Letter: Underused UN

P A BEVAN asks what action should have been taken instead of military action (Letters, 13 June). I note that you highlighted the need for radical reform of the United Nations during the Rwanda crisis. Why did no one take heed of the warning? Tony Blair and his Cabinet colleagues are now referring to the "international family of nations" and in the same breath calling for a reform of the UN ... sorry, I thought the UN was the "international family of nations". Yes, the UN needs to be given more teeth, but also in my opinion it needs to be given much more "carrot". Why wasn't the UN Secretary-General allowed to exercise his considerable skills before Nato embarked on its campaign? Why wasn't the same level of support given to the peace movement in Belgrade as has been given to the KLA?

RICHARD LINES

Fratton, Hampshire