SYD KRONISH | Stamps Set promotes AIDS awareness

For almost two decades, the United Nations has been in the forefront of the world's struggle against AIDS.
To help publicize this effort, the United Nations Postal Administration has issued a set of three stamps and three semi-postal souvenir sheets on the theme of AIDS Awareness. The vertical stamps feature a view of the U.N. building in New York with the familiar AIDS emblem in front.
The UNPA says the total effort of all U.N. organizations is called UNAIDS. The goal of UNAIDS is to orchestrate the unique expertise, resources and influence of the various groups -- with all governments, press, religious organizations and networks -- of people living with HIV-AIDS to combat the problem.
For the first time in the UNPA's history, three semi-postal souvenir sheets have been issued. A semi-postal stamp costs more than a regular stamp and is issued to raise funds in support of a designated cause or charity. The additional amount added to the postage rate for this issue will go to the global fund on AIDS which was established in 2001 by the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan.
Honoring Switzerland
Would you believe it?
Switzerland -- one of the oldest nations in the world -- is the newest member of the United Nations. And to honor the occasion, the United Nations Postal Administration has issued a new definitive stamp depicting a graphic interpretation of a cross and a dove, with the Swiss flag in orange and blue tones.
The designer of the stamp is Thierry Clauson of Switzerland.
In a historic referendum, Switzerland voted to join the United Nations on March 3, 2002. Switzerland formally joined the U.N. at a session of the U.N. General Assembly in September. It became the 119th member of the United Nations.
Collectors can obtain the UNAIDS and Swiss stamps by placing a credit card order at (800)-234-UNPA. To order by mail, write to United Nations Postal Administration, P.O. Box 5900, Grand Central Station, New York, N.Y., 10163-5900.
The United Nations Postal Administration can be visited on the Internet through its home page on the United Nations World Wide Web site. You will be able to read about new issues, see and order stamps and products, receive information, subscribe, e-mail and other features.
You can gain access to the UNPA home page address directly: www.un.org/Depts/UNPA.