Indonesia to support reelection of Kofi Annan
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)