Chavez Criticizes U.N. Reforms in Speech

[Minstrel Boy]

Chavez Criticizes U.N. Reforms in Speech
Hugo Chavez Criticizes U.N. Reforms, Says They Let Powerful Countries Invade Developing Nations



NEW YORK Sep 17, 2005 — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez criticized United Nations reforms on Saturday, saying they would permit powerful countries invade developing ones whose leaders are considered a threat.

In a speech at a community center in New York City's Bronx borough, Chavez said the document adopted at a U.N. summit Friday was developed without consensus and was "invalid and illegal."

...

"This is very suspicious … tomorrow or sometime in the future, someone in Washington will say that the Venezuelan people need to be protected from the tyrant Chavez, who is a threat," he said in a speech that was broadcast on state-run television in Venezuela.

Chavez also directed a member of his delegation to arrange support for a project to clean a Bronx river. "I want to help," he told a group of youths who made the proposal.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=1135841

[IndianaGreen]

1. Chavez Says UN Needs a Revolution

Chavez Says UN Needs a Revolution
By Venezuelanlysis.com
9-16-05,9:13am

Venezuela’s President Chavez, in a fiery 22 minute speech at the opening of the 60th UN General Assembly, called for a revolution in the UN, proposing four immediate changes for the transformation of the UN. Venezuela’s President Chavez, in a fiery 22 minute speech at the opening of the 60th UN General Assembly, called for a revolution in the UN, proposing four immediate changes for the transformation of the UN. “The 21st century demands changes that are only possible with a refounding of this organization,” said Chavez. “Mere reforms are not enough…”

Chavez explained that Venezuela envisions two types of transformations – those for the immediate short-term and those for the long-term. The short-term changes include, first, the expansion of the Security Council, both of its permanent members and its non-permanent members, so that Third World countries have a stronger presence. Second, Chavez said the UN’s functioning has to be improved, by increasing transparency. Third, the veto power of the five permanent members must be abolished. Fourth, the role of the Secretary General must be strengthened and consolidated.

Chavez went on to say that the headquarters of the UN should be moved, mainly because of the illegal action the U.S. government has engaged in, particularly with its war against Iraq. He pointed out that the U.S. invaded Iraq on the pretense of the existence of Weapons of Mass Destruction, but that these were not found there. Chavez proposed that an international city ought to be created that is outside of the sovereignty of any single state and it should be in the South.

<snip>

Chavez also brought up the issue of terrorism, which many other leaders raised, saying, “I urge the efficient confrontation with terrorism, but not its use as a pretext for unleashing unjustifiable military aggression and violations of international law, as has been raised to doctrine after the 11th of September (2001).”

http://www.politicalaffairs.net/article/articleview/1855/1/120/

[scarletwoman]

2. Here's one of THE key points, imho:

Next, Chavez raised both the problem of the high oil price and environmental concerns, pointing out that these problems cannot be solved by the free market. Rather, said Chavez, “Now, more than ever, we need a new international order.” He reminded the audience that 31 years ago, in 1974, the UN approved an action program for a New International Economic Order, which guaranteed states the right to nationalize properties and natural resources that were in the hands of foreigners and that proposed the creation of cartels of primary material producers.

This is one principle that the corporate elites will fight to the death (OURS), the idea of states having economic sovereignty.

sw

[IndianaGreen]

3. The American way of life is based on the economic slavery of others

Our troops have murdered and subjugated nations in order to maintain the illusion of "freedom" back home. It is time for this empire to fall, and for the troops to stay home!

[confludemocrat]

4. Chavez talks about REAL reform, not the crippling UN under guise of "refor

m", the naked power play by US rightwingers.