United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the billions of dollars owed by the United States to the global body must be paid without conditions, rejecting reports that Washington is tying the funds to a series of demanded reforms.

According to a report by Devex, U.S. officials circulated diplomatic communications outlining nine proposed “quick-hit” changes that would need to be implemented before additional funding is released. These proposals reportedly include budget reductions and steps aimed at limiting China’s role within the organization.

“The money we are talking about is referred to as assessed contributions,” Guterres told reporters when asked about the reports. “Assessed contributions are an obligation of member states. They are non-negotiable.”

Guterres, who has been advancing internal reforms amid mounting pressure from member countries—particularly the United States—said the organization remains committed to improving efficiency and accountability.

He stated that the U.N. would continue working “to make sure that we make this organization as effective and as cost-effective and as able to deliver for the people we care for.”

“But these are two separate things,” he added.

The Devex report indicated that the proposed U.S. conditions include significant cost-cutting measures, such as restructuring the U.N.’s pension system, eliminating long-distance business-class travel for certain staff members, reducing senior-level positions, and cutting 10% from longstanding peacekeeping operations deemed ineffective.

Additional proposals reportedly seek to curb China’s financial influence, including blocking its ability to direct tens of millions of dollars annually into a discretionary fund within the secretary-general’s office.

The U.S. mission to the United Nations has not publicly responded to the report. However, American officials have repeatedly emphasized that they intend to continue pressing for reforms, following decisions to withdraw from numerous U.N.-affiliated bodies this year and reduce funding in the previous year.

Earlier this year, Guterres warned that the organization was nearing a financial crisis due to unpaid dues, with the majority of the outstanding amount attributed to the United States. In February, the U.N. reported that Washington had paid approximately $160 million of the more than $4 billion it currently owes.

{Matzav.com}