DATE=12/20/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N / HOLBROOKE ON AFRICA (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-257340
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Richard Holbrooke, the U-S ambassador to the
United Nations, says Africa is now the most volatile
region in the world, largely due to its devastating
AIDS problem. Mr. Holbrooke outlined plans Monday for
a renewed focus on Africa's problems in the U-N
Security Council. V-O-A Correspondent Breck Ardery
reports from the United Nations.
TEXT: Mr. Holbrooke plans a month-long discussion of
Africa when he assumes the presidency of the U-N
Security Council next month. For the first time, the
Security Council will hold a special public session on
the disease AIDS. At a yearend news conference, Mr.
Holbrooke responded to those who question why the
Security Council should concern itself with a health
issue. He said AIDS has so devastated parts of sub-
Saharan Africa that the disease is now an economic and
security threat.
/// HOLBROOKE ACT ///
Twenty-five to 30 percent of the population in
some of the key countries in Africa is now
carrying the H-I-V virus or has AIDS. It is
being transmitted [in rates as high] as high as
50 percent, from pregnant women to children. It
is so heavily stigmatized in most of the area,
with the exception of Senegal and Uganda, that
people do not even admit they have the disease,
because they are afraid they will lose their
jobs.
/// END ACT ///
Mr. Holbrooke expressed hope the Security Council
session on AIDS will raise awareness and lessen the
stigma.
Armed conflicts in Africa will also get plenty of
attention from the U-N Security Council in January.
Mr. Holbrooke said there will be public sessions on
Angola, Burundi, Congo-Kinshasa and Sierra Leone.
/// 2nd HOLBROOKE ACT ///
The future of the U-N will be heavily determined
by "getting it right" [working effectively] in
central Africa in the coming cycle.
/// END ACT ///
In terms of Congo, Mr. Holbrooke repeated the U-S
position that the mission, membership and cost of a
U-N peacekeeping force there must be very clear before
any resolution creating a peacekeeping force is
passed.
/// REST OPT ///
Mr. Holbrooke says reform of the United Nations system
is also a major priority for the United States for the
coming year. He says there is too much bureaucracy,
and a perception that the United Nations is sometimes
more interested in process than substance. He adds
that the recent agreement by the U-S Congress to pay
U-S arrears to the United Nations should enhance
American influence in the world organization. Mr.
Holbrooke says the United States does not expect to
rule, but it does hope to help lead the United
Nations. (Signed)
NEB/BA/LSF/WTW
20-Dec-1999 15:37 PM EDT (20-Dec-1999 2037 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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