Declaration after the adoption of the draft resolution A/58/L.64, entitled
«Participation of the Holy See in the work of the United Nations»

INTERVENTION BY H.E. MSGR CELESTINO MIGLIORE*

Thursday, 1 July 2004

I should like to thank the General Assembly for its adoption by consensus of this resolution, on the participation of the Holy See in the work of the United Nations, under agenda item 59.

The adoption of this resolution could not have come at a more auspicious time, as this year the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See is happily celebrating the fortieth anniversary of its presence at the Organization.

In the context of strengthening the role of the United Nations and revitalizing the work of the General Assembly, the adoption of this resolution is an important step forward and reflects the lofty values and collective interests shared by the Holy See and the United Nations.

We are committed to the same objectives, which necessitate the protection of fundamental human rights, the preservation of the dignity and worth of the human person and the promotion of the common good. To achieve those goals the international community must build upon the strong edifice of law — law not of whim and caprice, but of principles stemming from the very universality of human nature, which can guide human reason into the future. With an edifice built on such principles guiding our efforts, we can be assured of success in our common quest for lasting, universal justice and peace.

Let me say a word of warm thanks to you, Mr. President, for your unflinching and much appreciated willingness to submit draft resolution A/58/L.64 as a presidential text. My gratitude goes also to the staff of the Office of the President and of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management for their kind support. Through you, Sir, I wish also to thank the facilitator of the draft resolution, Ambassador Marcello Spatafora, Permanent Representative of Italy, for having assisted you and for having so skilfully and efficiently facilitated the consultations on the draft resolution, which led to a successful conclusion. I would be remiss if I failed to offer a word of gratitude to the many Permanent Representatives who expressed to me their Governments’ support for the draft resolution just adopted. Last but not least, my thanks go as well to all Member States for their invaluable support in the adoption of the resolution.

 *A/58/PV.92 p.2.