More Than U.N. Vote at Stake

The United States has until the end of the year to pay at least part of what it owes the United Nations or else forfeit its right to vote in the General Assembly. But much more than the loss of a vote is at stake.

If the nation that takes pride in being the world’s only superpower fails to meet its obligation it will find itself in the company of Iraq, Somalia and a score of other deadbeat states. The massive U.S. arrears have already exacted a cost in lost influence and prestige and brought criticism even from close allies. An embarrassment now threatens to become a global political humiliation.

A minimum of $350 million is due on Washington’s U.N. debt of about $1.5 billion. Congress has appropriated funds since 1997, but with conditions the White House finds unacceptable. Most absurd is that no American money, U.N.-related or not, could be spent to lobby for overseas population control programs. That led to a justifiable veto by President Clinton.

Washington began withholding dues and assessment funds from the United Nations 13 years ago in an effort to force internal financial reforms. The pressure achieved its purpose. In recent years the United Nations has cut its spending by $100 million, identified an additional $80 million in possible cuts and eliminated more than 1,000 jobs. Congress plans to adjourn by the end of October. It would be inexcusable for it to leave Washington without dealing honorably and cleanly with the debt issue, with no crippling conditions attached.