AFP, United Nations :
The United States on Sunday applauded a $285-million-cut in the UN core budget, saying it was “a big step in right direction.”
The General Assembly adopted a budget of $5.396 billion for 2018-2019, slightly below the $5.4 billion that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had sought.
The United States is by far the largest contributor to the UN budget, providing for 22 percent of the core budget.
US Ambassador Nikki Haley said in a statement that “inefficiency and overspending” at the world body were “well known.”
Haley said the budget negotiations had generated several “successes” with financial cutbacks and a reduction of the UN’s “bloated management and support functions.”
“We will no longer let the generosity of the American people be taken advantage of or remain unchecked,” she said.
“This historic reduction in spending-in addition to many other moves toward a more efficient and accountable UN-is a big step in the right direction.”
“While we are pleased with the results of this year’s budget negotiations, you can be sure we’ll continue to look at ways to increase the UN’s efficiency while protecting our interests,” she added.
