ICRC President Comelio Sommamga, accompanied by Mr. Jean-Francois Berger, regional delegate for the Balkan States, and Ms. Marlyse Schaer from the Division for Principles and Relations with the Movement were in Greece from 19 to 23 May 1991 at the invitation of the Hellenic Red Cross. The principal aims of their mission were to pay an official visit to the National Society and learn more about its activities, and to meet with the Greek authorities to discuss ways of promoting knowledge of international humanitarian law and other matters relating to ICRC activities.

At its latest meeting on 13 and 14 March 1991, the Assembly of the International Committee of the Red Cross appointed two new members, Dr. Rodolphe de Haller and Mr. Daniel Thurer. Their appointment brings membership of the Committee, which is composed exclusively of Swiss citizens, to 21.

Former ICRC President Alexandre Hay died on 23 August in Geneva at the age of 72. With Mr. Hay's passing the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has lost a true champion of the humanitarian cause, wholly committed to upholding the law and the Movement's ideals and to promoting peace through dialogue.

Alexandre Hay bore the last few months of his illness, which he knew was extremely grave, with lucidity and fortitude. He had full confidence in his doctors but as a deeply religious man he knew that, while our duty as human beings is to strive for success in what we do, the final word lies with the Creator. He never made a show of his religious conviction, but at the hour of reckoning did not hesitate to affirm his unreserved submission to God's will.

The missions which took ICRC President Cornelio Sommaruga to Great Britain, France, Jordan and the United States in February and early March 1991 were part of the effort to mobilize humanitarian aid to meet the immediate needs of the victims of the Middle East conflict and its aftermath.

During the same period the President also carried out official visits in Switzerland, Italy and Brazil.