The United States and the United Nations


President Bush is seen on screen as he addresses the 62nd session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York September 25. (© AP Images)

Bush Continues Presidential Tradition with U.N. Speech

President Bush called on world leaders at the opening of the 62nd U.N. General Assembly to work to liberate people from tyranny and violence wherever it exists. The speech, though relatively brief by presidential standards -- less than half an hour -- was ceremonial and specific, symbolic and agenda-setting. More significant, in a sense, President Bush’s annual trip to New York City to speak before world leaders illustrates something important about the legitimacy the United Nations has achieved in 62 years, says historian Gary B. Ostrower of Alfred University in New York state. (complete text)

Freedom from Violence, Tyranny Tops U.S. Agenda for U.N. Meeting

Freedom from violence and freedom from tyranny will be the major themes the United States will promote during the opening meetings of the 62nd United Nations General Assembly in New York beginning September 25, says Mike Kozak of the National Security Council. “President Bush considers freedom from violence and freedom from tyranny to be universal values to which every human being aspires and to which every human being is entitled,” Kozak says at a White House briefing. Policies on Africa, the Middle East and climate change also will be highlighted during the U.N. sessions and in related events. (complete text)

United States Might Push for New U.N. Sanctions Against Sudan

The United States will press for new international sanctions against Sudan if the U.N. Security Council cannot obtain agreement from Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on an African Union-United Nations peacekeeping force for Darfur, says U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad. The hybrid peacekeeping operation and the arrest of two suspected war criminals indicted by the International Criminal Court are expected to top the agenda of an upcoming council mission to Sudan’s capital, Khartoum. (complete text)