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)