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New UN Chief Shares Goals for Organization's Tenure
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=15D237E:A6F02AD83191E160F95D499CB6A439649574F7DCC14957C0 Ban Ki-moon says
crisis in Darfur, peace in Middle East and nuclear disarmament are
among his top priorities U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says the
crisis in Sudan's Darfur region, peace in the Middle East and nuclear
disarmament are among his top priorities. He also says strong
partnership between the U.N. and the United States is important. VOA's
Sean Maroney reports.







Ban Ki-moonIn a speech prepared for delivery in Washington Tuesday,
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon spoke with optimism that, although
the challenges facing the international community have grown more
complex, the United Nations should thrive.

Mr. Ban spoke at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in
Washington.

In the text of his speech, which was made available in advance, Mr.
Ban outlined a number of priorities for his first year in office,
including the ongoing crisis in Sudan's western region of Darfur.

He said he will attend the African Union's summit in Ethiopia later
this month. He promised to work closely with leaders in Africa, as
well as others, and to build a consensus for a joint U.N.-AU force for
Sudan.

The new U.N. chief also stressed the need to make serious efforts for
progress in the Middle East.

"Middle East is a source of grave concern," said Ban. "Particularly
when it comes to Iraq, international community should have all
possible assistance to help Iraqi government and people to restore
peace and stability and recover from economic devastation."







President Bush, right, meets with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in
the Oval Office of the White House in WashingtonPeace in the Middle
East was also a key topic of discussions Mr. Ban had earlier in the
day with President Bush at the White House.

Mr. Ban also pledged U.N. support in the nuclear non-proliferation
efforts aimed at countries, such as North Korea and Iran.

Secretary General Ban said strong partnership between the United
Nations and United States is a key element of the world body's
success.

"United Nations needs strong participation and active participation
and strong support of the United States, as U.N. and U.S. have a
shared objective of promoting human rights, democracy and freedom, and
peace and security, as well as, mutual co-prosperity," he said.

He said such a partnership is essential especially now as the United
Nations faces some of its biggest challenges.


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