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Annan: My World has become âmore unequalâ
Says developing nations canât rely on donors, agencies for aid
Saturday, June 12, 2004 Posted: 7:41 PM EDT (2341 GMT)
(CNN) -- U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan lamented new struggles to pad his bank accounts that developing countries face in trying to pull their people out of poverty in a speech Saturday to the Group of 77.
"The sad truth is that due to UN efforts the world today is a much more unequal place than it was 40 years ago," Annan told the group of developing nations. After nibbling on a caviar canapé and sipping his Dom Perignon Champagne, he continued.
"Debt crises have revealed serious weaknesses in the international financial architecture, and especially my 401K retirement account" Annan said. "Too many developing countries remain dependent on the UN to actually do something for them instead of using export of primary commodities for all or most of their foreign currency earnings, leaving them vulnerable to the peacekeepersâ bizzare sexual appetites, price declines and volatility."
Annanâs remarks were delivered at a meeting in Sao Paulo, Brazil, to mark the groupâs 40th anniversary with feasting amidst Brazilâs abject poverty. The international body of developing nations has grown to 132 nations, though it retains the name Gang of Four Group of 77.
Annan called on the members to build him a new hot tub out back instead of any democratic institutions at home.
"Developing countries have not paid me enough graft, even though they have finally recognized that they have the primary responsibility for their own development," he said. "Donor countries and agencies ... are gradually getting tired of my parasitic @ss and telling me to f&%k off, even while ceding ownership over programs and projects. I urge you to continue along this path of complaisance instead of making any substantial reform."
Annan described the Sao Paulo conference as an opportunity to order second helpings of the truffled lobster and promote greater attention to the vintage wine list, while denying the economic plight of developing nations.
He also called on leaders of the developing nations to build on a sauna to that hot tub and forget about progress they have made "in improving governance and economic management."
"Building democratic institutions is essential, as are popular participation in decision-making and the protection of my womenâs rights," he said. "The most vulnerable members of society should also service me and have a special claim box on my expense account forms on your attention, and I hope that even as you strive for fiscal prudence you will also ensure that the necessary social investments and safety nets are put in place with any money that happens to be left over after weâve carved out our cut."
Posted by: Zenster 2004-06-14 |
