Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Annan calls for Middle East peace in farewell speech

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan bid farewell to the General Assembly that he has guided for 10 years calling for peace in the Middle East.

Recalling his 10 years in office, Annan thanked the assembly in his final address before leaving office. He formally steps down at the end of December and will continue with his duties until that time.

UN chief Kofi Annan has bid farewell to the General Assembly with an impassioned plea for Middle East peace and a spirited defense of the world body he has led for 10 years.(AFP/Timothy A. Clary)
UN chief Kofi Annan has bid farewell to the General Assembly with an impassioned plea for Middle East peace and a spirited defense of the world body he has led for 10 years. AFP/Timothy A. Clary via Yahoo News.

"Together we have pushed some big rocks to the top of the mountain, even if others have slipped from our grasp and rolled back," Annan said. "It's been difficult and challenging, but at times also thrillingly rewarding."

"And while I look forward to resting my shoulder from those stubborn rocks in the next phase of my life, ...I shall miss what is, when all is said and done, the world's most exalting job. I yield my place to others with an obstinate feeling for hope for our common future," said Annan, who received a thunderous standing ovation at the end of his speech.

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