Statement by Mr. Erkki Tuomioja, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland on the appointment of Councillor of State Mr. Harri Holkeri as Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations
Mr. Erkki Tuomioja, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland expressed his contentment with the appointment of Mr. Harri Holkeri, Councillor of State, as the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in Kosovo.
The Secretary General Kofi Annan and Mr. Holkeri worked closely together during the 55th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2000-2001, at the time, when Mr. Holkeri served as the President of the General Assembly.
Minister Tuomioja is pleased with the fact that Finland is able to contribute to this difficult task with a person such as Mr. Holkeri, who is highly appreciated and possesses wide international experience.
According to Minister Tuomioja, the appointment of Mr. Holkeri is also an expression of the commitment of Finland towards the Peacekeeping operations of the United Nations and towards the stabilization and reconstruction efforts in the Western Balkans.