THE SECRETARY-GENERAL 19 April 2002 Excellency, Upon my return to New York, I wish to express my gratitude for your hospitality during my recent visit to Rome. Our meeting provided an excellent opportunity to exchange views on issues of mutual concern and on Italy's support for the work of the United Nations. I was particularly pleased, at this time of increased tension around the world, to be able to discuss with you some of the issues requiring the international community's urgent attention, in particular the situation in the Middle East. As we discussed, the support of the international community in dealing with this difficult issue is urgent and imperative. I very much hope our close cooperation on these and other important issues will continue. As I stated during our meeting, Italy plays a highly engaged and constructive part in the United Nations and I know that I can count on its continued support. I should also like to thank you for the beautiful gifts you gave to me, which shall serve as reminders of my visit to Rome. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. Kofi His Excellency Mr. Carlo Azeglio Ciarnpi President of the Italian Republic Rome THE SECRETARY-GENERAL 19 April 2002 Excellency, Upon my return to New York, I wish to express my gratitude for having accorded me the opportunity to meet with you during my recent visit to Italy. Our meeting, followed by the delightful dinner you hosted, provided excellent opportunities to renew our friendship and to exchange views on issues of mutual concern. I was particularly pleased, at this time of increased tension around the world, to be able to discuss with you some of the issues requiring the international community's urgent attention. I very much hope our close cooperation will continue in addressing present concerns as well as future ones. It goes without saying that Italy plays an important role at the United Nations. I know this partnership will continue, enabling us to work together for peace and stability around the world. I should also like to thank you for the handsome gifts you gave to me and Nane, which shall serve as reminders of our visit. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. His Excellency Mr. Silvio Berlusconi Prime Minister and Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic Rome THE SECRETARY-GENERAL 19 April 2002 Excellency, Upon my return to New York, I wish to express my gratitude for your cordiality during my recent visit to Rome. Our meeting provided us with a welcome opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest and concern. As you correctly pointed out during our meeting, Afghanistan remains an area which will continue to require our close attention. The situation there is fragile, and I am pleased to be able to count on the Italian Chamber of Deputies' support for the United Nations work there. It is important that the international community remain alert to potential pitfalls in the run up to the Loyajirga. Of course, the situation in the Middle East also continues to be a cause for great concern. The support of the international community in dealing with this difficult issue is urgent and imperative, as we discussed. I know I can count on your and your colleagues' continued backing in these and other developments that continue to require our attention throughout the world. I should also like to thank you for the beautiful present you gave to me, which shall serve as a reminder of my visit to Rome. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. His Excellency Mr. Pier Ferdinando Casini President Chamber of Deputies Rome THE SECRETARY-GENERAL 19 April 2002 Excellency, Upon my return to New York, allow me to express my gratitude for your hospitality during our recent visit to Rome. Our meeting provided an excellent opportunity to exchange views on issues of mutual interest and concern. I was particularly pleased, at this time of increased tension around the world, to be able to discuss with you some of the issues requiring the international community's urgent attention, in particular the current crisis in the Middle East. The proposition that a force should be sent there to create a secure environment, as well as provide space for diplomatic and political negotiations, can no longer be deferred. The support of the international community for such an initiative is urgent and imperative, and I know I can count on Italy amongst those supporters. I very much hope our close collaboration on these and other important issues will continue. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. an His Excellency Mr. Marcello Pera President of the Senate Rome.