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In message to CIS forum, Annan pledges UN support for efforts to gain peace, prosperity

In message to CIS forum, Annan pledges UN support for efforts to gain peace, prosperity

The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, today pledged the UN's continued support for the efforts by the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to promote productive cooperation, overcome the problems that create divisions, and move closer to the peace and prosperity desired by all nations in the region.

In a message to an economic conference held in St. Petersburg, Russia, the Secretary-General stressed that while the CIS was one of the most rapidly expanding economic regions in the world, some of its member countries have also experienced dramatic increases in poverty, with particularly damaging affects on children.

"The challenge now is to sustain the progress that has been achieved, to address the remaining backlog of need, and to bolster public confidence in the transformation," Mr. Annan said in the message to the St. Petersburg Economic Forum. "Further reforms - economic, political, legal, judicial and regulatory - are essential." Brigita Schmognerova, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), delivered the statement on his behalf.

Only by continuing along this path, Mr. Annan emphasized, will Russia and the other CIS countries diversify their economies, reduce their dependence on oil exports, prevent environmental degradation, halt the alarming spread of HIV/AIDS, meet international norms and standards, and create conditions conducive to trade, investment, small business and entrepreneurship.

The Secretary-General noted that in an era of interdependence and globalization, no country, no community and no individual existed in isolation. "We face common vulnerabilities that transcend borders, from terrorism and climate change to the proliferation of weapons and the spread of disease," he said.

"But we also have unprecedented opportunities for common progress, made possible by technology, knowledge and the lessons of the past," he said.