New york: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed regret over the announcement by the White House regarding the United States' decision to withdraw from several United Nations entities. "As we have consistently underscored, assessed contributions to the United Nations regular budget and peacekeeping budget, as approved by the General Assembly, are a legal obligation under the UN Charter for all Member States, including the United States," he stated in a press release.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Guterres pledged that all United Nations entities will continue to implement their mandates as assigned by Member States. "The United Nations has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on us. We will continue to carry out our mandates with determination," he added.
The US decision came after President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum directing the withdrawal from 66 international organizations, agreements, and treaties deemed "inconsistent with US interests," including 31 affiliated with the United Nations.