    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [September 23, 2003]
    [Page 1195]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1195]]

    Remarks at a Luncheon Hosted by Secretary-General Kofi Annan of the United Nations in New York City
    September 23, 2003

        Mr. Secretary-General; distinguished members of the United Nations
    community; excellencies; ladies and gentlemen: America is honored that
    you all are here. Since the founding of the U.N. more than 50 years ago,
    my country has been proud to host this organization. I'm pleased to join
    you in opening the 58th session of the U.N. General Assembly. Mr.
    Secretary-General, I am grateful for your leadership, and I'm proud to
    call you friend.
        The United Nations has suffered great loss in the cause of peace.
    The terrorist attack against the U.N. headquarters in Baghdad took the
    lives of 22 servants of peace, including Sergio de Mello, a man who
    dedicated his life to promoting human rights throughout the world. The
    people of my country mourn with you. We share your resolve to continue
    this important work. We gather in this city, at this Assembly, to meet
    urgent challenges of our time. We will work together to promote peace
    and human dignity.
        Mr. Secretary-General, with admiration for you and with confidence
    in the future of this organization, I offer a toast to your leadership
    and to the United Nations.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:45 p.m. at the United Nations
    Headquarters. In his remarks, he referred to U.N. Special Representative
    for Iraq Sergio Vieira de Mello. The transcript released by the Office
    of the Press Secretary also included the remarks of Secretary-General
    Annan. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these
    remarks.