Mr. Chairman,

10. In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China urges all Member States to meet their financial obligations to the Organization in full, on time, and without any precondition in order to strengthen the ability of the United Nations to fully implement its mandates.

Mr. Chairman,

1. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 136: Improving the financial situation of the United Nations.

2. First, we would like to thank Mr. Yukio Takasu, Under Secretary-General for Management for the presentation on the financial situation of the Organization made on May 6. The Group would also like to take this opportunity to express its gratitude to the Office of Contributions for the updated information of the assessments for Member States.

3. With regards to the Regular Budget, the Group notes with satisfaction that payments received by 30 April are higher at $1.68 billion in 2014, compared to the $1.53 billion received by the same date in 2013; and that there was a significant reduction in the outstanding assessments during the last quarter of 2013, trend which the Group hopes will continue this year.

Mr. Chairman,

4. Concerning the outstanding payments to Member States that provide troops, formed-police units and contingent-owned equipment to peacekeeping operations, the Group of 77 and China recognizes the efforts made by the Secretariat to reduce the amount owed from the $745 million owed on 30 April 2013 to $513 million on 31 December 2013. The Group also notes the decrease expected by the end of this year and expresses firmly that more should be done to ensure that Member States are reimbursed in full, expeditiously.

5. Since most troop-contributing countries are also developing countries, they are not in a position to sustain their troop commitments and maintain their equipment on their own for extended periods of time. As this issue represents a major concern and a true priority for the Group, we will follow this matter with keen attention.

6. With regard to the payments to the peacekeeping operations budget, we reiterate the request to those countries that have not paid their assessments in full and on time, to do so as soon as possible.

Mr. Chairman,

7. The Group of 77 and China is pleased to learn that 174 Member States have paid their Capital Master Plan assessments in full as of 30 April 2014. We invite Member States that have not done the same, to make their payments to the CMP.

Mr. Chairman,

8. The Group has consistently stated that the full, timely and non-conditional payment of assessed contributions by Member States to the budgets of the Organization is an obligation established in the Charter. We strongly urge all Member States, especially those that have the capacity to settle their arrears to meet their financial commitments in a timely fashion. It is critical that all Member States live up to their financial commitments so as to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the United Nations.

9. In this context, the Group of 77 and China strongly rejects all unilateral coercive measures contrary to the international law, which obstruct and sometimes impede payments from members of our Group to the budgets of the Organization.

I thank you.