Show me the money to fix up the UN, Annan tells members 

By Paul D. Colford
November 30, 2006
New York Daily News
Original Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/11-30-2006/news/wn_report/story/475764p-400248c.html


UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is urging members to decide how to pay for the soaring cost of renovating the world body's East Side headquarters - now projected at nearly $1.9 billion. 
The staggering price tag - 58% higher than a 2002 estimate - includes $230.4 million in recommended security measures and backup systems, according to Annan's newly released progress report on the UN's capital master plan. 
In June, the General Assembly approved an eight-year project to upgrade the 1950s-era Secretariat building and move staffers to temporary offices. But it put off a decision on financing. 
The U.S. Government Accountability Office has warned, Without a General Assembly decision on a financing arrangement and approval of a total ... budget by the end of 2006, the UN's master plan office may be unable to determine a start date for renovation work. The 192 member countries are expected to agree to cash contributions, which will vary according to their dues. 
The plan calls for the UN to build a temporary conference hall on the north lawn and to lease some 228,000 square feet of off-site space, which will be occupied by staffers as their floors in the Secretariat are overhauled. Buildings close to the headquarters are under consideration, UN spokeswoman Vivian Van de Perre told the Daily News yesterday.