Political Quotes

“I have sent to the desk an amendment concerning Germany and Japan and their quest for permanent membership in the U.N. Security Council. My amendment states that, in principle, the U.S. should support this initiative, but it also states that these countries should not be admitted as permanent members until these nations have rendered themselves capable of discharging the responsibilities consonant with permanent Security Council membership. It is undeniable that, in the 1990's, Germany and Japan enjoy greater global economic influence than some current permanent Security Council members, and it is fitting that Security Council membership should reflect the global distribution of economic and political influence, particularly if we are supportive of enhancing the United Nations overall effectiveness. But other circumstances need to be considered in addition to Germany and Japan's economic potency. In particular, we need to consider the unique domestic positions of both governments. I draw the attention of my colleagues to the fact that, under current circumstances, neither Germany nor Japan is capable of carrying out all of the obligations that permanent Security Council membership entails and neither country appears willing to confront this fundamental problem in order to obtain that membership.”