Mr. Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 132: programme budget for the biennium 2014-2015 on the request for a subvention to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia.

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 this important agenda item.

Mr. Chairman,

The Group of 77 and China attaches great importance to the efficient and effective operation of the Extraordinary Chambers-both national and international components, in the Courts of Cambodia in discharging given mandate. Consideration of the financing of the Chambers form part of our key interests.

The Group of 77 and China recalls that by its resolution 68/247 B, the General Assembly noted with concern the adverse cash position of the Extraordinary Chambers and its difficult financial situation. The Group also recalls that the Assembly affirmed the high priority accorded to the work of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia.

The Group of 77 and China further recalls that, the General Assembly authorized the Secretary-General, as an exceptional measure, to enter into commitments in an amount not to exceed US$ 15.5 million to supplement the voluntary financial resources and requested for a report on the use of the commitment authority as well as information for proposal on comprehensive examination of the future financing of the Chambers for 2015 and beyond. The Group appreciates the timely response by the Secretary General in this regard.

Mr. Chairman,

The Group of 77 and China has taken note of the information related to progress made by the Chambers to date; its completion strategy and the related road map; the use of approved commitment of authority as well as mechanism for future financing of the Chambers.

The Group of 77 and China would like to commend the Chambers and the Government of Cambodia for their continued commitment to implement the given mandate under the challenging financial environment. Furthermore, the Group of 77 and China would like to commend the Secretary General for his efforts to address the issues related to the Chambers-including his personal engagement with the Prime Minister to address the specific issues related to the Chambers. The Group encourages efforts in this regard.

The Group of 77 and China welcomes the Secretary General's proposal on request for subvention of up to US$ 29 million for the period of 1 January to 31 December 2015. We strongly believe on the need for collective effort of international community through the Assembly to address the considerable political and financial challenges that have faced the Courts in recent years. In this regard, the Group is prepared to endorse the Secretary General's resource proposal to enable the Chambers to finalize the given mandate.

Mr. Chairman,

In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China would like to assure you of our readiness to engage in constructive deliberations with the aim of finalizing this item as quickly as possible taking into account the time constraints.

I thank you Mr. Chairman