Mr. Chairman,

1 I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 136, entitled "United Nations common system".

2 The Group wishes to thank Mr. Kingston Rhodes, Chairman of the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) and Ms. Susan McLurg, Chairperson of the ACABQ for introducing the reports of the Commission and the Advisory Committee on this agenda item.

3 We would also like to thank Ms. Sharon Van Buerle, Director of the Programme Planning and Budget Division, for presenting the Secretary-General's report, and also Mr. Mauro Pace , President of the Federation of International Civil Servant's Association, Ms. Rita Ann Wallace, President of the Coordinating Committee for International Staff Unions and Associations of the United Nations System, and Mr. Dimitri Samaras, President of the United Nations International Civil Servants' Federation, for their statements.

Mr. Chairman,

4 The Group of 77 and China would like to reaffirm its support to the ICSC, and would like to express our appreciation to the Commission for its commendable work in fulfilling its responsibilities as mandated by the General Assembly. We take note of the report and recommendations of the ICSC which had been prepared in consultation with all interested parties, including representatives of Agencies, Funds and Programmes.

5 The Group also supports a common system approach under the auspices of the ICSC in the development and application of conditions of service, and the principle that all staff serving under similar conditions should receive equal treatment across the UN common system. The Group believes that the ICSC's proposals are well considered and have merit in addressing the inconsistencies of the common system in a balanced way. In this regard, the Group stresses that the ICSC's proposals should be implemented across the board as matter of priority to further strengthen the effectiveness of the common system.

6 The Group thus emphasizes that adequate resources should be appropriated during the 65th session of the General Assembly for the full and immediate implementation of the proposals of the ICSC on the harmonization of conditions of service.

Mr. Chairman,

7 The Group of 77 and China assures you of our active participation in the coming informal consultations on this important item.

Thank you.