President Halonen and the President of the UN General Assembly discussed financial crisis and reform of the Security Council

President of the Republic Tarja Halonen met with the President of the UN General Assembly, Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann, on Monday, 23 February 2009 at her official residence,Mäntyniemi. Their talks focused on the international financial crisis and its effects on the global economy as well as the reform of the Security Council. President d'Escoto also told President Halonen about his plan to arrange a UN high-level conference on the financial crisis next June. " It is impossible that the majority of the nation of the world suffer the consequences of stakes made by the few. The 21st century requires inclusive approach", President d'Escoto said. He believes the financial crisis is deep. "We do not know yet how far-reaching the crisis is, but we know that it is more far-reaching that have thought."

President Halonen and Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann, the President of the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at Mäntyniemi. Copyright (c) Office of the President of the Republic

President Halonen emphasized that the UN has a lot to contribute in the present economic situation. "A broad concept of security is important for everyone. I hope that multilateral cooperation to resolve the crisis and prevent similar crises in the future, will be successful."

President d'Escoto agreed that the UN's role in resolving the financial crisis is essential. "The time for exclusiveness is over."

Reform of the UN Security Council

President Halonen and President d'Escoto also discussed the reform of the UN Security Council. According to President d'Escoto, proposals for reform will finally be presented to the General Assembly for the first time in March. "At least it's a start," he said.

President d'Escoto arrived in Finland from Damascus. From here he will continue to Beijing, Manama, Geneva, Teheran and London.

Miguel d'Escoto is the President of the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly. He took up this post last September. Mr d'Escoto is from Nicaragua, where he served for many years as Minister for Foreign Affairs, and is currently Senior Adviser on Foreign Affairs to President Daniel Ortega.

President of the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly