The United Nations has identified Suriname and Dominica among seven countries that are in arrears of their dues and are, therefore, not allowed to vote in the General Assembly.

The other countries in this category are the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Venezuela and Yemen.

“Under Article 19 of the Charter, a Member State in arrears in the payment of its dues in an amount that equals or exceeds the contributions due for two preceding years can lose its vote in the General Assembly,” the UN said.

“An exception is allowed if the Member State can show that conditions beyond its control contributed to this inability to pay,” it added.

The UN said the seven Member States, including Suriname and Dominica, do not have a vote in the current 72nd session of the General Assembly.

Last week, Suriname’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country owed the UN US$800,000. The government said it would accept a payment plan, beginning with a US$117,000 deposit in the coming days, so its voting rights can be restored.

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