Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu lose voting rights in UN general assembly

SYDNEY - Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu have lost their right to vote in the United Nation's General Assembly for failing to make compulsory payments to the organization, it has been revealed on Friday.

Papua New Guinea owes the United Nations 139,000 US dollars, while Vanuatu's bill stands at 19,000 US dollars.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill told local media the money was in a trust account and "someone in the Department of Foreign Affairs needs to explain why they did not pay."

It is still possible however, for the South Pacific countries to buy back their vote if the funds are paid in the immediate future.

Other nations who have also lost their vote for failing to meet these requirements Friday include Venezuela, Libya, Sudan and Cape Verde.