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| Annan Seeks Overhaul of Security Measures |
| 2005-02-14 |
| Now picture the UN drawing up how the world should cooperate on security issues. Imagine, for a moment, what measures the UN Krowd would recommend? Ever the opportunist seeking to save his own ass, Kofi jumps on a Rumsfeld statement... MUNICH, Germany (AP) - U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan appealed Sunday for Europe and the United States to back a major overhaul of global security measures to combat terrorism, keep weapons of mass destruction from spreading and quell regional conflicts. The U.N. plans call for tougher inspection rules for nuclear installations, a trust fund to help poorer nations fight terrorism, a drive to strengthen public health defenses against germ warfare and quicker action against potential threats. "We must strengthen our collective defenses," Annan told an international conference of top security officials as he lobbied for approval of the new steps following the deep divisions that plagued the United Nations over the Iraq war in 2003. "If New York or London or Paris or Berlin were hit by a nuclear terrorist attack, it might not only kill hundreds of thousands in an instant," he said. "It could also devastate the global economy, thereby plunging millions into poverty in developing nations." Annan suggested incentives for nations to stop uranium enrichment that could be used to make nuclear bombs. He also said U.N. nations should adopt a common definition of terrorism and draft an anti-terrorism convention, which should include financial help for nations to meet counterterrorism commitments. "The United Nations must show zero tolerance of terrorism of any kind, for any reason," Annan said. Annan has invited world leaders to a summit at U.N. headquarters in September to approve the plans. German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer broadly backed Annan's security reform plans and urged the United States, as the world's most powerful nation, to play a leading role. But Fischer, whose government vehemently opposed the Iraq war, rejected calls for NATO to play a security role in Iraq by offering to protect U.N. operations there. "I don't see any added value for NATO in Iraq," he said, replying to a suggestion by Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., who was at the conference. Fischer also called on Washington to play a more active role in European-led diplomatic efforts to ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons. "If the United States were to engage positively, and I'm aware of how difficult that is, it would substantially strengthen the European drive," he said. Annan's call for greater collective security came after Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld acknowledged Saturday that even the United States cannot battle terrorism and other world threats on its own. "One nation cannot defeat the extremists alone," Rumsfeld said. "It will take the cooperation of many nations to stop the proliferation of dangerous weapons." The UN couldn't agree on a definition of terrorism if its very existence depended upon it, and it does, for the UN gives full rights to the terrorist states and empowers them with Chairmanships which make it a laughingstock. NATO seems to have become irrelevant, as well, per Fischer's statements. So what / who does that leave to actually do something? A coalition of those willing to put troops and treasure behind their ideals and values, not a pointless debating society. And thank you so very much, Fischer, for ending the debate about whether NATO is of substantial value - or just another of those political forums for endless and pointless grandstanding. |
| Posted by:.com |
| #2 "If New York or London or Paris or Berlin were hit by a nuclear terrorist attack, it might not only kill hundreds of thousands in an instant," he said. "It could also devastate the global economy, thereby plunging millions into poverty in developing nations." It would also devastate the UN economy. I am reduced to takeout at Wendy's for lunch?! This must be stopped! |
| Posted by: Kofi A. 2005-02-14 4:18:30 PM |
| #1 So toss Phrawance out on it's ear - they bring nothing to the NATO table. It needen't even be for being overly outspoken assholes, either. Tell the cheese-gobbling bastards they obviously "aren't serious" with their laughably weak military. It's even true, a definite plus... |
| Posted by: mojo 2005-02-14 1:12:23 PM |