Monitoring Policy Making at the United Nations |
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Washington, DC Vigil for the United Nations Washington, DC Citizens Support a Strong United Nations
Second Worldwide Vigil for the United Nations * October 23, 1997
On Thursday, October 23, the eve of the 53rd United Nations Day, we are hoping to bring together more than 1000 UN supporters in the DC metro area to protest the UN financial crisis and demand a stronger, more effective and more democratic UN rather than accept congressional actions that will diminish the funding, staff, and mandate of the United Nations.At 5:45 PM we will gather near the White House in Lafayette Park for inspirational messages from public figures (TBA). From 6:00-6:30 we will conduct a silent vigil with posters and candles, walking in a circle of light on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House. A report of our vigil will be released to the press for UN Day publication, both in Washington and through the international coordination office.
The President and the Congress share responsibility for inadequate U.S. support for the UN. The President called for full U.S. payment of UN dues and arrears in his 1997 State of the Union message. Congress has responded with less than full funding and a package of limitations and conditions created by Senators Helms and Biden. The President has not issued a strong rebuttal or reminded Congress of his commitment. These congressional proposals risk U.S. leadership and credibility in the one institution which, because of its universality, represents the aspirations of all the world's citizens to address global problems.
People around the world see the President of the United States, the leader of the world's only superpower, as the most influential political leader of the world, yet they did not have the opportunity to participate in electing him. Here in Washington we have the opportunity to ask our President to show greater resolve in his announced support for paying U.S. dues and arrears to the UN.
The Call for a Second Worldwide Vigil for the United Nations is issued by the World Federalist Movement, Global Policy Forum and the World Federation of UN Associations. Locally the World Federalist Association, as intiator, has found support for the vigil among citizen organizations belonging to the UNA/USA Council of Organizations Washington, the Alliance for UN Sustainable Development Programs, the Washington Coalition for Human Rights and the Monday Lobby Group. WFA Partners Groups will be planning October 23 Vigils for the UN in cities and towns across the United States. The UNA/USA has encouraged its chapters to support vigils related to the October 24 UN Day events. If your organization would like to co-sponsor the DC event, please send an official message to Tim Barner at the WFA National Office via Fax: 202-546-3749 or Email: tbarner@wfa.org
For planning we need to closely estimate how many people will participate. Please call John or Mary Catherine Holden at 202-554-4984 and let us know how many people from your organization will attend. Please share copies of this announcement and the Call for a Vigil with friends, community organizations and churches, and student groups who support the UN.
September 4, 1997
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