NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY APPLAUDS AMBITIOUSUN REFORM INITIATIVES
July 16, 1997 No. 118
AXWORTHY APPLAUDS AMBITIOUS
UN REFORM INITIATIVES
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today welcomed United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan's announcement of a major reform package aimed at establishing
a more "coherent, strategic and agile UN."
"These new measures, along with those announced by the Secretary-General in
January and March, are intended to reshape the UN and make it more relevant and
effective," said Mr. Axworthy. "This second package constitutes an ambitious and
imaginative effort to streamline UN structures and to ensure that the UN has the
means to forecast and address urgent humanitarian and development needs in the
world."
The Secretary-General's program comprises over 60 specific actions and
recommendations, including several approaches long advocated by Canada. Among
these are proposals in the areas of peacebuilding, peacekeeping, development
assistance and management reorganization, as well as creation of an International
Criminal Court of Justice. Human rights in particular will receive special
attention as a cross-cutting issue in all aspects of the UN's work.
"Reforming an institution as complex and vital as the UN is a delicate and
difficult task. The Secretary-General has made a major contribution to this
essential goal, and his efforts deserve the support of all member states," said
Mr. Axworthy. "I urge the Secretary-General to move forward with rapid
implementation of the measures under his responsibility and I intend to encourage
member states to give positive consideration to those recommendations that require
their approval."
The Minister also noted that Canada is campaigning for a non-permanent seat on the
Security Council for the term 1999-2000. One of Canada's objectives on the Council
will be to advance the reform agenda in the areas of peace and security.
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For further information media representatives may contact:
Catherine Lappe
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca under the Publications heading.
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