Ban Ki-Moon.(The Last Word)(Interview)

Byline: Richard M. Smith

Alone At The Top Of The World

Since taking over "the world's most impossible job" at the beginning of the year, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has remained determinedly upbeat, despite the usual sniping from all sides. The low-key former South Korean foreign minister is still figuring out where he can make his mark, but he is beginning to look more focused in his efforts to tackle some of the world's most complex problems. In his office on the United Nations' 38th floor last week, he talked with NEWSWEEK Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Richard M. Smith.

Smith: Has President Bush become a believer on climate change?

Ban: It took some time for me to get President Bush and the U.S. administration to join these U.N. negotiations. I am encouraged that President Bush has finally recognized this as a defining issue, and that the U.N. is the right forum to deal with it.

You've heard some criticism that maybe you're too close to the United States.

I don't quite understand why a closer relationship with the United States should be a problem. The U.S. is one of the most important members of the United Nations. Both as secretary-general and earlier as Korea's foreign minister, I have made so many friends around the world. My advantage is that I can speak to anybody.