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UNA-USA chairman praises Bush's choice of UN ambassador,
says Negroponte must finish what Holbrooke started

by the United Nations Association - USA

Chairman and President of the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) Ambassador William H. Luers, praised President Bush's nomination of John Negroponte for US Permanent Representative to the United Nations. "President Bush has made a wise choice," Ambassador Luers said. "John is an intelligent, tough, professional. He's a worthy successor to Richard Holbrooke in terms of energy and intellect."

The Administration's decision not to include the ambassadorship in the cabinet may also prove to be a good one, Luers said. "It's a mistake to think that cabinet standing is a reflection of the status of the appointment. In fact, non-cabinet status may enable the new ambassador to work more effectively with member state delegations and within the Administration's foreign policy structure ——— particularly with Colin Powell, with whom John has a close relationship. The new Secretary of State has already demonstrated his interest in working closely with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan." Negroponte was Powell's deputy when Powell served as national security adviser in the Reagan Administration. "Given the reality of the US-UN relationship, it's of utmost importance to have a hard-working professional whose sole responsibility is to engage the US more constructively in the changing UN system. The ambassadors here in New York should understand that."

If confirmed, Negroponte must quickly build on outgoing ambassador Richard Holbrooke's impressive groundwork, Luers believes. "Last year's business with the UN hasn't been concluded," he said, referring to the outstanding $582 million arrears payment promised to the UN by the US under Helms-Biden. The installment is being held until Congress approves technical changes to the legislation. Holbrooke was widely credited with having persuaded the UN General Assembly to reduce the US rate of payment as mandated by Helms-Biden-- an accomplishment expected to free up some of the much-needed money owed to the UN by the US However the bill must be modified before payment is released as the GA's reduction of the US rate of peacekeeping payment puts the figure higher than the 25 percent mandated by the bill.

"The new ambassador will need to work to continue to bridge the divide between Congress and the UN," Luers said. "He must follow through on the commitments made by the previous Administration and Congress for payment this year and next year. And he must soon address the issue of the contested arrears the UN says the US owes but will not acknowledge." Negroponte should be capable of doing so, he believes: "John arrives with solid experience, and without the baggage of the past contentious US-UN relations. He has an opportunity to start afresh."

The United Nations Association of the United States of America is the nation's largest grassroots foreign policy organization and the leading center of policy research on the United Nations and global issues. UNA-USA carries out its action agenda through a combination of public outreach, policy analysis, and international dialogue.