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Je tiens à rendre hommage ici à Hielke, Åke, Frieder, Bill, Pieter Jan et Bruce. Nous sommes également honorés par la présence de nombreux anciens fonctionnaires de la Division des affaires juridiques, dont certains sont venus de loin et à qui je dis "bienvenus chez vous!".
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In seeking to resolve trade disputes, GATT contracting parties and WTO Members have benefitted from the hard work and dedication of the Secretariat. Members regularly express appreciation during DSB meetings of the work of WTO staff members who ably and professionally serve panels and the Appellate Body. Indeed, we all owe a debt of gratitude to them and to the Directors that have guided them, most of whom are with us today. Chapeau to Hielke, Åke, Frieder, Bill, Pieter Jan, and Bruce. We also have in this room many past members of the staff of the Legal Affairs Division, some who have travelled long distances to be present at this reunion. May I say to them, welcome home. Finally, let me salute the current members of the Legal Affairs Division, who, under the able leadership of Valerie, have always shown remarkable dedication and professionalism. Without them, "the unsung heroes of the disputes", the WTO dispute settlement mechanism would not continue to enjoy the outstanding reputation that it does.
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