Myanmar calls for strengthening UN ( Xinhua via COMTEX ) October 24, 2002


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Myanmar calls for strengthening UN

YANGON, Oct 24, 2002 (Xinhua via COMTEX)

Myanmar leader General Khin Nyunt Thursday evening called for strengthening of the United Nations so the world body is able to tackle the problems being faced by mankind in the 21st century.Khin Nyunt, first secretary of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), made the call at a ceremony here marking the 57th UN Day.

Due to the challenges being faced by mankind today, the international community has unanimously acknowledged that the relevancy of the United Nations is greater than ever, he said, describing the world body as a center for harmonizing the actions of nations in the maintenance of international peace and security and in the search for the solutions of international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems.

"It is the first and foremost duty of all the member states to ensure that the U.N. never deviates from these time-tested principles in order to protect and promote the common interest of all member states, big or small, rich or poor, powerful or weak," he stressed.

Khin Nyunt warned that the development gap between the industrialized and developing countries has continued to widen and the number of people living in poverty has not diminished.He emphasized that it is imperative that poverty alleviation efforts by the U.N. be given unstinting support by the international community.

At the ceremony, a message from Myanmar SPDC Chairman Senior- General Than Shwe, read by Foreign Minister U Win Aung, called on all members of the international community to tackle the global problems together in a family spirit.

"The problems facing humanity consist of both man-made and natural problems," he said, pointing out that "many of the problems are closely intertwined and the solution of one requires simultaneous solution of another or others with a comprehensive approach and coordinated strategy."

On pursuit of development goals, he said, the most fundamental prerequisite is peace -- peace within countries, peace between neighbors and peace among all.

He stressed the need for every country to respect and strictly abide by the principles on friendly relations between countries enshrined in the UN Charter and International Law, in one's relations with others in order to firmly root the foundation of peace.Myanmar became the 58th UN member when it joined the organization on April 19, 1948.

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