The Marmot’s Hole

Nequila of Confessions of a Silk Alley Korean kindly provided the following translation of an interview Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon did with French newspaper Le Figaro.

Ban Ki Moon: UN Culture needs to change
United Nations — The South Korean Foreign Minister is one of the main contenders to succeed Kofi Annan by the end of the year.

By Alain Barluet

February 7, 2006

Ban Ki Moon, 61, who was on an official visit to France yesterday, is getting ready to run for the position of United Nations Secretary General, which becomes vacant at the end of the year. He explained his vision for the job during his stay in Paris.

Le Figaro — You will announce your official candidacy for the position of UN Secretary-General in the coming days. What is your motivation for doing so?

Ban Ki Moon — Korea’s relations with the United Nations are specific and very narrow. Our country got its independence the same year the UN was created. During the Korean War, we received very significant aid under the UN umbrella. In the years that followed, South Korea rose to the world’s 11th largest economy and became fully democratic. We can play a unique role not only as a bridge between the developed world and developing countries, but between democratic countries and those in transition. South Korea is implementing reforms in a number of key areas, and in my capacity as foreign minister, I have been part of this process for the past two years. Having spent almost ten years of my diplomatic career at the UN, I think I’m well positioned to contribute to the Organization and helping it reform itself.

LF — As head of the United Nations, what would your priorities be?

BKM — I would continue the reforms instigated by Kofi Annan. There are three key areas that need to be continued, in close cooperation with the member states. First of all, since the UN was created sixty years ago, it needs to become more adaptable to new challenges that confront it today. Creating the Peacebuilding Commission and the Human Rights Council were good first steps. Secondly, the UN needs to take another look at the numerous resolutions and decisions it’s made, but for whatever reason, be it reticence or a lack of will, weren’t enforced. Thirdly, there’s a need for management reform. The UN Secretariat has been undermined by inefficiency, corruption, and a lack of transparency and accountability. The Organization should demonstrate professionalism and ethics of the highest degree. It’s the entire UN culture which urgently needs an overhaul.

LF — This being the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea, what do you hope for?

BKM — Our countries boast excellent relations based on friendship and mutual respect. French brands such as TGV and Carrefour are very much a part of the landscape. We would like to see more cultural exchanges and hope that this anniversary will help further that goal. We have a number of cultural events planned this year, as well as official visits like that of our prime minister, who will be visiting France.

LF — Is there an end in sight to the long-standing dispute due to royal Korean archives housed in France claimed by South Korea?

BKM — That’s a very important symbolic issue for us. We will continue our efforts to find a satisfactory solution. But since we won’t be able to solve this problem tomorrow, we’ll try to find other ways to get around it. We have appointed an ambassador to deal with this issue, in addition to a commission of experts.