Annan and the UN

GIVEN HOW difficult it is for a United Nations secretary-general to please his wide array of constituents in the international community, Kofi Annan's re-election to the post deserves comment.

His first term of office was not a uniform success, but he did succeed in modernising the UN and improving its efficiency. A consummate diplomat and clever politician, he also found ways to put the concerns of weaker countries on the international agenda in such a way that did not provoke the ire of the powerful ones.

His next term of office is likely to prove challenging. For one thing, the new American government is even less friendly to international bodies than was its predecessor.

Trying to use the UN as a counterweight to US might will become a task even more trying than it is already. The UN may have become less of a voice for Third World countries than it once was. Still, it is a venue in which Third World countries are more likely to be able to air their views, and Mr. Annan's efforts to preserve that forum deserves our support.

Finally, we cannot overlook the significance of the fact that Mr. Annan's effective diplomacy and worthy presence has helped to put a positive African face on the global scene.

In a world that still lapses into bad habits of associating Africa with backwardness, it helps to be reminded that Africa is still moving forward to claim its rightful place in the international community.

The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner.

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