Mr. Chairman,

1. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

2. The Group wishes to thank the USG for Management, Mr Yukio Takasu, for his introduction of the report of the Secretary-General on the expanded feasibility study on the needs of United Nations headquarters accommodation. We also thank the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, Mr. Carlos Massieu, for the presentation of the related report.

Mr. Chairman,

3. The Group of 77 and China attaches great importance to a thorough consideration of all the possible options for the long-term accommodation needs of the United Nations.

4. The Group reiterates its long-standing position that any proposal to accommodate UN Headquarters needs must be in conformity with the original design and respect the historical architectural integrity of the UN complex.

Mr. Chairman,

5. Having acknowledged the importance of a thorough consideration of the issues before us, the Group of 77 and China regrets that the report presented by the Secretary-General does not provide the General Assembly with the necessary elements for an informed decision.

6. In this regard, we concur with the ACABQ that the expanded feasibility study does not provide comprehensive analysis of the four options, nor a sound basis for the conclusion that option 3 is the most optimal and therefore most preferable for the UN.

Mr. Chairman,

7. In the same vein, the Group also questions the underlying rationale for the linkage between the extension of the leases of DC-1 and DC-2 and the construction of the UN Consolidation Building, as proposed by United Nations Development Corporation.

8. It is most astonishing to the Group that an entity created with the aim to assist the United Nations community with its office space and other real estate needs would adopt a position detrimental to the work of the Organization.

9. The Group recalls the special role of the host Government with regard to support for United Nations Headquarters, in New York, and calls on the Secretary-General to make sure that cooperation with UNDC takes in full account the interests of the United Nations.

Mr. Chairman,

10. The Group of 77 and China takes note of the quick consideration by the SG of its request for updated information and options, as well as financial implications, on the renovation of the South Annex Building and the Dag Hammarskjöld Library Building, presented in resolution 67/246. The Group would like to emphasize that the renovation of these buildings is part of the CMP project and should not be brought under the agenda item concerning the UN long-term accommodation needs.

11. The Group notes that the information provided does not include a comprehensive explanation on the reasons that have caused the suspension of the renovation of the South Annex and the Library. It is critical for the GA to consider any proposals regarding the future of these buildings. Furthermore, it does not include the different proposals and its financial implications. We look forward to receiving such detailed information in the context of the 11 annual report of the CMP.

12. With regards to the Temporary North Lawn Building, the Group recalls the clear mandate of the General Assembly for its timely demolition and removal upon the completion of the Headquarters renovation work.

Mr. Chairman,

13. The Group of 77 and China reaffirms that more detailed information would be required on the proposed options in order for the General Assembly to take an informed decision on which option should be taken forward.

14. The Group also recalls resolution 66/247, and calls on the Secretary General to respond to the General Assembly's request and to ensure that future major capital expenditure projects will not be implemented simultaneously in order to prevent the need to finance them at the same time.

15. The Group of 77 and China would like to reiterate its readiness to engage in constructive deliberation on this important agenda item.

I thank you Mr. Chairman.