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Thu, 11 Sep 2003

JP/Mega to push for multilateralism at UN General Assembly

Mega to push for multilateralism at UN General Assembly

Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

President Megawati Soekarnoputri will remind the world of the dangers of unilateralism when she addresses the United Nations General Assembly annual session on Sept. 23 in New York.

"We will stress our clear stance on the importance of multilateralism in solving international problems," Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda told a hearing with the House of Representatives commission I for foreign affairs on Tuesday.

Hassan said the President would highlight the fear shared by many countries, of unilateral practices -- which not only fail to address security issues facing the world, but neglect the key role of the UN.

"We would like to underline our stance that the UN should play the central role in solving international disputes," Hassan said.

Indonesia has persistently opposed the unilateral approach adopted by the United States and other major countries in addressing security problems in Iraq.

For the sake of consistency, Hassan said Indonesia had rejected U.S. offers to join the multinational peace keeping force in Iraq, as it will not fall under the auspices of the UN.

Hassan said Indonesia would also renew its call for reform in the UN Security Council, which many said was unfair in its allocation of five of its 15 seats to permanent members and the rest to the other 189 UN member countries.

"Another main topic of the President's speech will be the democratization process inside the UN," the minister said.

It will be the first time for Megawati to address the UN General Assembly. The upcoming session is likely to focus on the global war against terrorism.

Megawati will leave Jakarta for New York on Sept. 21 and will address the Assembly on Sept. 23. She is scheduled to return home on Sept.26.

An official at the foreign ministry said the President would have a very tight schedule in New York. So far, there is no indication that the President will hold bilateral talks with other heads of state during her visit.