The UN reform should contribute to the promotion of multilateralism, maintenance of the authority of international law, and enhancement of unity among its member states, said a Chinese official at a legal forum in Nairobi Monday.  

Liu Zhenmin, director-general in charge of treaty and law in the Foreign Ministry, who leads the Chinese delegation to the 44th session of Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO), told the delegates that the UN reform should be aimed at enhancing its capacity to deal with new threats and challenges.

"In a few months, we will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the UN. The past years have made it clear to us that the UN, being the most universal and authoritative international organization, is irreplaceable," Liu noted.

He said the Chinese government holds that a reformed UN with a bigger role to play will serve the common interests of humanity.

"In one word, the UN reform should be all-dimensional and multi-sectoral with the aim of enhancing its capacity to deal with new threats and challenges, so as to be more contributive to world peace and development," the official told delegates from Asian and African nations.

He also hailed the AALCO for its important role in providing assistance to its member states in the practice of law, enhancing cooperation on legal issues as well as in promoting development and codification of international law.

"As we all know, AALCO is one of the tangible fruits arose from the Asian-African Conference 50 years ago. In the Asia-Africa New Strategic Partnership Declaration adopted at this year's Asia-Africa Summit, it is proposed that regional and subregional organizations should be enhanced and reinforced so as to promote sustainable partnership. AALCO is one of such organizations," Liu said.

The June 27-July 1 session of AALCO brings together over 350 delegates including ministers of justice and attorneys-general from the 47 AALCO member countries.

Issues in the agenda of the meeting include environmental law and sustainable development, effective and international legal instrument against corruption, status and treatment of refugees, protection of immigrant workers and the role of the International Criminal Court.

(Xinhua News Agency June 28, 2005)