Scope of UN reforms narrows as negotiators scramble for deal News
Scope of UN reforms narrows as negotiators scramble for deal

[JURIST] UN negotiators involved in reform talks ahead of the 2005 World Summit [official website] continued talks late into the morning Tuesday in hopes of having at least some proposals finalized ahead of the summit, which begins Wednesday. Hopes of producing a comprehensive reform proposal on a variety of issues first suggested by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan [official profile] last spring appear to have fallen by the wayside, as some negotiators said they expected to agree on a watered-down set of reforms. Annan had pressed for an overhaul of how the international body functioned on issues including UN management, nuclear proliferation and state responsibility for protecting civilians from genocide and war crimes. Negotiations on a draft proposal involving ambassadors from 15 countries have failed to create a consensus on many of the issues. Pakistan Ambassador Munir Akram [official profile] said agreement had been reached among the 15 on human rights, the creation of a Peacebuilding Commission and terrorism. AP has more.

Previously in JURIST's Paper Chase….