UN General Assembly
1969

36. As the twenty-fourth session of the General Assembly of our Organization opens, I should like with your permission, Madam President, to begin by saying a few words about your predecessor, the late Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, Mr. Emilio Arenales. The tragic death of that great diplomat was a heavy blow, not only to this country, to which we desire to express our condolences, but also to this Organization. After his warmly supported election as President of the twenty-third session, he was unable to complete the task he had so courageously undertaken. We desire to pay a well-deserved tribute to his memory. 37. Madam President, I must make a reference to the event, so important for us Africans, of your election as President of the twenty-fourth session of the General Assembly. Your unanimous election to one of the most difficult offices of our time is a mark of respect both for your country and for yourself, whose sense of duty, skill and long experience have so often been placed at the service of our Organization.