Kofi Annan
Kofi Annan
Kofi Atta Annanis a Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 1997 to December 2006. Annan and the United Nations were the co-recipients of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize "for their work for a better organized and more peaceful world." He is the founder and the Chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation, as well as being the chairman of The Elders, a group founded by Nelson Mandela...
NationalityGhanaian
ProfessionPolitician
Date of Birth8 April 1938
CityKumasi, Ghana
CountryGhana
I do not understand these Ivorian leaders, these men who believe they are capable of leading a country, who are seeking to become president of a country they are in the process of destroying.
I don't anticipate anyone to resign, ... We are carrying on with our work.
Ideally one would want to see a rapid-reaction force go in to assist, ... But this can only happen if those with capacity are prepared to offer.
I came to see myself, to talk to the government, to see what we can do together to improve the situation not only in the short-term, but also in the long-term,
I came to listen and explore ways and means of intensifying the diplomatic efforts and try to achieve the objectives that have been set,
I am especially troubled by instances in which U.N. peacekeepers are alleged to have sexually exploited minors and other vulnerable people,
I am confident that the Security Council would be ready to take firm action if that was justified,
I am delighted that president Bush has accepted to play this role. I know the Pakistan authorities are too. We know that he is going to bring extraordinary leadership and attention to this terrible tragedy.
I am certain that my settlement plan offers the best and fairest chance of peace, prosperity and stability that is ever likely to be on offer. ... Let us seize this chance for peace in the United Republic of Cyprus.
I am braced and we are all ready.
I am in touch with several heads of state, ... We need money, police and troops. I hope not only France, but other states, and not only Security Council members, will help us.
I believe they will need to go in with heavier equipment, not necessarily to do battle, but sometimes you need to show force in order not to use it, ... You have to have a credible presence so that they don't even dare to challenge you.
I believe we should be seen as taking concrete steps to achieve the objective of two states living side by side in peace and security in three years' time,
I am relieved that this saga is now over, ... I made it clear from the beginning that the boy belongs with his father.