Annan hails push for democratization, rule of law by Southeast Asian nations

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today praised foreign ministers from Southeast Asian nations meeting in New York for their efforts to democratize their societies and strengthen the rule of law.

"Democracy is alive and well in many of your countries - as we have seen this year through the elections in a number of countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia," he said in remarks to a luncheon for Foreign Ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"In all the challenges you face - from resolving conflict to fighting corruption and promoting development - you will be best placed to meet them through governments that are accountable to the people and respect their will," he added.

He also asked the officials for their support in adapting the UN to meet the challenges of the new century, referring to the blue-ribbon panel he appointed to review new challenges, threats and change. Its recommendations, he said, "will only be as good as the use we make of them."

Mr. Annan also reminded the foreign envoys of the need to follow through on previous commitments, including to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a set of time-bound targets for tackling a range of global ills.

"I encourage ASEAN to redouble its efforts to promote cooperation and pursue strategies to achieve the Goals in the region," he said, pledging the UN's support in this task.