[originaltext] The Clinton administration is warning of dire consequences if

The Clinton administration is warning of dire consequences if the US Congress refuses to release the money that the US owes the UN. UN Ambassador Bill Richardson made an urgent appeal to members of a House subcommittee responsible for all spending bills dealing with international organizations. About 30 UN member countries are currently without voting privileges because they owe the world body an amount equal to twice their annual assessment for dues, peace-keeping and other expenses. The US is not yet in that category but Ambassador Richardson says if nothing is done by the end of the year, America could be put in a very embarrassing and troublesome position. "We would lose our vote as of January 1st, 1999." Nations in arrears to the UN usually avoid such a situation by making at least a partial payment. But the White House and Congressional Republicans remain sharply divided on this issue and there is no settlement in sight. The Clinton administration has been urging the legislature to approve $921-million to clear the debt. Legislation to at least significantly reduce the arrears is pending in Congress but these bills contain conditions unacceptable to the White House.