Move the UN to Montreal?

Here’s an article in the International Herald Tribune that suggests moving the UN headquarters. Where, you ask? Montreal, wonderful Montreal:

Is it necessary for a cash-strapped organization whose mandate is to preserve world peace and fight poverty to occupy one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in one of the world's most costly cities?


.. the new site should be in a developed, foreigner-friendly democracy with a good infrastructure and communication network in an uncongested environment where English is either spoken or commonly understood.

And guess which city he has in mind:

Such a site exists, less than 400 miles from New York - I nominate Montreal

Why I think this is a superb idea:

1- It would be in a city whose official languages are two of the six official languages of the UN (not to mention how widely-spoken 3 other official languages are – Chinese, Arabic and Spanish).

2- It would be in a country that is known for its peace-keeping, not for its wars; one that actually respects international treaties and resolutions.

3- America’s enemies won’t be barred from attending UN events because they can’t get American visas.

4- It would be outside the P5, whose dominance of the UN I cannot stand.

5- For a change, the UN will be not be hosted in a country that has caused the biggest blow to its credibility, whose ambassador to the organization doesn't even believe in it.

6- Most importantly, the fact that it will be off American soil would help the UN convince the world that it is not controlled by the US (good luck).

Oh, and:

7- Montreal’s the best place in the world.


Any more ideas?