Vol. 509 No. 1
136 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of bilateral meetings he had with his Foreign Minister colleagues at the United Nations General Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19950/99]
137 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Foreign Ministers with whom he met at the recent United Nations General Assembly in pursuit of the Security Council nomination for 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19951/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 137 together.
I visited the United Nations General Assembly in New York from 20-30 September last. As in previous years, my attendance offered an ideal opportunity to have discussions on important issues of bilateral and international concern with Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers and other representatives of more than 60 UN member states as well as the UN Secretary-General and other senior UN officials.
These discussions were extremely productive in terms of exchanging views on many of the issues currently on the international agenda, including the challenges facing the international community as we approach the new millennium; the role and effectiveness of the UN in implementing the goals and principles of the charter; and more immediately, efforts to resolve ongoing humanitarian crises such as in East Timor and in many parts of Africa. The meetings also afforded the opportunity to promote our Security Council candidacy among the broad UN membership.
As the House will be aware, the Security Council election is a contested one. I am reluctant, therefore, to enter into the precise details of contacts which Ireland is having with other states in this regard. I can say, however, that I am gratified by the broad support that Ireland's candidacy has attracted and which was evident during my visit to New York.
