CRO AMBASSADOR ON ECOSOC BEFORE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

NEW YORK, Dec 14 (Hina) - The fact that the U.N. General Assembly is for the first time discussing the work of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) proves that the importance of this UN body is growing, Croatia's Ambassador to the U.N., Ivan Simonovic, said on Friday. In his address to the U.N. General Assembly, Simonovic spoke about ways Croatia can contribute to the achievement of U.N.'s key priorities - eradicating poverty, preventing conflicts and promoting democracies. He believes the ECOSOC has demonstrated great benefits of a multilateral approach to economic and social concerns. The ECOSOC serves as an excellent forum for strengthening links between the United Nations and the Brenton Woods Institutions, Simonovic said, calling on the IMF, World Bank, WTO, UNCTAD, UNDP, and the private and civil sector to join in creating a common economic and social vision. He hopes an important step towards that goal will be made at the International Conference on Financing for Development, to be held in Mexico next year. Simonovic believes the ECOSOC must work persistently on harmonising its policy and different globalisation views. The Council can significantly contribute to preserving and establishing peace in the world, he said, adding that referred in particular to post-war construction and reconstruction. Next year, Simonovic will take over the year-long chairmanship of the ECOSOC, which is the first time a Croatian diplomat will be chairing a high U.N. body. (hina) rml