WASHINGTON—The current effort by the U.S. government to develop a global coalition to fight against terrorism in the wake of attacks of Sept. 11 is similar to the coalition building that must take place as the United States prepares for and participates in international spectrum management conferences, said Ambassador Gail Schoettler, the head of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2000 delegation.
“We need to help the developing countries get what they want. We are looking for their help right now in the fight against terrorism,” said Schoettler as she neared the end of a speech on Thursday at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The developing world becomes our allies in international spectrum management while our normal military allies are our opponents at WRC, said Schoettler. Because of this dynamic, the U.S. needs to better understand the perspective of the developing world is essential, she said. These perspectives include a perception that the developing world has that it is being left behind. To help alleviate this perception, the U.S. needs to help the developing world not only by incorporating their goals in our WRC positions but also by education and economic assistance.
Schoettler’s speech focused on what changes she believes, based on her experience, need to be made to improve the WRC process.
Leadership from the White House is needed, Schoettler said, adding her voice to a growing chorus of those who believe that a six-month ambassadorial appointment is insufficient.
“The only way you are going to have cooperation [between government agencies and with the wireless industry] is to have someone at the top force cooperation,” said Schoettler.
In addition to leadership, there needs to be a commitment among the various different viewpoints to reach consensus.
“Negotiations need to be charged with solving the problem. It is not OK to stonewall. … A commitment to solving the problem instead of solving it your way,” said Schoettler.
Staying at the negotiation table means keeping Congress informed of the progress of the negotiation and keeping industry at the table rather than running to Congress for help.
“Industry has to show restraint,” said Schoettler.
