Bill Clinton

“ The cause of peace is linked to the need for inclusive and lasting economic growth that gives more and more people a stake in stability and a voice in decisions that affect their lives. America's interest in enlarging the world's community of market democracies is echoed in the Preamble of the UN Charter, which calls for "social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom."
The United States applauds the work of a variety of UN programs and agencies that promote development and counter the hardships of poverty, homelessness, and disease. ”

“ The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, whose workload has regrettably increased in recent years; the World Health Organization, whose responsibility it is to halt the deadly spread of AIDS; and the UN Development Program, which is being reinvigorated under new leadership, all deserve special recognition for their momentous achievements in the face of enormous obstacles. ”

“ Efforts of the United Nations have contributed greatly to the birth of a democratic Namibia, have helped bring an end to the civil war in El Salvador, and have created the conditions under which the Cambodian people could form a government legitimized by free elections and a new constitution. In Somalia, the United States and the UN have worked together to save hundreds of thousands of lives threatened by anarchy-induced famine. ”

“ Despite the efforts of the many dedicated public servants at the United Nations, there remains an urgent need to improve the management of the UN system in order to make it more efficient, effective, and accountable. The United States is working actively with UN officials and with other governments on a number of management-related initiatives. ”

“ In Bosnia, the UN's humanitarian relief effort has been sustained under dangerous and frustrating conditions. In many nations, particularly in Africa, UN operations are working to facilitate the transition from civil conflicts to peaceful development. ”

“ In troubled areas around the globe, UN peacekeepers and observers are repatriating refugees; clearing land mines; monitoring elections; caring for victims of violence; helping protect human rights; arranging and monitoring ceasefires; and helping to construct democratic institutions where anarchy once prevailed. ”