Mr. Chairman,

1. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 132: Improving the financial situation of the United Nations.

2. First, we would like to thank Mr. Yukio Takasu, Under Secretary-General for Management for the presentation on the financial situation of the Organization. The Group would also like to take this opportunity to express its gratitude for the assistance received to date from the Office of Contributions, regarding the updated information of the assessments for Member States.

3. The Group notes that there are some positives signals in the financial situation of the United Nations such as the reduced level of outstanding contributions to the regular budget and the budgets of the peacekeeping operations. The Group also notes that unpaid assessments were lower at the end of 2012, compared to the end of 2011 for all categories except the tribunals.

4. Regarding the outstanding payments to Member States that provide troops, police and equipment to peacekeeping operations, the G-77 and China congratulates the efforts made to reduce the amount owed from the $529 million owed at the start of 2012 to $525 million at 31 December 2012. However the Group considers that this is not nearly enough. The Group of 77 and China reaffirms that more should be done to ensure that Member States are reimbursed in full, on time and as a matter of priority. We will follow with attention the reduction of this debt as mentioned by the Under Secretary-General for Management in his last statement. The Group hopes that at the end of 2013, the amount outstanding effectively decreases.

5. This is of particular concern and priority for the Group since most troop-contributing countries are also developing countries and are not in a position to sustain their troop commitments and maintain their equipment on their own for extended periods of time.

6. Regarding payments to the peacekeeping operations budget, we reiterate the request to those countries that have not paid their assessments in full and on time, to do so as soon as possible.

Mr. Chairman,

7. The Group has consistently stated that the full, timely and non-conditional payment of assessed contributions by Member States to the budgets of the Organization is an obligation established in the Charter. We strongly urge all those Member States, especially those that have the capacity to settle their arrears that accomplish their financial commitments in a timely fashion. It is critical that all Member States live up to their financial commitments so as to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the United Nations.

8. In this context, the Group of 77 and China strongly rejects all unilateral coercive measures contrary to international law, which obstruct and sometimes impede payments from members of our Group to the budgets of the Organization.

Mr. Chairman,

9. The Group of 77 and China is pleased to see that the contributions for the Capital Master Plan budget are almost complete. As at 30 April 2013, there was $3 million outstanding. We invite Member States that have not done so, to make their payments to the CMP.

10. Finally, the Group of 77 and China firmly supports the efforts to strengthen the ability of the United Nations to fully implement its mandates. To this end, we would urge all Member States to meet their financial obligations to the Organization in full, on time, and without any precondition.

Thank you.