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24 February 2009
State’s Jim Warlick Discusses U.S. Foreign Policy, United Nations
CO.NX webchat transcript, February 24
James "Jim" Warlick, principal deputy assistant secretary of state in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs, answered questions in a CO.NX webchat on February 24. He discusses U.S. foreign policy, Darfur, food security and environmental issues.
Following is the transcript:
(begin transcript)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
Webchat Transcript
What is the role of the United States in the United Nations?
Guest: Jim Warlick, Acting Assistant Secretary of State
Date: February 24, 2009
Time: 10:30 a.m. EST (1530 GMT)
Webchat Moderator (Mark): Welcome to our webchat! We are taking your questions for Acting Assistant Secretary of State Jim Warlick.
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): To read a recent blog by Mr. Warlick about his work for the U.S. and the U.N., please visit: http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entries/stronger_together/.
Webchat Moderator (Mark): Welcome to today's webchat. The webchat will begin at 15:30GMT.
Webchat Moderator (Mark): Welcome to today's webchat. We will be starting just a few minutes later than anticipated.
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): Welcome, everyone! Assistant Secretary Warlick will be joining us shortly. We are taking your questions now.
Webchat Moderator (Mark): Mr. Warlick is just getting logged in.
Jim Warlick: Hi, everyone. This is Jim Warlick and I'm pleased to join you today. It's an honor to serve in the Obama Administration and we look forward to serious work at the UN and at multilateral organizations. Please let me know your questions!
Question [Kyra Hamann]: Is there gonna be a new cooperation agenda? Which topics are going to be more important for U.S. cooperation?
Answer [Jim Warlick]: We will have a new agenda in a number of areas, in particular health, food security, and the environment. You can be assured that we will be working cooperatively and constructively across the board and will put renewed emphasis on multilateral diplomacy.
Comment [Siehm]: hey
Webchat Moderator (Mark): Welcome to the chat, Siehm.
Q [Kyra Hamann]: How will the financial crisis affect the U.S. aid for development, specially the one addressed towards fighting poverty?
A [Jim Warlick]: No question the world is in a financial crisis, but we still need to be conscious of the humanitarian needs around the world. While the Obama Administration has not yet made specific decisions on levels of assistance, we are looking seriously at working closely with the World Food Program and others on the serious humanitarian needs around the world. I would also emphasize our serious interest in working closely with the UN Development Programme which is on of the most important organizations for dealing with development issues.
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): Again, welcome everyone! Please introduce yourself if you would like, and tell us where you are from.
Q [Joseph]: How much does the US contribute to the UN each year?
A [Jim Warlick]: The US contributes approximately $5 billion dollars to the UN system-wide. Some of these are assess fees, but there is also a significant amount of money for specific programs where we contribute voluntarily. The US is by far the largest contributor to the UN, a sign that we take its work very seriously.
Q [Rhinia]: What role is US and UN playing in Darfur?
A [Jim Warlick]: The US is very concerned about the situation in Darfur. In particular, we are concerned about the human tragedy that is taking place. We are working with the UN on the deployment of a UN-African Union peacekeeping force which has the mission of protecting innocent civilian lives in Darfur. We will also engage on the peace process which is necessary to bring a long-term political settlement to the region.
Comment [qarabaqi]: I'm AliReza Qarabaqi, from Iran
Webchat Moderator (Mark): Hello, AliReza Qarabaqi, we are glad you are with us today.
Webchat Moderator (Mark): Mr. Warlick is reviewing the many questions coming in.
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): Here is an article about recent U.S. and U.N. efforts in Darfur: http://www.america.gov/st/peacesec-english/2009/January/20090115132552dmslahrellek0.9125025.html
Q [Smitty]: How would you rate the Bush administration's work with the UN?
A [Jim Warlick]: The Bush Administration, to its credit, made a commitment to work with the UN in a number of areas, such as health especially in sub-Saharan Africa. President Bush has an impressive record of work against AIDS and malaria prevention that has saved thousands of lives. As an official in the Bush Administration, I can say there was increasing recognition across the government that we need to find new ways to work multilaterally and with the UN to build coalitions to address the most important problems we face.
Q [Rhinia]: What areas of the world should UN helping?
A [Jim Warlick]: It's true that the UN cannot be everywhere and do everything. There are limited financial resources and other difficulties that make it difficult for the UN to address many challenges. That said, we are working closely with the UN to set priorities, and have an open dialogue with member states on how and where the UN can be most effective. I would highlight one area of high importance, peacekeeping. The UN now has more than 100,000 troops and policy deployed in peacekeeping operations around the world, many of them in very difficult environments such as Darfur or Congo or Lebanon. These forces are vitally important to provide peace and stability, and they offer hope to the people of these countries.
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): To read about U.N. peacekeeping in Sierra Leone, please see: http://www.america.gov/st/peacesec-english/2009/February/20090212095048gcirofo2.293032e-02.html?CP.rss=true.
Q [Luke Ryan]: My question is about Darfur. Why doesn't the U.S. commit troops to the peacekeeping force there, and can't we do more to compel the government of Sudan to stop the killing?
A [Jim Warlick]: Good question. You should be aware that the US contributes substantially to the peacekeeping mission in Darfur, known as UNAMID. We provide advisors and logistical support, such as transport for troops. To date, we have not provided troops on the ground, but have worked closely with other countries that are in a position to provide troops.
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): More information on the U.S. contribution to peacekeeping efforts in Darfur can be found here: "United States Begins Moving Peacekeeping Equipment to Darfur" http://www.america.gov/st/peacesec-english/2009/January/20090115132552dmslahrellek0.9125025.html
Q [Smitty]: How will Obama change working with UN if any?
A [Jim Warlick]: The Obama Administration will engage cooperatively and productively on issues throughout the UN system. There are many areas where we can work closely with other countries. For example, the International Atomic Energy Agency located in Vienna is working on proliferation issues in Iran and North Korea, as well as in other countries. UNESCO is engaged in literacy, scientific cooperation, and cultural heritage preservation. And the World Food Program is addressing emergency humanitarian food needs around the world. These are just a few examples of where the Administration is positively engaged on a global program. You can expect to see more engagement on these key issues around the world.
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): America.gov’s “First 100 Days” blog will follow President Obama's initiatives and policy directions. We'll look at new presidential orders, policies on the economy, alternative energy and foreign affairs, and his use of new media. We’ll review the new president's progress and governing style, take a look at the challenges of governing the United States, and keep you informed about the fun moments as well. We encourage you to share your thoughts on the president’s job. Post your comments at: http://blogs.america.gov/campaign/
Q [Wei Hongxia]: I am a Chinese scholar who is now focus on the study of Multilateral cooperation and its implication for China-US relations. We know APEC, despite it's an economic forum, has provide good opportunities for the dialogue between China and US. Same the six-party talks. Do you have any idea or plan that China and the US co-establish a multilateral mechanism to deal with the security issues? It has been discussed that the Obama administration will come back to treasure multilateral cooperation, comparing with Clinton era, what changes in policy will happen? How the United States will manage the relations between multilateral cooperation in east asia and its bilateral ally strategy, which was formed during the cold war era? Should a new thinking come out from the new administration?
A [Jim Warlick]: You may be aware that Secretary Clinton was just in China, one of the first countries she has visited as Secretary of State. We already work closely on security issues with China in the Security Council, where China is a member of the Permanent Five (with US, UK, France, and Russia). I believe it is important for us to have an open bilateral dialogue with the Chinese on how we handle issues at the UN, including in the Security Council, whether this is through a formal mechanism or informally. I have traveled to China on a regular basis to ensure that the lines of communication are open. We welcome China's engagement in the UN system and on international issues in general.
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): To read more about Secretary Clinton's trip to Asia, please see: http://www.america.gov/st/peacesec-english/2009/February/20090205160820dmslahrellek0.2348596.html?CP.rss=true
Q [qarabaqi]: While Mr. Bush was trying to decrease importance of UN, President Obama has raised new hopes in international level. What changes do you think will happen about Iran and Middle East?
A [Jim Warlick]: On Iran, you may know that our current policy is under review. However, as our Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Susan Rice, has stated publicly, we support direct engagement with Tehran. We believe that dialogue and constructive engagement will be useful in defining a productive relationship with Iran in the international community. On the Middle East, the President appointed George Mitchell as his special envoy. He has already traveled through the Middle East, a step we expect to reinvigorate the peace process.
Q [Abdul]: What is UN biggest failure?
A [Jim Warlick]: Whoa, this is a hard one. I would mention one UN institutional failure – that is the Oil for Food scandal. I believe that the widespread corruption that resulted from the Oil for Food Program in Iraq seriously tarnished the UN's reputation around the world. Since then, the UN has taken many steps to address its shortcomings, particularly in the area of transparency and accountability. What do others think is the UN's biggest failure?
Comment [qarabaqi]: Well, Referring to Abdul's question, I think UN role in Afghanistan, unfortunately was another big failure.
Q [Tolcot]: Hello Sir. What can you tell us about the future role of the US in the UN? Will it be as a partner or as an adversary?
A [Jim Warlick]: Certainly not an adversary! We realize that if we are to address the most important issues around the world, we need to find a way to work productively with other countries. This means, in part, the UN. I cannot imagine addressing such transnational issues as climate change, poverty, or refugees without working closely with other countries, and generally this means working through the UN.
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): Here is an article about the renewed commitment of the U.S. to working with the U.N.: http://www.america.gov/st/peacesec-english/2009/January/20090126163520idybeekcm0.4147913.html
Q [Abdul]: What are 3 priorities for US in UN?
A [Jim Warlick]: You're putting me on the spot! There are certainly more than three priorities. We work through the Security Council to address issues of peace and security. This includes such areas as peacekeeping, non-proliferation, terrorism, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Elsewhere in the UN system, we are committed to working with other countries on human rights, economic development, environmental issues, cultural issues, and many others. Sorry, I just can't single out three!
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): To read remarks by Ambassador Susan Rice concerning collaboration with the U.N., see: http://www.america.gov/st/texttrans-english/2009/January/20090126164625eaifas0.8589746.html
Q [Abdul]: Hi Mr. Warlick. What is UN not doing that US would like to see it do?
A [Jim Warlick]: Abdul, this is the second excellent question you pose. We are fortunate that throughout the UN system we take up the most important issues facing us today. I don't believe that we need to add more issues to the agenda. Rather, we need to try to make the UN more effective in addressing the issues that are already there. This is indeed a challenge. As you can imagine, getting 192 UN member states to agree on a course of action is not easy. However, it’s worth the investment and our commitment is to make the UN a more effective partner in our global challenges.
Q [Smitty]: Do you know Ms. Rice? Is so how would you rate her abilities?
A [Jim Warlick]: Even though I now work for Secretary Clinton, it was an honor to serve Secretary Rice who made an extraordinary contribution to the US and international community.
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): CO.NX Facebook at http://co-nx.state.gov is the place to learn about upcoming webchats and other online events and to post your comments. Join the discussion following today’s chat with Mr. Warlick!
A [Jim Warlick]: Thanks, everyone. I hope we can do this again. And I hope next time you will invite all your friends to join! If you have any suggestions on how we can make these chats better, please let us know. We are thinking about all kinds of new ways that we can communicate globally and we would welcome your ideas. I would like to invite all of your to join me for future chats - consider it like having a cup of tea with the Obama Administration! Thanks again!
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): Thank you, Mr. Warlick, for sharing your thoughts with us today.
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): Thanks for joining us today, everyone! Please let us know your thoughts at conx@state.gov or at co-nx.state.gov.
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): This webchat is now closed.
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): We wish to thank Acting Assistant Secretary of State Jim Warlick for joining us today. A transcript of today's webchat will be posted to http://co-nx.state.gov and to http://www.america.gov/multimedia/askamerica.html within one business day.
(end transcript)
