Goran Persson

There is firm support in the Swedish society for the United Nations and, of course, for the Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

We need a relevant and efficient United Nations.

The United Nations, and the way we approach collective security, must be adapted to changing circumstances. The United Nations is our prime instrument for effective multilateral solutions and a rule-based international order.

We think that the Kyoto protocol is a necessary document, necessary process. I am convinced that we will agree to disagree about substance.

Remember one thing - that Sweden is performing better than the rest of Europe.

It is the hope of the European Union that Ariel Sharon will keep the peace process alive and continue the dialogue according to the wishes of all the parties involved.

We must make working life more human.

Remember, the burden of sorrow is doubled when it is borne alone.

Do not be afraid that joy will make the pain worse; it is needed like the air we breathe.

Humanity is not a church made of stone, in which vault after vault lies open.

A human being is so irreplaceable. So valuable and so unique.

A peaceful world requires collective measures for the prevention of war, international cooperation to solve economic and social problems, and respect for human rights.

Poverty must be eradicated, the resources of our planet used sustainably, human rights respected, equality between men and women strengthened, HIV/AIDS and other diseases prevented, terrorism stopped, and disarmament and non-proliferation secured.

Let our New Year's resolution be this: we will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word.