TALKING POINTS: WORKING TOGETHER FOR A SAFER WORLD

For nearly a year, the focus in Turtle Bay has been on U.N. reform. That focus is justified: nearly everyone wants a stronger, more effective United Nations, and nearly everyone sees the importance of making the institution more agile and capable of meeting the challenges of a new century. Still, the value of the U.N. as it stands now has once again been thrust into the spotlight by North Korean missile tests, the threat of a nuclear Iran, and escalating violence in the Middle East. These events remind us that as much as reform is needed, the institution in its current form still serves an immensely valuable role - a reminder that will be critical as Congress considers legislation that would withhold U.S. dues.

Use these talking points in speeches, meetings, articles, and other communications to stress the importance of a strong and effective United Nations.

• The World Spoke With One Voice. The Security Council's unanimous condemnation of North Korea's missile tests showed that while building consensus on international security threats is difficult, it is clearly possible. The U.N. is the only place where any such agreement can be forged.

• You Can't Put a Price Tag on International Cooperation. The deliberative function that the Security Council has served regarding Iran has been invaluable. A peacekeeping force for Israel, Lebanon, and Gaza is a viable option, and could only be successfully engineered through the U.N.

• Wrong Message, Wrong Moment. Withholding U.S. membership dues from the United Nations would only undercut our influence and leverage in New York. With crises in North Korea, Iran, and the Middle East, this is no time to play politics with the U.N.   

  ----------------------------------------------------------------------

un_minute/minute_062206_half-full_glass.html"> THE LAST MINUTE - THE HALF-FULL GLASS OF U.N. REFORM:

• Beyond "Breaking News".

• Progress, Progress, Progress.

• Stop Fussing, Start Helping.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Did you use UN Minute talking points? Do you have input or feedback for the Minute? Let us know. We'll highlight your work.

To subscribe or unsubscribe to the mailing list, send a message to: un_minute-request@lists-globalsolutions.org
Write the word "subscribe" or "unsubscribe" and then your e-mail address in the subject line.