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March 21, 2005
U.S. Leadership Necessary at UN
Kofi Annan’s Report, “In Larger Freedom”, Provides an
Opportunity Not To Be Missed
Washington, DC - Citizens for Global Solutions
welcomes the Secretary-General’s agenda setting report, “In Larger Freedom”,
released today. The report lays out a broad new vision of collective security.
It also sets out clear changes that need to be made at the United Nations to
ensure that the UN can effectively and efficiently meet the challenges of the
21st century world.
The report states: “Humanity will not enjoy security without development, it
will not enjoy development without security, and it will not enjoy either
without respect for human rights.” The report goes on to say “The United Nations
must be reshaped in ways not previously imagined, and with a boldness and speed
not previously shown.”
The report sets the agenda for the September 2005 UN Summit and provides
critical institutional and policy recommendations as a guideline for world
leaders to address.
“This report offers the world an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed,” said Don
Kraus, Executive Vice-President of Citizens for Global Solutions. “It highlights
many issues important for the U.S., such as a definition of terrorism and better
means to control it. These are issues the Bush administration wants to take
leadership on.”
The Secretary-General’s report endorses many recommendations favored by the
U.S., such as:
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A Peacebuilding Commission as well as a Peacebuilding
Support Office within the UN Secretariat to help nations emerging from
conflict, transition effectively to peace;
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A Human Rights Council to replace the Commission on Human
Rights which would be smaller in size and elected by a two-thirds majority of
the General Assembly;
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A Democracy Fund at the UN to provide assistance to
countries transitioning or wanting to transition to democracy.
The report also includes recommendations the U.S. may not support, such as:
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A resolution setting out principles to guide the decisions
the Security Council to authorize the use of force; and
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A call for all developed countries to increase their
official aid to 0.7% of GDP by 2015.
“This report offers President Bush an opportunity to take the
lead and build a new UN for the 21st Century,” commented Kraus. “Leadership on
these issues requires long-term, visionary leaders. If the U.S. is sincere about
UN reform, now is the time to step up, to move beyond micro-management, and
champion a package of reforms to create a better more secure world for us all.”
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Updated March 21, 2005 |
Contact:
Don Kraus
Executive Vice President
202 546 3950 ext. 103
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