Annan warns of dangers from war on terrorism

By Paul Geitner
The Associated Press

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Addressing the World Economic Forum, the U.N. chief said international terrorism threatens peace and stability and "has the potential to exacerbate cultural, religious and ethnic dividing lines."

Yet in unusually blunt criticism apparently aimed at the Bush administration, he said that the war against terror also carried the risk of aggravating such tensions, "as well as raising concerns about protection of human rights and civil liberties."

The war on terror also has redirected world attention "dangerously away" from other pressing concerns — such as poverty, hunger and disease, Annan said, adding it was "time to rebalance the international agenda."

"The most privileged members" of the United Nations, he said, were "currently and understandably preoccupied with terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. (But) the U.N. must also protect millions of our fellow men and women from the more familiar threats of poverty, hunger and deadly diseases."

The aftermath of the war and dealing with the threat of terrorism have been a running theme this year at the annual gathering of global business and political leaders in this Alpine resort.

Hours after Annan's speech, Attorney General John Ashcroft said the "entirety of the world community" was needed to eliminate terrorism and establish freedom in Iraq.

"It's not easy to establish freedom in the midst of terror," he said. "Freedom has never been free."

In related developments:

• Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates announced a partnership with the United Nations to bring computer technology and literacy to developing countries as part of Microsoft Unlimited Potential, launched last year to provide $1 billion in cash, software, training and assistance over the next five years. Microsoft will work with the U.N. to establish computer centers in poor communities, starting with pilot projects in Egypt, Mozambique and Morocco.

• Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi told a panel his country supported the forum's theme of "partnership for security and prosperity," but said it had to be achieved through dialogue based on mutual respect. Although the United States and Iran had had no formal relations since 1979, Kharrazi met for 90 minutes with Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Neither commented after the meeting.

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