The United Nations stated on January 10, 2020, that seven countries are “behind in paying their dues” (failure to pay necessary contributions), and that this would result in their losing voting privileges in the UN General Assembly.
United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that Lebanon would lose this right vote in the 74th session along with the Central African Republic, Gambia, Lesotho, Tonga, Venezuela, and Yemen.
Lebanon currently struggles with its worst economic and financial crisis since the Lebanese Civil War, most recently perpetuating electricity cuts, and risking to get disconnected from the internet.
Protesters are still taking to the streets, as their demands have yet to be met, and a new government is still in the “pipeline.”
Lebanon’s right to vote in the UN General Assembly will be restored on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, as reported by The Daily Star.
Lebanon’s ambassador to the UN, Amal Mudallali, told LBCI on Sunday that: “Lebanon will pay its dues, and Lebanon will participate in the vote taking place on Tuesday as per usual.”
Mudallali further elaborated that the Lebanese delegation did all that was required in order to ensure that the dues were met, but said it was not clear why there was a delay in this matter.
Under the provisions of Article 19 (Chapter IV):
“A Member of the United Nations, which is in arrears in the payment of its financial contributions to the Organization, shall have no vote in the General Assembly if the amount of its arrears equals or exceeds the amount of the contributions due from it for the preceding two full years.”
“The General Assembly may, nevertheless, permit such a member to vote if it is satisfied that the failure to pay is due to conditions beyond the control of the Member.”
Over the weekend, the Lebanese Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs exchanged in a friendly game of blame over the delayed payments.
The Finance Ministry has since reportedly ordered the payment be made by Monday to ensure the vote is secured by the next GA meeting.
