It's called 'diplomacy' Helms' U.N. speech was inappropriate Last week, North Carolina Sen. Jesse Helms had the honor of being the first U.S. legislator to address the United Nations Security Council. The occasion could have been an opportunity for constructive discussions and criticisms between the United Nations and the man who is most responsible for making the United States the world body's biggest debtor. But instead of using the opportunity for dialogue with an organization he frequently criticizes, he hurled accusations and threats at the assembled ambassadors of more than 100 nations. After opening his speech by stating, "It is my intent to extend to you my hand of friendship," Helms demanded the immediate adoption of reforms to the United Nations. He accused the United Nations of trying to undermine U.S. sovereignty and of trying to form a "central authority of a new international order of global laws and global governance." Helms, the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, lashed out at those who complain about the United States' multi-billion-dollar debt to the organization, calling them ungrateful. Helms harmed not only U.S. foreign policy but also the diplomacy of every country trying to work with the United Nations. His central role in stopping approval of treaties, banning landmines, protecting the environment and ending all testing of nuclear weapons brought scorn upon the United States from around the world. Helms's statements indicate he sees little or no need to cooperate with other nations. Why a person elected by 53 percent of the voters of North Carolina has been allowed to get a stranglehold on the nation's foreign policy is completely unexplainable. Helms has put an insular, domineering and spiteful face on the United States' foreign policy and exacerbated already widespread mistrust and hostility towards the United States. Despite what Helms believes, working well with other countries and the United Nations is important. The organization does not have a perfect record, but its mistakes have drawn much more attention than its successes. The United Nations has proven an effective provider of humanitarian assistance to many of the world's most needy people, is a strong advocate for human rights and takes a leading role in promoting economic and social development. Helms's intransigence harms this important work and ultimately the United States by worsening our relations with other countries. His demands for reform in exchange for money are also explicit violations of the U.N. charter, which the United States ratified. The charter makes it clear that countries cannot attach conditions to the payment of their assessed dues. Helms may disagree with this provision, but it is still surprising that he would force the United States into the untenable position of violating an international agreement. If reforms of the United Nations are to be conducted, they should accord with the charter its 187 members have agreed to, and like the United States' foreign policy, be free of interference from Helms. Originally on page 4A in the 1-24-2000 issue of the Daily.