(14 Dec 1999) English/Nat
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has looked back on a year of dramatic conflict around the world.
As 1999 draws to a close he says it's been a year fraught with problems, such as the war in Kosovo, which he believes will remain a problem for a long time.
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has looked back on a year of dramatic conflict around the world.
However he began his speech on Tuesday on a positive note, congratulating the leaders of East Timor and Indonesia for working out a plan to save the region from more political unrest.
Indonesian military-backed militia gangs went on a violent rampage in East Timor in August, after people there voted overwhelmingly for independence in a U-N referendum.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I'm glad to say the process of reconciliation is moving faster. No doubt this is due in part that the territory's political destiny is clear after the act of self determination carried out in August under United Nations auspices. But I believe it is also a tribute to the statesman ship of exceptional political leaders."
SUPER CAPTION: Kofi Annan, Secretary General, United Nation
Annan says this has been a year fraught with difficult world problems, but he also says there has been some good news.
Turkish and Greek leaders have finally agreed to talk about their differences regarding Cyprus.
Meetings earlier this month between the two countries provided encouragement that a will exists to find a common solution to the division that has split the country for decades.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"After 12 days during which both parties have engaged very seriously with a whole range of issues that divide, I have invited the parties to resume parties on the same basis next year, and the date will be announced in due course. We have all agreed not to engage in public discussion of the subject of these talks. But I can at least say that the new dynamic between Turkey, the European Union, and between Greece and Turkey provides a hopeful contest in which to continue. "
SUPER CAPTION: Kofi Annan, Secretary General, United Nations
However Annan says the situation in Iraq continues to pose a problem.
Changes have been made to a U-N resolution which would return weapons inspectors to Iraq and Security Council members are expected to vote on the resolution later on Tuesday.
The text was altered in order to address Russian and Chinese concerns.
Kofi Annan has expressed hope for unanimous support from all 15 council members for the new policy.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"The Iraqi problem meanwhile remains very much with us. Throughout the year the United Nations has been handicapped when dealing with it by the divisions within the Security Council. I hope that today or very soon the Council will be able to agree on a new resolution. I hope this will enable us at last to move into a more constructive phase in which we can both Iraq's disarmament as mandated by the Security Council resolutions and bring to an end the long ordeal of the Iraqi people. I strongly urge the Iraqi authorities to make that possible by complying with the Council's decisions."
SUPER CAPTION:Kofi Annan, Secretary General, United Nations
The Secretary-General also pointed out that the U-N is making preliminary preparations to hire monitors and inspectors to go to Iraq.
He says a team will be formed to make sure Iraq is complying with international law, but he says how soon that team is up and running has yet to be decided.
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