SECRETARY-GENERAL REGRETS THAT PAYMENT OF UNITED STATES ARREARS REMAINS UNCERTAIN OWING TO 'EXTRANEOUS MATTER'
Press Release
SG/SM/6549
SECRETARY-GENERAL REGRETS THAT PAYMENT OF UNITED STATES ARREARS REMAINS UNCERTAIN OWING TO 'EXTRANEOUS MATTER'
19980505 Following is the text of a statement attributable to the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan, issued on 1 May:The Secretary-General was pleased to see the level of support in the Senate -- on both sides of the aisle -- for payment of a significant portion of the United States arrears to the United Nations system, as evidenced by the debate on the State Department authorization conference report. However, he regrets that United States fulfillment of its financial obligations remains uncertain due to an extraneous matter. He appreciates the continuing efforts of President Clinton and the Congressional leadership to resolve this issue.
The United Nations system does many things each day which benefit the citizens of the United States, and of the world. Conversely, the continuing support of the United States is critical to the success of the United Nations. It is time to get the question of arrears behind us and to move forward to strengthen this vital relationship, on which so much depends.
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