Annan welcomes Switzerland to UN, hailing its decision to join as 'important step'

The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, today hailed the results of a referendum in Switzerland, which voted in favour of membership in the world body.

A spokesman for Mr. Annan issued a statement saying the Secretary-General was "delighted" by this development. "He warmly welcomes this expression of faith and commitment to the work and ideals of the Organization," said the statement, which was released in English, French and German.

The Secretary-General said that Switzerland is "already an active and generous participant in the wider United Nations family, and brings to the Organization valuable experience and know-how in areas at the forefront of the UN agenda." The country has long been a member of UN agencies and programmes, has ratified numerous UN treaties, and is host to the second largest UN centre in the world, the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

Switzerland's entry as a full member "will enable it to make its voice heard and influence felt across the full range of the United Nations' work," and marked an important step towards reaching universal membership in the Organization, the statement noted. "The Secretary-General underlines that Switzerland is in many ways a vivid example of what the United Nations stands for -- a tolerant, peaceful and multicultural society built on democratic values."

On a personal note, Mr. Annan also recalled that his "fondness for the Swiss nation and people dates back to his student days in Geneva," according to the statement, which added that the UN leader "looks forward to Switzerland's engaged and constructive participation in the work of the Organization, and extends his warmest welcome to this first new Member State of the new millennium."