Former UN chief slams US for leaving int'l organizations - The Korea Times

Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaks during the World Leaders Session at the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

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 his country 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.