[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 39 (Monday, September 29, 2003)]
[Page 1261]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish 
language transcript of these remarks.