Monitoring Policy Making at the United Nations |
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Ottawa Vigil Statement Ottawa Vigil Statement
from the Worldwide Vigil Organizers
as read to a meeting in Ottawa, Canada
24 October 1996Statement by the Vigil Organizers
As citizens of the global community, we call on all governments to pay their dues to the United Nations in full, on time and without condition.
The United Nations is the only universal forum where countries and peoples of the world can come together to solve common problems and to work for peace, disarmament, a healthy environment, human rights and the realization of a better life for all.
Recent annoucements about payments notwithstanding, the host country now owes $1.4 billion to the United Nations, more than all other countries combined and it will have an unacceptably high level of arrears for the forseeable future.
Citizens worldwide are increasingly alarmed by the current financial crisis facing the United Nations, the worst in the U.N.'s 51 year history. Over the past year we have expressed our concern through resolutions and petititons urging member states to find an immediate solution to the U.N.'s financial plight. On 23 and 24 October 1996, citizens around the globe -- wearing "U.N.-Blue Ribbons" as a symbol of support for the U.N. -- will assemble in 30 cities in every region of the world (15 cities in the United States) as part of a Worldwide Vigil to again call on governments to solve the U.N.'s financial crisis without further delay.
The Worldwide Vigil markes the beginning, not the end, of our citizens' campaign to end the U.N.'s financial crisis. We call on citizens of goodwill world wide and like-minded governments to commit themselves to finding a speedy and effective solution.
We believe that putting the United Nations back on a firm financial foundation is essential for the revitalization of the organization -- so that we can all work together to build a better, more peaceful world for succeeding generations.
On behalf of the Worldwide Vigil organizers, supporters and participants,
Sincerely,
James A. Paul, Executive Director
Global Policy Forum
For: World Federationsof United Nations Associations
World Federalist Movement
Global Policy Forum
CONGO
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