Annan congratulates Gorbachev on 10th anniversary of Green Cross International

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has congratulated Mikhail Gorbachev on the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Green Cross International, a worldwide environmental group.

In remarks sent to a dinner Tuesday honouring the former President of the Soviet Union and Nobel Laureate, Mr. Annan said, “It is little wonder that, 10 years ago, after playing a central role in the end of the Cold War, Mr. Gorbachev embraced a new challenge that is just as vital for the well being of humankind: creating a sustainable future by cultivating harmonious relationships between human beings and the environment.

“Green Cross’s diverse programmes reflect Mr. Gorbachev’s unwavering commitment to peace, in particular by addressing the environmental causes and consequences of conflict,” Mr. Annan said.

Green Cross International emphasizes, among other interests, environmental problems associated with conflict and with lack of adequate fresh water.