Annan Warns US To Follow 'Multilateral Approach'

www.cnsnews.com ^ | September 12, 2002 | Susan Jones

[Tailgunner Joe]

The United States should not go it alone in the war on terrorism, said U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan in his speech before the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday.

"Terrorism can be defeated only if all nations unite against it," Annan said.

Calling himself a staunch "multilateralist," Annan said every government committed to the rule of law at home must be committed to the rule of law abroad. It was clear he was addressing the United States, although he did not do so by name.

"Even the most powerful countries know that they need to work with others, in multilateralist institutions, to achieve their aims," Annan said.

"Only by multilateral action can we ensure that open markets offer benefits and opportunities to all; only by multilateral action can we give people in the least developed nations the chance to escape the ugly misery of poverty, ignorance, and disease; only by multilateral action can we protect ourselves from acid rain or global warming..."

Rejecting the multilateral path must not be a matter of political convenience, Annan warned. It has far-reaching consequences, he said, especially in the eyes of the world.

"The more a country makes use of multilateral institutions, thereby respecting shared values and accepting the obligations and restraints inherent in those values, the more others will trust and respect it and the stronger its chance to exercise true leadership."

He said the UN has a special place among multilateral institutions, because it can bestow legitimacy on the actions of member states.

Any state attacked has an inherent right to self-defense, Annan said. But beyond that, when states decided to use force against broader threats, "There is no substitute for the unique legitimacy provided by the United Nations.

"Member states attach importance - great importance, in fact - to such legitimacy and to the international rule of law," he added.

Iraq

Annan told the U.N. General Assembly the leadership of Iraq continues to defy mandatory resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council, with regard to weapons inspections.

He appealed to all those who have influence with Iraq's leaders to impress upon them "the vital importance of accepting weapons inspections.

"This is an indispensable fair step towards assuring the world that all Iraq's weapons of mass destruction have indeed been eliminated, Annan said.

"I urge Iraq to comply with its obligations [U.N. Security Council resolutions] for the sake of its own people, and for the sake of world order. If Iraq's defiance continues, the [Security] Council must face its responsibilities."

In his speech, Annan identified four current threats to world peace: In addition to Iraq, he mentioned the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; Afghanistan; and India-Pakistan.

[AmericanInTokyo]

IIIIII get it! He wants US air force power to proceed not only into Iraq from the South at Basra, but also from the North from Turkey and the West from Jordan. Got it! Thanks Coffee! Multilateral approach.

[The G Man]

Maybe Kofi didn't get the memo .. we ain't alone:

England
Spain
Australia
Holland
Kuwait
Qatar
Israel

[The Vast Right Wing]

don't forget Italy, they jumped on today.

[sanchmo]

The United States should not go it alone in the war on terrorism, said U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan in his speech before the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday.

Then President George W Bush proceeded to rip Kofi a new a-hole the size of the Grand Canyon. (Which, by the way, is US property).

[Arthur Wildfire! March]

"Terrorism can be defeated only if all nations unite against it," Annan said.

Absolutely. And like Bush says, Hurry up and unite them already. Geesh. It's not our fault that the UN is a mess. It's the UN's fault. And if the UN doesn't get their act together, like Bush says, we can't sit on our hands when Saddam is only months away.

[ladtx]

So all you have to do Kofi is jump on board and you'll have all the multilateral you can stand.

[LibWhacker]

And Portugal, too, I think, right? Plus, I heard Bulgaria also made some favorable comments.

Oh, wait a minute . . . I get it . . . He means socialist countries.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

"Only by multilateral action can we ensure that open markets offer benefits and opportunities to all; only by multilateral action can we give people in the least developed nations the chance to escape the ugly misery of poverty, ignorance, and disease; only by multilateral action can we protect ourselves from acid rain or global warming..."

Terrorists don't follow UN guidelines. Any nation foolish enough to rely on Kofi's multilateral mumbo-jumbo is destined for the trash-heap of history.

[stop_fascism]

Basically, Annan was saying that the UN is completely useless. He identified three problems about which the UN has done nothing. They're too busy swilling champaigne and eating lobster I suppose.

I've asked a few times, can anyone list one example of successful UN peace making or conflict resolution. So far, no one has come up with anything (perhaps this isn't the best forum for that question ;-).

[Physicist]

Annan Warns US To Follow 'Multilateral Approach'

Excuse me, Kofi, but we aren't "following" this time. This time, "multilateral" is when the rest of the world signs up with OUR agenda. Take it up with them.

[Teacher317]

"Terrorism can be defeated only if all nations unite against it," Annan said.

I doubt this premise/opinion. Let's test it! *devilish grin*

[anniegetyourgun]

This little general needs go visit Saddam personally ....on just the right day....at just the right time.....

[The G Man]

don't forget Italy, they jumped on today.

Wow! Thanks, thats great news! Just went and tracked down the Washington Times article on it. Bravisimo Italia!

I can almost envision a Cingular Wireless commercial with the non UN sanctioned, US led coalition calling Kofi every step of the way to Baghdad, "Hey Kofi ... can you hear us now? Good! Now? Good! ... "

[cynicom]

Joe....

Someone should tell this idiot to go back to Africa, and feed his starving nations with his "multilateralism", All the while he dines on lobster and caviar. Hypocrite.

[Mixer]

Maybe Kofi didn't get the memo .. we ain't alone:
England
Spain
Australia
Holland
Kuwait
Qatar
Israel

Aren't you forgetting Saudi Arabia from that list. At least they say they are our allies.

/end sarcasm

[MissAmericanPie]

Yeah, he said all this high sounding trash, right before President Bush got up to speak and tore the entire U.N. a new one. If I may be allowed to paraphrase, "put up or shut up". I enjoyed seeing the hang dog expression on the faces of the Iraqi delegation, they looked a tad uncomfy.

[Go Gordon]

Maybe Kofi didn't get the memo .. we ain't alone:

England
Spain
Australia
Holland
Kuwait
Qatar
Israel
Yurkey
Bulgaria
Portugal

I added a couple, any others?

[Sloth]

US Warns Annan To Follow 'Stay-The-Hell-Out-Of-Our-Way Approach'

[Go Gordon]

Maybe Kofi didn't get the memo .. we ain't alone:

England
Spain
Australia
Holland
Kuwait
Qatar
Israel
Yurkey
Bulgaria
Portugal
Italy
Afgahnistan?