UN chief ready to discuss with U.S. lawmakers on moves to cut funding

The United Nations is closely watching the situation as some U.S. lawmakers are pushing to cut funding to the UN, said a UN spokesperson Friday, adding that the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is ready to meet the lawmakers.

"The legislation is still in the early stages. So we are monitoring closely the situation as it unfolds. But as a matter of principle, the Secretary-General very much welcomes an opportunity to discuss any issues with the U.S. lawmakers," said Eri Kaneko, Associate Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General.

Some U.S. senators introduced legislation earlier this week to cut funding to the world organization in the wake of a UN Security Council resolution which denounced the Israeli settlement activities.

"We look forward, under the new administration, to the continuing strong partnership between the U.S. and the UN especially in the three main pillars of human rights, peace and security and development," said Kaneko.

Guterres spoke with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump last week over relations of UN and the United States. UN spokesperson's office said the discussion was "very positive."

(APD)