The leaders who have preceded me in this historic Hall have articulated issues surrounding the greatest challenges of our time.

Like many others before me, I join in congratulating Mexico on becoming the one hundredth State party to the Rome Statute.

Yet, like many who have spoken before me, we are disappointed that it could not go further.

I believe that the participation of those speakers who preceded me, and their statements, are commensurate with the importance that my country attaches to this item and with that which your country, Denmark, also attaches to it.

Mr. Al Nasser (Qatar) (spoke in Arabic) At the outset, Sir, allow me to add my voice to those of colleagues who preceded me in congratulating you wholeheartedly on your election to the chairmanship of the First Committee. I wish you success and Godspeed in your endeavours.

Mr. Kafando (Burkina Faso) (spoke in French) I should like at the outset, on behalf of my delegation, to join previous speakers in expressing to you, Sir, heartfelt congratulations on your election to the chairmanship of the Committee.

Because that is something that has emerged since our 2000 resolution namely, at the September summit I have noted some misunderstandings about it in certain statements by previous speakers.

As one of my predecessors as Chairman of the US President s Council of Economic Advisers famously put it, that which is not sustainable will not be sustained.

With regard to the present process of consultations and having heard the diversity of opinions expressed by preceding speakers, I request that the President schedule additional days for thematic consultations, as the number of days currently scheduled is insufficient.

Mr. Hannesson (Iceland) Mr. President, like so many colleagues before me, I should like to start by gratefully expressing our appreciation for the thoughtful report of the Secretary General entitled In larger freedom .

Mr. MEYER (Canada) Mr. President, let me join others who have already voiced their appreciation for your efforts as President to try to move the work of this Conference ahead.

Mr. Sumaida'ie (Iraq) (spoke in Arabic) At the outset, I join preceding speakers in condemning the 9 November terrorist attacks in Amman, which killed and injured dozens of innocent civilians.