For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 5, 2001
President Signs United Nations Bill
Statement by the President
Today I am pleased to sign into law S.
248, which authorizes U.S. payments to the United
Nations. This payment constitutes the second of three
payments of arrears. When I met with U.N. Secretary General
Kofi Annan in March, I told him that the United States was committed to
paying the arrears it owes to the United Nations. Today, I
am glad to take this important step towards fulfilling that
commitment.
As the world's preeminent multilateral
institution, the United Nations plays a critical role in defusing
international crises, resolving longstanding conflicts, and alleviating
suffering, poverty, and disease. The United Nations also has a vital
role in cracking down on violators of international law and eliminating
sources of funding for terrorist operations.
This release of funds will enhance the
close bond between the United States and the United Nations, and will
help to facilitate the work the United States carries out in concert
with other U.N. members.
In making these funds available,
Republicans and Democrats in the Congress have again demonstrated their
willingness to work together in a constructive manner to address our
Nation's challenges at this important time in our history. I
would like to pay a special tribute to Senators Helms and Biden, whose
leadership has served as a catalyst for U.N. reform, and provided a
means for the United States to fulfill its international
obli-gations. I also wish to thank Representatives Hyde and
Lantos, who have worked in a bipartisan manner toward making this
payment to the United Nations a reality.
GEORGE W. BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE,
October 5, 2001.
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