Source: http://www.un.int/usa/06_140.htm http://www.un.int/usa/06_140.htm
Date: June 28, 2006

USUN PRESS RELEASE  #140 (06)   
June 28, 2006 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Statement by John R. Bolton, Permanent U.S. Representative to the United Nations In Explanation of Position On Program budget for the biennium 2006-2007 Document A/C.5/60/L.44 

In the Fifth Committee 
Mr. Chairman,

Last September, a historic event took place with over 150 world leaders convening in New York to sign the World Summit Outcome Document. This document rightly identified a number of areas critical to the reform and revitalization of the United Nations. Sadly, in the nearly 10 months that have transpired since that meeting laid out a robust and ambitious agenda for reform, we have seen too little in terms of results. Instead of debating the substance of reform measures, we find ourselves too often bogged down in debates over process. This is a far cry from the revolution of reform called for by Secretary Rice last year when she spoke before this body. 

It was our deep concern on the need for meaningful reform of this institution that led the United States to support the approval of only a six-month interim budget last December. That was the right decision to focus the attention of member states on not only how badly needed reforms are, but on the seriousness of purpose with which we approach the subject. We do not believe it is in the long-term interest of the United Nations, much less its member governments, to continue delaying reforms that many of us know will serve to make this institution stronger and more effective in fulfilling the mandates outlined in the Charter.

It is thus with deep regret that the United States finds it necessary to oppose lifting of the interim budget cap, and therefore to disassociate from consensus on the lifting of that cap. Know, however, that the United States will continue to press for change and reform here at the United Nations and work with other Member States and the Secretariat to achieve our mutually shared objectives. To this end, we look forward as we all just agreed with the President of the General Assembly to seek action by Friday on further concrete steps. The United States will also pursue continued discussion and negotiation on our reform effort, through concrete measures we believe will increase the effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, and accountability of the United Nations, and to end what former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker called the “culture of inaction” at the UN. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.