[NYTr] UN Gen Assembly Passes $4.2 Bn Budgeet Despite US Objection

[All the News That Doesn't Fit]

Radio Havana Cuba
http://www.radiohc.cu/ingles/portada.htm


UN Gen Assembly Approves Nearly $4.2 Billion Budget Despite US Opposition

United Nations, December 24 (RHC)-- Following days of intense
negotiations, the United Nations General Assembly has adopted a
two-year budget of $4.17 billion for the world body, with the United
States casting the lone negative vote.

Following marathon talks that lasted through the weekend, the Assembly
adopted the 2008-2009 budget by a vote of 142 to 1. The U.S., which
contributes around 22 percent of the UN's budget, was the only country
to vote against the plan, citing concerns that the actual budget would
be significantly higher than what was approved with all the add-ons.

Welcoming the Assembly's decision, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
thanked Member States for their efforts "to reach a budget level for
the United Nations sufficient to preserve efficiency and fiscal
discipline, while maintaining the priorities of the Organization."

A statement issued by his spokesperson added that Ban "regrets that the
resolution was not adopted by consensus, marking a break with tradition
after 20 years," and urged all Member States to "return to consensus
decision-making and to demonstrate a greater sense of flexibility and
compromise."

In other actions, the UN General Assembly also authorized over $182
million for UN Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad
(MINURCAT), which was set up to help protect civilians and facilitate
humanitarian aid to thousands of people uprooted due to insecurity in
the two countries and neighbouring Sudan.