Bush backs Annan for second term

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, MARCH 24. The United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, received a major boost for his second five-year term on Friday when the U.S. President, Mr. George W. Bush, endorsed his candidacy. Mr. Annan was here for a meeting with the Secretary of State, Gen. Colin Powell, and his first meeting with the President at the White House.

``We endorse his second term as Secretary-General,'' Mr. Bush told reporters. The support of the U.S. is crucial for a U.N. Secretary-General. The Clinton administration had refused to endorse Mr. Boutros Boutros Ghali for a second term. Mr. Annan's candidacy needs the approval of the Security Council and the General Assembly.

Mr. Bush and Mr. Annan discussed a wide range of subjects including Macedonia, global poverty, AIDS, West Asia and Iraq. After the meeting, a White House spokesperson said Mr. Bush would work with Congress to approve Washington's dues of about $600 millions owed to the U.N.

``We were both satisfied that we have put behind us the difficult budgetary issue that has made our relationship difficult and promised to work very closely together,'' Mr. Annan said.

The problem of U.S. payments remains as the issue is hanging in the House of Representatives, and any tinkering with what has already been approved in the Senate will further delay the payment.

The only problem in the unanimous endorsement of Mr. Annan for a second term would come from Asia.

So far, no one from the Asian bloc has come up with a candidate, but there seems to be a perception in some quarters that this is perhaps ``Asia's turn'' to head the world body.

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