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NO. 179
--At the last United Nations General Assembly, a new High
Commissioner for Refugees was elected -- Jean-Pierre Hocke'
of Switzerland. He brings new leadership and direction to
one of the most responsible and demanding positions in the
UN system. His election demonstrates that the UN can act
positively and effectively to achieve humanitarian
objectives, in the spirit intended by its founders.
--The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has
also grown in the scope and importance of its
responsibilities during the past decade. With its
partners, the League of Red Cross Societies and the
national societies of many concerned countries, the ICRC
has long set the standard for impartial, non-political
humanitarian aid. I serve on the Board of Governors of the
American Red Cross. I am glad to note that that
organization is expanding its international involvement,
under the able leadership of its President, my friend and
former colleague, Richard Schubert.
-I want to commend the leadership of Alexander Hay, the
President of the ICRC who has presided over that
organization's major expansion. I have had the pleasure of
meeting with President Hay and other ICRC leaders. I found
their counsel always wise and useful, not only on
humanitarian programs but also in terrorist situations such
as the hijacking of TWA flight 847, in which the ICRC
assisted in its usual quiet, effective way in the