Venezuela and Libya lose UN vote for third time in three years

Venezuela and Libya have been suspended from voting in the UN General Assembly for the third time in three years because of millions of dollars in unpaid dues to the world body.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres informed the General Assembly in late January that 14 countries including Venezuela and Libya were in arrears, and Assembly spokesman Brenden Varma confirmed today that Venezuela has lost its vote in the 193-member global organisation as a result. Libya did as well.

According to a letter from Guterres to the Assembly president, Venezuela must pay a minimum of USD 25,200,296 to restore its voting rights and Libya must pay at least USD 6,594,842.

Venezuela is mired in an economic and political crisis and Libya has two rival governments, each backed by an array of militias.