DATE=5/16/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S / U-N / PEACEKEEPING COSTS (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-262434
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United States has formally proposed
(Tuesday) a major overhaul in the system of financing
United Nations peacekeeping operations. V-O-A
Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from U-N
headquarters.
TEXT: American ambassador Richard Holbrooke says a
more broadly-based system for financing U-N
peacekeeping missions is long overdue. Speaking at a
meeting of the U-N budget committee, Mr. Holbrooke
observed that 98 percent of peacekeeping expenses are
paid by just 30 of the world organization's 187
members.
He says the financing system (which was developed 27
years ago) is completely out-of-date in terms of the
ability of member nations to pay.
/// HOLBROOKE ACT ///
We find some countries paying beyond their
means, and some who could pay more assessed next
to nothing. While we all have our own
interpretations of what "capacity to pay" really
means, no one can realistically argue that the
current system works fairly.
/// END ACT ///
Mr. Holbrooke did not present a specific plan for
reform of peacekeeping finances, but said the United
States will not support any plan that would increase
assessments for poor nations.
Currently, the United States is assessed more than 30
percent of U-N peacekeeping expenses, but the U-S
Congress has limited payment to 25 percent.
Mr. Holbrooke did note that many members of the United
Nations have criticized the United States for slow
payment of its U-N financial obligations. That laxity
in payments almost resulted in the United States
losing its vote in the General Assembly last year.
Diplomats say changing the U-N assessment system will
be a difficult project because few nations that now
pay a low assessment want to pay more. However, Mr.
Holbrooke says failure to make the assessment process
more equitable could jeopardize the scope and
effectiveness of U-N peacekeeping. (Signed)
NEB/BA/LSF/TVM/WTW
16-May-2000 16:02 PM EDT (16-May-2000 2002 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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