Transcribed Statement of the Coordinator of the Eastern

EuropeanGroup the Ambassador of Slovakia Mr. Kalman Petocz 3/8/01 Thank you Mr. President. It's my pleasure and honor on this occasion on behalf of the Eastern European Group and on my own behalf as well to express my warmest congratulations to all ladies sitting in this room as well as to our colleagues, members of delegations, members of the Conference and also to our guests sitting in the gallery. I also thank the Secretary-General Vladimir Petrovsky for reading out the message on the seminar of womenÕs non-governmental organizations committed to peace and disarmament.

We pay tribute to all women engaged in this complex and difficult field of activity that disarmament and arms control definitely is, for their deep interest in and contribution to our work and their resolve to make our world safer. They are those who bear new life. They are those who are so much committed to protect and preserve it. We pay tribute to ladies working in international womenÕs organizations, NGOs, research institutes, media and other spheres of public life. We wish all of you good health, happiness and prosperity in both your personal life and public engagement.1

Thank you Mr. President.