first female world leader to preside over a UNSC summit.

Manila also set a precedent during its June 2004 presidency by enabling civil society and non-government organizations (NGOs) to participate in formal UNSC meetings on thematic issues for the first time.

"I personally have enjoyed working with the Philippines during its term on the Security Council, and I look forward to our continuing collaboration in the coming years in other areas of the responsibilities of the United Nations," Annan said.

The Philippines ended its two-year non-permanent membership in the UNSC on Dec. 31, 2005.

Baja said he is proud of the achievements of the Philippines in the UNSC.

"I am grateful for the support that President Arroyo and Secretary Romulo gave to the Philippine delegation to the (UNSC). The respect and goodwill we built in the Council are solid foundations for the other initiatives of the Philippines in other UN organs," Baja said.