The World : U.N. Imposes Budget Cuts

Secretary General Javier Perez de Cuellar has announced the first austerity measures to deal with anticipated U.N. budget shortages, expected to be forced in part by a reduction of U.S. contributions. A U.S. spokesman cited the expected impact of the balanced-budget law on U.S. payments, which amount to about 25% of the Secretariat budget. Perez de Cuellar ordered a 20% reduction in travel, overtime pay and costs incurred by the hiring of consultants and temporary office workers. In addition, alteration of facilities is being put off.