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 126: IMPROVING THE FINANCIAL SITUATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS, IN THE FIFTH COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (New York, 20 October 2005)

Mr. Chairman,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 126: Improving the financial situation of the United Nations. Let me, first of all, take this opportunity to thank the Controller, Mr. Warren Sach, for his presentation on 13 October 2005, which outlined the financial situation of the United Nations.

The Group believes that the successful implementation by the Organization of the programmes and activities mandated by Member States depends, to a great extent, on the adequacy of resources made available by the Member States.

In this regard, this being a budget year, and bearing in mind forthcoming proposals arising from the High-level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly, the Group of 77 and China deems it appropriate to stress the necessity that sufficient and adequate resources be made available to the Organization, in order to be able to implement all mandated programmes and activities.

Mr. Chairman,

The available data and the projections made by the Controller demonstrate that there has hardly been any movement towards an improved financial situation. For the period under review, two more Member States paid in full their regular budget assessments as compared to the corresponding period last year. However, while this is an encouraging sign, it has had no impact at all on the resources of the Organization.

The surge in peacekeeping operations has resulted in a substantial increase in the peacekeeping budget, with the current level of assessments reaching a high of nearly $6 billion. New and expanded peacekeeping operations have, understandably, continued to put additional strain on Member States.

The Group expresses its concern at the continuing high level of amounts payable to troop contributing countries, particularly for contingent-owned equipment reimbursement.

With regard to the International Tribunals, there has been some improvement in their cash position in contrast to the past negative trend. The Group remains convinced that the Tribunals require predictable and adequate financial resources to carry out their mandates effectively.

Mr. Chairman,

We recognize the need to ensure the financial stability of the Organization in order to function effectively and be able to fully implement all its mandates and activities.

In conclusion, I wish to reiterate the fact that the Group of 77 and China will continue to constructively participate in the collective efforts toward resolving the persistent financial difficulties of the Organization.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.