Press Release by the Secretary-General

19 September 1997

SECRETARY-GENERAL, THANKING TED TURNER FOR $1 BILLION CONTRIBUTION, SAYS "HE HAS SHOWN THE WAY" FOR INDIVIDUALS TO MAKE DIFFERENCE

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

Ted Turner, the Vice-Chairman of Time Warner Inc., stunned participants in the United Nations Association dinner last night with the announcement of a $1 billion contribution to support the goals of the United Nations.

The funds will not offset the $1.5 billion that the United States owes the United Nations because the world body cannot accept contributions from private citizens for that purpose, Mr. Turner said his intention was to acknowledge the reform efforts of Secretary-General Kofi Annan and to support the humanitarian work the United Nations does, such as lifting landmines and aiding refugees and children in need.

The Secretary-General responded by thanking Mr. Turner and saying "He has shown the way" for how individuals can make a difference. Mr. Turner said his intent was to invite others to contribute to the fund. Senior Secretariat officials met with representatives of Mr. Turner this morning to begin discussion of meshing Mr. Turner's objectives with those of the United Nations.