At the UN: a 'leaks, rust, and cracks' tour

As Jonathan Katz, a legislative assistant to Florida Congressman Robert Wexler, steps onto an elevator at the United Nations headquarters building, the car suddenly drops several inches - prompting short shrieks from others on board.

Mr. Katz's reaction is somewhat different. "I'm convinced!" he says, excitedly.

What he's referring to is the need for the UN headquarters on Manhattan's East River - including the signature turquoise-glass-sheathed tower with the troublesome elevator - to undergo a $1 billion modernization.

Katz and 18 of his colleagues from Washington - including Democrats (such as Katz) and Republicans - are on what one UN official calls the "leaks, rust, and cracks" tour of the 53-year-old complex. The UN would like the United States, as the body's host government, to take the lead in funding the ambitious renovation.

Getting congressional approval will be key to the UN Capital Master Plan's success, which is one reason the staffers - many on their first visit here - are getting the shabby-red-carpet treatment.

But beyond the peeks at asbestos walls and sermons on below-code installations, the staffers are also hearing about the important role the world body plays around the world. It is already on the ground in Iraq, they are reminded. It has a vital presence in other security and humanitarian crises, and - always of interest to the US Congress - it has made strides in efficiency and reform.

The tour as well as the briefings on the UN's work are all part of an effort to increase Congress's understanding of the organization and to strengthen relations between the two. Organized by the Humpty Dumpty Institute (HDI) of New York, the visits come at a particularly low point in UN-Congress relations.

"You hear a lot in Washington these days about how the UN let us down on Iraq, so why should we deal with them and what good is it anyway," says Bob Van Wicklin, legislative director for Rep. Amo Houghton (R) of New York and another member of the delegation. "It's not the way my boss feels, but it's still good to have a little more insight so you can answer the irate constituent's questions."

The most recent delegation visit happened days after UN Secretary General Kofi Annan met with President Bush and congressional leaders in Washington - on issues including Iraq, African stability, and the headquarters master plan - and as Congress considers increased funding for UN peacekeeping operations.

Over five years of New York briefings, the Humpty Dumpty Institute has brought more than 200 members of Congress and staffers to the UN, with the thinking that a closer rapport between the two bodies will help the world.

"The purpose of all of this is to improve and strengthen - and sometimes even create - the bonds between Congress and the UN community," says Ralph Cwerman, HDI's president and a New York-based investment manager. "We think that leads to more informed decision making, and strengthens the idea that there are things we can do better together than we can alone."

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