Mr. Chairman,

1. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 147 "Administrative & budgetary aspects of financing UN Peacekeeping Operations: - Implementation of General Assembly resolution 67/261: Rates of reimbursement to troop-contributing countries.

2. The Group would like to thank Mr. Herve Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations and Ms. Ameerah Haq, Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, for introducing the report of the Secretary-General under this item (A/68/813). We would also like to thank the Chair of the ACABQ, Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, for introducing the Advisory Committee's report (A/68/859).

Mr. Chairman,

3. The Group of 77 and China has long expressed its serious concern over the length of time elapsed since the last review of troop costs in 1992, and the subsequent ad hoc increase in 2002. In different occasions, the Group has emphasized that this situation has placed a difficult financial burden on troop-contributing countries and on their participation in peacekeeping operations and should be adequately addressed.

4. The discussions on this issue have been long and difficult. During last year negotiations, the implementation of SAG recommendations was referred by many delegations as our best way of avoiding the return of difficult debates in the past.

5. In a moment of significant growth of the demand for UN peacekeeping, our decision in this session is fundamental for establishing a solid foundation for peacekeeping missions. With ever more complex mandates and demanding operational scenarios in peacekeeping operations, a decision of the General Assembly to review the rate of reimbursement and provide fair and equitable compensation to troop and police contributors has become not only vital to TCCs, but also to the sustainability of the peacekeeping partnership.

Mr Chairman,

6. The negotiations on this agenda item constitute a historic opportunity of revitalizing and strengthening the partnership among Member States and the Secretariat, which underpins the evolving role of United Nations peacekeeping.

Mr. Chairman,

7. The Group of 77 and China would like to express its appreciation to all troop and police contributing countries that participated in the survey process, facilitating General Assembly consideration of such an important matter. Furthermore, the Group would like to thank the Secretary-General for its efforts in preserving the principles that guided the survey process, in particular with respect to ensuring the confidentiality of the data collected. The G-77 and China will not accept that negotiations be conducted in a way that undermines those principles.

Mr. Chairman,

8. Resolution 67/261 established a new framework for troop reimbursement. Its approval process was long and very difficult and reflects a delicate balance of interests of all parties. For troop and police contributing countries, many commitments were made in anticipation of a long overdue review of the troop reimbursement rate, to be made on the basis of data collected by the Secretariat, in accordance with the parameters decided by the General Assembly. This was a leap of faith, a vote of confidence in the new system, and in the renewed peacekeeping partnership. It was a decision made in full confidence that all parties would be here today, one year later, to honour their side of the agreement.

9. The Group of 77 and China underlines the importance of preserving the integrity of the new methodology and framework established by resolution 67/261.The agreements achieved were underpinned by the decision that a predictable system for the review of reimbursement be established; by the recognition that new elements ought to be integrated in the reimbursement system, such as pre-deployment training; by the recognition that modern peacekeeping should award those who operate with exceptional levels of risk and those who provide key enabling capabilities to peacekeeping missions. All these elements are key, integral components of the new framework.

Mr. Chairman,

10. While the expectations with regards to the role of peacekeeping operations continue to increase, it is only fair that the commitment of the countries which, through the hardship and sacrifices endured by their military and police, contribute for the advancement of the Charter goal of maintaining international peace and security be recognized and supported, both financially and politically.

11. The implementation of resolution 67/261 and the report presented to us today provide all the necessary elements for a decision on the issue of troop cost to be made.

12. The results of the survey conducted pursuant to GA resolution 67/261 clearly demonstrate the deficit between the current reimbursement rate and the financial costs of TCCs. It is high time the General Assembly adopts a decision on this matter, increasing the standard rate of reimbursement for troop and police contributing countries in line with the results of the survey.

13. We gather here today to take a decision on a revised rate of reimbursement. The Group of 77 and China will not accept interim or ad hoc solution to this issue. As requested by GA resolution 67/261, all information necessary for an informed decision has been collected. After such a strenuous process, Member States cannot shy away from their responsibility of increasing the rate of reimbursement in light of the results of the survey. The complete implementation of the decisions adopted by GA 67/261 will only be guaranteed when we agree on the new rate.

Mr Chairman,
 
14. The work of the session will not be completed until the General Assembly establishes a new reimbursement rate. The Group of 77 and China would like to assure you of its constructive participation in the discussions with a view to having an agreeable solution under this very important agenda item.

Thank you.