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Li Peng, Annan Agree on Enhanced UN Role
Li Peng Meets Annan
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Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, met Tuesday with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan before a parliamentary conference.
The two agreed that the role of the United Nations should be enhanced.
The Chinese parliamentary leader, who arrived here Monday for the Millennium Conference of Presiding Officers of Parliaments, told the U.N. chief that the gathering shows a closer working relationship between the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the United Nations.
Li hoped the conference would provide world parliamentary leaders with a platform for an extensive exchange of views on various issues and a solid ground for cooperation and coordination.
The conference, the first of its kind in the 111-year IPU history, will start Wednesday afternoon, a week ahead of a Millennium Summit in the UN headquarters, with participation by over 150 parliamentary leaders. An enhanced role of the United Nations in the 21st century will be high on the agenda.
"There will be consensus and diversified views, but we can promote our common understanding among one another and expand our cooperation while preserving our differences," said Li Peng, who is also deputy chairman of the conference.
Annan said support from the IPU was indispensable for UN success and hoped the relationship between the two organizations will be further developed. China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, should play a greater role in the UN and the IPU as well, he said.
Li Peng agreed that the authority and charter of the UN and the Security Council should be maintained and no international or regional organization should be allowed to bypass them to pursue their own interests.
China will continue its support for the UN and Secretary-General Annan in maintaining peace and promoting development, he said.
Li also lashed out at the US attempt to develop and deploy a national missile defense system, saying it is not conducive to international arms control and disarmament.
China is concerned about the US plan, which will adversely affect the international and regional strategic balance and stability, Li stressed.
Annan said he totally understood and agreed with China on the issue.
In addition, Li briefed the UN chief on the new developments across the Taiwan Straits. Annan assured the Chinese leader of the UN's support of the "One China" policy.
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