Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Meeting With Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar de la Guerra of the United Nations

The President met today with United Nations Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar. Following a meeting, the President hosted a working luncheon in honor of the Secretary-General. They discussed United Nations activities and matters of mutual interest, and they noted the increased role the U.N. has been playing in the changing world.

The President explained that the United States will soon release an additional $62.5 million to the United Nations to pay current dues. The President reaffirmed to the Secretary-General his view that the United States should meet its financial obligations to the United Nations, which are solemn international obligations made by the United States after full consultation with Congress. He expressed his hope that Congress will provide the necessary funds, including payment of arrears.