Mega to push for multilateralism at UN General Assembly<\/p>\n
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja
\nThe Jakarta Post
\nJakarta<\/p>\n
President Megawati Soekarnoputri will remind the world of the
\ndangers of unilateralism when she addresses the United Nations
\nGeneral Assembly annual session on Sept. 23 in New York.<\/p>\n
"We will stress our clear stance on the importance of
\nmultilateralism in solving international problems," Minister of
\nForeign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda told a hearing with the House of
\nRepresentatives commission I for foreign affairs on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Hassan said the President would highlight the fear shared by
\nmany countries, of unilateral practices -- which not only fail to
\naddress security issues facing the world, but neglect the key
\nrole of the UN.<\/p>\n
"We would like to underline our stance that the UN should play
\nthe central role in solving international disputes," Hassan said.<\/p>\n
Indonesia has persistently opposed the unilateral approach
\nadopted by the United States and other major countries in
\naddressing security problems in Iraq.<\/p>\n
For the sake of consistency, Hassan said Indonesia had
\nrejected U.S. offers to join the multinational peace keeping
\nforce in Iraq, as it will not fall under the auspices of the UN.<\/p>\n
Hassan said Indonesia would also renew its call for reform in
\nthe UN Security Council, which many said was unfair in its
\nallocation of five of its 15 seats to permanent members and the
\nrest to the other 189 UN member countries.<\/p>\n
"Another main topic of the President's speech will be the
\ndemocratization process inside the UN," the minister said.<\/p>\n
It will be the first time for Megawati to address the UN
\nGeneral Assembly. The upcoming session is likely to focus on the
\nglobal war against terrorism.<\/p>\n
Megawati will leave Jakarta for New York on Sept. 21 and will
\naddress the Assembly on Sept. 23. She is scheduled to return home
\non Sept.26.<\/p>\n
An official at the foreign ministry said the President would
\nhave a very tight schedule in New York. So far, there is no
\nindication that the President will hold bilateral talks with
\nother heads of state during her visit.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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