Venezuela's Chavez wants UN out of United States

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N15534060.htm

UNITED NATIONS, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez used the United Nations on Thursday to fire a broadside at the United States, saying the world body should move out of New York over the war in Iraq.

In a speech to the U.N. world summit, he also said the United States had failed its own people in its response to Hurricane Katrina, accused Washington of fueling terrorism and faulted it for its doctrine of pre-emptive military strikes.

"Today we know there were never weapons of mass destruction in Iraq but despite that, and going over the head of the United Nations, Iraq was bombed and occupied. So the United Nations must be pulled out of the United States," Chavez said.

[radwriter0555]

1. The US under bush doesn't deserve the UN, that's for sure.

I agree 100%.

[DIKB]

2. I agree.

The world body needs to condemn the actions of this country. It was a breach of international protocol, an abuse of the UN, and a high crime of our constitution. I think a sound rebuttal by the UN and a symbolic walk-out to be the LEAST of actions necessary against this administration.

[no_hypocrisy]

3. Not a bad idea.

The U.N. might become more independent with the symbolic departure of New York City. Despite the claims that the U.N. is not theoretically in a particular country, physically it is in the United States. And its ambassadors, employees, etc. are subject to the laws of the New York City, New York State, and federal law. And this country throws its influence on important decisions by reminding the U.N. implicitly where they are located (and how much dues it contributes to the U.N.) Not to mention the lack of respect the building itself is shown. Donald Trump built another luxury high rise specifically in a location where residents could "look down" on the U.N. building and refused to move it one inch.

So moving would be an important first step. However, the U.N. just dropped a chunk of change (or in the process of) to revitalize and repair the present building. I don't know where the money would come from (don't expect John Bolton to whip out his symbolic checkbook).

[teamster633]

4. I was thinking the same thing the other day...

...as I was looking at those pictures of shrub and bolton and kindasleazy. Their very presence in the assembly was an insult to the spirit of the UN. It's nice to see someone in a position of power pointing out this obvious fact that no one wants to recognize. The United States' financial sponsorship of the UN can no longer justify the whoring involved in maintaining it. They need to break away and reclaim their moral authority.

[Dont_Bogart_the_Pretzel]

5. UN in the USA history question

I forget.. what was the reason for the UN being on U.S soil?

[SaveElmer]

7. Post WWII...

FDR was the prime mover in the creation of the UN. After the war America was at the peak of its power. Many other countries where it could have been put had been devastated by the war...

[Taxloss]

11. There were three candidates - NY, London and Geneva.

London was too badly damaged at the time and Geneva considered too dull and small.

If it must move, I nominate Nairobi.

[cthrumatrix]

6. okay -- where is the question ? I'm thinking Zurich

[Karenina]

8. Too expensive.

Somewhere in Africa or Canada.

[oasis]

9. Chavez will be interviewed by Ted Koppel tonight on ABC's "Nightline".

Tune in for the Bush bash.

[NNN0LHI]

10. Thanks for the heads up. I will be tuned in n/t

[brainshrub]

12. Okay Chavez, I get it! You don't like the US government.

I'm a fan of Hugo Chavez. I think he's the FDR of Venuseula... but I'm getting tired of him making news on DU every time he bitches about the US.

IMHO, Chevez complaining about the US should be considered as common as sunlight. It's not news anymore.