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.