Progress in UN finance talks

Reports from the United Nations say negotiators have made significant progress in their efforts to reach a final agreement over the funding of the world body.

Such an agreement would open the way for the United States to pay arrears of one and a half billion dollars the UN says it is owed.

The long-running talks in New York had hit a last minute obstacle when South Korea -- which was asked to increase its contributions -- demanded that its share of peacekeeping costs be reduced.

Reports quoting diplomats say the South Korean objections have now been overcome, following telephone calls between the American Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, and senior officials in Seoul. Any deal must be approved by a formal meeting of the General Assembly.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service