Indonesia to support reelection of Kofi Annan

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian officials on Sunday gave a strong signal that it would support the re-election of Kofi Annan as United Nations (UN) Secretary General, despite having yet to extend an official endorsement.

Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab said Jakarta would likely support Annan as most of the permanent members of Security Council -- China, Britain, France, Russia and the United States -- look set to throw their weight behind the incumbent.

"What we're aiming for is four-years from now we can have an Asian as the secretary general, but for now it would be a counterproductive action to nominate other candidates than Annan," Alwi told The Jakarta Post on Sunday.

Alwi stressed that Indonesia is still adopting a cautious stance and coordinating with other Asian countries for the election.

"What's important for us is the secretary general, whomever that person might be, will bring more world attention to Asia and if we support Annan to stay in the office, we have to make sure that Asia will get a chance for the position the next term," he remarked.

Annan, a senior UN official from Ghana, South Africa, was elected as secretary general in December 1996 and started his tenure in 1997.

He replaced Boutros Boutros-Ghali from Egypt.

After more than 50-years since the establishment of the UN, Asian only had one person as the secretary general U Thant from Myanmar. U Thant served as secretary general from 1961 to 1971.

There have been concerns that by reelecting Annan the African region would dominate the most senior post at the world body for three consecutive four year terms.

The Asia group which comprises of roughly 50-countries have not raised objection to Annan's nomination.

"Up till now, Indonesia along with other Asian countries have yet to convey our opinion on the election, and Annan is still the only name coming up to fill the position. We are still coordinating with other countries," Alwi said. (dja)