    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 39 (Monday, September 27, 2004)]
    [Page 2082]
    [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 21, 2004

        Mr. Secretary-General, distinguished members of the United Nations
    community, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, my country is honored to
    welcome you to New York. This is my fourth General Assembly, and I'm
    very pleased to be among you as we open the 59th session of the United
    Nations General Assembly this year under the leadership of Foreign
    Minister Ping of Gabon.
        We last met in the shadow of a great tragedy. In August 2003, a
    terrorist attack in Baghdad took the lives of 22 servants of peace,
    including Sergio de Mello, who gave his life for the values of liberty
    and peace. We pledge, once again, to carry on their essential work.
        That work is moving forward. U.N. officials are helping the people
    of Afghanistan as that nation moves toward an historic Presidential
    election this October. In Iraq, you're helping to build the
    infrastructure of democracy and prepare the way for free and fair
    nationwide elections. In Sudan and Liberia, Haiti and other nations,
    this body has been working hard to bring security, humanitarian
    assistance, and stability to the people in desperate need. Much credit
    for these efforts is due to Kofi Annan, who has shown strong vision.
        Mr. Secretary-General, with admiration for your leadership and with
    confidence in this organization, I offer a toast to you and your service
    and to the United Nations.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:41 p.m. at the United Nations
    Headquarters. In his remarks, he referred to Secretary-General Kofi
    Annan of the United Nations; and Foreign Minister Jean Ping of Gabon,
    President, 59th session of the U.N. General Assembly. The transcript
    released by the Office of the Press Secretary also included the remarks
    of Secretary-General Annan.