U.N. DEBT

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30157, 14 June 1963, Page 11

U.N. DEBT

Vote View Of Soviet

(N.Z. PA. -Reuter—Copyright) NEW YORK, June 12. The Soviet Union today repudiated arguments that a United Nations member could be automatically deprived of its general assembly vote when its dues ran two years or more into arrears.

The Soviet delegate, Dr. Nikolai Fedorenko, insists that the matter W subject to a two-thirds majority decision of the Assembly, according to a letter circulated among United Nations members. x.

Western delegations have argued that Russia will automatically lose its voting rights on January 1, 1964. unless its heavy arrears of Congo and Middle East assessments are paid. Article 19 of the Charter provides for loss of voting rights in sucti circumstances. Dr. Fedorenko, in his letter. cited Article 18 stating that ‘the suspension of the rights and privileges of membership” should be subject to two-third* majority vote. The President of the General Assembly. Mr Mohammad Zafrullah Khan, of Pakistan. who is on a visit to Russia, has stated that in his view the loss of voting rights is automatic, although it would be open to the Assembly to raise the issue procedurally and vote on a decision.