|
Following is the text of a Press Release issued by the Indian delegation in Banjul (The Gambia)
"Mr. Shashi Tharoor, Under Secretary General at the United Nations and India’s candidate for the post of the UN Secretary General visited Banjul (The Gambia) from June 29 – July 1, 2006 to interact with African leaders during the African Union (AU) Summit in Banjul, and seek their support for his candidature.
Mr. Tharoor addressed an Informal Session of the AU Executive Council at the level of Foreign Ministers on 30 June, in both French and English. He presented his candidature at this august gathering in the framework of India’s traditionally close relations with African countries and his impeccable credentials. Spelling out his vision for the United Nations, he emphasized that both continuity and change were important. He recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s exhortation that those who want change should become a part of it. Mr. Tharoor’s address was received with overwhelming acclamation. Mr. Tharoor was a special invitee at the State Banquet hosted by the President of The Gambia.
Mr. Tharoor met with Heads of State/Government, Foreign Ministers and other dignitaries from a large number of African countries. African leaders responded to Mr. Tharoor’s candidature in highly supportive terms, underlining the warmth and friendship characterizing the relations between India and African countries. They appreciated that Mr. Tharoor had chosen the AU Summit to launch his campaign after his candidature was officially announced by Government of India.
Government of India’s delegation to the AU Summit, led by Mrs. Shashi U. Tripathi, Secretary (West) coordinated the programme of Mr. Shashi Tharoor’s visit and requested support for his candidature during their meetings with African leaders."
Banjul
3 July 2006
|