Mr. Chairman,

1. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 146, administrative and budgetary aspects of financing United Nations Peacekeeping operations.

2. The Group reaffirms that the Fifth Committee is the appropriate main committee of the General Assembly entrusted with responsibilities for administrative and budgetary matters, including financing of peacekeeping operations.

3. Over the years, Troop Contributing Countries have significantly contributed through their participation in peacekeeping operations in the maintenance of international peace and security in the most efficient and cost-effective way, while enduring huge costs and sacrifices for sending their troops abroad.

4. The Group recognizes the efforts made by the Senior Advisory Group established pursuant to General Assembly resolution 65/289 of 30 June 2011 to consider rates of reimbursement to troop contributing countries and other related issues. The Group expresses its appreciation to the distinguished members of the Senior Advisory Group for their work in order to bring to the attention of the Fifth Committee the report before us.

5. The Group of 77 and China has serious questions on some comments and recommendations contained in the report of the Senior Advisory Group on troop costs and looks forward to discussing this matter during informal consultations.

6. In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, the Group of 77 and China stands ready to engage constructively with you and all partners, in this important agenda item with the ultimate goal to find a solution pertaining to troop costs that will be agreeable to us all.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.