Fulbright Alumnus Discusses Japan's Role in the UN

January 18, 2006

Fukuoka - Fulbright alumnus (1956, University of Virginia) and retired United Nations Special Envoy to Yugoslavia and to Cambodia Yasushi Akashi discussed Japan's role in the United Nations in the 21st century to members of the United Nations Association of Fukuoka (UNAF). Mr. Akashi explained US objections to naming the G-4 nations as permanent members of the Security Council and general concerns about expanding the Security Council. He noted that for the 21st century Japan needs to assert leadership in peace keeping operations, global antiterrorism, international crime, and the control of WMD, especially nuclear weapons. Akashi now represents the Japanese Government on Sri Lankan peace issues.