[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 38 (Monday, September 27, 1999)]
[Page 1784]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a Luncheon Hosted by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi 
Annan in New York City

September 21, 1999

    Mr. Secretary-General, distinguished leaders: Tomorrow we will be 
exactly 100 days away from the beginning of the new millennium. The 
calendar tells us how old the world is, but we are thinking about 
something fresh, something new. And it is altogether fitting that we 
should be here at the United Nations, which is a very young attempt by 
the world to make ourselves better and to make our children's future 
brighter.
    I would like to say how deeply pleased I am that the United Nations 
is being led today by a man of the ability and character of the 
Secretary-General. He continues to speak and act with authority. He said 
recently that the aim of the U.N. Charter is to protect individual human 
beings, not to protect those who abuse them. He reminded us that even in 
these times of phenomenal prosperity, half of all humanity subsists on 
less than $3 a day.
    So, Mr. Secretary-General, I thank you for your leadership and your 
direction.
    Let me say that I'm thinking, myself, also a lot about the future. 
And I plan to be, at least part of the time, a future resident of New 
York. Now, when I move here, I will be able to complain about all the 
traffic jams around the U.N.--[laughter]--and all those important people 
who keep me from getting to my appointed rounds. If I get very upset, I 
may even write a letter to my United States Senator. [Laughter]
    But let me say, again, in all candor, the United States is humbled 
and honored to host the United Nations. We are honored to be a part of 
your leadership for peace in East Timor and in so many other places. And 
we look forward to going into a new century, to a new millennium, to a 
new era, with your leadership.
    Ladies and gentlemen, I ask you to join me in a toast to the 
Secretary-General and the United Nations.

Note: The President spoke at 1:42 p.m. in the North Delegates Lounge at 
the United Nations. The transcript made available 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.