Former UN chief slams US for leaving international organizations, urges return

SEOGWIPO, Jeju Island — Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday criticized the United States for withdrawing from international organizations, warning that no country can survive without cooperating with the rest of the world. Speaking at the World Leaders Session, a key event of the annual Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity, Ban said he was "angry" over U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to pull out of dozens of international institutions. "I am very angry that President Donald Trump has decided to withdraw from 31 U.N. organizations and 35 international organizations like WHO, UNESCO and UNFCCC," he said. Expressing concern over the weakening role of the U.N. and other international institutions, Ban appealed for Washington to reverse its course. "I really appeal to the U.S. — please return. You are the leader," he said. "Not a single country in this world can live alone without working together with members of the international community." His remarks came after Trump in January signed a presidential memorandum directing the U.S. to withdraw from more tWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times