Sudan loses U.N. voting rights

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NEW YORK, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Sudan can no longer vote at the United Nations because it is behind in its financial contribution, the United Nations said.

The East African nation is among 15 member states reported in arrears under the terms of Article 19 of the U.N. charter, the Sudan Tribune reported.

For the voting ban to be lifted, Sudan must come up with $347,879.

Earlier this month Sudanese Ambassador to the United Nations Daffa-Alla Elhag Ali Osman denied his country is behind on its dues, saying Khartoum paid its 2012 dues in full and will soon disburse 2013 contributions.

Sudan has lost billions of dollars in oil receipts since the South gained independence in mid-2011.

The country faces soaring prices and a weakening currency, the Tribune said.