Egypt warns against subjecting UN development activities to political aims

Egypt's permanent delegate to the UN Ahmed Abul-Gheit has warned against attempts to subject development activities by the international organization to serve interests and political objectives of the industrialized states at the expense of the developing countries.

At a session held by the executive council of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Wednesday night to discuss the programme's future plans, Ambassador Abul Gheit affirmed Egypt's stance calling for the programmme not to be dragged in fields that it would be better to leave to more experienced agencies such as armed conflicts and civil wars.

He stressed Egypt's stance that gives priority to mobilizing necessary resources in order to maintain UNDP distinguished role in service of development especially in the developing countries. He expressed regret over the financial position of the programme.

The UNDP executive Council started its 2001 annual meeting in New York on Monday.

The meeting will run until February 6. Egypt has been elected as UNDP executive council member for three years starting from January 1, 2000.

Among the most important issues tabled on the council agenda is the UNDP 's role during and in the aftermath of conflicts.

A large number of developing countries are suffering from civil wars and conflicts that completely destroy development efforts and economic infrastructure.