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>From http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=4678&Cr=annan&Cr1=terror Annan to stress vital role of multilateral institutions in address to UN Assembly 11 September – Multilateral action is essential to success in combating terrorism and a broad spectrum of global ills facing the world, Secretary-General Kofi Annan is expected to tell the United Nations General Assembly as it opens its high-level debate on Thursday. According to the text released at UN Headquarters in New York in advance of his address to the Assembly tomorrow morning, Mr. Annan will underscore the need for a collective international response to a wide array of challenges, from fighting poverty and curbing the spread of AIDS to tackling environmental degradation and halting the traffic in drugs and human beings. Multilateral action takes on special importance in the prevention of terrorism, Mr. Annan says, noting that even the most powerful countries know that they need to work with others to achieve their aims. “Individual States may defend themselves, by striking back at terrorist groups and the countries that harbour or support them,” he says. “But only concerted vigilance and cooperation among all States, with constant, systematic exchange of information, offers any real hope of denying terrorists their opportunities.” Mr. Annan underscores that for any one State – large or small – choosing to follow or reject the multilateral path must not be a simple matter of political convenience. “It has consequences far beyond the immediate context,” he cautions. The Secretary-General also notes the value of forging international cooperation for those seeking to lead others. “The more a country makes use of multilateral institutions – thereby respecting shared values, and accepting the obligations and restraints inherent in those values – the more others will trust and respect it, and the stronger its chance to exercise true leadership.” While recalling that the UN Charter protects countries' inherent right to self-defence, he adds that “beyond that, when States decide to use force to deal with broader threats to international peace and security, there is no substitute for the unique legitimacy provided by the United Nations.” Stressing the “fundamental importance” which States attach to this legitimacy, he cites the liberation of Kuwait 12 years ago as evidence that “they are willing to take actions under the authority of the Security Council which they would not be willing to take without it.” Mr. Annan emphasizes that an effective international security system depends on the authority of the Security Council – “and therefore on the Council having the political will to act, even in the most difficult cases, when agreement seems elusive at the outset.” In his speech, the Secretary-General is also expected to address several specific hotspots, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which he says can only be resolved through a comprehensive approach. “An international peace conference is needed without delay, to set out a roadmap of parallel steps: steps to strengthen Israel's security, steps to strengthen Palestinian economic and political institutions, and steps to settle the details of the final peace agreement,” he says. “Meanwhile, humanitarian steps to relieve Palestinian suffering must be intensified.” With regard to the situation in Iraq, the Secretary-General notes that he has engaged Iraq in an in-depth discussion on a range of issues, including the need for arms inspectors to return, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions. Calling for continued efforts to secure Iraq's compliance, he appeals to all with influence to impress on the country's leaders “the vital importance of accepting the weapons inspections.” At the same time, he warns that “if Iraq's defiance continues, the Security Council must face its responsibilities.” According to the released text, Mr. Annan will also appeal for a continued international commitment to Afghanistan, pointing out that the recent failed assassination attempt against President Hamid Karzai serves as a “graphic reminder of how hard it is to uproot the remnants of terrorism in any country where it has taken root.” Concerning the tensions in South Asia, the Secretary-General warns that although the situation between two nuclear capable countries has calmed somewhat, it remains perilous. “If a fresh crisis erupts, the international community might have a role to play; though I gladly acknowledge – indeed, strongly welcome – the efforts made by well-placed Member States to help the two leaders find a solution,” he says. _________________________________________________________ Stay in touch with your buddies and find new ones from ALL OVER THE WORLD on Mirsal Maktoob IM. http://www.maktoob.com/ _______________________________________________ Sent via the discussion list of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq. 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