Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi reaffirmed in Havana
on Saturday China's firm position that the next UN
secretary-general should come from Asia.
"Asia is fully capable of producing a competent and prestigious
secretary-general committed to multilateralism and broadly accepted
by the international community," said Yang in an address to the
14th summit of the Nonaligned Movement (NAM) in Havana.
Yang, who was leading a Chinese delegation for the meeting,
expressed the hope that "Asian countries will maintain unity and
strengthen consultation to attain our common goal."
Yang added that he was convinced the common position of Asian
countries would continue to enjoy the full support of NAM.
Under the UN Charter, the secretary-general is appointed by the
192-member General Assembly on the recommendation from the Security
Council. He needs to gain support of all the five veto-holding
permanent members on the council -- the United States, China,
France, Britain and Russia.
On the UN reform, Yang said the reform must be in line with the
purposes and principles of the UN Charter so as to better respond
to global threats and challenges.
"The reform should focus on strengthening the role of the United
Nations in addressing development-related issues, increasing the
voice of developing countries and accommodating their interests,"
said the vice foreign minister.
He also urged the developed countries to help with the
development of developing countries by increasing assistance,
relieving debts and opening markets.
Established in 1961, NAM groups 118 countries. China became an
observer to NAM in 1992.
About 3,000 delegates from more than 100 countries, including 68
heads of state or government attended the Havana summit.
(Xinhua News Agency September 17, 2006)