Envoys Reach Compromise on Scaled-Back U.N. Reform Plans

[Eugene]

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/13/politics/13nations.html

Envoys Reach Compromise on Scaled-Back U.N. Reform Plans

By WARREN HOGE
Published: September 13, 2005

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 12 - Faced with the imminent arrival of more
than 170 presidents and prime ministers, negotiators agreed Monday to
resolve differences blocking acceptance of the centerpiece document
for this week's summit meeting on combating poverty and reforming the
United Nations.

The breakthrough, ending three weeks of tense day and night talks,
occurred late Monday when ambassadors adopted compromise language
across a range of issues.

The changes undercut the ambitions and scope of the 45-page document,
but brought an end to an impasse that had threatened the United
Nations with fresh embarrassment just a week after findings of
mismanagement and corruption in the oil-for-food program were reported
by Paul A. Volcker, a former Federal Reserve chairman who headed an
investigation into the program.

The final version was expected to emerge Tuesday, the eve of the
three-day gathering of world leaders.

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more...

Nobody sounds happy about the results.

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. BBC TV analysis seems to think that Bolton had to back down the most

so that, if correct, is one piece of good news.