Bolton Says Work Progresses on Key U.N. Document

Bolton Says Work Progresses on Key U.N. Document

Agreement reached on terrorism, peace building, human rights

By Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr.
Washington File Staff Writer

United Nations – U.S. Ambassador John R. Bolton says a core group of U.N. ambassadors has reached agreement in three critical areas – terrorism, human rights and peace building – in a document to be signed by world leaders during the United Nations' upcoming summit.

Bolton emerged from one negotiating session September 12 to move into another on changes to the key document that will deal with aid for the developing world, terrorism, disarmament and nonproliferation, protection from genocide, a peace-building commission, replacement of the Human Rights Commission, and management changes at the United Nations.

“We’ve accomplished, I think, the major objectives we’ve sought in three areas today – terrorism, human rights and peace building. We’ve decided to create a Peace Building Commission. We’ve decided to create a Human Rights Council,” Bolton said during an impromptu press conference.

“We’ve got a very strong section on terrorism. Negotiations continue on management reform, on development, and on responsibility for members in other areas," he added.

Bolton said he remains optimistic about the negotiations on the key document -- known as the “Outcome Document” -- that will be signed by more than 150 presidents and prime ministers at the conclusion of the three-day summit. The 60th U.N. General Assembly opens in New York September 13 and the high-level summit will be held September 14-16.

Ambassadors from 32 nations have been meeting to resolve differences on various parts of the accord for weeks. Bolton told reporters he expects the talks will succeed.

“We’re moving ahead. And much work remains to be done, but we’re going to continue to do it. I’m not giving up. We’ve got time,” he said.

Reform of the United Nations' human rights activities is key to overall U.N. reform and key to the more effective promotion and protection of human rights, Bolton said.

"The United States supports the creation of a U.N. Human Rights Council to replace the CHR [U.N. Commission on Human Rights]," Bolton said in a letter to representatives of all 191 member nations of the United Nations August 30.

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