In a sign of European discontent over the United States' refusing to pay its U.N. bills, Denmark is considering a bid to oust the American head of the U.N. Development Program.
For years, Washington was the major contributor to this U.N. agency, which promotes economic development in the Third World. Last year, however, the Republican-controlled Congress slashed the U.S. contribution from $113 million to $52 million.That dropped the United States to seventh place among the voluntary contributors behind Japan, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Norway and Sweden. And diplomats say Denmark, which contributes $105 million, wants its man to lead the agency.
Currently in charge is James Gustave Speth, a former official in the Carter administration.
U.N. sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, say Denmark has informally recommended that its development minister, Poul Nielson, step in when Speth's four-year term expires in June.
The sources said the dissatisfaction is not with Speth, who is well-respected by major donor countries. Instead, the fact that Denmark is even considering such a move, the sources said, is a sign of Western European discontent with the United States.
"The Europeans don't believe the Americans should have that kind of influence unless they pay their bills like everyone else," said one European diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The United States owes the United Nations some $1.5 billion in back dues, and its delay in paying has contributed to the world body's cash crisis.
The Clinton administration says it has withheld payments to push for U.N. reform. And it has opposed the re-election of U.N. Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali because he was allegedly sluggish in pressing for reform.
Earlier this month, President Clinton signed a bill authorizing payment of $660 million, about half for the regular U.N. budget and half for peacekeeping. The payments would almost halve Washington's debt.
State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns said it would be "very unwise" for anyone to mount a campaign against Speth. Burns said the Clinton administration had asked Congress to appropriate $78.7 million for UNDP.
"And we expect right now, based on some initial consultations up on the Hill, that we might be able to get an amount close to that," Burns said. "If that is the case, I think that's a very strong demonstration of U.S. support" for the department.
Despite U.S. complaints about "overpaid bureaucrats" and other abuses, Americans hold top positions at the United Nations Children's Fund and the World Food Program as well as UNDP.
American Joseph Connor serves as the U.N. chief financial officer, one of the most powerful posts in the U.N. system.