Mr. Chairman,

1. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 136: Improving the financial situation of the United Nations.

2. At the outset, the Group would like to thank Mr. Yukio Takasu, Under Secretary-General for Management for the presentation on the financial situation of the Organization delivered last week and updates provided only early this morning. The Group would have preferred to receive these updates in a timely manner to allow Member States to have more time to carefully analyze the information provided.

3. Our appreciation also goes to the Contributions Office for the regular assistance provided on key updates and information on related to assessments for Member States, including those available through the 'on-line status of contribution portal' which has proved to be an important tool to member states.

Mr. Chairman,

4. The Group of 77 and China has taken note that during the reporting period, level of unpaid assessed contributions on regular budget, on 1 October 2013, is 90 million dollars higher than the outstanding level of contributions on 5 October 2012.

5. The Group also notes that, unpaid assessment for peacekeeping operations and tribunals remains higher in magnitude but lower in percentage of assessment compared with the same reporting period.

6. The Group of 77 and China is pleased to note that, contributions for the Capital Master Plan budget is almost complete and that, as of beginning of this month, a total of US$ 1.6 million remain outstanding out of US$ 1.9 billion already assessed.

7. While the group is encouraged that cash position is projected to be positive at the end of the year for peacekeeping, tribunals and Capital Master Plan, we are concerned that the situation for the regular budget is difficult with projected expenditures exceeding the level of current reserves.

Mr. Chairman,

8. With regard to the outstanding payments to Member States that provide uniformed personnel and equipments to peacekeeping operations in the field, the Group notes that, a total of US$ 423million is projected at the end of the year. While we appreciate the efforts done in this area, we remain concerned on the negative effects attached to delay in reimbursement to troops and police contributing countries. We are equality concerned on the negative effects this delay brings on the maintenance of equipments in the field.

9. The Group of 77 and China would like to, once again, stress on the need for more dedicated efforts in reimbursement to ensure that Member States, in particular those from developing countries who pay, in multiple ways, ultimate sacrifice in the field, are reimbursed in full, on time and as a matter of priority; and this, taking into account challenges they face in sustaining peacekeeping commitments.

Mr. Chairman,

10. 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 to respect their commitments in that matter, especially those that have the capacity to settle their arrears so as to accomplish their financial obligations in a timely fashion. It is critical that all Member States live up to their financial obligations so as to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the United Nations in the implementation of very important mandates we all agreed upon.

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

Mr. Chairman,

12. In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China would like to urge all Member States, in arrears to meet their financial obligations to the Organization in full, on time, and without any condition to enable the organization deliver its given mandates,

I thank you. Mr. Chairman.