    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [October 5, 2001]
    [Page 1197]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing Legislation Authorizing United States Payments to
    the United Nations
    October 5, 2001

        Today I am pleased to sign into law S. 248, which authorizes U.S.
    payments to the United Nations. This payment constitutes the second of
    three payments of arrears. When I met with U.N. Secretary General Kofi
    Annan in March, I told him that the United States
    was committed to paying the arrears it owes to the United Nations.
    Today, I am glad to take this important step towards fulfilling that
    commitment.
        As the world's preeminent multilateral institution, the United
    Nations plays a critical role in defusing international crises,
    resolving longstanding conflicts, and alleviating suffering, poverty,
    and disease. The United Nations also has a vital role in cracking down
    on violators of international law and eliminating sources of funding for
    terrorist operations.
        This release of funds will enhance the close bond between the United
    States and the United Nations, and will help to facilitate the work the
    United States carries out in concert with other U.N. members.
        In making these funds available, Republicans and Democrats in the
    Congress have again demonstrated their willingness to work together in a
    constructive manner to address our Nation's challenges at this important
    time in our history. I would like to pay a special tribute to Senators
    Helms and Biden, whose leadership has served as a catalyst for U.N.
    reform, and provided a means for the United States to fulfill its
    international obligations. I also wish to thank Representatives Hyde and
    Lantos, who have worked in a bipartisan manner toward making this
    payment to the United Nations a reality.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     October 5, 2001.

    Note: S. 248, approved October 5, was assigned Public Law No. 107-46.