UN chief calls for collective action on issues

United Nations, Jan 3: Former South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon formally took over as the UN Secretary-General with a call for collective action to address a range of international crises from Sudan's Darfur conflict to the nuclear programmes of Iran and North Korea.

''I start my day as secretary-general of the United Nations with much expectation and hope and promise and I need your (media's) strong support. I start my duty at a daunting time in international affairs starting from Darfur to the West Asia, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, many other crises that trouble our world,'' he said yesterday after assuming his work as general-secretary.

Earlier yesterday, he inspected a guard of honour and was applauded by staff members of the world body as he began his first day of work. Since New Year's day is normally a UN holiday, Mr Ban's first business day only began on January 2.

Mr Ban, who succeeded Kofi Annan to become the eighth UN Secretary-General, began his work with an address to reporters. He paid tributes to the UN personnel who died in line of duty.

''I am very much overwhelmed by all this warm welcome,'' he told a news conference.

''Your (media's) presence this morning is a vivid proof that the United Nations is much alive in the front line addressing all the challenges and issues and trying to give hope to all the people around the world, he told mediapersons.

Answering questions, he said he would immediately turn his attention to the Darfur issue-- more than three years of fighting between Sudanese government forces, allied militias and rebel groups seeking greater autonomy-- which has left more than 200,000 people killed and left more than 2.5 million people homeless.

Asked about North Korea's nuclear programme, he said in his former position he had been deeply involved with the issue and as Secretary-General he will first try to facilitate the smooth progress of the six-party talks.

On hanging of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, Mr Ban said the issue of the death penalty was a question for each country to decide.

''Saddam Hussein was responsible for committing heinous crimes and unspeakable atrocities against the Iraqi people. We should never forget the victims of his crimes. The issue of capital punishment is for each and every member state to decide,'' he noted.

''As a Secretary-General, at the same time, while I am firmly against impunity, I also hope that the members of the international community should pay due regard to all aspects of international humanitarian laws. During my entire tenure, I will try my best to help member states, the international community, to strengthen the rule of law, he added.

UNI