UN envoys are 'falling down drunk'

Some diplomatic staff are turning up to United Nations negotiations drunk, apparently.

"There has always been a good and responsible tradition of a bit of alcohol improving a negotiation, but we're not talking about a delegate having a nip at the bar," said Joseph Torsella, deputy US ambassador for management and reform recently.

"We make the modest proposal that the negotiating rooms should in future be an inebriation-free zone."

One diplomat went even further, saying that some envoys were going to meetings "falling down drunk", while another said: “On one occasion the note-taker who was meant to be recording the talks was so intoxicated he had to be replaced,” the Atlantic Wire reported.

Both made their comments on condition of anonymity.

Not everyone agrees though. "It is absolutely not the case that everyone at the talks is drunk," The Raw Story quoted another diplomat as saying.

"All the people doing the negotiating are sober."

Deputy ambassador Torsella had no objection to a post-meeting tipple though.

"While my government is truly grateful for the strategic opportunities presented by some recent past practices, let’s save the champagne for toasting the successful end of the session, and do some credit to the Fifth Committee’s reputation in the process," he said.