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votre mieux afin d’assurer autant que possible le bon déroulement des échanges et
contributions.
I end now in English.
Madame la Présidente, Ladies and gentlemen.
The Forum would not be possible except for the help of many, many volunteers. There
are UN staff members, minority fellows and others who are freely contributing to help
on all of the essential work of these last two days. I cannot name all of them, but I do
wish to at least acknowledge the hard work and devotion of the head of section Karim
Ghezraoui and the OHCHR and Forum consultant Marina Shupac for all they’ve done to
ensure the forum can proceed as smoothly as possible despite the very difficult
conditions.
I wish to thank the Government of Austria and other Friends of the Forum whose
support is essential to enable the functioning of the Forum, and hope that more states
from all regions will join them and demonstrate their commitments to the human rights
of minorities rights and its future improvements and evolution.
Please allow me to especially thank again the chair, Madame Victoria Donda-Perez for
having accepted and carried out the demanding challenge of Chairing this Forum in as I
said very difficult conditions.
Thanks also to the expert panelists from all regions of world for the contribution of their
experience and expertise and recommendations to the Forum. Your expertise has truly
enriched the understanding of many of the complex issues involved, and I hope there
will be further opportunities to work closely with you in the future. Thank you and
bravo!