UNITED NATIONS(AP) - U.N. peacekeeping missions show one sure sign of a growth industry;
they've attracted the eyes of the auditors.
Annual spending on U.N. peacekeeping ventures has exploded, from about U.S. $200
million five years ago to almost U.S. $3 billion this year.
Budget reviewers are raising some multimillion dollar questions, giving U.N. critics
ammunition in their efforts to rein in the world organization.
The U.N. advisory committee on administrative and budgetary questions took a look
at the U.N. peacekeeping operation in Cambodia and found:
- The budgeted ratio of vehicles to personnel-one for every 1.6 staff members-was
too high
- Planners budgeted for too many computers and computer printers.
- Daily subsistence allowances for U.N. personnel, projected at U.S. $145 or higher,
were excessive.
The U.N. board of auditors has complained about the accounting methods in peacekeeping
operations and poor inventory control of U.N. property. Administrators blame the
fast-growing peacekeeping work-load, saying it has outrun their resources for oversight.
Collective eyes will stay focused on the bottom line, however, as U.S. President-elect
Clinton has signalled support for an expanded U.N. military role in keeping the peace.
