Mr. President,

1. I have the honour to introduce, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, the draft resolution on the "Implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa", contained in document A/66/L.41/Rev.1, under Agenda item 63 (b).

2. The G77 and China would like to express its appreciation to all delegations for their constructive deliberations and contributions to this draft resolution. Our special thanks are addressed to the facilitator Mr. Hussein Al Shaar from Egypt and to the coordinator of the G77 and China, Mr. John Mugerwa from Uganda, for their remarkable work.

3. We welcome the progress made by African countries, the African Union and subregional organizations in conflict prevention, peacekeeping, peace building and development. We also welcome their continuing efforts to settle conflicts and promote human rights, democracy, rule of law and constitutional order in Africa.

4. While the responsibility for peace and security in Africa, including the capacity to address the root causes of conflict and to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner, lies primarily within African countries, we also recognize the need for support from the international community and the United Nations, taking into account its responsibilities under the Charter.

5. We are convinced that conflict prevention and the consolidation of peace would benefit from the coordinated, sustained and integrated efforts of the United Nations system and Member States and regional and subregional organizations, as well as international and regional financial institutions.

6. The achievement of durable peace and sustainable development in countries in conflict and post-conflict situations, in particular, requires national governments and international partners to continue to develop coordinated approaches tailored to the peacebuilding needs and challenges faced by those countries.

7. We would like stress that international and regional efforts to prevent conflict and consolidate peace in Africa should be channeled towards the sustainable development of Africa and the human and institutional capacity-building of African countries and organizations, particularly in priority areas identified at continental level.

8. The G77 and China hopes that this draft resolution will be adopted by acclamation during this session.

I thank you.