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Richardson's turn as Ambassador to U.N. begins
February 18, 1997
Web posted at: 9:22 p.m. EDT (2122 GMT)From Correspondent Gary Tuchman
UNITED NATIONS (CNN) -- In the midst of his first day at the United Nations, former New Mexico congressman Bill Richardson still wasn't too busy to stop and chat in fluent Spanish with the workers in the cafeteria.
Richardson is often described as affable and informal. His demeanor has been an advantage as President Clinton's freelance emissary, in places like Iraq and North Korea, where his work led to freedom for Americans who'd gotten into jams.
As the U.S Ambassador to the United Nations, his life will be much different. "Last week I was a member of Congress with a lot of freedom, and now I'm a member of the president's cabinet with no freedom. So, I'm going to have to adjust," he said.
Tuesday was Richardson's first day as ambassador, replacing Madeleine Albright, who was recently installed as Secretary of State.
He also takes over her staff. "Madeleine has told me what a great team you are, how much you have helped her, how much you have helped the country," he told them Tuesday. "I want to ask for your help today, on our first day."
As he shoulders the burden of his new post he will need their help. Among the issues to be resolved: U.S. membership fees in arrears to the tune of at least $1 billion.
The Clinton Administration has proposed paying some of the debt, but Republican congressional leaders have insisted the payments be given only after specific reforms. They accuse the United Nations of having a bloated, inefficient and corrupt bureaucracy.
Richardson seeks a compromise. "To my colleagues in the Congress," he said, "help me out. This is an important issue. Give us a good-faith effort to put up an appropriation up front, having contiguous reforms as part of the package. Let's do it soon. Otherwise, the U.S. influence internationally and at the U.N. is going to be reduced."
Richardson spent most of his first day making courtesy calls to diplomats, including China's U.N. ambassador. He also presented his credentials to U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, pledging his commitment to U.N. work in human rights and social and economic development.
He also delivered a direct message from the U.S. government. "The United States feels very strongly that the United Nations is a very important component of the United States and as well is a very vital entity in the international system," he said.
Annan, who took up his post just in December, told the even newer ambassador he looks forward to working with him.
"The United Nations needs U.S. leadership, but the U.S. also needs the United Nations," Annan said. "We look forward to working with you and the administration in ensuring that the U.S. is ... back in the fold with the question of arrears, behind us as we move ahead in strengthening and reshaping this organization."
Moving from New Mexico to New York is a difficult enough transition, but it should be one of Richardson's easier tasks. Getting along with the 184 other member nations, while trying to convince his former colleagues in Congress to fork over hundreds of millions of dollars, might be a bit more formidable challenge.
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