Outgoing UN political chief stresses importance of multilateralism

UNITED NATIONS, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Outgoing UN Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman on Thursday stressed the importance of multilateralism and international unity in addressing major challenges today.

"The multilateral system, when it works, is a force multiplier," Feltman told a farewell press briefing after six years of service at the United Nations.

He said the positive developments with regard to the Korean Peninsula is an example of successful diplomacy to maintain unity of the UN Security Council and to keep pressure with sanctions.

Recalling his trip to Pyongyang in December 2017 at the peak of the tensions, Feltman said the confidence and trust in the United Nations parties demonstrated is "further evidence of why we do need to keep the multilateral system strong, why we need the rules-based system."

On the other hand, he said, Syria represents perhaps the most tragic example of the failure of the international community to address a peace and security, humanitarian, and human rights catastrophe owing to the lack of unity.

In this respect, he stressed the importance for the United Nations to attract and to have support from its member states -- support for the multilateral system, for the organization.

The world is facing unprecedented challenges now and they will be more effectively addressed through a multilateral system, said Feltman.

Feltman, himself an American, will be succeeded by Rosemary DiCarlo of the same country. Enditem