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The U.N. is cutting staff for the first time ever. The General Assembly approved its first cut since the international body was created in 1945. The decision means 219 fewer positions, or two per cent of all U.N. posts. The General Assembly also authorised freezes on pay rises and benefits. It acted because of pressure from member states to reduce spending. Many countries say they are struggling to meet their share of contributions. They say they are still suffering from austerity measures taken after the global financial crisis.

The U.S. ambassador to the U.N. said the cuts were "crucial" and would eliminate unnecessary or out-of-date jobs. He told the General Assembly: "When the budgets and crucial services of many…organisations have been squeezed, these measures will hold…costs in place." He added: "Our shared goal should be to ensure that the U.N. can maximise the results that it delivers with the amount of resources that member states are collectively able to provide." The U.S. pays 22 per cent of the U.N. budget and is the biggest financial contributor.