China proposes aiming for a broad consensus about the proposed UN reform through in-depth negotiations on controversial issues, said State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan in Beijing on Monday.?

Tang was meeting with former Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's special envoy.?

 

Tang warned that a lack of consensus could hinder the reform of other issues as well as preparations for the UN summit slated for September.

 

Alatas is here on a two-day visit to coordinate the views of Asian countries with respect to the secretary-general's report on the proposed UN reform.

 

He is one of five envoys named by Annan to assist in promoting the comprehensive reform agenda for the September UN summit.

 

As this is the 60th anniversary of the UN, Tang said that all the member states should seize the opportunity to push forward the proposed reforms to make headway in the development issue.

 

UN reform should be practical and gradual, said Tang, adding that China has been supporting and promoting the reform in view of the increasing global threats and challenges facing the world including terrorism and financing for development.

 

Alatas agreed that the UN should attach greater importance to the development issue, and a consensus should be reached on the reform agenda. China, as an influential country, has a role to play in the reform of the UN, he said.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2005)