881 Quotes by Kofi Annan

The number one goal in resolving a conflict is to make sure both sides maintain their self-esteem. You don't hit a man on the head when you've got your fingers between his teeth.

such a system could run counter to efforts to halt proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Ideally one would want to see a rapid-reaction force go in to assist, ... But this can only happen if those with capacity are prepared to offer.

Landmines are among the most barbaric weapons of war, because they continue to kill and maim innocent people long after the war itself has ended. Also, fear of them keeps people off the land, and thus prevents them from growing food.

I know that I speak for the whole world in offering them my heartfelt sympathy and any assistance that the United Nations can give, ... We will be happy to work with other parts of the international community to support the efforts of President Bush and his administration, the American Red Cross, and other U.S. relief organizations who have been our partners in the past.

We all have our respective positions. The U.N. still recognizes Chairman Arafat and we will continue to deal with him.

a unique evil, which cannot simply be consigned to the past or forgotten.

Such acts of provocation and vandalism will not deter the U.N. mission in East Timor from fulfilling its obligations,

immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access in conformity with Security Council resolutions.