In conclusion, I pay tribute to Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, whose vision and persistence has re-energized the United Nations in its fight against one of the gravest threats that humankind faces today.

It requires persistence and vision, as well as the courage to pursue reconciliation in societies still fractured by suspicion and mistrust.

He has been a constant catalyst for change and has distinguished himself by combining leadership with vision, initiative, patience, respect, persistence and faith in this institution.

A significant development had been the adoption in January of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, after long and difficult negotiations; the successful outcome was due to the determination of all those involved and the persistence and vision of the President of the extraordinary meeting of the Conference of the Parties.