UN General Assembly
1995

It is an honour for me to address this Assembly on behalf of Papua New Guinea and in my capacity as the Chairman of the South Pacific Forum, which met three weeks ago. At the outset, allow me to congratulate Mr. Diogo Freitas do Amaral upon his election to preside over the General Assembly at this session, which also marks the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations; and to congratulate also his predecessor for the efficiency and fairness with which he conducted the forty-ninth session. In my capacity as the Chairman of the South Pacific Forum and on behalf of Papua New Guinea, I warmly welcome the Republic of Palau, a sister country from our region, as the 185th Member of the United Nations. As we mark this fiftieth anniversary, our celebrations are tempered by the fact that many of the dreams and ideals of the United Nations remain elusive. A world of greater freedom, prosperity and security - the fundamental goals of the United Nations Charter - unfortunately has not yet been