UNFICYP saves more than a million dollars

UNFICYP has saved more than a million dollars in expenditure between 2000 and 2001 due to cost-cutting and redundancies, according to a report from the UN Secretary-general released yesterday. The UN general assembly approved an amount of $43.2 million for the force in June 2000, while expenditure for the following 12 months amounted to $42.3 million. The difference was put down to lower rations costs for troops, lower salary costs following a reduction in staff and lower communications charges.

Since April 1999, UNFICYP has laid off 110 local staff and used outsourcing to fill the gaps. The force is also using tender contracts for supplies and other needs.

One third of the cost of UNFICYP is paid by the Cyprus government, around $13.8 million, while Greece contributed $6.5 million under the period of review.

 

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