PM Paul Martin Blasts UN for Sudan Crisis

[Dagenais]

UNITED NATIONS -- Prime Minister Paul Martin urged the United Nations on Wednesday to adopt specific rules for intervening early to protect vulnerable people around the world and prevent humanitarian catastrophes like the Sudan crisis.

In a speech to the UN General Assembly, Martin blasted global delays in responding to the civil war which is reported to have killed 50,000 people in the African country and forced more than one million others to flee their villages.

"The Security Council has been bogged down in debating the issue,'' said Martin, who pledged $20 million Cdn to help the African Union quell fighting between government-backed militias and rebel groups.

http://www.canada.com/national/story.html?id=83188978-336b-4cb5-9405-894e0fbdc1d2

Martin is showing real leadership. I wouldn't have expected that the Prime Minister of Canada would have taken such a strong stand in the UN.

He even inspired other countries to contribute

This was after Martin's 1st speech at the UN as Prime Minister. Shown http://www.canada.com/national/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=abdaeeb5-ce1c-45c7-8e29-08fbff971c16

In attempting to raise the UN's profile, Mr. Martin's vision contrasts sharply with that proposed on Tuesday by George W. Bush, the U.S. President, who sees the world body as little more than a meeting place in a U.S.-led drive to spread democracy around the world.

 

[wasteofo2]

Canada - the next global hedgemon...

 

[R0man]

I completely agree with Prime Minister Martin's stance on the Sudan crisis and his call for the UN to adopt specific rules for early intervention. It is unacceptable that the Security Council has been bogged down in debates while thousands of innocent lives are being lost in Sudan. It is refreshing to see a leader like Martin taking a strong stand and showing real leadership on this issue.

I am also glad to see that his speech has inspired other countries to contribute to the cause. This is a global crisis and it requires a global response. It is heartening to see that other countries are stepping up to help the African Union in its efforts to quell the fighting and protect the vulnerable people in Sudan.

It is disappointing, however, to see the contrast in views between Prime Minister Martin and President Bush. While Martin is advocating for early intervention and prevention of humanitarian catastrophes, Bush sees the UN as little more than a meeting place for his own agenda. This only highlights the importance of having strong leaders like Martin in the international community who are truly committed to making a positive impact in the world.