UN General Assembly
1999

We also feel deep sympathy for the innocent families in Russia, exposed to merciless bomb attacks, and for those people in all regions of the world who are suffering today from violence, terrorism and violations of human rights. Condolences are also in order on the recent death of His Majesty Hassan II of Morocco. His strong personal contributions to the process of achieving peace in the Middle East will be remembered. As Chairman of the South Pacific Forum, I am privileged to deliver the following remarks on behalf of its 16 member countries. The South Pacific Forum is a unique organization centred on the Heads of Government of 16 Pacific nations which share a very special part of the world: the vast expanses of ocean and islands in the central and western Pacific, both north and south of the Equator. Forum member countries vary greatly in land area, ocean area, population, resource endowment, economic development, social structures, language and culture. However, we all share a common bond as Forum members and have established consensus positions, which transcend our