Mr. Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of Group of 77 and China on agenda item 146, administrative and budgetary aspects of financing United Nations peacekeeping operations, in particular support account.

2. We would like to thank the Controller, Mr. Jun Yamazaki, for introducing the reports of the Secretary-General under this item (A/64/611, A/64/697 and A/64/572). We would also like to thank the Chairperson of the ACABQ, Ms. Susan McLurg, for introducing the Advisory Committee's report (A/64/753).

Mr. Chairman,

3. The Group of 77 and China underlines that all peacekeeping operations must be provided with the necessary resources to fulfil their mandates. In this regard, we stress the importance of providing sufficient backstopping to all missions.

4. The Group recognizes the need for sufficient support during all phases of peacekeeping operations. We emphasize that the level of the support account should broadly correspond to the mandate, number, size and complexity of peacekeeping missions.

5. The Group wishes to express its concern at the continued practice of the Secretariat and the ACABQ to submit over and again proposals that have been overruled by the General Assembly in previous sessions. While changing circumstances might explain the re-submission of some proposals in certain cases, the nearly automatic resubmission of proposals under unchanged scenarios is simply unacceptable and the reflection of a clear mismanagement. This is particularly the case for example of this year resubmission of posts for the Investigation Division of OIOS.

Mr. Chairman,

6. The Group further emphasizes the importance of interaction and coordination with troop-contributing countries. We underline the need for genuine and meaningful partnership between the Secretariat and the troop-contributing countries on all aspects related to the support of peacekeeping operations.

7. The Group of 77 and China reiterates the issue of proper representation of the troop contributing countries in the relevant Departments of the Secretariat, in particular in the senior management level, taking into account their contribution to United Nations peacekeeping, as requested by the General Assembly. The Group underscores the fact that majority of the troop-contributing countries come from the developing countries, bearing the enormous burden of the peacekeeping operations in commensurate with their unwavering commitment to the maintenance of international peace and security. We are equally concerned at the continuing low proportion of women from developing countries in the Secretariat, especially at senior levels.

Mr. Chairman,

8. The Group assures you of its constructive approach in these negotiations, with a view to providing the United Nations peacekeeping operations all the necessary resources to effectively deliver on their mandates.

I thank you Mr. Chairman.