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U.N. Headquarters Imposes Smoking Ban
AP | 9/03/03

Posted on 09/03/2003 4:54:43 AM PDT by 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.



TOPICS: Extended News; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: nyc; unhq

1 posted on 09/03/2003 4:54:43 AM PDT by kattracks
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To: kattracks
Doesn't diplomatic immunity apply?
2 posted on 09/03/2003 4:56:09 AM PDT by WestPacSailor (Sorry folks, this tagline's closed. The moose out front should of told you.)
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To: kattracks
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.]


3 posted on 09/03/2003 4:59:41 AM PDT by Diogenesis (If you mess with one of us, you mess with all of us)
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To: kattracks
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.

4 posted on 09/03/2003 4:59:57 AM PDT by JimVT
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To: kattracks
Lead by example. HAHAHA
5 posted on 09/03/2003 5:00:06 AM PDT by chachacha
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To: WestPacSailor
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.)
6 posted on 09/03/2003 5:02:20 AM PDT by Kenton
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To: Kenton
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.
7 posted on 09/03/2003 5:32:47 AM PDT by raybbr
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To: Kenton
"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.

8 posted on 09/03/2003 5:34:43 AM PDT by WestPacSailor (Sorry folks, this tagline's closed. The moose out front should of told you.)
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To: kattracks
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!

9 posted on 09/03/2003 5:38:16 AM PDT by DumpsterDiver
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To: WestPacSailor
this only bothers me because it lessens the chances of that nest of vipers burning to the ground.
10 posted on 09/03/2003 5:40:41 AM PDT by Tijeras_Slim
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To: kattracks
Smoking can't be done, but those HAMASide bombing maniacs not only are ok, but they don't exist ???
11 posted on 09/03/2003 5:42:19 AM PDT by ChadGore (Kakkate Koi!)
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To: 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.

Is this for real?
12 posted on 09/03/2003 5:47:43 AM PDT by grumple
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To: kattracks
Cool!
13 posted on 09/03/2003 6:33:40 AM PDT by Publius6961 (californians are as dumb as a sack of rocks.)
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To: kattracks
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.....
14 posted on 09/03/2003 6:57:14 AM PDT by MontanaBeth (Born Conservative)
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