In defense of Kofi Annan

Kofi Annan has been secretary-general of the United Nations for six weeks, and some in Washington are already complaining that he is not doing enough to reform the UN.

It is true that Annan has not yet turned the organization upside down. But he faces a Herculean task. He must refocus and restructure the UN for a world no longer defined by the ideological conflict of the Cold War. It will take time to make changes. But in this case patience may be rewarded by the development of an international body that can finally live up to the great promise that attended its birth.

Annan, an experienced man of proven managerial ability, is up to the job. He has executive and diplomatic skills to reform the UN.

He recognizes that continued American support for the organization requires an overhaul, and that some steps must be taken soon. But he must set the pace and direction of change without badgering from Washington. The more beholden he seems to the United States, the less he will accomplish in an institution of 185 member states.

Annan has the political instinct to take some early actions that signal his intention to change the UN. He can do so on matters he directly controls, like the operation of his own office. He has already eliminated a layer of bureaucracy, delegated more authority and gotten rid of some high-ranking officials.

He should consider doing more to consolidate offices and replace inefficient staff. While waiting until summer to be specific on major reforms, he can draw on his long UN experience to propose a few changes now and use the consultation process to build support.

Washington, for its part, would be wise to back off a bit. The Clinton administration and Congress have been right to push for reform, but they are undermining their cause by leaning too hard on Annan. Those who are impatient might consider what scorecard they would have earned after six weeks on the job.

-- The New York Times