ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATES $63.6 MILLION FOR CRIMINAL TRIBUNALS, $1.44 BILLION FOR PEACE-KEEPING

7 June 1996

Press Release
GA/9076

ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATES $63.6 MILLION FOR CRIMINAL TRIBUNALS, $1.44 BILLION FOR PEACE-KEEPING

19960607 29 Texts Adopted Also Address Human Resources, Internal Oversight, JIU, 1996-1997 Programme Budget

The General Assembly this morning appropriated $63.6 million gross ($57.2 million net) to finance the International Criminal Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, as well as $1.44 billion gross ($1.40 billion net) to finance various peace-keeping activities, under the total of 23 resolutions and five decisions recommended by the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary).

In addition, the Assembly, acting directly, decided to increase the number of members of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) from 50 to 51 States, asking the Economic and Social Council to elect the new member at its 1996 substantive session.

All of today's drafts were adopted without a vote, with the exception of a resolution by which the Assembly appropriated $53.9 million gross ($52.4 million net) for the operation of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) from 1 February to 30 June. The text was adopted by a recorded vote of 104 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 2 abstentions (Iran, Syria). (For voting details, see Annex.)

By the same text, the Assembly also appropriated $125.7 million gross ($122.7 million net) for maintenance of the Force from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997.

In addition to the two resolutions on the Tribunals and 16 texts relating to peace-keeping, the Committee also approved four texts on human resources management and one on the Office of Internal Oversight Services. Other texts adopted this morning concerned implementation of the programme budget for the biennium 1996-1997, as well as the activities of the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU).

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Specifically, the Assembly appropriated $31.1 million gross ($27.8 million net) for the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia; and $32.6 million gross ($29.4 million net) for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

It also appropriated funds to finance the following: the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM), the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT), the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG), the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL), and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR).

Also: the United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH), the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM III), the United Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium (UNTAES), the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP), the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR), the United Nations Confidence Restoration Operation in Croatia (UNCRO), and United Nations Peace Forces headquarters.

The Assembly also provided commitment authorizations in connection with the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), UNPREDEP, the Commission of Inquiry in Rwanda and for liquidation of the combined forces in the former Yugoslavia. As a programme budget matter, it also provided commitment authorizations for the International Civilian Mission to Haiti (MICIVIH).

Specifically, the Assembly appropriated the following:

Mission Amount -- gross (net) Period Covered

UNDOF $2,679,000 ($2,601,714) 1 - 30 June $32,254,900 ($31,342,900) 1 July 1996 - 30 June 1997

UNIFIL $53,874,000 ($52,448,000) 1 February - 30 June $125,722,800 ($122,665,800) 1 July 1996 - 30 June 1997

UNAVEM III $65,912,903 ($63,067,742) 9 August - 31 December 1995 $84,687,300 ($83,190,300) 9 February - 8 May

$47,988,900 ($47,140,600) 9 May - 30 June $169,118,500 ($165,984,100) 1 July-31 December

UNIKOM $21,742,800 ($19,129,200) 1 July 1995 - 30 June $52,141,900 ($50,071,000) 1 July 1996 - 30 June 1997

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UNFICYP $45,079,500 ($43,049,600) 1 July 1996 - 30 June 1997

UNOMIG $7,606,650 ($7,102,200) 13 January - 30 June $17,089,600 ($16,023,400) 1 July 1996 - 30 June 1997

UNMIH $45,314,000 ($44,348,400) 1 March - 30 June $15,897,900 ($15,440,300) from 1 July

UNAMIR $19,745,000 ($19,462,700) 9 March - 19 April $4,632,500 ($4,152,200) from 19 April

UNMOT $7,478,900 ($6,971,600) 1 July 1996 - 30 June 1997

UNTAES $94,269,700 ($93,073,300) 15 January - 30 June $140,484,350 ($136,087,550) 1 July - 31 December

UNPREDEP $20,914,200 ($20,562,300) 1 January - 30 May $26,296,200 ($25,538,400) 1 July - 31 December

For the combined forces in the former Yugoslavia, the Assembly appropriated $100 million gross ($99,569,800 net) for the period from 1 July to 30 November, and $115,373,000 gross ($113,866,300 net) for 1 to 31 December 1995. If appropriated $43,849,300 gross ($42,662,500 net) for the period from 1 January to 30 June, and $75,619,800 ($72,225,600) for 1 July to 31 December for the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

By a text on absorbing the cost of new mandates in the 1996-1997 programme budget, the Assembly authorized the Secretary-General to enter into further commitments of $1.8 million gross ($1.6 million net) for the period from 1 June through August 1996 for MICIVIH. It also authorized him to enter into commitments through December in an amount not exceeding $627,900 gross monthly ($567,700 net), should the Mission be extended beyond 31 August.

The Assembly, by another text, authorized the Secretary-General to enter into commitments up to $931,800 (net of staff assessment) for maintenance of the Commission of Inquiry in Rwanda under the 1996-1997 programme budget.

By the draft resolution on conference-servicing costs, the Secretary- General was authorized to enter into commitments up to $5.5 million for costs relating to the meeting of the States Parties to the Framework Convention. By another text on the 1996-1997 proposed programme budget, he was asked to submit a report containing proposals for achieving savings and to ensure that until the report was considered by the Assembly, all mandated programmes and activities are implemented in full.

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By the text on the Office of Internal Oversight Services, the Assembly reaffirmed that procedures for recruitment and promotion applied to the personnel of the Office should be consistent with those applied to the Secretariat, and would support its close cooperation with the JIU and the Board of Auditors.

By the JIU text, the Assembly asked the Unit to seek a more reader- friendly and uniform format of reports, including sections containing the objectives of the report, an executive summary, the conclusions drawn, and as appropriate, the action to be taken.

With respect to human resources management, the Assembly addressed the reform of the internal system of justice in the Secretariat, privileges and immunities of officials of the United Nations and related bodies, and the use of retirees in the United Nations system.

The reports of the Fifth Committee were introduced by its Rapporteur, the representative of Belgium. The representative of Ireland introduced the text on UNHCR. The representative of Iran, Syria and the Republic of Korea spoke in explanation of vote or position.

The Assembly will meet again at a date to be announced.

Assembly Work Programme

The General Assembly met this morning to take action on 23 draft resolutions and five draft decisions contained in 22 reports of the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary). It was also expected to adopt a draft resolution on the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Of the 28 Committee texts, 16 concern the financing of peace-keeping activities, while two texts would provide financing for the International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the Former Yugoslavia. There are also four texts on human resources management, four on the proposed programme budget for 1996-1997, and one each on the activities of the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and the Office of Internal Oversight Services.

All of the Fifth Committee texts were approved without a vote, except for a draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Similarly, all the texts were approved by the Committee on 3 June, except for three draft resolutions relating to the 1996-1997 programme budget, a draft resolution on JIU and a draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), approved on 31 May. A draft resolution on the Commission of Inquiry in Rwanda was approved without a vote on 9 May.

By a draft resolution submitted by Ireland (document A/50/L.74), the Assembly would decide to increase the number of members of the UNHCR Executive Committee of the Programme from 50 to 51 States. It would also ask the Economic and Social Council to elect the additional member at its 1996 substantive session.

The report of the Fifth Committee on the 1996-1997 programme budget (document A/50/842/Add.3) contains three draft resolutions.

By a draft resolution on implementation of the programme budget for the biennium 1996-1997, the Assembly would ask the Secretary-General to submit, through the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), a report containing proposals for achieving savings, no later than 1 September. It would ask him to ensure that, until the above-mentioned report is considered by the Assembly, all mandated programmes and activities are implemented in full.

The Assembly would note that the programme budget for the biennium 1996- 1997 was adopted in unique circumstances and did not constitute a precedent. It would ask the Secretary-General to ensure that productivity gains will not have a negative impact on his obligations under the Charter to recruit staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible, even on a temporary basis. It

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would also ask him not to take any measures that do not respect the prerogatives of the Assembly.

By a draft resolution on absorbing the cost of new mandates in the 1996- 1997 programme budget, the Assembly would note that the Secretary-General has reported that he could not absorb any additional amount beyond the reductions of $154 million required to maintain expenditures within the approved appropriations and that he anticipated that new approved and prospective mandates might require an additional $120 million during the course of the biennium.

The Assembly would restate that the Secretary-General's authority to implement any proposal to change mandated activities is subject to its prior approval. It would ask that he submit a further report, no later than 1 September, containing proposals on possible means of absorption in the programme budget for the biennium 1996-1997. That should include information on staff costs where savings might arise from the implementation of the early separation programme during 1996-1997.

In addition, the Assembly would authorize the Secretary-General, in responding to the requirements of resolution 50/86 B of 3 April on Haiti, to enter into further commitments of $1,767,300 gross ($1,606,200 net of staff assessment) for the period from 1 June through August 1996. He would also be authorized, should the Assembly decide to extend the mandate of the International Civilian Mission to Haiti (MICIVIH) beyond 31 August, to enter into commitments through December in an amount not exceeding a monthly level of $627,900 gross ($567,700 net of staff assessment).

By a draft resolution on the conference-servicing costs for the Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Assembly would authorize the Secretary-General to enter into commitments up to $5,517,000 from the programme budget for biennium 1996- 1997 for the provision of conference servicing to the Conference and its subsidiary bodies.

It would ask the Secretary-General, subject to fully implementing all mandated programmes and activities as required by resolution 50/214, to submit a report no later than 1 September on possible means of absorption to the 1996-1997 programme budget. It would reconsider the issue of appropriations in the context of the first performance report.

By a draft resolution in the Committee's report on the JIU (document A/50/971), the Assembly would ask the JIU to seek a more reader-friendly and uniform format of reports, taking into account new publishing technologies, that would include sections containing the objectives of the report, an executive summary, the conclusions drawn and, as appropriate, the action

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required to be taken by the organizations. The aim would be to make reports as concise as possible and to comply with the existing size limit of 32 pages.

In addition, the Assembly would ask the Unit to continue focusing its reports on important priority items, identifying concrete managerial, administrative and programming questions aimed at providing it and other legislative organs of participating organizations with practical and action- oriented recommendations on precisely defined issues.

By the draft resolution on the financing of UNDOF (document A/50/792/Add.1), the Assembly would appropriate $2,679,000 gross ($2,601,714 net) already authorized by the Assembly for the period from 1 to 30 June, subject to the extension of the Force's mandate. It would further decide to appropriate the amount of $32,254,900 gross ($31,342,900 net) for the maintenance of the Force for the period from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997, inclusive of the amount of $760,900 for the support account for peace-keeping operations. That would be assessed on Member States at the monthly rate of $2,687,908 gross ($2,611,908 net) for the period from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997, in accordance with the composition of groups already set out.

The Assembly would decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated staff assessment income of $897,000 approved for the period from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997, and in the estimated other income of $15,000 for the same period.

By the draft resolution on the financing of the UNIFIL (document A/50/824/Add.1), the Assembly would appropriate to the special account for the Force the amount of $53,874,000 gross ($52,448,000 net) already authorized by the Assembly for the period from 1 February to 30 June 1996. It would also decide, as an ad hoc arrangement, taking into account the amount of $32,324,400 gross ($31,468,800 net) already apportioned, to apportion the additional amount of $21,549,600 gross ($20,979,200 net) for the period from 1 May to 30 June among Member States, in accordance with the composition of groups already set out.

The Assembly would further decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated staff assessment income of $567,200 approved for the period from 1 May to 30 June. It would decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the estimated other income of $3,200 for the period from 1 May to 30 June.

In addition, the Assembly would also decide to appropriate to the special account for the Force an amount of $125,722,800 gross ($122,665,800 net) for the maintenance of the Force for the period from 1 July 1996 to 30

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June 1997, inclusive of the amount of $2,965,800 for the support account for peace-keeping operations, to be assessed on Member States at the monthly rate of $10,476,900 gross ($10,222,150 net), subject to extension of the Force's mandate beyond 31 July.

The Assembly would further decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated staff assessment income of $3,037,000 approved for the period from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997. In addition, it would decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the estimated other income of $20,000 for the period from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997.

The draft resolution on UNIFIL was approved by the Committee on 3 June by a vote of 85 in favour to 3 against (Israel, Syria, United States), with 1 abstention (Iran). Prior to approval of the text as a whole, its operative paragraph 7 was approved by a separate vote of 82 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 2 abstentions (Chile, Republic of Korea). By its terms, the Assembly would ask the Secretary-General to provide a full evaluation of damages resulting from the incident that occurred at UNIFIL headquarters in Qana on 18 April, and the related costs.

By the draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM III) (document A/50/845/Add.1), the Assembly would decide that, when election activities resume, 11 posts which have been transferred from election-related activities to administrative and support functions will be returned to election-related activities. It would appropriate to the special account for the Mission the amount of $65,912,903 gross ($63,067,742 net), already authorized and assessed by the Assembly, for the period from 9 August to 31 December 1995. It would also appropriate $84,687,300 gross ($83,190,300 net), already authorized by the Assembly, for the period from 9 February to 8 May.

The Assembly would further decide, as an ad hoc arrangement, and taking into account the amount of $76,218,600 gross ($74,871,300 net) already apportioned, to apportion the additional amount of $8,468,700 gross ($8,319,000 net) for the period from 9 February to 8 May among Member States in accordance with the composition of groups already set out. It would decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the additional estimated staff assessment income of $149,700 approved for the period from 9 February to 8 May.

In addition, it would appropriate $47,988,900 gross ($47,140,600 net) for the maintenance of the Mission for the period from 9 May to 30 June, already authorized by the Assembly. It would also decide, as an ad hoc arrangement, to apportion $47,988,900 gross ($47,140,600 net) for the period

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from 9 May to 30 June among Member States. It would further decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated staff assessment income of $848,300 approved for the period from 9 May to 30 June.

The Assembly would appropriate $169,118,500 gross ($165,984,100 net) for the maintenance of the Mission for the period from 1 July to 31 December, inclusive of the amount of $4,048,500 for the support account for peace- keeping operations, and, subject to the concurrence of the ACABQ and an additional amount of $1,000,000 for administrative and logistic support services, including contract supervision. Member States would be assessed at a monthly rate of $28,186,410 gross ($27,664,010 net). The action would be taken subject to a decision by the Council to extend the Mission's mandate beyond 11 July.

It would also decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated staff assessment income of $3,134,400 approved for the period from 1 July to 31 December.

By another draft resolution (document A/50/970), the Assembly would appropriate to the special account for the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM) $21,742,800 gross ($19,129,200 net) already authorized and apportioned by the Assembly for the period 1 July 1995 to 30 June 1996. It would also appropriate $52,141,900 gross ($50,071,000 net) for the Mission's maintenance from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997, inclusive of $1,396,500 for the support account for peace-keeping operations. Two thirds of that amount, $33,380,667, would be funded through voluntary contributions by Kuwait, subject to the Security Council's review of whether to terminate or continue the Mission.

It would further decide, as an ad hoc arrangement, to apportion $18,761,233 gross ($16,690,333 net), representing one third of the Mission's maintenance costs from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997, to be assessed on Member States, at the monthly rate of $1,563,436 gross ($1,390,861 net), according to Assembly resolutions and decisions, and taking into account the scale of assessments for the years 1996 and 1997, and subject to the Council's review of whether or not to continue the Mission.

The Assembly would also decide that, in accordance with its resolution 973 (X) of 15 December 1955, there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States, their respective share of the tax equalization fund of the estimated staff assessment income of $2,070,900 approved for the period 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997. For Member States which have fulfilled their financial obligations to the Mission, there shall be set off against the apportionment, their respective share in the unencumbered balance of $6,917,700 gross ($7,816,700 net) for the period ending 31 October 1993. The

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share of countries which have not fulfilled those financial obligations shall be set off against their outstanding obligations.

The Assembly would decide to keep the item under review during its current session and invite voluntary contributions in cash and in the form of services and supplies acceptable to the Secretary-General, to be administered, where appropriate, in accordance with the procedure established in resolution 43/230 of December 1988

By a draft decision on the financing of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) (document A/50/819/Add.1), the Assembly would authorize the Secretary-General to enter into commitments in the amount of $7,816,100 gross ($6,846,350 net) for the maintenance of the Mission for the period from 1 July to 30 September, inclusive of $316,100 for the support account for peace-keeping operations, to be assessed in accordance with the composition of groups already set out.

Another draft resolution concerns the financing of the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR), United Nations Confidence Restoration Operation in Croatia (UNCRO), United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP) and United Nations Peace Forces headquarters (document A/50/796/Add.3). By its terms, the Assembly would decide that all expenses for the United Nations Protection Force rapid reaction capacity, including the agreed value of such budgeted contributions in kind, should be included within the assessed budget for the combined forces. It would ask the Secretary-General to return to the Member States concerned the unspent cash contributions made to the sub-account for the rapid reaction capacity.

The Assembly would welcome the ongoing efforts of the Secretary-General to process outstanding contingent-owned equipment reimbursement claims, and ask that he take urgent steps to clear the backlog of such claims to enable speedier liquidation of the combined forces. It would urge him to review, on an urgent basis, the concerns regarding decentralization of administrative functions and reducing the overall number of administrative staff, which were raised by the Advisory Committee.

In addition, the Assembly would appropriate $100 million gross ($99,569,800 net) already authorized and apportioned for the period from 1 July to 30 November. It would also appropriate $115,373,000 gross ($113,866,300 net) already authorized by the Assembly for the period from 1 to 31 December.

By other terms of the draft resolution, the Assembly would authorize the Secretary-General to enter into additional commitments in the amount of $90,562,100 gross ($89,826,050 net) for the pre-liquidation of the combined Forces for the period from 1 January to 30 June, taking into account the amount of $100 million gross ($98,430,700 net) authorized by the Assembly on

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23 December 1995 and the amount of $50 million gross ($49,215,350 net) authorized by the Assembly on 11 April, for the period from 1 January to 31 May.

It would further decide to authorize the Secretary-General to enter into commitments for the liquidation of the combined Forces and the provision of common support for the three-month period from 1 July to 30 September at a monthly rate not to exceed $6,231,150 gross ($5,787,200 net), inclusive of the amount of $99,400 for the support account for peace-keeping operations.

By the draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Peace- keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) (document A/50/827/Add.1), the Assembly would appropriate to the special account for the Force $45,079,500 gross ($43,049,600 net) for the period from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997, inclusive of the amount of $1,065,900 for the support account for peace-keeping operations. That would take into consideration the funding through voluntary contributions of the one-third share of the cost of the Force, equivalent to $14,349,867, from the Government of Cyprus and the annual pledge of $6.5 million from the Government of Greece. That would be subject to the decision of the Security Council to extend the mandate of the Force beyond 30 June 1996 and the mandate periods to be decided upon by the Council.

The Assembly would also decide, taking into consideration the funding through voluntary contributions from the Government of Cyprus and the annual pledge from the Government of Greece, as an ad hoc arrangement, to apportion the amount of $24,229,633 gross ($22,199,733 net) for the period from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997 among Member States at a monthly rate of $2,019,136 gross ($1,849,978 dollars net), in accordance with the composition of groups already set out by the Assembly. That action would be taken subject to the mandate decisions of the Council.

The Assembly would further decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated staff assessment income of $2,029,900 approved for the period from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997.

By the draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) (document A/50/820/Add.1), the Assembly would appropriate to the special account for the Mission $7,606,650 gross ($7,102,200 net) already authorized and assessed for the period from 13 January to 30 June. It would also appropriate $17,089,600 gross ($16,023,400 net) for the maintenance of the Mission from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997. That figure is inclusive of the amount of $413,500 for the support account for peace-keeping operations, to be assessed on Member States at a monthly rate of $1,424,100 gross ($1,335,300 net) in accordance with the composition of groups already set out by the Assembly.

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The Assembly would further decided that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated staff assessment income of $1,066,200 approved for the period from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997. It would decide that, for Member States that have fulfilled their financial obligations to the Mission, there shall be set off against the apportionment their respective share in the unencumbered balance of $512,136 gross ($339,846 net) in respect of the period ending 15 May 1995. It would also decide that, for Member States that have not fulfilled their financial obligations to the Mission, their share of the unencumbered balance for that period shall be set off against their outstanding obligations.

By a draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH) (document A/50/705/Add.3), the Assembly would appropriate to the special account for the Mission the amount of $45,314,000 gross ($44,348,400 net) for the period from 1 March to 30 June, inclusive of the amount of $30 million gross ($28.5 million net) already authorized by the Assembly for the period from 1 March to 31 May.

The Assembly would also decide, as an ad hoc arrangement, and taking into account the amount of $20 million gross ($19 million net) already apportioned, to apportion the additional amount of $25,314,000 gross ($25,348,400 net) for the period from 1 March to 30 June, among Member States in accordance with the composition of groups already set out. It would further decide that the apportionment among Member States shall take into consideration the decrease in their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated staff assessment income of $34,400 approved for the Mission for the period from 1 March to 30 June.

In addition, it would appropriate the amount of $15,897,900 gross ($15,440,300 net) for the liquidation of the Mission for the period beginning 1 July, inclusive of the amount of $377,400 for the support account for peace- keeping operations. It would also decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated staff assessment income of $457,600 approved for the Mission for the period beginning 1 July.

By a draft decision on the financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) (document A/50/846/Add.1), the Assembly would authorize the Secretary-General to use the resources currently available to the Mission for the period up to 30 September, subject to the decision of the Security Council to extend its mandate beyond 31 May. It would ask the Secretary-General to submit revised cost estimates for the period from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997 no later than 1 September 1996.

Under the draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) (document A/50/848/Add.1), the Assembly

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would appropriate to the special account for the Mission the amount of $19,745,000 gross ($19,462,700 net) for the withdrawal of the Mission for the period from 9 March to 19 April. It would further decide, as an ad hoc arrangement, to apportion the amount of $19,745,000 gross ($19,462,700 net) for the period from 9 March to 19 April among Member States in accordance with the composition of groups already set out by the Assembly.

The Assembly decided that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated staff assessment income of $282,300 approved for the period from 9 March to 19 April. It also decided to appropriate $4,632,500 gross ($4,152,200 net) for the administrative closing of the Mission for the period subsequent to 19 April, inclusive of the amount of $50,200 for the support account for peace-keeping operations.

It would further decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated staff assessment income of $480,300 approved for the period subsequent to 19 April.

One draft resolution concerns the financing of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (document A/50/849/Add.2). By its terms, the Assembly would appropriate to the special account for the Tribunal a total of $31,070,572 gross ($27,793,122 net) for the period from 1 April to 31 December, inclusive of the commitment authority authorized by the General Assembly in its resolution 50/212 B, in addition to the amount of $8,619,500 gross ($7,637,500 net) already appropriated for the period from 1 January to 31 March.

It would further decide, as an ad hoc and exceptional arrangement, that Member States shall waive their respective shares in the remaining credits arising from previous budgets of the United Nations Protection Force in an amount of $8,455,336 gross ($8,601,911 net), to be transferred to the special account for the International Tribunal.

The Assembly would decide to apportion $8,455,336 gross ($8,601,911 net) among Member States in accordance with the scale of assessments for the year 1996. It would also decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States, their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated staff assessment income of $146,575 approved for the International Tribunal for 1996.

Another draft resolution concerns the financing of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (document A/50/852/Add.2). By its terms, the Assembly would decide to appropriate to the special account for the Tribunal a total of $32,552,000 gross ($29,404,100 net) for the period from 1 April to 31 December 1996, inclusive of the commitment authority authorized by the

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Assembly in its resolution 50/213 B, in addition to the amount of $7,609,900 gross ($7,090,600 net) already appropriated for the period from 1 January to 31 March.

It would also further decide, as an ad hoc and exceptional arrangement, that Member States shall waive their respective shares in the remaining credits arising from previous budgets of UNAMIR in an amount of $6,904,818 gross ($5,800,769 net), to be transferred to the special account for the Tribunal from the special account established for UNAMIR.

The Assembly would decides to apportion $6,904,818 gross ($5,800,769 net) among Member States in accordance with the scale of assessments for the year 1996. It would also decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States, their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated staff assessment income of $1,104,049 approved for the Tribunal for 1996.

By a draft resolution on the Commission of Inquiry in Rwanda (document A/50/842/Add.3), the Assembly would authorize the Secretary-General to enter into commitments in an amount of up to $931,800 (net in staff assessment), under the budget section on peace-keeping and special missions, for the maintenance of the Commission.

By a draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) (document A/50/828/Add.1), the Assembly would appropriate to the special account for UNMOT $7,478,900 gross ($6,971,600 net) for the maintenance of the Mission from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997, inclusive of the amount of $176,400 for the support account for peace-keeping operations, to be assessed on Member States at a monthly rate of $623,242 gross ($580,967 net), in accordance with the composition of groups already established by the General Assembly. That action would be taken subject to a Security Council decision to extend UNMOT's mandate beyond 15 June.

The Assembly would also decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated staff assessment income of $507,300 approved for the period from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997.

By the draft resolution on the financing of peace-keeping operations (document A/50/850/Add.4), the Assembly would ask the Secretary-General to provide information on the impact of specific budgetary fluctuations on the support account for peace-keeping operations. Based on the assumption that the overall level of peace-keeping activities will remain at current levels, it would ask him to present revised resource estimates for the support account by 15 November. That would be done with a view to reducing, to the extent possible, the post and non-post requirements for the backstopping of peace- keeping operations at Headquarters and, to a commensurate level, the number of

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officers on loan by Member States to the Department of Peace-keeping Operations, to reflect the recent notable decline in peace-keeping expenditure.

The Secretary-General would also be asked to provide a performance report on the operation of the support account, including information on redeployments, if any, between units. He would be asked to substantiate comprehensively the entire post and non-post requirement for the account, and to present a comprehensive proposal on the total requirement for human resources from all sources of funding for the backstopping of peace-keeping operations. He would again be asked to present in each report on the support account, information on the establishment and use of trust funds, including the scope of activities financed by them. He would also be asked to ensure that the transfer of posts from the Office of Human Resources Management to the Department of Peace-keeping Operations be fully implemented by no later than 30 June.

The Assembly would also decide to abolish six specified General Service posts, as well as 12 posts from departments other than the Department of Peace-keeping Operations yet to be determined, and at least two from the Department of Administration and Management. It would also decide to establish two Professional posts in the Office of Internal Oversight Services, and six Professional posts in the Department of Peace-keeping Operations.

By the draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (document A/50/966), the Assembly would appropriate $43,849,300 gross ($42,662,500 net) for the maintenance of the Mission for the period from 1 January to 30 June, inclusive of the amount of $14 million gross ($13,780,300 net) already authorized for the period from 1 January to 31 May.

The Assembly would also decide, as an ad hoc arrangement, and taking into account the amount of $14 million gross ($13,780,300 net) already apportioned, to apportion an additional $29,849,300 gross ($28,882,200 net) for the period from 1 January to 30 June among Member States in accordance with the composition of groups already set out. It would further decide to set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated additional staff assessment income of $967,100 approved for the period from 1 January to 30 June.

In addition, the Assembly would appropriate $75,619,800 gross ($72,225,600 net) for the maintenance of the Mission for the period from 1 July to 31 December, inclusive of the amount of $1,918,300 for the support account for peace-keeping operations. That would be assessed on Member States at a monthly rate of $12,603,300 gross ($12,037,600 net). This action would be taken subject to extension of the Mission's mandate beyond 20 December.

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The Assembly would also decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated staff assessment income of $3,394,200 approved for the period from 1 July to 31 December.

By the draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium (UNTAES) (document A/50/967), the Assembly would appropriate $94,269,700 gross ($93,073,300 net) for the maintenance of the Transitional Administration for the period from 15 January to 30 June, inclusive of the amount of $29,500,000 gross ($29,037,100 net) already authorized for the period from 15 January to 31 May.

The Assembly would also decide, as an ad hoc arrangement, and taking into account the amount of $29,500,000 gross ($29,037,100 net) already apportioned, to apportion the additional amount of $64,769,700 gross ($64,036,200 net) for the period from 15 January to 30 June among Member States in accordance with the composition of groups already set out. It would further decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated additional staff assessment income of $733,500 approved for the period from 15 January to 30 June.

In addition, the Assembly would appropriate $140,484,350 gross ($136,087,550 net) for the maintenance of the Transitional Administration for the period from 1 July to 31 December, inclusive of the amount of $3,440,050 for the support account for peace-keeping operations, to be assessed on Member States at a monthly rate of $23,414,100 gross ($22,681,300 net). It would also decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated staff assessment income of $4,396,800 approved for the period from 1 July to 31 December.

By the draft resolution on the financing of UNPREDEP (document A/50/968), the Assembly would appropriate $20,914,200 gross ($20,562,300 net) for the maintenance of the Force for the period from 1 January to 30 May, inclusive of the amount of $6,500,000 gross ($6,397,950 net) authorized for the period from 1 January to 30 May.

The Assembly would also decide, as an ad hoc arrangement, and taking into account the amount of $6,500,000 gross ($6,397,950 net) already apportioned, to apportion the additional amount of $14,414,200 gross ($14,164,350 net) for the period from 1 January to 30 May among Member States in accordance with the composition of groups already set out. It would further decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the

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estimated additional staff assessment income of $249,850 approved for the period from 1 January to 30 May.

In addition, the Assembly would authorize the Secretary-General to enter into commitments in the amount of $4,237,100 gross ($4,132,500 net) for the maintenance of the Force from 31 May to 30 June, subject to a decision by the Council to extend the mandate of the Force beyond 30 May. It would also decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated staff assessment income of $104,600 approved for the period from 31 May to 30 June.

The Assembly would appropriate $26,296,200 gross ($25,538,400 net) for the maintenance of the Force for the period from 1 July to 31 December, inclusive of the amount of $632,400 for the support account for peace-keeping operations, to be assessed on Member States at the monthly rate of $4,382,700 gross ($4,256,400 net). That action would be taken subject to extension of the Force's mandate beyond 30 May. It would also decide that there shall be set off against the apportionment among Member States their respective share in the tax equalization fund of the estimated staff assessment income of $757,800 approved for the period from 1 July to 31 December.

By a draft resolution on the activities of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (document A/50/973), the Assembly would reaffirm that procedures for recruitment and promotion applied to the personnel of the Office should be consistent with those applied to the Secretariat. It would also ask the Secretary-General to entrust the Office with the maintenance of close cooperation with the JIU and the Board of Auditors. That would aim at enabling the comments of those bodies on the reports of the Office, and the Secretary-General's comments on them, to be considered by the Assembly together with the Office's reports.

The Fifth Committee report on human resources management (document A/50/834/Add.2) contains one draft resolution and three draft decisions.

By the terms of a draft resolution on reform of the internal system of justice in the United Nations Secretariat, the Assembly would invite the Committee to examine, as a matter of priority, at the beginning of its next regular session, the legal implications of proposals in the Secretary- General's report on reform of the internal justice system in the Secretariat and to reconsider the question at that session.

Of the three draft decisions on human resources management, one would have the Assembly defer consideration of reports of the Secretary-General on the item to its next regular session. By a second text, it would note the Secretary-General's note on respect for the privileges and immunities of officials of the United Nations and the specialized agencies and related

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organizations and the United Nations Security Coordinator's statement on 14 December 1995.

By the third draft decision, on the use of retirees in the United Nations system, the Assembly would regret that the Secretary-General had not taken the necessary action to avoid the need for derogation from the provisions of its resolution 49/222 B. And it would decide to extend the provisions relating to the employment of retirees by Conference Services until 30 October and that no further extension of this derogation shall be granted beyond that date. It would also decide to consider all the issues regarding the use of retirees, including the issue of derogations when considering the report called for in the resolution.

Further the Assembly would consider, as a matter of priority, and no later than 15 October, the report of the Secretary-General and ask the ACABQ to have its related report available by 1 October. It would invite the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Board to examine at its forty-seventh session in July, the possibility of suspending pension benefits for periods of less than six months.

Action on Texts

JOHN H.F. CAMPBELL (Ireland) introduced the draft resolution on the Executive Committee of the Programme of the UNHCR.

The Assembly adopted the draft resolution without a vote.

PETER MADDENS (Belgium), Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee, introduced that body's reports.

The Assembly adopted without a vote the draft resolutions on the Commission of Inquiry in Rwanda, on implementation of the programme budget for the biennium 1996-1997, on absorbing the cost of new mandates in the 1996-1997 programme budget, on the conference-servicing costs for the Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and on the JIU.

The Assembly then took up the report on the financing of the United Nations peace-keeping forces in the Middle East. It turned first to the draft resolution on the financing of UNDOF.

MORTEZA MIRMOHAMMAD (Iran) said the expenses of UNDOF should be borne by the party responsible. If there had been a vote, Iran would have abstained.

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AHMAD AL-HARIRI (Syria) said that if the text had been put to a vote, Syria would have voted against it. Syria's position was that the financing of the Force should be borne by the aggressive party, Israel, whose practices had necessitated the presence of the Force.

The draft resolution on the financing of UNDOF was adopted without a vote.

The Assembly then took up the draft resolution on the financing of UNIFIL.

SOONG CHULL SHIN (Republic of Korea) said his country attached great importance to the safety of United Nations personnel and the protection of its facilities. That was essential for the effective implementation of their mandates. His country therefore supported paragraph 7 of the text on UNIFIL. During the voting process on that paragraph in the Fifth Committee, his country had abstained in error.

The Assembly adopted the draft resolution on the financing of UNIFIL by a recorded vote of 104 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 2 abstentions (Iran, Syria). (For voting details, see Annex.)

Mr. AL-HARIRI (Syria) said his delegation had abstained on the vote on the financing of UNIFIL. Syria's position was that the financing of the Force should be borne by Israel, whose aggressive practices had necessitated the presence of the Force.

The Assembly adopted without a vote the following texts:

-- Draft resolutions on the financing of UNAVEM III, UNIKOM, of the combined forces in the Former Yugoslavia, UNFICYP, UNOMIG, UNMIH, UNAMIR, the International Criminal Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, UNMOT, and on the administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of peace-keeping operations;

-- Draft decisions on the financing of MINURSO and UNOMIL; and

-- Draft resolutions on the activities of the Office of Internal Oversight Services, and on reform of the internal system of justice in the United Nations Secretariat.

The Assembly then took up the report on human resources management, adopting without a vote the draft decision on deferring consideration of the Secretary-General's reports on human resources management, and draft decisions on privileges and immunities of officials of the United Nations and related bodies, and on the use of retirees.

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Mr. AL-HARIRI (Syria), speaking on behalf of the members of the Advisory Committee on Coordination (ACC), confirmed his country's commitment to the privileges and immunities of United Nations officials and those of related bodies.

He said that Syria, like any other country which granted those immunities, expected international civil servants to abide by the terms of the relevant conventions and to respect the internal laws and sovereignty of the host country. They should refrain from any action which had nothing to do with their tasks. Syria supported those immunities, on the condition that they did not lead to interference in the internal affairs of the countries where those officials worked. When carrying out their functions, there should be scrupulous respect for the rules and regulations of the country concerned.

The Assembly then adopted the draft resolutions on the financing of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, UNTAES, and UNPREDEP without a vote.

(Annex follows)

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General Assembly Plenary Press Release GA/9076 120th Meeting (AM) 7 June 1996

ANNEX

Vote on Financing of UNIFIL

The draft resolution on the financing of the UNIFIL (document A/C.5/50/L.67) was adopted by a recorded vote of 104 in favour to 2 against, with 2 abstentions, as follows:

In favour: Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei Dar- Salam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysis, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Senegal, Signapore, Slovakia, South Affica, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Repbulic of Macedonia, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yemen, Zimbabwe.

Against: Israel, United States.

Abstaining: Iran, Syria.

Absent: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Czech Republic, Democractic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Iraq, Jamaica, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Niger, Palau, Republic of Moldova, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenandines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Soloman Islands, Somalia, Sudan, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia.

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