Annan Exempts Ambassadors From Security Searches

NewsMax.com ^ | 11/20/03 | Carl Limbacher and NewsMax.com Staff

[kattracks]

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has instructed his security officers not to force inspections of ambassadors or their cars when they enter the world body's headquarters in NYC.

This despite repeated criticisms that security at U.N. facilities, both in the United States and abroad, is seriously deficient.

The security memo, dated Oct. 29, 2003, and obtained by NewsMax, first explains that "all vehicles (and persons) entering UNHQ must be inspected."

Then, in the next sentence, the memo says: "... if a permanent representative refuses [to permit an inspection] allow him to pass and enter, but note the delegate's name, date and time." Other than the notation, no other action is called for.

The decision came on the same day another memo from Andrew Toll, a U.N. assistant secretary-general to the U.N.'s chief legal counsel, Hans Corell, spoke of an "increase in comments and concerns from [U.N.] staff regarding security issues ... in New York, this seems to be felt even stronger."

In 1994, an FBI investigation led to accusations that Libya's U.N. mission may have assisted in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center.

It was believed the Libyans had intended to store vans loaded with explosives in the U.N.'s underground parking garage, which extends three stories beneath First Avenue.

While security has improved at the U.N. facility, numerous officers say it is still "a joke," especially with more than 200 ambassadors and their cars immune to inspection.

It should be noted that whenever President Bush visits the United Nations, the entire parking facility is normally shut down with no one (ambassadors included) granted access.

The garage is also directly beneath the 38-story Secretariat building, which houses more than 5,000 workers.

[<1/1,000,000th%]

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has instructed his security officers not to force inspections of ambassadors or their cars when they enter the world body's headquarters in NYC.

Now we're getting somewhere!

[RightWhale]

Annan wants to be yet another beneficent yet futile military commander. That's the way to deal with the foes of Masonry: politness.

[Robert A Cook PE]

OK.

Who has a suitcase nuke they can spare for a few hours...

We'll just put in that Nigerian diplomat's car who keeps emailing me about his government's investment securities fraud schemes...

I'm SURE that guy is completely honest! Heck, he even wants ME to let HIM deposit a WHOLE BUNCH of money in MY account for a few days....

He's absolutely safe and honerable.

[Diogenesis]

Plans within plans by the Emperor of Terrorists.

[Howlin]

I'm trying to figure out if this bothers me or not? :-)

[BJClinton]

Is this on any source other than NewsMax?

[Political Junkie Too]

Isn't this what got New York City Councilman James Davis killed earlier this year?

-PJ

[pointsal]

A strong leader....Tuffy Annon

[rhombus]

With the publicity that goes with this act perhaps Koffi should just install a large door so Islamofascists can just drive their bomb truck inside.

[Peach]

So Annan has basically announced to the Muslim extremist world that he does not care about security issues within the UN or for ambassadors.

Anyone taking bets on how long it takes before something major happens within the UN?

[dts32041]

No bet they have already ritoed over free food.

[Freee-dame]

It should be noted that whenever President Bush visits the United Nations, the entire parking facility is normally shut down with no one (ambassadors included) granted access

good !

[tet68]

That guy is a hoot, after I wrote back to him telling him about how the FBI was very interested in his offer to sell me anti-aircraft missles, I didn't hear from him again.

[kcar]

What jurisdiction does this secretary have in OUR country?! NYPD needs to lock up more delusional street corner shouters like him.

[sheik yerbouty]

More like "famous Anus".

[CyberAnt]

These people just don't get it!