UN General Assembly
2008

stability in all regions of the world. Accordingly, we express the humble gratitude of the people of our country to the general membership of the United Nations for the trust placed in us in helping the world discharge this mandate. During our tenure, the Security Council also focused on the important question of enhancing the relationship between the United Nations and regional organizations, in particular the African Union (AU). 13 08-53141 We were honoured to be able to contribute to that work. We congratulate the Secretary-General on appointing an African Union-United Nations panel of distinguished persons whose mandate is to explore financing modalities for AU-led peacekeeping missions. Peace continues to evade the Middle East. South Africa participated in the Annapolis Conference in 2007 with great expectations and hopes that progress would indeed be made to advance the goal of peace in that region. We will continue to support all international efforts to help the peoples of Palestine and Israel in their endeavour to find a lasting and peaceful solution to their challenges, leading to the