UN chief challenges world leaders to change Sep 24, 2009
"If ever there were a time to act in a spirit of renewed multilateralism, a moment to create a United Nations of genuine collective action, it is now.". A host of new faces were following Ban to the podium at this last General Assembly ministerial session in the U.N.'s landmark headquarters before it closes for renovation later this fall -- U.S. President Barack Obama, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, China's President Hu Jintao and Japan's newly elected Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, to name... (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Zuma addresses the UN Sep 24, 2009
The UN must continue to be at the centre of multilateralism. But it needs to be reformed if it is to carry out its mandate effectively, efficiently and transparently. (iAfrica.com)
Obama to world: New U.S. needs your help Sep 24, 2009
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon opened Wednesday's session by reciting a grim litany of crises the world has confronted in the past year - food and energy shortages, global recession, global warming and pandemic flu - to highlight the need for a "spirit of renewed multilateralism.". Ban chided Myanmar, also known as Burma, for failing to release detained Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. (AZCentral -- News)
U.K. to call for fewer nuke subs Sep 23, 2009
He will call for "a progressive multilateralism that depends on us finding within ourselves and together the qualities of moral courage and leadership that for our time and generation can make the world new again and for the first time in human history, creates a truly global society.". However, the presence of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi at Thursday's Security Council meeting Libya is one of the current rotating members could make it difficult for Brown in the wake of bitter words over the... (Florida Today)
Obama to give maiden UN address Sep 23, 2009
Page last updated at 07:06 GMT, Wednesday, 23 September 2009 08:06 UK. President Obama will address global challenges. (BBC News -- Americas)
UN summit to rally political support for climate change negotiations Sep 22, 2009
Calling climate change "the defining challenge of our times," the secretary-general said he wanted the summit to demonstrate renewed multilateralism. "No issue better demonstrates the need for global security," Ban said. (Xinhuanet, China)
Africa: Obama to Prioritise The Continent During UN Visit Sep 22, 2009
Rice said the United States has "dramatically changed the tone, the substance, and the practice of our diplomacy at the United Nations and our approach to the U.N. as an institution, as well as our approach to multilateralism in general". "We start from the premise that this change is necessary because we face an extraordinary array of global challenges - things like poorly guarded nuclear facilities, terrorism by al Qaeda and its affiliates, nuclear challenges from Iran and North Korea,... (allAfrica.com)
Big week ahead for global affairs Sep 22, 2009
He is expected to announce the US new commitment to multilateralism, and particularly to the UN.. This is bound to be warmly welcomed, as it would mark the end of the era of his predecessor George W. Bush who showed a disdain for the UN in general, and contempt for multilateralism in security matters in particular, as witness his launching war on Iraq without authorisation from the Security Council. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
What China's Hu Would Really Like to Tell Obama Sep 22, 2009
We'll host the talks in Beijing to give you a fig leaf of multilateralism, if you still care about that. But I'm assuming you'll now get on with the business of. (Time.com)
A vital diplomatic trip to boost int'l co-op Sep 21, 2009
This visit, on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the founding of New China, attests the great importance China attaches to multilateralism and the country's active attitude toward international cooperation, he said in a recent briefing to Chinese media. "It manifests the fact that China has already become an indispensable part of global efforts to resolve major international issues, and that the international community and the United Nations attach great importance to China's international... (Xinhuanet, China)
Report: Iran's Talks Proposal Falls Short Sep 12, 2009
According to the document, "The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that within the framework of principles of justice, democracy and multilateralism, a wide range of security, political, economic and cultural issues at regional and global levels could be included in these negotiations with a view of fostering constructive cooperation for advancement of nations and promotion of peace and stability in the region and the world," the proposal says. President Obama and European allies have given Iran... (CBS News)
Trade agreements: Doing Doha down Sep 4, 2009
Each has its own rules and administrative requirements, leading to a confusing spaghetti (or perhaps noodle soup) of preferential agreements, instead of the predictability that multilateralism promises. As such agreements multiply, there is less chance that they create the wealth that their authors claim. (The Economist)
Japan's Unendurable New Prime Minister Sep 3, 2009
" Choose your torture: a good waterboarding, some SERE training with the Special Forces, a Cher concert - I'd choose any of them over being trapped in a cocktail party, much less on an island, while being harangued by this bore about why he's the reincarnation of Themistocles. And we still haven't begun talking about the substance of Hatoyama's ideas. Does evoking the slogan "libert, galit, fraternit" as his guiding philosophy qualify? Would Hatoyama realign Japan with Europe, which lacks... (CBS News)
China trade pact carriesprice-tag query Aug 26, 2009
Whereas China used to distrust multilateralism for fear that multilateral institutions could be used to constrain or punish it, now Chinese leaders recognize that deeply engaging these organizations helps to promote the country's trade and security interests and limit American power. On many contentious and intractable issues, China has adopted more pragmatic stances. (Asia Times Online)
Obama's political "honeymoon" seems over Aug 8, 2009
More importantly, the president has changed the tone of U.S. policy with new emphasis on dialogue and multilateralism and has thus improved U.S. image around the globe, as a new Pew survey demonstrated. However, as the same survey showed, the new attitude hasn't won much hearts and minds in Islamic nations where distrust of U.S. policy is deep-rooted. (Xinhuanet, China)
China and the US: A G-2 by another name Jul 31, 2009
The essence of Obama's approach is the willingness to embrace multilateralism and best captured by his remark: "We exercise our leadership best when we are listening.". And listen Washington did. (Asia Times Online)
Mutual trust can ride over challenges Jul 30, 2009
Under Obama, the White House has returned to traditional US multilateralism of treaties, alliances and grand strategy. But it is the economy that made the Obama presidency. (Xinhuanet, China)
Hillary Shortchanges U.S. On India Jul 21, 2009
And that's a shame, because India is a nation that has moved away from multilateralism, statism and socialism since 1991 and vowed to do the things that make a nation substantially great instead of sanctimoniously pure. That means a strong defense and open markets. (Investors Business Daily)
Obama's South Asia challenges Jul 18, 2009
The extraordinary electoral victory of Barack Obama will hopefully tilt the world away from what many see as the ruinous unilateralism of George Bush's policies towards greater multilateralism. Mr Obama's parentage and upbringing straddle so many identities that they can only be of benefit as he sets about formulating new policies to deal with the burgeoning crises in Afghanistan and Pakistan while ensuring that India helps rather than hinders the peace process in the region. (BBC News -- South Asia)
News Analysis: G8 summit features evolution of global governance Jul 15, 2009
They not only secured 20 billion U.S. dollars to help African countries fight hunger, but also demonstrated a spirit of equal and inclusive multilateralism ... Politically speaking, better global governance is to promote multilateralism and democratization of international relations. (Xinhuanet, China)
Leaders of the Group of Eight (G8) industrialized countries and five major developing countries agreed on Thursday to reform financial institutions, boost development and conclude the Doha Round trade talks. Jul 10, 2009
The world leaders agreed to resist protectionism and foster a "genuine partnership" in the context of a strengthened multilateralism. The leaders decided to change the Heiligendamm Process into the Heiligendamm-L'Aquila Process (HAP) to make it "a results-oriented process, focusing on global challenges of common and crucial interest to our countries.". (Xinhuanet, China)
China Business Jul 5, 2009
But they overlook China's preference for multilateralism and the energy it is devoting to deepening ties around its northern and western borders. - Henry C K Liu (Jun 18,'09) This report is the fifth in a series Part 1: Part 2: Part 3: Part 4. (Asia Times Online)
Pope to G-8: Help developing nations Jul 5, 2009
In his letter to , Benedict also wrote that all nations must be included on key decisions and multilateralism must be strengthened not only in the economic field but also on issues including security, disarmament, heath and the environment protection. "All needs must be taken into careful consideration, not only those of the most important nations or of those with greater economic success," he wrote in the letter dated July 1. (USA Today)
Hu in Italy for state visit, G8 outreach session Jul 5, 2009
Such a trend has helped advance the South-North dialogue and cooperation, push forward the development of multilateralism, and promote the resolution of global issues. Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi decided to move the venue of G8 summit from the island of Sardinia to L'aquila, where an earthquake on April 6 killed 295 people and left over 60,000 people homeless. (Xinhuanet, China)
Press Release: Kosovo Becomes the International Monetary Fund’s 186 th Member Jun 30, 2009
Kosovo s decision to join the Fund highlights the enduring importance of multilateralism in today s world. The Managing Director expressed satisfaction with progress made in institution building in Kosovo. (IMF News)
Officials call for greater UN role in tackling crisis Jun 26, 2009
"We need the United Nations," Ban said, calling for a renewed multilateralism to help all countries weather the economic downturn. "What better place than this United Nations General Assembly to do so," UNGA President D'Escoto Brockmann said, touting the assembly as the "headquarters of the G192.". (Xinhuanet, China)
Group of Two isthe wrong number Jun 19, 2009
power by the sole remaining superpower, albeit one that is fading, a G-2 in the context of hawkish realpolitik generally associated with Brzezinski's world view would go against China's long-standing preference for multilateralism that would allow it to form bilateral partnerships and special relations around the globe and to participate as an independent power in regional organizations ... "It is impossible for a couple of countries or a group of big powers to resolve all global issues.... (Asia Times Online)
House Subcommittee Markup Leaves Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria in Crisis Jun 18, 2009
Under a new Congress and Administration - with a commitment to multilateralism - this would be the first year the Global Fund has ever been flat-funded, and the furthest away from our fair share that the U.S. has ever been. Without the U.S. doing its part. (PR Newswire)
Toward better synergy with Latin America Jun 16, 2009
In the long term, the elevation of Sino-Latin American ties to a strategic level will not only strengthen South-South cooperation, but also help push forward multilateralism and democratization of international relations. (Source: China Daily). (Xinhuanet, China)
China says 'no thanks' to G-2 May 29, 2009
The grouping also goes against core principles of China's foreign policy such as multilateralism and the desire for a multipolar world order. For example, Wen stressed on at the Prague Sino-EU summit the importance of China's relations with the EU.. (Asia Times Online)
China will shortly send another buying mission to the European Union (EU) to increase imports from Europe, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Wednesday at the end of the 11th China-EU summit.• China-EU ties have potential of further development May 21, 2009
Wen unequivocally defended multilateralism and multipolarization, which open the way for even broader China-EU cooperation and collaboration ... "It is impossible for a couple of countries or a group of big powers to resolve all global issues. Multipolarization and multilateralism represent the larger trend and the will of people," he said. (Xinhuanet, China)
Crisis Management and Policy Coordination: Do We Need a New Global Framework? Speech by Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund May 16, 2009
World leaders embraced multilateralism, and are reaping the rewards. Vehicles like the G-20 were used to coordinate policies and deliver a unified message. (IMF News)
Not just the party of no, the party of hell, no! May 11, 2009
So supporting internationalism, multilateralism, abortion and racial quotas means you re moderate and nonideological. And anyone who feels differently is an extreme ideologue. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
* Foreign policy realism returns to Washington May 6, 2009
There are many recurring debates in US foreign policy X for example, isolationism versus internationalism, and unilateralism versus multilateralism. But no debate is more persistent than that between those who believe that US foreign policys principal purpose should be to influence the external behavior of other states and those who hold that it should be to shape their internal nature. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
* Theres only so much being nice can do for Obama May 3, 2009
They applauded him everywhere on his recent trip to Europe, but sent him home almost empty-handed, resisting the idea of a coordinated fiscal stimulus and, after years of preaching multilateralism, turning down his call for more European troops in Afghanistan. For many in Europe, it was easier to live against Bush than to make sacrifices with Obama. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
The global politics of swine flu Apr 30, 2009
At the epistemological and policy levels then, in addition to providing a new venue for global health partnership and multilateralism, the obverse side of cooperative behavior is, as stated above, a new rise of national protectionism that is also at the nodal points of North-South divide. This is as we witness the huge disparities and fluctuations in access to preventive medicine in less developed countries, which are keenly concerned about a lack of adequate health financing. (Asia Times Online)
Obama's "balance sheet" after first 100 days Apr 29, 2009
Obama also made important new gestures on the external front: announcing a time table to withdraw U.S. combat troops from Iraq and a new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan; setting a new tone of multilateralism and cooperation during his visits to Canada, Europe, Turkey and Latin America; taking steps to ease tensions with Cuba, Iran and Venezuela; trying to improve ties with world's other powers; ordering closure of Guantanamo prison within one year; becoming actively engaged in global... (Xinhuanet, China)
Obama's First 100 Days Apr 29, 2009
In the first one hundred days President Obama has attempted to chart a foreign policy course that tilts in the direction of multilateralism. He told the G-20 representatives that past American policies wrecked cross Atlantic ties. (Human Events Online)
Multilateralism and the Role of the International Monetary Fund in the Global Financial Crisis, By Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund Apr 28, 2009
Multilateralism and the Role of the International Monetary Fund in the Global Financial Crisis ... I would like to use this opportunity to talk to you about multilateralism, the need for global cooperation in macroeconomic and financial sector policies ... They embraced multilateralism and a cooperative approach to economic and financial policies. (IMF News)
Transcript of a Press Briefing by International Monetary Fund Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn with First Deputy Managing Director John Lipsky and External Relations Director Caroline Atkinson Apr 28, 2009
It is also very important in terms of symbolism, because it is a symbol that countries, our membership believes in multilateralism, and I see this increase in SDR more as a commitment to multilateralism, but even then a financing need by itself. It is more than the 250 billion that which represents much more than the billions themselves. (IMF News)
Transcript of a Press Conference by International Monetary and Financial Committee Chairman and Egyptian Finance Minister Youssef Boutros-Ghali with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn, IMF First Deputy Managing Director John Lipsky and IMF External Relations Director Caroline Atkinson Apr 28, 2009
For us and for the strategy of the Fund, and what the Fund has to do, as a lending institution, certainly, but not only as a lending institution, also, as being one of the main elements of policy coordination, and that is the meaning of multilateralism at the end of the day. This sentence was very important, and I'm very happy that it has been emphasized again today. (IMF News)
Commentary: What makes Uncle Sam "modest"? Apr 20, 2009
The new president is more inclined to multilateralism and the notion of "soft power" and "smart power.". Due to the historical tensions between Latin America and the United States, resentment at the United States has become a mindset among many Latin Americans. (Xinhuanet, China)
Iran to promote energy co-op with China Apr 19, 2009
"In providing solutions to problems...we should have multilateralism with the huge participation and presence of more countries in decision-making in relation with the financial decision," he noted. Davoodi said under the current financial crisis, a lot of countries interfere in their banking system and they are nationalizing their banks, which is in contravention with capitalist ideas. (Xinhuanet, China)
NKorea Crisis Tests Obama's Reliance on UN... Apr 12, 2009
UNITED NATIONS -- The Security Council stalemate over North Korea's rocket launch is turning into an early test of the Obama administration's U.N.-focused multilateralism. Six days after U.S. President Barack Obama called for swift punishment of North Korea, the Security Council hasn't acted. (The Drudge Report)
Ten Tough Decisions for Obama Apr 11, 2009
Europeans love hearing a U.S. leader talk multilateralism, but they don't yet seem to realize that when he talks the talk, they have to walk the walk ... Europeans love hearing a U.S. leader talk multilateralism, but they don't yet seem to realize that when he talks the talk, they have to walk the walk ... " Do we have the same definition for multilateralism? Did I miss some irony? Is FP written for a domestic audience? ". (Slate)
China gets assertive as US ties grow Apr 7, 2009
Obama's emphasis on multilateral diplomacy in dealing with international and regional security challenges and his willingness to endorse multilateralism as the more appropriate way of building trust among states is an encouraging departure from the practices of the previous administration. Despite the overall positive assessments by both leaders of the current status of bilateral relations and their commitments to moving them to a higher level, there remain areas of significant differences,... (Asia Times Online)
- Viewpoint: The Americas are back on the map 0 Apr 6, 2009
We hope, during this Fifth Summit of the Americas, there will be a tone of multilateralism and not the tone of unilateralism that we have heard up to now from the U.S.. Maria Elena Salinas may be reached at www. (El Centro Imperial Valley Press, CA)
NATO Summit Show Mood Grows Sunnier, But Trans-Atlantic Divides Persist Apr 6, 2009
That declaration played well with the EU s advocacy of multilateralism, as did assurances given by Obama earlier this week that the head of the World Bank will no longer necessarily be an American, or that of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) a European. Obama s efforts to reach out to Russia for arms talks, as well as help on Iran and Afghanistan, have also been welcomed in Europe as a multilateralist gesture -- although they go largely over the heads of Berlin, Paris and Brussels. (EurasiaNet.org)
New world order emerges from financial chaos Apr 4, 2009
This was a return to multilateralism - and a recognition that American ways were not necessarily the best ways. It extended beyond economics. (BBC News -- Business)
On eve of NATO summit, Obama's style poses inherent challenge for Europe Apr 3, 2009
What's causing stress in the European Union is not US badgering and unilateralism, but the Obama dynamic of moving toward agreement, concensus, and multilateralism, say some economists and political scientists. "President Bush was an extraordinary catalyst for Europe, a bogeyman. Even people with diverging views on economic and foreign policy were united against the US policy," says Karim Bitar, a Paris consultant and scholar at the Institute for International and Strategic Relations. (Christian Science Monitor)
National interests, global inertia prevent action - SA Apr 3, 2009
Online Edition Powered By IOL. DisplayAds('SkyLEFT',17,). (Business Report, South Africa)
Why Obama Should Politely Ignore Europe's Advice Apr 2, 2009
This was true even when Washington spoke loudest about multilateralism. The designers of the Marshall Plan, for example, stressed that they wanted European governments to devise their own plans for American assistance. (Slate)
Motlanthe heads to G20 Apr 1, 2009
laying the foundation for a sustainable recovery on the basis of a more balanced and inclusive world economy premised on a stronger and more equitable system of global economic multilateralism. Sapa. (iAfrica.com)
NEWSWEEK International Editions: Highlights and Exclusives, April 6-13 Double Issue Mar 30, 2009
This crisis has created the opportunity for governments to enforce a new and effective multilateralism by doing away with "false necessities" and allowing progressives to fill in the space. In order for a "global society" to exist, Miliband states that "progressives must address the deep economic, environmental and political imbalances that gave rise to the current mess.". (PR Newswire)
Afghanistan is now Obama's war Mar 28, 2009
Equally important, Mr. Obama's war is the first, and will doubtless prove to be the biggest, test of his commitment to multilateralism. Success depends on the co-operation of others: persuading India to ease tensions with Pakistan so that the Pakistan military can shift troops from its eastern border to fight in the west against the Taliban; getting Russia and China and Iran to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem; keeping America's NATO allies committed to the cause, even as... (Globe and Mail)
Africa: Global Crisis 'Hits Africa Twice,' Says Kofi Annan [guest column] Mar 27, 2009
In the articles below, a number of eminent individuals argue that a new and improved form of multilateralism is needed to allow the developing world, and Africa in particular, to overcome these bleak prospects ... In the longer term, multilateralism must be underpinned by institutions with universal reach such as the UN whose legitimacy is beyond question ... If they are to profit from the new multilateralism outlined in the contributions published below, the continent's states must heed their... (allAfrica.com)
Japan in search of a grand strategy Mar 27, 2009
Two lines of directions with which Japan can advance its soft power may be called bi-multilateralism and aggressive legalism, both of which must be enhanced significantly. Bi-multilateralism means a deft mix of bilateralism and multilateralism in multilateral settings. (Asia Times Online)
Africa: African Union Must Join G20, Says SA Finance Minister [guest column] Mar 27, 2009
Africa has a direct interest in strengthening the institutions at the centre of economic multilateralism. We should argue that global institutions be strengthened on the principles of mutual accountability, inclusiveness and ensuring that the imperative of legitimacy is balanced with the need for effective action. (allAfrica.com)
Africa: Annan Sounds Alarm on Global Economic Crisis Mar 27, 2009
"If they are to profit from the new multilateralism outlined by the contributors," writes Annan, "the continent's states must heed their commitments regarding governance, accountability and transparency and find ways to act in a more coordinated and concerted fashion.". Scroll down for links to other contributors' articles. (allAfrica.com)
India want say in subsidy cut in cotton Mar 21, 2009
Addressing a seminar on threat to multilateralism in the evolving global scenario organised by Ficci on Friday, commerce additional secretary R Gopalan said that India wants to be part of the discussions taking place between the cotton four countries (which includes Benin, Chad, Burkina Faso and Mali) and the US on subsidy reductions in cotton. We, too, want to be part of the discussions as we too are a major cotton producing country. (India Times)
Press Release: Statement by IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn on the European Union’s Announcement of Financial Support for the IMF Mar 21, 2009
This is a major contribution to maintaining the stability of financial and capital markets, and clearly demonstrates the strong commitment to multilateralism. This leadership from the European Union, like the one already demonstrated by the Government of Japan, is an important step toward stabilizing the global financial system during this period of unprecedented stress. (IMF News)
* Obamas foreign policy doctrine is taking shape Mar 15, 2009
Not some kind of wussy multilateralism, with lots of cosy meetings and platitudes, but a results-oriented desire to get things done X and the belief that that only happens when the world acts in concert. To be sure, these are only the early signals in the early days. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
UN-U.S. relations head to improvement Mar 14, 2009
The embracing of multilateralism in diplomacy markedly contrasted with the unilateral stance of the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush. Ban started off his two-day visit to Washington on Wednesday fresh from a quick trip to impoverished Haiti the day before. (Xinhuanet, China)
Obama's arrival shifts US view of IMF Mar 13, 2009
A US proposal to substantially raise the IMF's resources signals a strong move in Washington toward multilateralism by the Obama administration in the face of the global economic crisis. US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Wednesday said he would recommend to the Group of 20 leading nations that they support "substantially increasing emergency IMF resources," and called for them to lend to countries hit hard by the crisis. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Obama, U.N. Chief Meet on Economy, Climate, Poverty Mar 11, 2009
Also scheduled to attend is Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, who emphasized the meeting's symbolism as an example of a new U.S. multilateralism. Obama sees the U.N. "as an important venue and vehicle for the advancement of our national security and foreign policy goals, and as a venue in which we can seek to enhance cooperation on a wide range of international security, development and other issues," Rice said at U.N. headquarters in New York before heading to Washington. (Newsmax)
