It is a great pleasure to be with you here today and to take part in this timely discussion of globalization and the role of the international financial institutions. As you know, we and our neighbours across 19th Street have a lively few days ahead as ministers gather for our spring meetings. At a press conference last week, one journalist suggested that we might need to airlift participants into the building by helicopter.

Senator Pinochet was arrested for the purposes of extradition on 16 October 1998. The Bow Street magistrate issued a provisional warrant for his arrest on that day in response to a request from the Spanish authorities; and a further warrant was issued on 22 October 1998.

Pope John Paul II. Brothers and Sisters, let us turn with trust to God our Father, who is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, great in love and fidelity, and ask him to accept the repentance of his people who humbly confess their sins, and to grant them mercy.