Moscow, May 16: Russian president Vladimir Putin called for reform of the United Nations in his annual State-of-the-Nation-address today, just two months after a crisis in the world body erupted over a war on Iraq. New threats must be dealt with by a "clear and transparent mechanism recognised by everyone," he said. Putin said the United Nations was an "important mechanism for decision-making," but admitted that often "decisions are made with great difficulty or not at all." "They don't always please everyone, but no other universal mechanism exists and we must preserve it," Putin added.
Russia had threatened to use its Security Council veto to override a resolution proposed by the United States, Britain and Spain seeking UN authorisation to launch the Iraq war.

Since the end of the military operation in Iraq, it has called for the United Nations to play a "central role" in overseeing postwar reconstruction of the country.

"Modernisation and increasing its efficiency are necessary and Russia is open to discussing the subject," the Russian leader said.

And in a veiled swipe at the United States, Putin told both chambers of parliament that "strong and trained armies are being used not to fight threats but to increase zones of strategic influence."

Bureau Report