Soeharto invited to address UN assembly
Soeharto invited to address UN assembly
JAKARTA (JP): UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, in a 15-minute talk following his arrival yesterday, invited President Soeharto to address the United Nations General Assembly when the world body commemorates its 50th anniversary later this year.
Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono told journalists that the invitation was part of the United Nation's efforts to improve its image concerning its role in handling the various global issues after the Cold War.
The assembly, scheduled for either October or November, will be somewhat special as it coincides with the UN's 50th anniversary, while Indonesia also marks its 50th independence anniversary in August, Moerdiono said.
"The UN Secretary General explained that 50 years has a crucial meaning. The UN wants to present its new image," Moerdiono said.
When he assumed office in 1992, Boutros-Ghali pledged to promote the UN's role in the promotion of international peace and development.
Indonesia and other members of the 111-member Non-Aligned Movement have been campaigning to have the world body reformed so that the developing countries' concerns can be better represented.
In their brief meeting, Boutros-Ghali praised Soeharto, as chairman of the 111-member Non-Aligned Movement, for his role in international matters that are also of the UN's concern.
According to Moerdiono, Soeharto explained to his guest that Indonesia's Constitution encourages the government to promote world peace.
Boutros-Ghali and Soeharto are scheduled to hold talks on regional and global issues this morning.
In the afternoon, the UN chief is scheduled to address the Foreign Policy Forum of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Borobudur Intercontinental Hotel. He will also inaugurate the National Youth Forum for Environment in Cibubur, East Jakarta, that also coincides with the International Earth Day.
Later this evening, he will be guest of honor at a state banquet hosted by President Soeharto.
On Monday, he will attend the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the historic Asia-Africa Conference. On Tuesday, he will address a Non-Aligned Movement ministerial meeting. Both events will take place in Bandung, West Java.
The Bandung meeting is also expected to hammer out at a paper presenting the NAM's common position for the upcoming UN general assembly. Indonesia currently chairs the movement.
Egyptian-born Boutros-Ghali arrived yesterday at the Soekarno- Hatta airport on board a commercial airline. He was accompanied by his wife Maria Leia, and a small entourage of aides.
The couple were accorded reception befitting a head of state, staying at the State Guest House which has also accommodated visiting kings, princes, presidents and prime ministers.
Indonesia is the first leg of Boutros-Ghali's extensive tour that will also include Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, France and Russia. (pan)