FACTBOX-Main divisive issues before world U.N. summit
Sept. 11 (Reuters) – The largest gathering of world leaders in history
begins on Sept. 14 with 191 U.N. member nations still divided on the
issues. The summit is to map out new approaches to poverty, global
security and human rights in the 21st century.
— DEVELOPMENT – The draft document sets timetables to halve poverty
for the poorest of the poor, provide elementary education to all, cut
maternal deaths and halve the spread of AIDS by 2015, among
others. The United States objects to a provision urging nations to
meet the U.N. goal of giving 0.7 percent of a nation’s gross national
product in foreign aid.
— HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL – A smaller group of nations to sit year-round
on human rights to replace the current Human Rights Commission, a key
demand by Western nations. The new members would be elected by the
191-member General Assembly rather than regional groups. Human Rights
Watch and Amnesty International say opponents include Cuba, Russia,
Venezuela, Pakistan, Belarus, Vietnam and others.
— NON-PROLIFERATION – The draft says proliferation and risk that
terrorists might obtain unconventional weapons are the greatest
threats to peace. Washington and others want to remove references to
nuclear disarmament for big powers.
— TERRORISM – The draft says attacks on civilians and noncombatants
“cannot be justified.” Islamic nations want a mention of liberation
groups and the right to resist foreign occupation.
— PEACE-BUILDING COMMISSION – This is aimed at helping nations
emerging from conflict. Key Western nations want Security Council
control. Developing countries want the commission to report to the
General Assembly, where they have a majority, arguing they need a
voice in deciding priorities.
— RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT – The concept, promoted by Canada, other
Western nations and human rights groups, calls for various kinds of
intervention in case of genocide and war crimes. African nations such
as South Africa support the concept but other developing states say it
would provide an excuse for big powers to intervene.
— U.N. MANAGEMENT REFORM – Western nations, including the United
States, want to give the U.N. secretary-general more power to manage,
expand monitoring bodies and hire more independent auditors. Some
developing nations fear they will lose control in General Assembly,
which manages and budget and rules on U.N. posts.
(Writing by Evelyn Leopold, United Nations)
09/11/05 22:47 ET