Udovenko re-emphasizes commmitment to process of reforming United Nations (09/28/97)

Udovenko re-emphasizes commmitment to process of reforming United Nations

by Irene Jarosewich

UNITED NATIONS - Two days after being elected as the new president of the 52nd session of the General Assembly, Hennadii Udovenko re-emphasized his commitment, originially outlined in his acceptance speech, to make this session of the assembly pivotal in the process of reforming the United Nations.

In opening remarks at his first press conference, held on September 18, as well as in response to questions, Mr. Udovenko noted that reform is the "No. 1 agenda item" and reiterated his support of U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan's proposals to streamline both the budget and administrative structure of the U.N. Secretariat, (the Secretariat and its programs employs approximately 14,000 people, developed by 185 member-states; the total U.N. system employs close to 53,000 people worldwide); to evaluate and establish new priorities for existing programs and development projects; and to change policy-making organs, such as the Security Council, to bring the U.N. into line with the political realities of the post-Cold War period.

Furthermore, "the role of the General Assembly must be strengthened," he stated, "it should not be only ceremonial ... (and) should influence the process of reform." Mr. Udovenko added that he remains "committed to the goals and principles of the U.N. Charter," and emphasized that as the leading international body, the U.N. has a responsibility to function well, and is often the only organizational vehicle through which small or less developed countries have a voice in an increasingly interdependent world. As an example he cited Ukraine, where as recently as 10 years ago "the U.N. was the only possible way for us to deal in any way with 'the other world.' "

He also noted that a certain lack of discipline has become pervasive throughout the functioning of the U.N., reducing its effectiveness in the world, as well as inviting disrespect. Mr. Udovenko stated that Secretary-General Annan has noted that the roles of the General Assembly and Secretariat (equivalent to the legislative and executive branches) have become blurred, and need to be made more distinct. Mr. Udovenko also said that "the member-states must be guided by the resolutions they adopt" - in short, stop saying one thing, then doing another.

Among the events that confronted Mr. Udovenko during his first day on the new job was news that a U.N. helicopter crashed in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was piloted by a four-member Ukrainian crew, and carried 12 members of the United Nations International Police Task Force and the Office of the High Representative. He was also asked to react to new clashes in East Jerusalem and unequivocally state his position on the current situation in the Middle East, which Mr. Udovenko refused to do, citing lack of time to have been properly briefed.

After receiving compliments for doing a masterful job in managing Ukraine's foreign policy this past spring, Mr. Udovenko credited President Leonid Kuchma for much of the effort. Mr. Udovenko will continue to serve as Ukraine's foreign affairs minister and stated that he will communicate with his office in Ukraine by e-mail, fax and phone; Anton Buteiko, the vice minister for foreign affairs, will be the "man on the ground" during Mr. Udovenko's absence from Kyiv during the next few months. After the General Assembly session ends in December, Mr. Udovenko stated that he will come to New York on an as-needed basis.

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