Q: I’m wondering if the participating countries pay anything for the rent and upkeep of the United Nations building in New York City? Do ambassadors to the U.N. also live in their own embassy?
—George Cannon, Cumming
A: The U.N. is supported by its 193 member nations, according to an U.N. fact sheet. Those countries provide the income for two budgets. The regular budget includes the core functions at U.N. headquarters in New York, and the peacekeeping budget pays for operations around the world. "Payments to the U.N. for both budgets are compulsory. Members pay according to a scale of assessments agreed upon by all. This scale is based on a country's ability to pay, national income and population," according to the U.N. Ambassadors to the U.N. live in various places, including private residences owned by their countries and in their country's diplomatic mission in New York, according to published reports.
Q: Is the cellphone parking area at the airport available now? Where is it located? Directions would be fantastic.
—Mary Lou Brooks, Dunwoody
A: The 160-space cellphone lot at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport opened Feb. 16. Parking is free, but vehicles can't be left unattended, according to the airport. The lot is on South Terminal Parkway at the east end of the Park-Ride Reserve lot and is accessed by a driveway on the right side of the road (you will see a Cell Phone Lot sign pointing to the turnoff).
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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