"In our globalizing world, tolerance is more essential than ever," The week long Debate which lasted from November 10 to 16, was addressed by 31 heads of state and 11 heads of government, following which the General Assembly heard from deputy foreign ministers and foreign ministers.

The General Debate was opened with an address by the Secretary General of the UN, Kofi A. Annan. He assured the delegates that terrorism was not the only item on the UN's agenda. "Let us remember that none of the issues that faced us on September 10th has become less urgent," he said. He stressed that the items on the Millennium Declaration of peace, development and human rights were "no less pressing." If anything, he said, the recent events have made these issues more prevalent.

Annan urged "all actors in the international system" to work together towards common goals. He also encouraged dialogues between civilizations. He spoke of sustainable development and said it was a vital issue that belongs in the center of the policy making process.

He reassured the congregated delegates that the UN had improved in the past five years. He spoke of the improved financial situation due to the full payment of dues by many member states.

He ended his address by saying the decisions made were more important than the speeches given.

The first speaker, representing a member state, to address the General Assembly was the President of Brazil, Fernando Henrique Cardoso. He was followed by President George W. Bush of the US. Bush thanked the member states for the sympathy they had shown the US in light of the terrorist attacks. "But the time for sympathy has now passed; the time for action has now arrived," he said.

He assured the member states of full cooperation in the rebuilding of Afghanistan following the armed conflict. He spoke of the humanitarian aid that has been given to Afghanistan in light of the conflict.

Turning his attention briefly towards the Middle East, he said his government is committed to a "just peace" in the region. He said all within his power will be done to see that both Israel and Palestine are brought back into negotiations. "We are working towards the day when two states, Israel and Palestine, live peacefully together within secure and recognized borders as called for by the Security Council resolutions," he said.

Israel boycotted Bushes speech. However, Foreign Minister of Israel Shimon Peres, only made brief references to Israel saying that even though Osama bin Ladin claims he wants to help the Palestinians in their conflict, he is just "an obstacle to a resolution, not an aid."

"We offered the Palestinians practically all the land at Camp David in July of 200 without bin Ladin. And even if there remained a difference of one of two percent, this does not justify the killing of thousands of men and women in America," Peres said.

Palestine was more explicit in its accusations towards Israel. The President of the State of Palestine, Yasser Arafat said that Ariel Sharon's government is hindering the peace process in the Middle East. "State of terror is being practiced against the Palestinian people, using the might of Israeli army, including F.15, F.16 Apatchi Helicopters, tanks missiles and navy ships, including internationally forbidden weapons," he said.

The General Debate seemed to stand as a platform for bilateral conflicts. Palestine took its opportunity to let the world know of its dissatisfaction of Israel. In a similar fashion Iraq was vocal about its grievances against the US and the Western World. The while addressing the delegates the Iraqi Foreign Minister, Dr. Naji Sabri, said the West's policies "have their roots in conceitedness, arrogance, injustice and aggression." He referred to the armed conflict in Afghanistan as "brute force" that the US has once again used.

"Terrorism as a designation is also true of the use by the United States and Britain of more than 300 tons of depleted uranium ammunitions against the people of Iraq in 1991," Sabri said. He went on to say that the US had violated no-fly zone, in turn violating international law.

Pakistan also had an opportunity to tell the delegates of its grievances against India. The President of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf said frustrations worsen when political disputes, such as its dispute over Kashmir with India, are not resolved. "In Kashmir, Indian occupation forces have killed over 75,000 Kashmiris attributing these killings to foreign terrorists. It is time India must stop this deceit," he said.

It was not only countries that were under scrutiny. The UN itself was criticized. Some member states expressed their dissatisfaction towards the working of the Security Council. Brazilian president Cardoso said that the Security Council should no longer consist solely of members who were "victors of a conflict that took place over 50 years ago." He said it should include members of the developing world with "necessary credentials to exercise the responsibilities that today's world imposes upon them." Iraq was of the same view.

Many speakers acknowledged that the ministers had a daunting tasks in Doha, Qatar at the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the World Trade Organization. They said that in today's world trade was imperative and successful negotiations in Doha were vital.

While the General Debate was taking place, leaders and dignitaries met for bilateral meetings and signing of treaties. The International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism was a key treaty that received 42 signatures and six ratifications.