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The United Nations is cutting staff for the first time in [the / its] history. The U.N. General Assembly [approval / approved] a staff cut for the first time since the international [arm / body] was created in 1945. The decision means a [reduction / reduced] of 219 positions, which [represents / presents] two per cent of all U.N. posts. In addition, the General Assembly authorised [melts / freezes] on pay rises for one year and benefits for two years. It [acted / performed] in response to pressures from member states to reduce [spends / spending] . Many governments around the world say they are struggling to meet their [share / shore] of contributions to fund the global organisation. Many nations are still suffering from austerity measures taken after the global [financial / financially] crisis.

The United States' [ambassadorial / ambassador] to the U.N. Joe Torsella said the cuts were "crucial" and would "eliminate unnecessary, [duplicates / duplicative] or outdated posts". He told the General Assembly: "At a [time / era] when the budgets and crucial services of many…organisations have been [squeezed / pressed] , these measures will hold compensation costs [in / on] place, until we can act in the next [season / session] ." He added: "Our shared goal should be to ensure that the United Nations can [minimize / maximise] the results that it [delivers / deliveries] with the amount of resources that member states are collectively [ability / able] to provide." The United States, which pays 22 per cent of the U.N. budget, is the biggest financial [attributor / contributor] to the United Nations.