Daniel Moynihan: “I have chosen to cosponsor the amendment of the distinguished minority leader concerning lifting the arms embargo on…”

“I have chosen to cosponsor the amendment of the distinguished minority leader concerning lifting the arms embargo on Bosnia because I have become convinced that the embargo violates article 51 of the U.N. Charter. Like the U.S. Constitution, the Charter is not a suicide pact. The inviolability of article 51 is fundamental to the bargain entered into by nations when they ratify the Charter. They agree to be bound by the decisions of the Security Council, but on the basis that "Nothing in the present charter shall impair the inherent right of individual and collective self-defense * * *." Such is the importance of the principle that the phrase is redundant in its protections: "Nothing" in the charter shall impair the right and the right is "inherent". Hence I have cosponsored this amendment mandating that the United States cease its support for the embargo. That is not to say that I do not have concerns about whether this is precisely the right approach or whether the wording of the amendment could not be further refined in conference. If this were an easy issue the blood would not now be flowing in the streets of Gorazde. The President has just announced a new initiative; negotiations are about to begin. I hope--and believe--that the Senate's vote on this resolution will strengthen his hand, not weaken it. He has said that he supports lifting the embargo. This amendment will demonstrate that the Senate strongly supports this view.”