Commemorating the end of the Second World War in Europe.

• Position: Ceremony in Moscow, Russia

In paying tribute to all who had fought in the Second World War for the "triumph of justice and fraternity", Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, attending a commemoration ceremony in Moscow of the 50th anniversary of the end of war in Europe, on 9 May declared that the United Nations was the result of that struggle. It was a "privileged moment in history" when mankin'd and nations had been able to "ward off the forces of destruction and project themselves into the future as an indissoluble international community", he stated.

And it was Moscow itself, the Secretary-General went on, that had witnessed, on 30 October 1943, the "signing of the famous Declaration proclaiming `the necessity of establishing at the earliest practicable date a general international organization ... for the maintenance of international peace and security".

In calling upon some 50 Heads of State and Government present to continue their support "in this great enterprise - to enable the family of nations to face the future with confidence", Mr. Boutros-ghali stressed that "only by doing so can we remain faithful to the vision of those men and women who saw, beyond the war, a world of peace and cooperation".

He pronounced: "It is our duty to the victims of all wars, the victims of hatred, intolerance and poverty. Let a strong United Nations be our legacy to the children of peace."

Eduard Shevardnadze, Head of State of Georgia, Chancellor Heimut Kohl of Germany, Prime Minister John Major of the United Kingdom and President William Clinton of the United States, as...