The main thing that endears the United Nations to member governments, and so enables it to survive, is its proven capacity to fail... You can safely appeal to the UN in the comfortable certainty that it will let you down.
Conor Cruise O'BrienBritish diplomats, constantly exposed to American political-ethical rhetoric, find their professional skills tested to the limits by the need to keep a straight face. For illustrations of what I mean, study the photographs of the expressions worn by Mr Douglas Hurd at any international conference involving all the Western allies.
Conor Cruise O'BrienHuman nature doesn't include all human beings. There are human beings who are indifferent to politics, religion, virtually anything.
Conor Cruise O'BrienYou can safely appeal to the UN in the comfortable certainty that it will let you down.
Conor Cruise O'Brien