The peaceful resolution of crises.

Han Seung-soo, who has been elected President of the fifty-sixth session of the United Nations General Assembly, is Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea. He was first elected in 1988 as a Member of the National Assembly. From 1996 to 1997, he was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy, and from 1994 to 1995 served as Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic of Korea. Dr. Han told Russell Taylor of the Chronicle he hoped to explore New York City cultural treasures. Asked about his favorite artists, he said he was drawn to the works of post-impressionists, as well as those of Kim Ki-chang, one of his country best modern artists, and the renowned video artist. Paik Nam-june.

On balancing the dual roles of Foreign Minister and General Assembly President

The duties of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea and the President of the UN General Assembly are both very important and challenging. I believe, however, that holding the two positions concurrently will be mutually reinforcing. The Republic of Korea is trying to further widen the scope of its diplomacy by strengthening its activities in various multilateral fora, in particular the United Nations, and making a larger contribution to the international community commensurate with its capability. My assuming the presidency of the General Assembly will greatly help me undertake these formidable responsibilities.

On the other hand, my position as Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea, which is a middle-power country positioned between developed and developing countries, would help me maintain a more objective and balanced position presiding over the General Assembly and coordinate the divergent views and interests of Member States. On a more personal level, my assuming dual roles would save me much time as I would be able to meet leaders and my counterparts at the United Nations, rather than making individual visits to each country, which is usually a large part of the job of a Foreign Minister.

On the impact of the recent global meetings on the agenda of the next General Assembly

The international community has addressed the most pressing issues of our time in a recent series of global meetings, which were initiated by the resolutions of the UN General Assembly. The United Nations plays a crucial role not only in highlighting the issues of global importance, but in following up on the results of the meetings. They are also invaluable in that they are often the biggest gatherings focusing on a single issue, bringing together experts from all sectors, including civil society. Thus, I have no doubt that the outcome of these meetings will serve as a valuable foundation for the deliberations at the forthcoming General Assembly and beyond.

On the special session on children, to be held from 19 to 21 September 2001

As President of the 56th General Assembly, I have high hopes for the special session on children, which is a follow-up to the 1990 World Summit for Children and will be a timely opportunity to assess objectively our achievements and shortcomings in the past decade in bettering the lives of children worldwide. Through the special session, in which civil society and children, as well as Governments and related international organizations, will take part, we hope to ensure full and regular monitoring of progress made in key areas of child health, safety and education. But more significantly, it will be a time to come up with a forward-looking and action-oriented blueprint for the next decade, which will be embodied as a plan of action in the outcome document. Hopefully, this special session will bring forth renewed enthusiasm and commitment on the part of every country to take all necessary measures to give effect to the outcome document.

On the changing nature of peacekeeping 

In the past, truce monitoring has been the traditional function of UN peacekeeping operations. But recently, with the changing nature of conflicts and the surge of intra-state confrontations, the functions of peacekeeping operations have become much more complex and comprehensive, encompassing conflict prevention, peacemaking, post-conflict peace-building and assistance to the activities of international criminal tribunals in bringing war criminals to justice. Thus, it has become increasingly difficult to determine the kinds of situations in which the United Nations should take on new peacekeeping operations. However, international attention should be given to situations where a large number of innocent lives are in danger or large-scale massacres take place. Such disasters deserve the attention and concern of the international community since human rights are recognized as a universal value and we are living in an era of globalization. One important criterion for UN action is the invitation or consent of par ties concerned. I hope there will be more thorough and serious discussions on this matter among Member States.

On improving United Nations missions

With the end of the cold war, the nature of international conflicts has been changing dramatically. Interstate wars have become less common, while the number of intra-state conflicts is rising. The surge of intra-state conflicts has increased the demand for UN peacekeeping activities and expanded the scope of their mandates. Against this backdrop, the strengthening of peacekeeping operation capabilities is one of the most imminent tasks of the United Nations, as was confirmed at the Millennium Summit last year. While the firm commitments of Member States remain essential for the success of peacekeeping operations, UN capability for such activities also needs to be strengthened. More specifically, the discussions of the Special Committee on peacekeeping operations have focused on ways to enhance the effectiveness of these operations, such as setting clear, achievable mandates, and strengthening the Department of Peacekeeping Operations with enhanced rapid deployment capabilities. In this regard, I appreciate t he initiatives of Secretary-General Kofi Annan to strengthen UN peacekeeping operations, as well as the work of the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations, which produced a very comprehensive report. I hope that the ongoing deliberations on the report will soon produce tangible results.

On the role of the UN system In helping to prevent international financial crises

In developing countries, the Government plays a key role in economic development However, government planing and regulations incompatible with the market mechanism can, more often than not, distort resource allocation and even be a source of corruption. With the ongoing process of globalization, these problems tend to be more easily exposed. And the international financial market is still far from perfect. Unsound economic systems and the volatility of the international financial market were the main causes of the Asian financial crisis in 1997. I believe that the international community can play a more constructive role in preventing such crises and minimizing their adverse effects in the future. In close collaboration with the Bretton Woods Institutions, the United Nations should support the efforts of developing countries to build a more sound and transparent economic system, while also promoting stability in the international financial market.

On the International Conference on Financing for Development, to be held in Mexico in 2002

The International Conference on Financing for Development will be a milestone event in many respects. It will be the first-ever gathering at the highest level within the United Nations to address issues related to financing for development in a holistic and comprehensive manner. It will serve as a valuable occasion to enhance global awareness of the importance of development financing in addressing the questions of poverty and underdevelopment. I also hope that the results of the Monterrey Conference will be instrumental in carrying out the commitments made at the Millennium Summit.

On the importance of regional arrangements

Since its inception, the United Nations has encouraged regional arrangements and agencies to play a role in the peaceful settlement of local disputes and in dealing with such matters related to the maintenance of international peace and security, as are appropriate for regional action. The case of the European Union has shown that deepening interdependence among regional States strengthens peace and stability and, furthermore, provides incentives to work for the co-prosperity of the region as a whole. In view of the different circumstances in each region, however, we cannot expect a rosy future for all regional arrangements and agencies. In any case, I believe it is important that the function of regional arrangements complement the activities of the United Nations, upholding its purposes and principles.

On the significance of the General Assembly resolution on peace, security and reunification on the Korean Peninsula

The adoption of the General Assembly resolution last year bears much significance for us, confirming that the spirit of the inter-Korean Summit and the joint Declaration of l5 June 2000 has materialized on the international level. Notably, it was the first achievement realized through the joint work of and consultation between South and North Korea in the United Nations. The resolution proclaimed to the world that the two Koreas would continue to cooperate in shifting their relations from one of enmity and confrontation to reconciliation and cooperation. It was also a remarkable event that confirmed one of the important principles of the United Nations--the peaceful settlement of disputes.

The adoption of this resolution was an important step toward establishing a permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula, the implications of which go beyond the Peninsula, as well as an encouragement to efforts for peaceful settlement of regional disputes worldwide. Taking note of these implications, the international community rendered its strong support for the resolution--157 countries participated as co-sponsors, which is clear testimony of the world community's support for peace and unification of Korea. I am sure that the peace process that has been unfolding on the Peninsula since the historic Inter-Korean Summit will continue, thanks to the tremendous encouragement of all Member States.