The Russian Federation has paid $29 million into the UN budget for peace-keeping operations as its regular contribution to finance 12 peace-keeping operations in hotbeds of tension throughout the world. Therefore, Russia has actually cleared its previous outstandings. It should be noted that Russia made its 2001 contribution to the UN regular budget back in January this year, in compliance with the UN regulations. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan repeatedly mentioned Russia as an example for other states stressing the fact that despite considerable economic difficulties it fulfils exemplarily its financial liabilities in accordance with the UN Charter. Most likely, he will stress this fact again during his official visit to Russia scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 15. Unfortunately, far from all UN member states honour their obligations. Several dozen countries have not yet made their contributions to the UN budget for the previous year, to say nothing of this year's budget. The USA is the UN largest debtor. It owes the United Nations Organisation about $1.5 billion. (fed/lio)
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