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06/27/2003 Archived Entry: "Crumbling U.N. Seeks $1 Billion for Renovation"

WHAT'S THE YIDDISH TERM FOR THIS? CHUTZPAH?: After tweaking the nose of the United States, the United Nations must truly have a brass set. It seems everyone's favourite nascent world government wants the U.S. to pay for renovations at U.N. headquarters in New York.

The U.N.'s two 50-year-old buildings in New York City are basically falling apart — decaying pipes and crumbling ceilings are now commonplace — and the U.N. is seeking an interest-free loan worth more than $1 billion to renovate its headquarters.

Who will pay to fix the 1952 original plumbing, get rid of asbestos and raise security fences? Repairs would cost U.S. taxpayers about $600 million over 30 years.

Less flying to international conferences to enjoy the creme brule might save some money for repairs. The kicker, though, is the following:

Toshiyuki Niwa, who is leading the renovation project, said the U.N. wants to borrow $1.2 billion for the repairs. And he wants the United States to put up the cash.

"It is an established norm set by the host countries following the example set by the U.S. government after World War II to provide an interest-free loan," Niwa said.

Eh? So why is NATO expecting the U.S. to fund a new headquarters in Belgium?

Read on.