George Voinovich: “Kofi Annan also stated there is considerable overlap between the Mitchell-Gingrich task force report and the reforms he…”

“Kofi Annan also stated there is considerable overlap between the Mitchell-Gingrich task force report and the reforms he himself is proposing, and that he is prepared to implement them. He stated: All of us want to make the U.N.'s management more transparent and accountable, and its oversight mechanisms stronger and more independent. He stated: All of us want to make the U.N.'s human rights machinery more credible . . . by replacing the present Commission on Human Rights with a Human Rights Council. He also stated: All of us want to impose stricter standards of conduct on U.N. peacekeeping missions, especially an end to sexual abuse and exploitation. These statements indicate we are in a unique position with the U.N. and there is a sincere interest in reform. We have to seize this opportunity now. When you are dealing with an organization that understands the need for reform and is echoing our objectives and is ready to cooperate, we need to send in not the ``bad cop,'' or the guy with the ``sharp elbows,'' or the guy who says, ``I don't do carrots.'' We need to send the ``good cop,'' the guy who knows how to reap the benefits of the environment for change and make it happen. John Bolton is a bold contradiction to the efforts to improve the image of the U.S. at this critical time, as well as a contradiction to the President's efforts to ramp up public diplomacy. John Bolton is a bold contradiction to efforts to reform the U.N.…”