February 2001 World Headlines

Friday, February 16, 2001 - Web posted at 9:25:35 AM GMT

New US state secretary Powell backs UN

UNITED NATIONS - Brushing aside fears that the United States might distance itself from the United Nations, Secretary of State Colin Powell declared strong support for the world body on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters here, Powell, who took office last month, broke no new ground on policy, repeating that Iraq must respect UN Security Council resolutions, and calling on Israelis and Palestinians to show restraint to reduce violence.

Some diplomats had forecast the United States would be less involved with the organisation under President George W.

Bush than it was under his predecessor, Bill Clinton.

Powell said that in an hour-long meeting with Secretary General Kofi Annan, he had taken "the opportunity to express the president's strong support for the work of the UN."

"Standing beside him, Annan said: "We had a very good discussion going over a whole range of issues and trouble-spots around the world and UN reform, as well as the US-UN relationship, which we believe is on a very good footing."
- Nampa-Sapa-AFP

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