Bolton Prods U.N. To Act on Spending, Human Rights Issues

Washington Post ^ | 11/11/05 | Colum Lynch

[TigerLikesRooster]

Bolton Prods U.N. To Act on Spending, Human Rights Issues

By Colum Lynch
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, November 11, 2005; Page A16

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 10 -- U.S. Ambassador John R. Bolton said Thursday that inaction by U.N. members is jeopardizing the passage of U.S.- and U.N.-backed initiatives to combat human rights abuses and streamline the agency's bureaucracy.

Bolton, speaking at a luncheon hosted by the Foreign Policy Association, hinted that Congress may retaliate against the United Nations if it failed to take steps toward improving the way it conducts business. He later told the General Assembly that the United States would oppose any effort to expand the Security Council beyond 20 members and would insist that states meet criteria -- including a commitment to democracy and a record of combating terrorism -- to become permanent members.

"The United States supports an expansion of the Security Council that can contribute to its strength and effectiveness," Bolton told the 191-member General Assembly. "We must . . . ensure that new permanent members are supremely qualified to undertake the tremendous duties and responsibilities they will assume."

Together, Bolton's two speeches signaled growing U.S. frustration with the sluggish pace and direction of change in the organization in the weeks since more than 150 world leaders met in New York to discuss proposed changes. In particular, Bolton faulted his counterparts with failing to make progress on two U.S. priorities -- the establishment of a new human rights council that excludes rights abusers and the creation of an independent audit board to monitor U.N. spending.

[TigerLikesRooster]

...Congress may retaliate against the United Nations if it failed to take steps toward improving the way it conducts business.

He talks like Bolton alright.:)

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

Man, he's gonna ruin the UN!