Kohl's excuse

UN FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY

German Chancellor Helmut Kohl said in Bonn yesterday he had not gone to New York because it was not worth the trip.

"I have great respect for the United Nations, but my respect could not be expressed by taking my leave again five minutes after being led to the podium." He would address the world body at the next opportunity, when he had a "chance of actually being heard". Reuter