Mr. Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on the behalf of the Group-77 and China on agenda items 145, 146 and 147 in particular on the first performance on the budget of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, Yugoslavia and International Residual Mechanism for the biennium 2014-2015.

At the outset the Group of 77 and China would like to thank Mr. Chandru Ramanathan, Officer In-Charge, Office of Programme Planning, Budget and Accounts as well as Mr. Carlos Ruiz Masieu the Chair of the Advisory Committee for introducing respective reports on these important agenda items.

Mr. Chairman,

With regard to the reports of the Board of Auditors on the accounts of the tribunals, the Group of 77 and China has taken note that in all entities , the Board of Auditors issued an unqualified audit opinions on the financial statements for the biennium ended 31 December 2013.
 
We have also noted the observations of the Board that there a number of areas with scope for improvement, including the uncertainties of completing pending cases and handing over given mandates within the specified time frame, delays in the archiving of records, inadequate procurement management and contract management, weak access controls as well as lack of adequate oversight of the ITC system and high turnover of staff as they lack incentive to remain in posts which are about to be abolished.

The Group would like to emphasize the need to address all observations of the Board issued to tribunals including on IPSAS implementation and looks forward to detail discussion on some of these matters during informal consultations.

Mr. Chairman,

The Group of 77 and China has taken note the general increases under adjustment to standard costs in respect to all three entities. The Group notes that increases reflect the adjustment related to payroll averages experienced during the biennium, primarily owing an upward shift in the composition of the staff in General Service and related categories as well as slightly increase in the staff with dependent status.
 
The Group has also taken note of the information related to abolishment the two tribunals. The notes with concern on the high vacancy rates in the tribunals and residual mechanism and stresses the need to fill the vacancy posts as approved.

Mr. Chairman,

With regard to the performance report for ICTR, the Group of 77 and China has taken note of the proposed revised appropriation in the amount of US$ 94.9 million gross representing an upward increase by US$1.3 million from the initial appropriation. The Group trust that every effort will be made to ensure timely completion of the ICTR's given mandate under as per the completion strategy and full transition to the Residual Mechanism.

Turning to the to the first performance rep[ort for ICTY, the Group of 77 and China has taken note of the proposed revised appropriation in the amount of US$ 201.3 million gross representing a decrease by US$ .35 million from the initial appropriation. We would like to emphasize the need for ICTY to expedite its completion strategy including focusing shift of its staffing to general temporary categories during the drawdown phase and transition to the Mechanism.

The Group of 77 and China has further taken note of the proposed revised appropriation for the International Residual Mechanism, in the amount of US$ 117.6 million representing the decrease by US$ 2.7 million from the initial appropriation. We have careful studied the comments of the Advisory Committee related to vacancy rates for the Mechanism and looks forward to learn more details of this observation during informal consultations.

Furthermore, the Group would appreciate to be updated on the status of the construction of the new facilities for the Mechanism, in Arusha during our informal consultations.

Mr. Chairman,

In conclusion, allow me to assure you of our continued readiness to engage constructively on these important agenda items.

I thank you.