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New U.N. chief to focus on regional conflicts

West Asia, Lebanon and Darfur crisis among priorities

— PHOTO: AP

TAKING THE REINS: Ban Ki-moon, who took over as U.N. Secretary-General on Monday, with the outgoing chief, Kofi Annan, in this October 2006 photo.

UNITED NATIONS: Ban Ki-moon of South Korea took over as United Nations Secretary-General on Monday, facing numerous crises across the globe as well as the challenging task of reforming the global organisation itself.

The 62-year-old diplomat's handling of the reform, launched in 2005 by his predecessor Kofi Annan, will be closely watched by U.N. members, notably the most powerful, the United States, which strongly backed his candidacy.

Washington and others want the U.N. to become more efficient and transparent and be stricter over ethics and management following a series of scandals, including in the corruption-tainted Iraq oil-for-food programme.

Huge task ahead

Aware of the huge task ahead of him, Mr. Ban said at a news conference recently that he wanted to ``restore trust'' in the United Nations.

In subsequent interviews, he promised to devote most of his attention to solving the immediate problem of regional conflicts around the world.

He said he wanted to be a ``harmoniser'' and a ``bridge-builder,'' pointing out that the conflict in West Asia, the Lebanese situation and the crisis in Darfur would be among his priorities.

White House spokesman Scott Stanzel said on Sunday that Mr. Ban assumes his new role at a time of great challenge and opportunity at the United Nations.

``The United States will rely on his leadership to help steer the U.N. Organisation through the reforms already underway, and to propel the organisation even further on the path of reform,'' Mr. Stanzel said.

Another challenge for the former South Korean Foreign Minister is the enlargement of the 15-member Security Council, whose composition, member states generally agree, reflects the realities of 1945 rather than of the 21st century. The new U.N. chief's job also includes numerous other crucial issues of international concern, including the fight against AIDS, protecting children in conflict zones, poverty and global warming. — AFP

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