November 29, 2005
ACCEPTABLE "DISASTER":
UN official predicts disaster if US delays budget (Evelyn Leopold, 29 Nov 2005, Reuters)
A senior U.N. official said on Tuesday the United Nations might have to delay paying salaries if the United States followed through on its threat to hold up the two-year $3.9 billion budget.U.S. Ambassador John Bolton has insisted the 191-member General Assembly focus on management reforms following the Iraq oil-for-food scandal before approving the 2006-2007 budget next month.
To make his point, Bolton has suggested a three- or four- month interim budget so that members can focus on reform plans, many of which U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has proposed and the United States and Japan are seeking to refine.
One struggles to find a downside.... Posted by Orrin Judd at November 29, 2005 8:33 PM
The downside is that the UN still exists.
Posted by: sam at November 29, 2005 9:01 PMGood point - holding up the budget might focus the UN on getting the reforms done.
Posted by: AWW at November 29, 2005 9:02 PMThere's going to be one--best one that's biddable.
Posted by: oj at November 29, 2005 9:08 PM"So you're saying we shouldn't throw Br'er Rabbit in the briar patch?"
"Yes, Ambassador Bolton, that's what we're saying."
Posted by: Mike Morley at November 29, 2005 9:25 PMAnd not 1 word about Japan also playing hardball........
Posted by: Sandy P at November 29, 2005 10:59 PM"A senior U.N. official said on Tuesday the United Nations might have to delay paying salaries..."
So they'll have to live off their Oil For Food kickbacks? Maybe Chavez can cover their expenses.
Posted by: MB at November 30, 2005 12:24 AMNo downside? Can't you imagine the hardship among the topless dancers in Manhattan if the UN can't pay it's salaries?
Posted by: Brandon at November 30, 2005 8:04 AM