Better World Campaign Salutes Congressional Moves to Pay UN in Full and on Time
Statement by Better World Campaign Executive Director Peter Yeo.
(Vocus/PRWEB ) May 15, 2009 -- Statement by Better World Campaign Executive Director Peter Yeo:
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“Congress has taken two significant actions that are helping to inaugurate a new era of American engagement through diplomacy and multilateral institutions.
“The Foreign Relations Authorization Act that Chairman Howard Berman released yesterday authorizes full payment of all debt the U.S. has accumulated at the United Nations since the 1999 Helm-Biden legislation. This demonstrates Congressional commitment to fully funding the UN and other international organizations whose work supports U.S. national security, foreign policy and economic goals.
“Moreover, by lifting the Congressionally-mandated 25% cap on U.S. payments to UN peacekeeping, the authorization act would enable the U.S. to begin paying its UN bills in full. As a veto-wielding member of the Security Council, the U.S. has voted for and supported the expansion of all 16 ongoing peacekeeping missions, and it is critical that we pay our fair share.
“The House of Representatives sent a similar message yesterday when it passed a FY09 supplemental bill, authored by Chairman David Obey and Subcommittee Chairwoman Nita Lowey, which includes sufficient funds to pay off all U.S. debt to the UN since 1999. The bill includes $836.9 million for the Contributions to International Peacekeeping Activities account and $80 million—a $30 million increase over the President’s request—for the voluntary Peacekeeping Operations account. The increase would provide support for expanded missions in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“These actions will help return the U.S. to good financial standing at the UN after several years of U.S. late payments and underfunding. By authorizing and appropriating the resources necessary for the U.S. to meet its commitments to multilateral organizations, Congress is delivering on this Administration’s commitment to restoring U.S. leadership through diplomacy.”
About the Better World Campaign
The Better World Campaign (BWC), an initiative of the Better World Fund, works to strengthen the relationship between the United States and the United Nations. It encourages U.S. leadership to enhance the UN’s ability to carry out its invaluable international work on behalf of peace, progress, freedom, and justice.
Press Contact
Adele Waugaman
UN Foundation/Better World Campaign
(o) 202.887.9040
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