Khalilzad: Congress should not rule out withholding payment of dues if the United Nations

[Flabbergasted]

Ambassador nominee warns of 'moral threat'


By David R. Sands
The Washington Times

WASHINGTON -- Zalmay Khalilzad, President Bush's nominee to replace John R. Bolton as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, warned yesterday the world body faces a "mortal threat" if it fails to adopt badly needed internal reforms.

Mr. Khalilzad, finishing up nearly two years as ambassador to Iraq, told a Senate confirmation hearing that Congress should not rule out withholding payment of dues if the United Nations does not address scandals such as the oil-for-food program and misbehavior by U.N. peacekeeping troops.

"I believe the absence of reform is a mortal threat to the United Nations," he told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, adding U.S. public opinion could turn decisively against the organization if reforms stall.

"The issue of funding has to be on the table, but it has to be, in my judgment, a kind of a last resort," he said.

"But the reality of the connection between reform and funding is a reality that I will be pointing to and making use of in my interactions with others."

Lawmakers from both parties effusively praised Mr. Khalilzad at yesterday's hearing, a sharp contrast to the bitter partisan deadlock over Mr. Bolton's nomination. The outspoken Mr. Bolton was given a recess appointment to the New York post by Mr. Bush in August 2005 after the Senate deadlocked on his nomination.

On another issue, Mr. Khalilzad said he would push the world body to play a far more active role in the reconstruction of Iraq, saying the United Nations could be a major force for reconciliation after being a marginal player since the U.S.-led invasion of March 2003.

http://washingtontimes.com/world/20070315-111355-2310r.htm

[mitchtv]

1. This Admin is getting like

"Whack-a-mole"

[Proud Liberal Dem]

2. Good idea

But WHY stop at the UN? It seems to me that maybe we should also refuse to rule out withholding funding for the White House until we have a thorough investigation of all of the corruption and scandals (too numerous to mention) here plaguing the White House. Oh, and while we are discussing the issue of "moral threat", I think we should have a good and honest discussion about things like Gitmo, torture, Abu Gharib, etc. Just food for thought. :think: