Politics

UN request to enlarge HQ comes under attack

ALBANY, N.Y. -- A United Nations request to allow the international body to expand its headquarters building in New York City was met by an undiplomatic response from critics in the New York state legislature Thursday: handcuff the secretary general and move to France. A state bill is required for the UN to renovate its 52-year-old building and erect a 35-storey companion structure next door. But the bill that had quietly gained the favour of legislative leaders and state Gov. George Pataki was withdrawn from the state Senate agenda Thursday, under withering attack just before it had been expected to pass. "Why this city or state would want to do anything for the UN is beyond me," said state Senator Martin Golden, a Republican. He cited the UN's oil-for-food program, which is being investigated by the U.S. Congress for alleged corruption, including reports deposed Iraq president Saddam Hussein manipulated the $60-billion US program. Posted by Editor at November 19, 2004 11:16 AM