2005 World Summit opens in New York
[September 14, 2005 - 10.30 GMT]  

The 2005 World Summit opens in New York City today which the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has described as "a once-in-a-generation opportunity ... to take action on grave global threats that require global bold solutions." President Chandrika Kumaratunga is among over 150 Heads of State and Government here in New York to attend the Summit, the largest gathering of world leaders in history.

This afternoon [US time], 14th September, President Chandrika Kumaratunga is expected to attend the International launch of the United Nations Democracy Fund hosted by President George W Bush.

Today's event at the UN Conference Room 8 will be followed by a State luncheon hosted by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan at the North Lounge of the UN head Quarters.

Later in the afternoon President Kumaratunga is scheduled to meet with Mr. Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the EU Commission since November 2004. Mr. Barroso was Prime Minister of Portugal in 2002.

At five this evening President Kumaratunga will address the prestigious Asia Society. Her address today at Park Avenue will be on the theme "For Larger Freedom; Pursuit of Peace in Sri Lanka".

The President and her officials arrived at New York's JFK Air Port around 2.45 pm yesterday and checked into their Manhattan Hotel. A tired looking Kumaratunga after a long flight with a three hour transit break in the UAE did not have any official appointments yesterday.

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Last Updated Date: September 14, 2005 - 10.30 GMT