STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY MRS. NORMA TAYLOR ROBERTS, PERMANENT MISSION OF JAMAICA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 108: PROGRAMME BUDGET FOR THE BIENNIUM 2004-2005 - CAPITAL MASTER PLAN, AT THE FIRST PART OF THE RESUMED FIFTY-NINTH SESSION OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (New York, 17 March 2005)

Mr. Chairman,

The Group of 77 and China appreciates the oral report presented by the Programme Director for the Capital Master Plan.

Having heard the report and the fact that the General Assembly is not being requested at this time to approve further funding, raises some concern for the Group.

At the main part of the 59th Session, the Committee was presented with a budget for estimated expenditure for 2005 and a request for appropriation in the amount of $18,642,000.00 and Member States were urged by the Secretariat to make this appropriation although it was recognized that the funds were not needed at the time.

There seems to be some issue of transparency as well as inadequate and inaccurate information on the Capital Master Plan.

With respect to the proposed offer of a loan by the Government of the United States, we have noted the information that the loan has been approved and the request that it be signed by the Secretary-General in order to convey acceptance of the offer.

Mr. Chairman,

On a matter of procedure, we would expect that the Committee will be presented with the details of the formal offer contained in a report by the Secretary General, including the conditions and implications for this loan.

The representative of the United States has informed that such terms and conditions were outlined in the Secretary-General's report A/59/441. What is contained in that report are various options, scenarios and assumptions. A report of the Secretary-General presenting a document with the formal offer is necessary.

Mr. Chairman,

We have also been informed that the Secretary-General's signature will not create any financial obligation on the United Nations, not will his signature constitute approval of the loan by the General Assembly. On this point, Mr. Chairman, the Group of 77 and China is requesting clarification and legal interpretation.

It should be clear, Mr. Chairman, that this is not an attempt by the Group to pre-judge nor a statement of unwillingness to accept this offer but the Committee can only respond formally to written reports presented by the Secretary-General.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.