- As Secretary-General Mr. Annan has proved to be a wise and courageous leader. He has placed sensitive issues like racism, HIV/AIDS and the internally displaced on the agenda. He has been a prime mover in the efforts to solve the UN’s financial problems and to reform the organization and make it more effective. He headed a number of peace negotiations during the 1990s. I would like to commend especially his efforts in connection with the negotiations in Iraq and the Middle East.

- The United Nations is the most important arena for international cooperation of our time. We are extremely pleased that the prize has been awarded this year to the world organization. For half a century the UN has worked to promote international peace and security. It has also actively sought to ensure economic and social development in the world’s poorest countries, promote respect for human rights, further democratization, promote the rights of women and children and protect the global environment.

- An increasing number of the challenges facing the international community are global in nature and can only be resolved by intergovernmental cooperation. The UN is the only international organization with a global membership and a broad sphere of responsibility. This makes it a unique arena for finding coherent solutions to common challenges. Mr. Annan’s skilful leadership and personal qualities have gained him the general confidence of the UN member states. More than anyone else, he is an exponent of broad-based international solutions that benefit the entire world community.