Annan Criticizes Bush In Farewell Speech

Outgoing U.N. Secretary-General Delivers Tough Critique Of U.S. Policies

(CBS/AP)  Outgoing U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan offered a tough critique of the Bush administration's policies Monday in his last major speech before he leaves office.

In remarks delivered at the Truman Presidential Museum and Library, the secretary general accused the White House of trying to secure the United States from terrorism in part by dominating other nations through force.

"Human rights and the rule of law are vital to global security and prosperity," Annan said. When the U.S. "appears to abandon its own ideals and objectives, its friends abroad are naturally troubled and confused," he said.

Annan, who leaves the United Nations on Dec. 31 after 10 years as secretary-general, has become an increasingly vocal critic of the war in Iraq.

"The secretary general has become more outspoken in the final months of his tenure, giving more seasoned advice on how the U.N. could function more effectively and the responsibility of U.S. participation," said CBS News foreign affairs analyst Pamela Falk. "And his swan song lecture in Missouri was a serious rebuke of U.S. policy and its role at the U.N."

Annan said that the U.S. has a special responsibility to the world because it continues to have extraordinary power. He also suggested the people of the United States need to be more active in reminding their leaders of what their country should be doing, CBS Radio News correspondent Dan Raviv reports.

Annan summed up five principles that he considers essential: collective responsibility, global solidarity, rule of law, mutual accountability and multilateralism.

He chose the Truman museum for his final major speech in part because it is dedicated to a president who was instrumental in the founding of the United Nations. His speech repeatedly praised the Truman administration but never mentioned Mr. Bush by name.

"As President Truman said, 'The responsibility of the great states is to serve and not dominate the peoples of the world,"' Annan said.

"He believed strongly that henceforth security must be collective and indivisible. That was why, for instance, that he insisted when faced with aggression by North Korea against the South in 1950, on bringing the issue to the United Nations," Annan said.

"Against such threats as these, no nation can make itself secure by seeking supremacy over all others."

Annan also called for a reform of the Security Council, saying its membership "still reflects the reality of 1945." He suggested adding new members to represent parts of the world with less of a voice.

He said the permanent members, the world powers, "must accept the special responsibility that comes with their privilege."

"The Security Council is not just another stage on which to act out national interests," he said in another jab at Mr. Bush.

Annan has had a strained relationship with the administration and with outgoing U.S. Ambassador John Bolton.

He was criticized by some in the administration and in Iraq after saying earlier this month that the level of violence in Iraq is much worse than that of Lebanon's civil war and that some Iraqis believe their lives were better under Saddam Hussein.

He also has urged the international community to help rebuild Iraq, saying he was not sure Iraq could accomplish it alone.

Bolton also is leaving this month. He resigned in the wake of the November elections, which gave Democrats control over the next Congress, making his Senate confirmation unlikely.

After a private dinner Tuesday night at the White House for Annan, Bolton joked that "nobody sang 'Kumbaya."'

Told at the time of Bolton's comment, Annan laughed and asked: "But does he know how to sing it?"

[one_american]

Kofi Annan is a corrupt, anti-U.S., terrorist supporter.

The pile of rubbish should have been out of the U.N. years ago.

Good riddance.

[antoniof123]

Why is it that someone who disagrees with you ultra religious right wing nuts is evil. Maybe you are the ones that are evil. Well, you keep believing that you are going to heaven. I am sure that god has a special place saved just for you in hell.

[stevex47]

Antonio,
Bush killed way more innocent Iraqi's than Saddam.
You right wing nut jobs, when presented with facts, just resort to name calling. got nothing else do you? remember macaca

[stevex47]

OneAmerican,
the good riddence is for Bush and his girlfrend foley. and hastert and rove and cheney and the list goes on.

[cathaleen]

What about him and his son Cujo's involvement in the oil for food scandal? He has no room to talk.

[tomar0317]

Good-bye Mr Annan. I don't think you need to blurt out any mistakes by others with what has transpired during your tenure at the U.N. The respect for the U.N. is low and not headed in the right direction. How come it is always the American's fault when something goes wrong. We're not perfect, nor do most of us claim to be. The people of this country donate more per capita than any country to world needs and chartities and disasters. Maybe, just maybe we shouldn't be so willing to help. That won't happen because we are good people. Oh, since you're leaving, why not take the rest of the U N with you. Maybe a new locale for the U.N. would be good for the world. Try North Korea maybe...???

[Syndicate]

Good riddins! No one has done more harm to the UN than Koffi Annnan. Perhaps with better leadership they will be able to end the corruption that led to the war in Iraq.

[dogsoul]

Bush killed way more innocent Iraqis than Saddam? Nice fact checking idiot... try again

[grazinggoat]

Let's put Bolton there and LET HIM STICK to the rules and regultions of the United Nations. America will hate him afterthen.

This is an organism that is meant to be favourable and equal in treatment to ALL nations. Of course right-wingers, neo-cons and GOPs will always argue that he's not doing enough for the USA and crucify him at the first opportunity, for being too good to others nations.

[Syndicate]

Dogsoul: Sure about that fact? Whos the idiot? Iraq body count reports about 50,000 dead I'll figure a hundred thousand just becasue. Well Saddam killed a lot more than that.

[mjv2944]

One thing is for sure, they don't like anything about the USA but our money. Without our money they would be up the creek without a paddle. I don't agree with Dubya's policies either but what about the genocide going on in Africa?

[agnim]

The European people's UN is in actuality run by the so-called 'big powers'.

The Secretary General of the UN is merely a figure head.

And the UN cannot act meaningfully unless the 'big powers' wish to act.
Just look at the 'big power' paralysis over Darfur's genocide.

No UN Secretary General can make the 'big powers' do the right thing if they are bent on doing the wrong thing.

The very dignified and virtuous Anan has mostly words; but it is good to use them wisely if that's all one has.

The US has under the present administration has trashed the UN, especially with the lies and deceptions presented to the world to excuse the evil invasion of Iraq and the slaughter of so many humans beings.


Instead of bristling/worrying about the mere words of wisdom of Anan, alert Americans should be more concerned about the lies and deceptions, which led to so many wasted American lives and limbs in Iraq, that are going un-impeached!

[nynative1340]

Annan did the best job possible considering what he was up against: The Bush Administration.

We are our own worst enemy when we meddle in the domestic affairs of other nations. All U.S. presidents from Eisenhower to Bush 43 have used CIA covert activities to overthrow the governments of less-powerful nations. Some were dictators, but many were democratic. Most of the "leaders" we installed turned out to be much worse than the ones we threw out.

We are responsible for putting many terrorists in power: The Shah of Iran, and Pinochet in Chile, Saddam, and even bin Laden. The list is too long to recite here. Nice "friends" we have.

It's no surprise that we are hated around the world. Bush made sure of that.

[kushihanling]

It may be hard for us to swallow, but the world view America as greater threat than any terrorist organization. When a powerful military machine is matched with a delusional government, what can be more dangerous? As this administration merrily marching down the aisle with neo-conservative fanatics to a New World Order, the wedding tune is eerily reminiscent to Germany of 1938.

Now this mighty couple is nailed down on a leash in a quagmire, the world breathes a sigh of relief. America can only bark, but no longer bite. I suppose it is a good thing.

It is NOT just Bush is in a state of denial, but the entire nation is. We admit we have a problem, that is our bottom line, but we refuse to see we ARE the problem.

Ironically, the %u201CWar on Terror%u201D is a great success, any American with conscience watching what is happening in Iraq should agree, yes, we are the terror.

[nynative1340]

shrubsucks1, send your mother to war, you weaktit coward...

[mdc76082]

Those stinkin communist America hating liberals are always condeming until the walls around their worlds are crumbling then it's, help us, we are behind you 100%...blah...blah. Then you get a few civilian casualties and it's, we hate you, you're evil, down with the military, Impeachment...blah...blah. All I have to say is good luck with Congress, good luck with the HOR, good luck with the UN, cause you'll never see a Democrat control the White House, Congress or the HOR come 2008! God gives all conservatives a seat in heaven and all the rest are condemed to hell.

[mrthornman]

mdc76082:

Your post is so over the top and loony, not sure whether it is satire or for real. I hope satire.

[olebd]

This country is too broke thanks to Bush to appease the dopes at the U.N.

Go knock on other doors Kofi and be thankful we are too broke to cause any more damage in the world.

[bellal-2009]

Run along into oblivian Mr. Annan. You haven't exactly been effective yourself.

[bellal-2009]

Annan summed up five principles that he considers essential: collective responsibility, global solidarity, rule of law, mutual accountability and multilateralism.

And all this worked so well in Rwanda and now Sudan.

[perception5]

Goodbye Annan........that's one less corrupt person at the UN..........but many more stay.. uninvestigated by our liberal MSM wolfpack...

[mjv2944]

Annan led an organization that is, believe it or not, even more corrupt than our congress. 3rd world leadership killed what little chance the UN had. It is totally worthless and without credibility,ei: Lebanon, and all of Africa, Iranand North Korea, its just a sham organization treading water and going no where.

[processor2]

Isn't it amazing how the people who hate the U.S.A., sound just like Democrats

[perception5]

jh6379 - "Annan did a great job during his time"

..... great ......now list the three greatest things he did right off the top of your head:

1.

2.

3.

[edjohn66]

Mr. Anan,

Thank you for your years of dedicated and effective service. The world is a better place because of you.

[patriotic9]

mdc76082
"God gives all the conservatives seat in heaven and all the rest are condemed to hell"
We need to do a new study to find out whether those people who are VERY RELIGIOUS become PSYCHOTICS or those who are PSYCHOTICS become VERY RELIGIOUS.Would you like to go to the hell with all your religious PSYCHOTIC CONSERVATIVE BROTHERS who SEXUALLY MOLEST and SODOMIZE those YOUNG LITTLE AMERICAN BOYS in the CHURHCES who called those RELIGIOUS CONSERVATIVES"FATHERS".Did you forget your CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN FOLEY.Was that a part of AMERICANISM to SEXUALLY HARASS UNDERAGE AMERICAN BOYS on the INTERNET?
I'd love to go to hell with all the beautiful STRIPPERS,CLEBRITIES,ect.I wish you best of luck in the heaven with CHILD MOLESTING,BOY SODOMIZING CONSERVATIVES.I hope they'll be having a great time with you.Have fun.

[shingles1]

mdc76082 - you hitting the paint thinner again?

[one_american]

"Now I'm off to spend my ill-gotten booty from the Iraq oil-for-food scandal. And oh, yeah. George Bush is bad, terrorists are good."

- Kofi Annan

[blazercoach1]

I wonder.......if Caesar had defended himself against the Senators....would he be looked at today as not using "collective" practices or "multilateralism"? (Surely the Senators were using multilateralism and collectivism!)

The United States was attacked. How many nations sent help? What percent of UN members sent forces to Afghanistan? What percent of UN members did ANYTHING about it?

If Caesar is attacked again by a few Senators....I suspect that like many other Senators in the old tale, most will simply stand by and watch.

Careful those of you who say "Caesar deserved it".....remember that you/we ARE Caesar! Why? Speeches like Annan's only reinforce the notion that the US is the leader of the world. If we aren't......then why does the leader of the UN treat us and talk about us like we are?

[one_american]

Annan loved to attack America with one hand, while holding out his other expecting money to solve all the world's problems.

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

[frankly6]

One_American

You do yourself nor your country any service in smearing the messenger. The same message is coming from people of all political persuasions.

[grazinggoat]

edjohn66,
luckily Anan was there, otherwise Walking-Liar would have skrewd it all...

[alphaa10-2009]

Kofi Annan's tenure was valuable worldwide- particularly in reminding the wealthier, powerful nations they cannot escape their responsibilities to the world community, the whole neighorhood of which they are a part.

In contrast to the role of wealthy powerful nations, a UN leader's responsibility is to remind such states of their failures when they fail. If Annan has succeeded in only one area, in this he will have done well.

The critique of US international policy under Bush could not have been more accurate-- failure to support UN programs, the familiar Bush policy of "cherry picking" among American obligations, and ignoring other UN programs and needs. The single, cardinal Bush offense of ignoring the UN in favor of unilateral military action, and on the deceit-filled pretext of national defense.

Some critics, however, have asked, what has Annan done? The first responsibility of a world leader is to facilitate and promote, not focus attention on himself. As a leader, Annan has called attention to human rights abuses, whether in Darfur or Burma. He has promoted and helped coordinate rescue efforts, such as after tsunamis and earthquakes. He has fostered better standards of world health- the very conditions which Gates and Buffet funds attempt to address. Annan has struggled to bring international resources to bear on international problems like famiine-- or global warming-- with little enthusiastic participation from the US.

[ceres5]

If more international leaders were like Mr. Kofi Annan, this world would be a better place to live. Although Mr. Annan has a great admiration for the people of the United States, he also has the guts to speak up against the bully and abusive behavior of the Bush administration. Mr. Annan is 100% correct when he says that the American people shouldn't be meek and indifferent in demanding accountability from its leaders. Thanks God the bully was partially tamed four weeks ago by the American voters. We, however, still need to keep our defenses up.

[alphaa10-2009]

ojama said, "The second thing that hits me after reading the speech is that Kofi is blasting the US not Bush..."
---

A customary diplomatic style of criticism coming from the leadership level is to address the nation, as a unit. In theory, at least, a democratic nation is responsible for faithful witness to its own principles and beliefs, not simply one head-of-state.

Furthermore, to the extent the USA departs from its own principles and beliefs, it is easy to understand -- for those wondered why Bush was not singled out to a greater extent-- a GOP-dominated government under Bush shares responsibility.

From Abramoff through Delay and Rumsfeld, the Bush regime was a circus of failures, corruption, misadventures, gross incompetence, failure of due diligence and betrayal of America's own principles and beliefs. Not to mention, betrayal of the trust and welfare of the American people.

[bellal-2009]

How much money did Kofi Annan waste leading the UN. What a pathetic waste of money for an organization that accomplishes nothing.

[roger_inkart]

As expected the Bush apologists are all up in arms about the speech. I would guess most without even reading or hearing it.

Annan's tenure at the UN was checkered, but that doesn't mean he's wrong here. We need look no further to the ever worsening condition in Iraq and the warning he gave that were ignored. The war was poorly thought out and based upon lies and deception. It's little wonder it's been an utter catatastrophe.

[bellal-2009]

Intentions can't be measured. Results can. What has he REALLY accomplished.

[roger_inkart]

"What a pathetic waste of money for an organization that accomplishes nothing."

...except when the chicken-hawks in the Bush administration and their cheerleaders need a rationale to invade a sovereign nation which posed no threat to the US.

[processor2]

Amazing how the people who hate America sound just like Democrats.

THE U.S. NEEDS TO WITHDRAW FROM THE U.N.


PS

What makes America great are it's individuals, NOT some collective/socialist group think.

..................

[bushrocks1]

Would I send my son to this war? You might ask would I send him to World War II? Or Vietnam? Maybe you would distinguish those conflicts and whether you would send your son to fight in them. But that question is misdirected in a very important way: I can't command my son to go to war. He has to make that choice. So the better question would be: would I volunteer to fight in Iraq, WW II, Vietnam? Would I volunteer to fight in any war? Respond if drafted? I don%u2019t know. I'm not equivocating, only addressing that it is a hypothetical. To a hypothetical, I can answer, sure I'd fight. But I have nightmares of battle (from my past life as a Jacobite). So how do I feel toward those who do volunteer? Impressed and maturely knowing that many things go into their decision. But I do strongly believe that a country that can't find those men is doomed. The fact that we can find them is one reason why I say there is no failure in Iraq. Objectively, I also believe it for other reasons. An attempt to establish democracy in the Middle East is a bold, brilliant, noble effort, facing a high chance of failure. That's why I greatly respect and admire those who have made the attempt--the Bush administration. They have been resolute, something I have not seen in my lifetime. They may not succeed, for reasons outside their control or fault: traitors on the home front. Now those traitors have occupied the high ground. Yet... we're still in Iraq; the President hasn%u2019t been impeached. Why?...I'm waiting.

[roger_inkart]

It's amazing that the irrational Bush apologists remain so certain they and their idiot president are right - and everyone else is wrong - even in the face of such catastrophic failure as we have seen. One can only wonder what, if anything, it would take to show them once and for all the policies of the White House have failed.

You cling to them at the risk of the nation you supposedly defend from us traitors.

[processor2]

AMAZING HOW THE ENEMIES OF AMERICA SOUND JUST LIKE DEMOCRATS... THE U.S. NEEDS TO WITHDRAW FROM THE U.N.


PS

What makes America great are it's individuals, NOT some collective/socialist group think.

[roger_inkart]

"What makes America great are it's individuals"

Yet, the Bush apologists seek to silence any criticism. Anyone who dare speak against Bush and his policies are enemies of America, right?

BTW it was a conservative think tank that helped land us in Iraq in the first place.

[jn122736]

%u201CI agree 100% with the posting by "patriotic9 & Ceres5 & alphaa10"
I only wish I had said that!%u201D

Posted by mocaleo at 04:22 PM : Dec 11, 2006

Ditto.

Quote from article;
%u201CAnnan said that the U.S. has a special responsibility to the world because it continues to have extraordinary power. He also suggested the%u2026 PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES NEED TO BE MORE ACTIVE IN REMINDING THEIR LEADERS OF WHAT THEIR COUNTRY SHOULD BE DOING%u201D,

Annan knows full well that the bush administration and the republican controlled congress, along with too many democrats, are at fault for the Iraqi mess. He also knows that we, as Americans, are responsible for controlling our leaders through our democratic system. He is correct in his criticisms.

processor2 ;

Words and actions reveals personal character to the world.

[ceekuei]

Kofi is essentially right in his assessments particularly of Bush. Many a times Kofi was side-lined by US's bully pulpit. At least, he has the chutzpah to say it like it is, albeit a little too late. The UN is impotent because it allows the US to dominate it in furtherance of its own agenda. The world could very well be a far safer place if strict adherence to international law, conventions and protocols is a matter of fair principle rather than an expediency.

[jpesot]

The Bush administration treats diplomatic efforts the way a high school bully treats smaller kids. "I'm bigger and stronger, so what I say goes." Sooner or later, the smaller kids come together, develop their own power, and then humiliate the bully. And that's where the Bush Administration is today. Humiliated.

There is no ideology or power on earth that really threatens the US. Terroists can and will continue to do terrible things. But the US, and her ideals are strong and secure. Unless we relinquish them out of fear. And the Bush administrations has played on that fear and used it to control our politics, and maintain their place in office.

But just like in the come of age teen movies, the more mature among us, those who think violence is almost never the right means to and end, will prevail.

The best way to maintain our power and place in the world is to use that power for the joint benefit of all. Bush and his 27%ers haven't learned this yet.

[c3227ahb]

Very strange coming from a man who has stood by and let millions die in Africa.

Stole Billions of dollars from Iraq in the food for oil scandal.

He is just mad because America won't have it's security dictated to them by his office.

[chiefrjs]

I firmly believe in and defend that we have the right to voice our opinions; even Mr. Annan President Bush, with support of Congress (yes including Democrats), took action to help protect our country after 9-ll. At that time, I don't recall hearing a lot of verbage about the future cost of freedom. It hurts to lose members of our military. However, I don't believe any of us hurt anymore now, than we hurt while watching the wanton disregard of life by a handful of zealots.

I wasn't especially happy with my time in Vietnam, because I was scared to death; however, I stayed and helped fight for what I believe our country stands for. We have political process to correct our political mistakes...so avail yourselves of that process if you can garner enough support. Again, that is one of the founding ideals of our country.

I'm not trying to quiet the voices of discontent; just trying to remind that we are all able to openly discuss such issues BECAUSE we take our role of leadership in this world seriously.

[wayfedup]

mdc76082...

FYI DUMB A S S, the Congress is composed of the SENATE AND the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; there is NO congrss AND the HOR, as you so ineloquently stated, and YES, THE DEMOCRATS WILL CONTROL IT ALL in 2008. NO CHARGE FOR THE CIVICS LESSON.