STATEMENT BY MR. MUHAMMAD YUSSUF, FIRST COUNSELOR OF THE TANZANIAN MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS AND SPOKESMAN OF THE GROUP OF 77 ON FIFTH COMMITTEE MATTERS, AT THE HIGH-LEVEL OPEN-ENDED WORKING GROUP ON THE FINANCIAL SITUATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS

New York, 4 March 1997

Mr. Chairman,

The Group of 77 and China took note of the proposal of the United States and the statement of the European Union that were delivered yesterday. As the programme of work for this week does not include consideration of the scales of assessment, the G-77 and China will consider and respond to the US and European proposals at the appropriate occasion. However, the G-77 and China maintains that the scale of assessment is not the cause of the financial crisis, which is caused by the non-payment of assessed contributions by member states.

In keeping with the agreed programme of work, the G-77 and China would like to request those member states most indebted to the United Nations to explain in detail to the Working Group how and when they intend to repay their arrears to the United Nations.

The G-77 and China further invites the Co-Vice Chairmen to return to consideration of the draft decisions on payment of outstanding contributions and incentive and disincentive measures with the intention of recommending at the end of the year decisions on these two issues for adoption by the General Assembly.

Thank you.