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CU Zoom out Waldheim speaking to President Echeverria
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"The Middle East crisis has given the United Nations an excellent chance to demonstrate that we are still a very useful organisation which can make a very valuable contribution to international peace and security. And as far as the role of the United Nations is as naive as to think that this problem can be solved without the full co-operation of the big powers. Therefore, I belong to those who say: 'We should not criticise, we should welcome every effort that is made by the super powers to help solve this problem.' I think what is needed -- and we are in the middle of this effort -- is a good, sincere, realistic co-operation between the big powers and the United Nations."




Initials SC/2010 SC/2036



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The United Nations Secretary-General, Kurt Waldheim, said on Friday (January 4) the United Nations had proved its importance during the latest crisis in the Middle East.

Speaking at a press conference in Mexico City, Dr. Waldheim said the latest outbreak of war between Israel and the Arabs had placed the United States and the Soviet Union in a "very serious confrontation."
Dr. Waldheim arrived in Mexico City for a three-day visit on January 2, to discuss a proposed United Nations charter of economic rights and duties for developing nations with Mexico's President Luis Echeverria. Mexico has been seeking international support for the charter to strengthen the political and economic security of the developing countries.

Dr. Waldheim said the United Nations had made a valuable contribution towards international peace and security,
But, he said, the United Nations should not expect the Middle East crisis to be solved without the full co-operation of the super-powers.

A transcript of some of Dr. Waldheim's comments follow