The UN Bill Collector Calls

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Assuring President Clinton that the United Nations will move boldly to reform its bureaucracy, new Secretary-General Kofi Annan met with Clinton, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and other U.S. leaders in hopes of convincing Congress to pay some $1 billion in back dues to the organization. Clinton and Albright met with Annan shortly after Albright's swearing-in ceremony Thursday morning. Clinton seemed satisfied with Annan's presentation. "As long as the United Nations does its part, we should simply be prepared to pay our debts and pay our dues," the President said. OK so far, but it is Congressional Republicans that Annan must convince. Hell begin tonight in a meeting with Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jesse Helms. Annan's predecessor, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, failed to impress Helms and the Congress with his dedication to reform, a shortcoming which last year cost him his job. As the hand-picked United States choice to lead the UN, with a proven record as an administrator, Annan stands a much better chance of appeasing Helms.