US threat on UN, a further waning of US influence: Kohona

28 December 2016 03:59 pm - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Former chief of the UN treaty section and a former permanent representative of Sri Lanka to the UN, Palitha Kohona said that the US threatening the UN with financial sanctions would only result in the further waning of US influence in the UN and globally.

“To threaten the UN with financial sanctions would only result in the further waning of US influence in the UN and globally. All countries, especially countries like the US, must continue to work together to make the world a better place,” he told IPS.

Kohona also said that the US was a key player in the creation of the UN and the organisation has served US interests well over the years.

“One might even say that the US has manipulated the UN to serve its global interests,” he argued.

Mr. Kohana said against this background, to return to the confrontational attitudes of the early 1990s, when the US withheld its dues, would be self-defeating.

He said the US was no longer the only country with overwhelming financial clout.

US president-elect Donald Trump, peeved over a Security Council resolution last week chastising Israel over its continued settlements in the occupied territories, has signalled an implicit warning he will review his relationship with the UN.

Immediately after the resolution was adopted by a vote of 14–nil, with the US abstaining, Trump held out a warning: “As to the UN, things will be different after January 20.”

Currently, the US is the biggest single contributor accounting for 22% of the UN’s regular biennium budget, followed by Japan (9.7%), China (7.9%), Germany (6.7%) and France (4.8%) – all based on a country’s ‘capacity to pay’.

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Comments - 14

ceylon Wednesday, 28 December 2016 04:34 PM

you too same type.you defended lankan crimes and criminals without any shame. via DM Android App

dhanu Wednesday, 28 December 2016 04:55 PM

"The United Nations has such great potential but right now it is just a club for people to get together, talk and have a good time. So sad!" - Donald J. Trump

Kumar Wednesday, 28 December 2016 04:57 PM

Kohona is afraid that hes going to take paycut! Anyways whats happening right now is great, the UN is filled with hacks and is a joke. Just take a look who is in charge of Human Rights, a self entitled arabian prince! Sri lanka needs to be independent and only relay on IMF, china and military prowess from america

AIA Wednesday, 28 December 2016 05:14 PM

Yes, US will certainly listen to your wise thoughts.

LONG OVER DUE Wednesday, 28 December 2016 05:18 PM

The three matters long over due are - a) Shift the UN headquarters out of US, (b) Have a more balanced members with voting rights. in the security council - as at present, whether one likes or not, the :ethnic" composition is not representative of the worlds population AND (c) do away with the dollar as the currency of commerce and go for , say. the gold standard

Nuwan Thursday, 29 December 2016 04:08 AM

Indeed. UN was a US idea and it brought USSR kicking and screaming to join in. UN is not without its faults as a large organisation. In some instances it has shown weakness in resolving conflicts. Yet US was able to use UN to influence the global political climate. Without UN, US position in global politics, which is already weakened due to failed strategies of the State Department, will be further weakened. Trump may as well tap the final nail on the coffin for the US global dominance.

CitizenBrownie Thursday, 29 December 2016 04:15 AM

This is not US 'influence'. This is US abuse and bullying to protect an apartheid rogue ally like Israel.

LEONARD Thursday, 29 December 2016 05:36 AM

He have say to defend UN because otherwise gravy train will be off the tracks. Sooner they get rid of the corrupt UN is the better for the world.

bandara Thursday, 29 December 2016 05:41 AM

The UN is paid by the US and work for the US by utilizing servants who majority from the 3rd world countries in keeping low cost means. This outdated UN would soon be dusted by Pres.Trump.

aruna Thursday, 29 December 2016 07:59 AM

well said Kohona.

yahiya Thursday, 29 December 2016 10:54 AM

End of America.

Shelly. Thursday, 29 December 2016 02:02 PM

A stooge to MR. talks big on world order. via DM Android App

na Thursday, 29 December 2016 02:48 PM

he defended the country not terrorists

SL Patriot Thursday, 29 December 2016 09:36 PM

Better to end the UNO

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US threat on UN, a further waning of US influence: Kohona

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