UN approves $5.4 billion budget for 2016/2017December 25, 2015 - 10:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The 193-member United Nations General Assembly has agreed a core budget of $5.4 billion for the next two years, marginally smaller than the amount allocated for 2014/2015, as top contributor the United States pushes for improved efficiency and cost management, Reuters reports. The core UN budget, down from $5.5 billion in the previous two-year period, was agreed by the General Assembly late on Wednesday, December 23. It does not include peacekeeping - which has a separately negotiated budget of $8.27 billion for the year to June 30, 2016 - or the costs of several major UN agencies funded by voluntary contributions from member states. "The budget you have approved reflects the difficult global financial reality we have faced for a number of years," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the assembly. "Funding continues to shrink while demands on the United Nations grow." The United States, which is the top contributor and pays the maximum 22 percent, said a number of funding cuts and improvements in efficiency had been made and the 2016/2017 budget was a "great step forward" for reforming management and budgetary practices. "For the first time in 26 years, the committee adopted a staff compensation package that slows previously-mounting staff costs, which had hindered service delivery," said a U.S. official. "The elimination of 150 redundant posts is a further step in the direction of the organization's efficiency, as are 5 percent reductions in supplies, travel, and furniture and other equipment costs," the official said. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |