UN says overall financial situation is 'sound'

UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- The U.N. management chief says the world body's overall financial situation is "sound" with 134 countries paying their assessment to the organization's regular operating budget by the Oct. 1 deadline.

Yukio Takasu told reporters Wednesday that nearly $1.7 billion had been contributed to the regular budget, compared to just over $1.5 billion from 129 countries a year ago.

But Takasu said 59 countries still owe a total of $945 million this year.

The United States, which normally pays in November, has the largest debt — $795 million followed by Brazil with $75 million, and Venezuela with $22 million, he said.

The U.N.'s far-flung peacekeeping operations are funded through a separate budget. It received nearly $6.4 billion by Oct. 1 but is still owed $3.4 billion, Takasu said.