UNCCD-COP7

STATEMENT BY CHERRYL GORDON, COUNSELLOR, PERMANENT MISSION OF JAMAICA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA, IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE AT THE 7TH SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION (UNCCD) ON AGENDA ITEM 16: CONSIDERATION OF THE REPORT ON RELATIONS BETWEEN THE SECRETARIAT AND ITS HOST COUNTRY (Nairobi, Kenya, 27 October 2005)

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Group of 77 and China thank the Secretariat for its presentation, and also thank the representative of the Government of Germany for his heartening report

We thank the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Germany for continuing to host the Secretariat of the UNCCD in what is a very beautiful and environmentally-friendly location.

We recognise the positive impact of the United Nations in Bonn on the people of Germany, particularly on the people of the city of Bonn.

We commend the UNCCD Secretariat and the Government of Germany on the maturation of their constructive relationship, which can only continue to benefit the Convention.

We thank the German Government for their offer of alternative premises for the UN campus.

The G77 and China are, however, extremely concerned about anticipated higher operating costs associated with the move to the UN Campus. While supporting the recommendations contained in the document (ICCD/COP(7)/14) before us, particularly in paragraph 21, the G77 and China feel very strongly that we need to give clearer guidance in this regard.

Mr. Chairman,

We recognise that this very concern is currently plaguing the consultations taking place in the contact group on programme and budget. In keeping with the sentiments we have expressed in those negotiations, the G77 and China recommends that the COP 7 requests the Government of Germany to increase its contribution in order to meet these extra costs, given that these additional costs will be incurred through the various implications of the proposed move, none of which are under the ‘control’ of the UNCCD or its fellow Secretariats.

Thank You, Mr. Chairman.