NEW YORK, September 19 (IPS) – The UN General Assembly (UNGA) high-level segment known for its fiery speeches and colorful personalities gathers in GA Hall. But there was so much more going on outside the halls – the frenzy of the press in broadcast vans, security personnel on every sidewalk, military aides in uniform, and countless other receptions and parties of all kinds.
One of the most famous events in this vast theater is the monumental convoy that brings the President of the United States to the United Nations. New York police department motorcycles, 50 or more in total, rattled in front of the main presidential limousines. Police barricade the streets. The horns and roars of the engines reverberated wherever they passed.
The motorcade made a strong impression as it approached the United Nations Headquarters. No other leader has even come close to such a majestic entry scene. The United Nations itself also faces temporary paralysis as the President’s security system takes over.
Once, I was standing on the corner of First Avenue and 45th Street when I saw a high-ranking United Nations official hurrying up. A policeman stopped him as he tried to cross the barricade and cross the boulevard.
Police said: “Nobody is crossing the street now. “But I am under Secretary General Peter Hansen,” the man replied, “and I have a meeting in ten minutes with the Secretary General.”
“Sorry man,” said the policeman, “I have my orders and no one, not even God himself, has crossed this avenue until I say so.” Hansen had to wait at least twenty minutes until the US President arrived and disappeared inside. Then the Under Secretary was finally allowed to pass by and continue his business.
The impression created by a large entry like this is well known in the political world. During the colonial period in India, the British Viceroy famously entered the city of Delhi on important occasions to sit with his wife on a giant, elaborately-furred elephant, accompanied by a whole cavalry of other elephants, carrying maharajas and high-ranking British officials.
The largest of these events is dedicated to the enthronement of the English king and is known as the Darbars. Today, motorcycles are awe-inspiring and the President enjoys a smooth ride in an armored limousine.
Hundreds of lavish lunches, dinners and receptions took place during the high-profile era. The most unusual event I have ever attended was a reception held at the Central Park Zoo, in honor of Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of the Congo.
The Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs the zoo, organized the event to “thank” the Congolese strongman for accepting large sums of money to “protect” part of the Congo rainforest . The reception took place outdoors, around the famous sea lion pool. There are African drums, costumed dancers, flute musicians, bright spotlights, and a very limited guest list.
As I walked around the pool, chatting with a few of the ambassadors present, I noticed a man standing at a distance from the others, apparently himself. I stepped forward to speak to him when suddenly four large armed security guards emerged from the shadows and confronted me, their automatic weapons pointed menacingly.
I quickly found myself facing President Sassou Nguesso, in his military uniform. His scowl turned to a smile and he waved away the guards, who disappeared again into the trees as I approached. After a few jokes about protecting the rainforest, I left. From 5th Avenue, when I got home, I could still hear the drums and see the orange lights.
I wonder what the sea lions are thinking?
Jim Paul served as the longtime Executive Director of the Global Policy Forum, based across the avenue from United Nations Headquarters. He is the founder of the Security Council NGO Working Group and the Food and Famine Working Group. He is an editor of Oxford accompanies the politics of the world and his most recent book is titled Of Foxes and Chickens: Oligarchy and global power in the United Nations Security Council.
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