U.N. Headquarters Imposes Smoking Ban

AP | 9/03/03

[kattracks]

The Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS Sept. 3 — The United Nations, the last bastion for smokers in New York City, has officially banned smoking but some diplomats insist they still have the right to puff away.

A directive signed by Secretary-General Kofi Annan decreed that "no smoking shall be permitted in any of the United Nations premises at headquarters" starting Sept. 1, to eliminate the risks associated with secondhand smoke.

Denis Beissel, head of the U.N. Office of Human Resources Management, warned U.N. staff in a follow-up directive that anyone who smokes in the building could face "disciplinary action."

Russia's U.N. Ambassador Sergey Lavrov headed to the Delegate's Lounge for a smoke on Tuesday and noted that Annan "doesn't own this building."

U.N. spokesman Fred Eckhard conceded that the United Nations may have a tough time enforcing the ban with diplomats.

"We would hope that all would comply with the secretary-general's announced new policy. If it comes to staff and they break the rules, they are subject to disciplinary action. I'm not sure we have the right to discipline diplomats, but we count on their cooperation," he said.

Last year, New York City adopted one of the toughest laws in the United States, prohibiting smoking in all offices and indoor public places. A statewide workplace smoking ban went into effect July 24. In addition to bars, restaurants and nightclubs, the state ended smoking in off-track betting parlors, bowling alleys and company cars.

[WestPacSailor]

Doesn't diplomatic immunity apply?

[Diogenesis]

On the other hand, the Emperor-of-Terrorists Annan
enouraged the continued use of Arabic calendars which predict,
and have predicted, Atrocities (like 911) months in advance.

[How many were in the UN before 911, Kofi? Inquiring minds still want to know.]

[JimVT]

Last year, New York City adopted one of the toughest laws in the United States, prohibiting smoking in all offices and indoor public places

But they still allow trucks, buses, taxis to idle which is probably responsible for more pollution than smoking by far.

[chachacha]

Lead by example. HAHAHA

[Kenton]

I doubt it, I think that only protects them from arrest, and that may not apply to the staff, just the diplomats. "Disciplinary action" is probably more along the lines of loosing their Geedunk privileges. (I figgered from your handle that you'd know what a "geedunk" is.)

[raybbr]

What are they going to do? Send them home? This is such a joke. Everything about the UN is a joke. Please let the damn building just fall down.

[WestPacSailor]

"Disciplinary action" is probably more along the lines of loosing their Geedunk privileges.

LOL! Yes, I do know what geedunk is. Actually, this type of 'discipline' is probably more effective at controlling these prima donnas than fines or other means.

[DumpsterDiver]

Russia's U.N. Ambassador Sergey Lavrov headed to the Delegate's Lounge for a smoke on Tuesday and noted that Annan "doesn't own this building."

I like Lavrov's attitude. Puff away, comrade!

[Tijeras_Slim]

this only bothers me because it lessens the chances of that nest of vipers burning to the ground.

[ChadGore]

Smoking can't be done, but those HAMASide bombing maniacs not only are ok, but they don't exist ???

[grumple]

On the other hand, the Emperor-of-Terrorists Annan enouraged the continued use of Arabic calendars which predict, and have predicted, Atrocities (like 911) months in advance.

Is this for real?

[Publius6961]

Cool!

[MontanaBeth]

You can not smoke here. I said you can not smoke here. I said you can not smoke here. I said you can not smoke here. I said you can not smoke here. I said you can not smoke here. I said you can not smoke here. I said.....