UN secretary-general

This is in response to the letter by Mr. Guerin (The Jakarta Post, July 6, 1996) titled On United Nations secretary-general.

Since this is my last letter on the subject, I would like to make my point clear. I am not Egyptian. I don't even have an ancestral link with Arabs. But I am only relying on the truth -- and nothing but the bitter truth -- which indicates the U.S. and other Western nations are trying to manipulate the United Nations.

Racism aside, honest Westerners may hardly reject Boutros- Ghali's achievements at the UN, even though he must -- as a human being -- have some weaknesses and shortcomings.

For example, we are all living witnesses that the UN, under his leadership, was able to organize in China what has been described as the biggest women's conference. The conference was so successful, that millions of women worldwide have great respect for him. Also, the UN was credited for one of the best population control conferences in Cairo early this year. Furthermore, Boutros-Ghali's approval for increases in UN humanitarian aid is completely commendable. His wise leadership in strengthening the UN's role in addressing environmental issues can't be compared with other previous secretaries-general.

BUHARI ABDU

Jakarta