In a world of plenty, continued suffering is a terrible stain on our conscience. It is inexcusable that we not strive, with every resource at our disposal, to eliminate suffering.

On this International Day of Peace, let us dare to imagine a world free of conflict and violence

If the United Nations does not attempt to chart a course for the world's people in the first decades of the new millennium, who will?

Each crisis is different, has its own specificities, and we need to look at it critically; look at each one in its own terms.

We're all human. After 10, 15 years you get tired, you run out of steam and ideas, you have to give a chance to somebody else. And whether you yourself are inclined to stay on, all those around you are pushing you to stay on for what they will gain.

I urge the Iraqi leadership for sake of its own people... to seize this opportunity and thereby begin to end the isolation and suffering of the Iraqi people.

Like any large organisation, public or private, the UN is a complex machine.