UN General Assembly
1999

I would like at the outset, Sir, to express the warm congratulations of my delegation and of my country on your election to the presidency of the General Assembly. You are one of sisterly Namibia's freedom fighters, and one of Africa's faithful sons. Your unanimous election to your important post and your country's simultaneous membership of the Security Council are strong evidence of the respect and appreciation that Namibia enjoys in the eyes of the entire international community. In the Security Council, Namibia's notable positions on important international issues also irrefutably demonstrate Namibia's unremitting struggle for freedom, right, sovereignty and justice — a struggle now waged by means different from those that Namibia used during its independence struggle. I also commend your predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Didier Opertti, for his successful guidance of the previous session. I wish also to welcome the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga as new Members of the United Nations. The Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan, deserves our deepest appreciation for his