According to Mr. Annan, what may be a source of problems facing the world? [orig

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says there is a growing consensus that many world problems must be solved through collective action. VOA Correspondent Breck Ardery reports on Mr. Annan’ s comments at the end of the year’ s news conference.
     Mr. Annan said the recent disorders at the World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle clearly illustrate the anxieties that can develop over the changes posed by globalization. The disorder in the streets of Seattle prevented Mr. Annan from giving a speech to the WTO. Had he been able to deliver that speech, Mr. Annan would have said that restrictions on the imports from developing counstries should be eased. At his news conference, Mr. Annan said the growing number of partnerships, involving UN agencies, non-govenmental organizations and private corporations have been very beneficial for developing nations. In an- hour-long review of world problems, the secretary-general touched on a number of issues facing the United Nations. He said the outlook in Kosovo is difficult because of the legacy of ethnic hatred there. In East Timor, however, he said there is reason for more optimism, largely because East Timor’ s future as an independent nation is clear. Mr. Annan, a native of Ghana, said African nations should take heart that the United Nations is starting to pay more attention to the problems of that continent Mr. Annan said he is very encouraged by developments in the Middle East peace process, especially the direct talks between Israel and Syria. He expressed optimism that there will be major changes in that region within a year. Breck Ardery, VOA News, at the United Nations.