UN administration and finances. (statement by Vernon A. Walters in a plenary session of the UN General Assembly on Oct. 15, 1986)

UN Administration and Finances

Statement in a plenary session of the UN General Assembly on October 15, 1986. Ambassador Walters is U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations.1

The United Nations is at a critical juncture.It is facing a crisis of reform, the root causes of which are political and bureaucratic. We have made clear that U.S. concern about the United Nations and resulting criticisms of some of its actions reflect our deep-seated attachment to the ideals of the organization. The founders of the United Nations foresaw a true international community in which governments would join together to serve the rights, needs, and aspirations of their people. There must be no doubt that the United States remains committed to the original goals and ideals of the United Nations.

During this 41st session of theGeneral Assembly, we member states of the United Nations have the unique opportunity to contribute to the founders' dream. President Reagan said in his September 22nd speech that if we at this session of the General Assembly can take advantage of this opportunity and achieve the reforms required, the United States, "which has always given the United Nations generous support, will continue to play a leading role in the effort to achieve its noble purposes.'

This reform crisis was uppermost inthe minds of member states last year when the General …