UN Holds Firm on US Payment, Says No Negotiation

The United Nations is insisting that the U.S. must settle its debt without any conditions.

• Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres explained that the money owed is a mandatory contribution from member states.
• He stressed that this obligation cannot be negotiated or altered.

Earlier reports suggested Washington wanted changes before releasing the funds, including:

• Cuts to UN costs
• A new pension plan
• Limits on travel for senior staff

The U.S. also wanted to stop China from sending money into a special fund for the UN Secretary‑General.

Guterres emphasized that reform and cost‑saving are separate from debt repayment. He urged the UN to become more efficient while still serving people worldwide.

The U.S. has threatened further cuts and withdrawal from UN bodies after reducing its funding last year. The organization warned that unpaid fees could lead to financial collapse.

So far, the U.S. has paid about $160 million of a debt exceeding $4 billion. The UN remains ready to push for change but insists that the money owed must be paid first.

This stance shows how the UN balances reform demands with its financial survival.