 | ‘Benefits of space exploration not to be limited to privileged few’, Annan says |
In his address to the International Conference on exploration of outer space held in Moscow on April 12, the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan called to ensure that the possibilities offered by technology are used to foster tolerance, trust and shared values.
The conference marked the fortieth anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's first space flight and the twentieth anniversary of the launch of the first United States space shuttle. “The technological possibilities, both in outer space and here on Earth, must not be allowed to become instruments of discord or division. We must guard against the misuse of outer space, and, in particular, against the creation of an arms race in outer space”, he said. The UN Secretary-General emphasized a need for legal regime for outer space. “The international community recognized early on that a legal regime for outer space was needed to prevent it from becoming another arena of military confrontation. It is important to find ways to reinforce the legal regime and enhance its effectiveness. Space exploration should advance the twin objectives of maintaining international peace and security and promoting international cooperation”, Mr. Annan stated. Mr. Annan then brought up the issue of how useful these tools are to people in developing countries: “The challenge for us today is to make sure they, too, benefit from space science and technology in coping with a range of challenges from natural disasters to modern communications”.
The Secretary-General suggested that the use of space technologies become part of some of the new initiatives that he had announced in his Millennium Report.
“Communications satellites will be useful for the Health InterNetwork, to establish 10,000 on-line health information centers at hospitals and clinics in the developing world. The “First on the Ground” disaster response program will provide mobile and satellite telephones for humanitarian relief workers to help the victims after disasters”, he said.
In conclusion, Mr. Annan stated that “space utilization and exploration is not a special program with limited implications on human activities. It should not be a privilege of a limited few”.
Send it to friend
© 1998-2003 Azernews. All Rights Reserved.
Issue No.16(198), 2001
Bush administration Ñaspian energy policy intransigent‘Benefits of space exploration not to be limited to privileged few’, Annan saysIlham Aliyev opposed to NATO in AzerbaijanNews digestOpposition newsBusinessOil & gas news
Contact: Fazil F. Abbasov
Address: 370002, Baku, 85 S. Asgarova, 3-rd floor
Tel: (99412) 949 373, 946 542, 956 905
Fax: (99412) 958 537, 989 240
Email: azernews@azeurotel.com
