... The Security Council must better reflect the current world situation. It should become more representative, transparent and effective...New York (ANTARA News) - Indonesia expressed hope the United Nations could strengthen its central role of promoting cooperation among countries in the world by reforming itself.
"To be able to address new and emerging challenges, and not least, to identify new opportunities, full support for, and reform of the United Nations are key. That is the only way the United Nations can remain relevant. The only way to ensure that multilateralism will flourish," Indonesian foreign minister Marty Natalegawa said at the 66th UN General Assembly here on Monday.
Marty said the world is facing various complex challenges starting from nuclear threats, piracy, terrorism, financial and economic crisis to serious poverty and hunger in various parts of the world.
He said the world is also facing threats from environmental destruction and natural disasters, food and energy security problems, intolerance, discrimination and authoritarian regimes that suppress democracy and respect to human rights.
As these problems may not be solved nationally they must motivate countries to promote partnership and cooperation among them, he said.
"First, we need to strengthen multilateralism to address global challenges. That means the central role of the United Nations," he said.
Marty said it must be assured that the UN and its decision-making process become more effective, transparent and unilateral.
Indonesia wishes all key UN reform issues could be discussed as an integral part of a comprehensive package that also includes the Security Council.
"The Security Council must better reflect the current world situation. It should become more representative, transparent and effective," he said.
Besides multilateralism Indonesia also emphasizes the importance of cooperation and partnership between the UN and other regional organizations which is also key to overcoming current global challenges.
In his speech Marty also raised several other issues including the Palestinian request for a full UN membership.
"Waging peace and development in the Middle East must first and foremost entail the correction of a historic injustice which has been allowed for too long for the people of Palestine," he said.
Marty on the occasion reiterated Indonesia`s long and unceasing support to the right of the Palestinians to live freely, peacefully, justly and with dignity in their own land.
"Indonesia fully supports the Palestinian wish to become a full UN member. That is in line with the vision of a two-state solution namely a peaceful, fair and comprehensive solution in the Middle East," he said.
Marty on Monday also conducted bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 66th UN General Assembly sessions including with US deputy secretary of state William J Burns and the secretary general of the Arab League, Nabil El Araby.
In the meeting with Burns, Marty said, he had discussed among others bilateral relations, preparations for President Barack Obama`s planned visit to Bali in November and preparations for the East Asia Summit.
With El Araby meanwhile he said he had discussed Indonesia`s wish to ask for an observer status at the Arab League.
"Certainly, Indonesia cannot become a member. But seeing connectivity in the handling of issues from the Arab League to the OIC, to the NAM and also other multilateral issues Indonesia deems it necessary to, as it is now also seeking to get an observer status at the African Union, ask for an observer status at the Arab League," he said.
(K-TNY)
Editor: Ade P Marboen
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