Mr. Chairman,

1 I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on the resolution that was just adopted under agenda item 141: "Review of the implementation of General Assembly resolutions 48/218B, 54/244 and 59/272".

Mr. Chairman,

2 The Group recalls the importance of the work of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) in strengthening accountability and oversight throughout the United Nations. We hope that the full implementation of the agreed recommendations of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee (IAAC) will enhance cooperation at all levels between management and OIOS. With regard to the remaining recommendations of the IAAC, it is our understanding that the Fifth Committee will be reverting to the issues contained therein by the sixty-sixth session. Going forward, we encourage further engagement and dialogue between all relevant stakeholders in the Secretariat, so as to ensure that the OIOS achieves its purpose of assisting the Secretary-General in fulfilling his internal oversight responsibilities in respect of the resources and staff of the Organisation.

Mr. Chairman,

3 The Group recalls that the five-year non-renewable term of the Under-Secretary-General for OIOS will expire in July 2010. Paragraph 19 of resolution 64/232 on the report of the activities of the OIOS adopted last December urged the Secretary-General to "ensure that timely arrangements are made to find a successor in full conformity with the provisions of paragraph 5 (b) of resolution 48/218B". We reiterate the need for the Secretary-General, in undertaking the appointment of the next USG for OIOS, to fully comply with said provisions.

I thank you, Mr Chairman.