United Nations secretary-general

Is The Jakarta Post sure that the American diplomats and others are just "playing a little game at the UN" these days? You state that: "the U.S.'s veto of Boutros Boutros-Ghali's second term as UN secretary-general, in spite of strong international support, appeared arrogant..." (The U.S. vs the world Friday, Nov. 22, 1996).

Yes, I'll agree that, on the surface, it does "appear" to be so. However, as the hasty actions in East Java and with regard to East Timor have so recently reminded us, appearances can be both deceiving and dangerous.

Here in Indonesia, it sadly seems that many of us get our exercise by jumping to conclusions. Yes, 14 votes to 1 by the Security Council could indicate that the one naysayer is wrong, arrogant, and stubborn. The other 14 have to be right, yes?

They certainly seem more respectful to this aged leader, his good work these past four years, and the self-esteem of the African nations. We who respect the Javanese temperament and the Indonesian principle of consensus may feel that a good, liberal dose of both would be just what the doctor ordered to cure the present American, belligerent-attitude problem and the resulting impasse.

However, history, if good for nothing else, should teach that truth is not always determined by the majority vote. This is especially true where precedent is concerned.

Don't we all agree that the UN is in need of reform? President Soeharto has stated so repeatedly. More countries should be able to share and exercise some of the power which America is exhibiting at this very moment.

President Clinton has also stated his concurrence that reform is needed. But he also believes that these reforms are long overdue and need to begin now, not four years from now. Putting aside "appearance" for a moment, possibly a younger and stronger candidate needs be found who could better tackle the challenges of change needed in the world body today.

Isn't it possible that the diplomats are not "playing games", but actually trying to set the stage for leadership which will facilitate UN reform for the good for all?

Let's all give Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali a standing ovation for the good job he has done. But let's not let precedent stand in the way of progress, a better UN president, and the reform needed now for the betterment of all mankind.

If this can happen, then history will prove again that good leadership can be a lonely job at times, but wisdom is justified by her children, not appearances.

F.D. ADAMS

Jakarta