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| International-UN-NGOs |
| Kofi |
| 2005-01-01 |
| From the UN web site. EFL - (Hat tip to Cox & Forkum and Edward Yee) From an interview with Kofi Annan: Q: Will you go to the [Southeast Asian] region? Are you considering a trip? Can you update your statement at your end-of-the-year news conference regarding what a horrible year it was? And, describe looking at the images, I assume, on vacation, and whether you thought about coming back earlier and just what you were looking at. And the role of the United Nations after being bashed all year: is this, unfortunately on the back of horrible disaster, an opportunity for the United Nations? "Everything's an opportunity for morally bankrupt individuals like my staff and cadres." SG: Let me say that at my last press conference, when I said this has been a horrible year, I didn't expect anything like this to happen before the year ended. It was bad enough up to that point. But this has been a real tragedy and disaster for those in that region. You should know, Kofi. You're one of the key players in making sure so many tragedies happen. Ever since the disaster struck, as I have indicated, I have been on the line with the leaders of the region, discussing what should be done and also been constantly in touch here with my team and Jan. And, of course, that also explains the reason why I am back now. You should see the room service tabs he ran up while he was constantly interfacing with all those regional leaders! Obviously a man hard at work. I think the United Nations has an important role to play, and we are going to play a lead role in this, working with the entire international community. And we have to rely on the generosity of the major donors. Saddam was good one, wasn't he? And as I have indicated, so far the response has been very good, and I would want to see it sustained. I haven't planned an immediate trip, but it is not excluded. Q: Mr. Secretary, picking up on Richard's question, I think a lot of people are asking exactly why you waited three days on vacation in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, before you decided to fly back to New York in the face of this extraordinary crisis. Could you give us a full explanation of your thinking on that? Secondly, what kind of signal does that 72-hour delay send to the nations to which you are now appealing for greater help? SG: First of all, there was action. It wasn't inaction. We live in a world where you can operate from wherever you are. You know the world we live in now. You don't have to be physically No truer words were ever spoken. Especially by Kofi. You don't have to be physically here Your absence from every major region of conflict stands in testomony to that. I came back here because we have reached a level that I wanted to have meetings with all the people that I have met with today. So, we have taken action. And I don't have to be sitting in my office to take action. I think the same goes for you in your profession. Q: Given the magnitude of this disaster, shouldn't the United Nations, rather the United States, have taken the lead in establishing a coalition of donor and affected countries to deal with this disaster? And following up on the last two questions, shouldn't you, as Secretary-General, possibly be visiting the affected region to show moral support to the affected communities? "What! And get mud on my Guccis?" SG: First of all, on the question of how we pool the international community together, I think it is important that an initiative has been taken. We ourselves were discussing our possible initiative, but I applaud what has been done by the United States Government, by the United States Administration and President Bush. As I have said, we have spoken to other countries which are also going to join the group, and that group will be in support of the efforts that the United Nations is leading. So, we are very satisfied with that. On the question of visits to the region, as I indicated, that is not excluded. But let me also say that we all need to be careful. When you have these sorts of massive emergencies, the urgent need is assistance to the people - shelter, food, water, health and other things. When we sometimes overwhelm them with high-profile visitors, we move people away from their work, and in fact we become more of a problem, an impediment, than actual assistance. Trust me, it ain't just during the disasters that the UN moves "people away from their work." So, one should go to the region, but at the right time. Those who go to the region should make sure that they do not detract from the essential work that is being done, because it takes lots of efforts, and they have limited facilities. No local 18 hole Palmer designed course is such a tribulation, eh Kofi? In some of these places, you often would not have even accommodation "Gadfry! I might have to sleep with only one blanket. On the floor, you say?!?" - and all the essential accommodation should go to those who actually doing it. So, yes, visit the region, but at the right time. [EMPHASIS ADDED] In other words, "At the right time. Namely, when I can come in, sprinkle a handful of bluberries over this mess and magically call it a 'dessert.' Thereby absorbing all credit for the strenuous efforts of others." |
| Posted by:Zenster |
| #5 So Kofi gets a pass for staying in Jackson Hole, while Bush gets chastised for staying in Crawford? Somehow, I think Bush is a lot better connected in Crawford. |
| Posted by: Dishman 2005-01-01 7:39:11 PM |
| #4 Sorry, guys, you're over the top here. The last thing aid workers need is VIPs underfoot. Should Annan have come back from Jackson Hole sooner? Yes. Should he go to the Bay of Bengal region now? No. |
| Posted by: mom 2005-01-01 7:03:54 PM |
| #3 But, Kofi, some of the resorts are open. And it's a helluva lot warmer then Jackson Hole or NYC in January... |
| Posted by: tu3031 2005-01-01 2:28:23 PM |
| #2 First of all, there was action. It wasn’t inaction. Sorry Asshole - action is doing something it is not talking about doing something. (But I guess the UN hasn't figured that out yet...). and that group will be in support of the efforts that the United Nations is leading. This is called 'taking credit for the work of others' boys and girls.... When we sometimes overwhelm them with high-profile visitors, we move people away from their work Perhaps if you didn't insist on 5-star 7-course lunches? Oh sorry -- this is the UN... Zenster - Love the blueberry comment! So true! |
| Posted by: CrazyFool 2005-01-01 7:58:36 AM |
| #1 Thanks for the accredit! :) |
| Posted by: Edward Yee 2005-01-01 3:34:01 AM |