The new president of the 60th U.N. General Assembly, Jan Eliasson of Sweden, accepted his post at U.N. headquarters yesterday, saying that mobilizing the political will to change negative trends at the United Nations is one of his priorities. "We must realize that we have the opportunity and the capacity [for change] at this moment in history," Eliasson said in his acceptance speech to the General Assembly. He spoke to the 191-member body on the importance of reform in the United Nations, which will be a key issue of his presidency, which begins in September. The essence of the reform project is "building a U.N. which effectively and legitimately responds to the urgent needs around the world and adds value to our work for security, prosperity, and a life in dignity for all," Eliasson said. "I strongly believe that regional organizations and cooperation should be strengthened and energized as a result of the reform efforts in the U.N.," he added. --MORE 1107 Local Time 0807 GMT
