FIFTH COMMITTEE CONCLUDES DISCUSSING BUDGET SECTION ON OVERALL POLICY-MAKING
Press Release
GA/AB/3182
FIFTH COMMITTEE CONCLUDES DISCUSSING BUDGET SECTION ON OVERALL POLICY-MAKING
19971103 Consideration of Political Affairs, Peacekeeping, Outer Space Sections BeginSecretary-General Kofi Annan should implement the General Assembly's decision to phase out the use of gratis personnel loaned to the United Nations in an orderly fashion so as not to adversely affect the Organization's work, the representative of Belgium said this morning, as the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) continued its section-by-section debate of the proposed $2.583 billion 1998-1999 budget.
Speaking for the European Union and associated States on the Section dealing with regular budget funded peacekeeping and special missions, the Belgian delegate also said that the Committee should consider making provision for operations anticipated in 1998 and 1999.
The maintenance of international peace and security should not be pursued at the expense of the United Nations development-related work, the representative of Paraguay said for the Rio Group. He, however, expressed concern that the proposed budget did not provide for peacekeeping missions that would run through the next biennium. The preponderance of gratis personnel in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations was another cause for concern.
Several delegations supported the view of the ACABQ that the proposal to abolish three Professional posts from the regional disarmament centres in Kathmandu, Lomé and Lima be referred to the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security).
Also, some of them said that the provisions for the Scholarship Programme for Disarmament should be maintained to provide training for developing countries' delegates.
The decolonization programme should be provided with adequate resources until the Special Committee on decolonization completed its mandate, some representatives said.
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The Committee concluded this morning considering the section on overall policy-making and direction, and began discussing those on political affairs, peacekeeping and special missions, and outer space.
The representatives of Mexico, Thailand, Cuba, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Libya, Canada, Norway, United States, Iran, New Zealand, Portugal, Hungary, Syria, China, India, Indonesia spoke.
The United Nations Controller, Jean-Pierre Halbwachs, responded to Member States' questions.
The Chairman of the ACABQ, Conrad Mselle, introduced that body's view on the budget sections taken up today. The Vice-Chairman of the CPC, Anuson Chinvanno (Thailand), introduced the CPC's comments.
Also this morning, the Fifth Committee concluded discussing the reports of the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU).
The representative of the United States asked questions, to which the Unit's Chairman, Khalil Issa-Othman, responded after making some concluding remarks.
The Fifth Committee is scheduled to meet again at 10 a.m., tomorrow, 4 November, to continue discussing the pattern of conferences. It will also continue discussing those sections of the proposed 1998-1999 budget it started debating today.
Committee Work Programme
The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) met this morning to conclude its discussion on the reports of the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU). It is also expected to continue its first reading of the budget, which involves a section-by-section consideration of the proposed 1998-1999 budget.
In continuing the first reading today, the Fifth Committee is scheduled to continue discussing Section 1: Overall policy-making, direction and coordination; and begin Section 2: Political affairs; Section 3: Peacekeeping operations; and Section 4: Peaceful uses of outer space.
The Secretary-General's initial budget proposals are contained in two volumes of programme narratives, numbers and tables (document A/52/6/Rev.1, Vols. I and II). The accompanying views of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) on individual sections of the initial proposals are contained in separate parts of Chapter II of its first report on the proposed 1998-1999 budget (document A/52/7 Chapter II, Parts I-XII). The comments of the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC) are contained in the report of its thirty-seventh session (document A/52/16).
(For background on the JIU reports, see Press Release GA/AB/3172 of 22 October; on Section 1 of the budget, see Press Release GA/AB/3181 of 31 October.)
Section 2 -- Political Affairs
The Department of Political Affairs is responsible for Programmes 1, Political affairs, and 26, Disarmament, of the medium-term plan for the biennium 1998-2001. In implementing the first programme, the Department supports the Secretary-General's effort to carry out mandates in preventing, controlling and resolving conflicts, providing electoral assistance and in servicing the Assembly, the Security Council and their subsidiaries. It also services the Special Committee on decolonization and the Committee on the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. As for disarmament, the Centre for Disarmament will support multilateral bodies deliberating on disarmament issues and assess trends in disarmament and security.
In his initial proposals, the Secretary-General envisages a cut of 17 posts in the section, lowering them to 264. The funds sought for the section almost total $61 million.
Section 3 -- Peacekeeping Operations and Special Missions
The Department of Peacekeeping Operations deals with the medium-term plan's programme on peacekeeping by managing them; providing administrative and logistic support; and by maintaining a flexible capacity to undertake peacekeeping and other operations. Included in the section are the first two
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operations, United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) and United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), established in 1948 and 1949, respectively, which continue to be paid for from the regular budget.
The Secretary-General's initial budget proposals reflect a cut of 70 posts, 33 of which are temporary, to bring the total for the Department to 359. The money allotted to the section is about $99.5 million. But the total resources sought under the regular budget do not reflect the full requirements for work in the section. For instance, the Secretary-General will continue seeking additional staff for the Department through the separately financed support account for peacekeeping operations.
Commenting on Section 3, on peacekeeping and special missions, in chapter II of its report on the budget (document A/52/7, Chap. II, Part II), the ACABQ recalls that the resources for the section had been cut mainly because funds for ad hoc missions have been provided only for the period from 1 January to 31 March 1998. The missions are undertaken at the request of the Security Council, the General Assembly, governments or at the Secretary- General's initiative. For example, $7.9 million has been requested for the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) through March 1998. Since the mission might continue through the year 2000, the ACABQ expects the budget to provide for that eventuality. It expresses regret that the Secretary-General has not followed the recommended procedure in this case.
The ACABQ understands that similar missions are expected in the near future at a likely cost of $21 million, which would be financed in accordance with Assembly resolution 41/213 of December 1986, which established the budgetary process. Such missions have included the United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan, the International Civilian Mission in Haiti, the Political Office for Somalia and the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region of Central Africa.
Section 4: Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
The Office for Outer Space Affairs implements Programme 3, Peaceful uses of outer space, of the medium-term plan, and services the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and its subcommittees. It also serves as a focal point for coordinating space activities among the United Nations specialized agencies and other international organizations. It aims to ensure that the benefits of space work are available to all, particularly developing countries. The Secretary-General's initial budget proposal includes the abolition of one General Service post. About $4.4 million is requested.
The CPC recommends the approval of the programme narratives of Sections 2 and 3, with some modifications. That of Section 4 could be approved as currently written.
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Statements on Joint Inspection Unit
KHALIL OTHMAN, JIU Chairman, said a number of delegations had expressed support for the Unit as the Organization's only system-wide oversight body. In recognition of the Organization's overall financial constraints, the Unit had proposed a negative budget. At the same time, he was aware of the concern expressed by several countries that the work of the JIU should not be negatively affected. The proposed negative growth budget was a reflection of enhanced working methods.
The Unit was concentrating on specific priority areas, including managerial issues, but its work programme was not "written in stone"; it was subject to revisions as needed by Member States, he said. The length of time needed to prepare reports varied depending on the scope of the subject. Frequently, the Unit's inspectors worked on several projects at once. One delegation had suggested that since the JIU was considered by the Fifth Committee biennially, its reports should also be issued biennially. However, other participating bodies considered the reports annually. Meetings with other oversight bodies had been tremendously successful and useful.
Good research officers were needed for the Unit's secretariat and staff, he said. They should understand the United Nations system thoroughly, and have full command of computer and information technology as well as other research capabilities. The Unit could have a core staff and depend on short- term staff with specializations directly related to specific reports. Regarding higher level professionals, the rules permitted the Unit to recruit system-wide, but the reality was very different.
The Unit had considered the United Nations Logistics Base at Brindisi, Italy, in a broader manner than had the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), he said. The Unit had considered the Base in the context of downsizing and closing missions, since all matériel that went to Brindisi was the result of downsizing and closing. It had also considered the Base itself, and the overall responsibility of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations.
How could the Unit's efficiency be improved? he asked. The JIU had done its part and would continue to do so. He hoped that in the future, the Unit would be given better quality resources. Member States must act on the reports; the Unit made suggestions, Member States made decisions. He hoped that Member States would send a clear message to the legislative bodies of participating organizations to ensure implementation of recommendations. Regarding the follow-up system recommended by the Unit, he said tracking follow-up was the most important part.
THOMAS REPASCH (United States) said his delegation was concerned about the Unit's ability to conduct comprehensive and methodologically sophisticated reviews. Regarding the proposed review of the performance appraisal system, would the Unit be able to access data? If not, the Unit's efforts would yield
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better results in another area. The Unit should not duplicate recent work of the (OIOS). What criteria would be used to evaluate bodies in the system? he asked.
Some reports did not include recommendations, and the recommendations in other reports were simply informative, he said. Such reports obviously did not require monitoring of implementation. How would such reports be dealt with in the proposed tracking system? he asked. Other reports contained recommendations that were far too broad to call for action. The Unit must direct its recommendations towards clear, specific and realistic goals. It should establish meaningful data fields and realistic timetables. Recommendations did not have equal weight; the Unit must prioritize its recommendations, particularly those with cost implications.
Mr. OTHMAN said he would not comment in detail regarding specific reports, since the investigations mentioned would be undertaken by Inspectors other than himself. The report on the performance appraisal system would be confined to the Secretariat. In a previous report on the appraisal system, the Unit had considered five different appraisal systems that had been applied over the years.
Turning to the follow-up system, he said that the United States' representative had mentioned points that were in line with the Unit's priorities. For example, the JIU was working towards making its recommendations more specific and relevant. It was important to note which recommendations were accepted and which rejected by legislative bodies of participating organizations. When the Unit's recommendations were rejected, the reasons should be made known. When accepted, participating organizations should indentify to the unit the officials who would be responsible for implementation. The Unit looked to Member States for feedback.
Statements on Budget Section on Overall Policy-Making
JEAN-PIERRE HALBWACHS, United Nations Controller, responding to a question posed at a previous meeting by Thailand's representative, said that the President of the General Assembly was provided with a full-time spokesperson, security officers, drivers, a secretary and other staffing from the General Assembly Affairs Division. He was also provided with hospitality funds, an office suite for himself and his staff, and transportation, when required. The Secretariat was proposing an annual budget of some $250,000 for the provision of support to the Office of the President.
Responding to past questions on the level proposed for the Secretary of the Board of Auditors, he said the Secretariat was only seeking to restore it to the level of Principal Officer (D-1), due to the functions performed by the incumbent. The Secretaries of the JIU and of similar bodies were, for instance, occupying positions at the Director level (D-2). The guidelines on the recruitment of gratis personnel loaned to the Organization were being
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reviewed and could be issued next week, along with other related reports. The writing of the document on the phasing out of such personnel was a complex undertaking, but it was being hastened for an intended submission before the end of the year.
MARTA PEÑA (Mexico) said she endorsed the recommendations of the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC) on Section 1 of the budget. She attached great importance to the CPC continuing its sessions, as provided for in the resolutions establishing the Committee.
ANUSON CHINVANNO (Thailand) welcomed the information from the Controller, adding that that was why he felt the Office of the President should have been accorded a separate subsection in the budget. That would prevent the recurrence of requests for additional information from the Controller.
DULCE BUERGO RODRIGUEZ (Cuba) expressed concern at the cuts proposed for several items in the section on overall policy-making, direction and coordination. She sought explanations for the abolitions and interchanges of some posts in the section. Such information should be provided as a conference room paper that could be used in informal consultations. She supported the comments of the ACABQ on the transfer of some $3.5 million related to the servicing of the General Assembly. The ACABQ had expressed hope that the amounts would be used wholly for the Assembly's needs and their use monitored.
She sought information on the proposals for an Office of External Relations under the Office of the Secretary-General and on the functions it would serve. Similarly, explanations should be provided on the proposal to spend some money to hire outside expertise to advise the Secretary-General on several questions.
HUMAYUN KABIR (Bangladesh) said he welcomed the allotment of travel resources for representatives from each of the least developed countries to attend the Assembly. The CPC played an important part in the budgeting process, and should be provided with adequate resources to fulfil its mandated role. The section's provision for travel funds for the Committee was reasonable. While noting the Secretary-General's broad range of responsibilities, it was difficult to accept the request for increased resources for outside experts to provide him with independent advice. Regarding the reclassification of two positions, he asked what would be their additional responsibilities? He said regular funding should be used to strengthen the Office of the President of the General Assembly.
AMJAD HUSSAIN SIAL (Pakistan) expressed appreciation for the information provided by the United Nations Controller on the issuance of reports on gratis personnel. Reports should be submitted on time to be considered by the ACABQ. The issue of gratis personnel and reduction of staff must be considered together.
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Mr. HALBWACHS, United Nations Controller, said the papers requested could be made available. Regarding uniform vacancy rates, he had thought the matter had been explained in his introductory statement. In the past, Section 1 included resources earmarked for a number of areas, largely in the form of temporary assistance. For better presentation, the Secretariat had thought that such resources should be reflected in the sections of the offices concerned. On the reclassification of posts, he said the Secretary-General had reorganized his Office and reduced staff, but felt that two posts at the D-2 level were needed.
Ms. BUERGO RODRIGUEZ (Cuba) reiterated her question relating to the posts proposed for abolition. As of what date would they be vacant?
IBRAHIM ELMONTASER (Libya) said that Member States had the right to determine the expenses of the Board of Auditors. The high cost of external consultants should encourage the use of consultancies available within the Organization. He asked whether it was necessary to use expensive external consultancies.
Mr. HALBWACHS, United Nations Controller, said the Assembly had the right to monitor the expenses of the Board of Auditors, since it had elected and paid for them. There were no internal consultants in the Organization, only external. They were "one-shot affairs" brought in to provide services for which there were no long-term provisions.
Statements on Sections: Political Affairs, Peacekeeping, Outer Space
CONRAD MSELLE, ACABQ Chairman, introduced the Committee's report on the sections, starting with Section 2, Political affairs. The ACABQ, he said, had called for further coordination between the Department of Political Affairs and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. But, it had been informed that it would be impossible to avoid completely some duplication and that the principle of comparative advantage was being applied. The Committee was further told that regular coordination meetings at all levels took place between the two departments. There were proposals to abolish three Professional posts at the P-5 level approved for the regional disarmament centres in Kathmandu, Lomé and Lima. The ACABQ stated that the proposal to abolish them should be brought to the attention of the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security).
Regarding Section 3, Peacekeeping operations and special missions, he said the implications of phasing out gratis personnel should be stated. Noting that the Situation Centre had no regular budget posts, the ACABQ restated that its operation should be evaluated and its resource requirements reflected in the Secretary-General's next budget on the support account for peacekeeping operations.
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Mr. CHINVANNO (Thailand), CPC Vice-Chairman, introduced the comments of that Committee on the relevant budget sections.
PETER MADDENS (Belgium), spoke for the European Union and associated States -- Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Cyprus. The fact that only 0.5 per cent of the total budget resources was earmarked for the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) was of major concern. The Secretary-General should provide full cost presentations which would include funding needs for all needed posts. The Assembly had taken a decision on the Organization's future use of gratis personnel. The practice should be phased out in an orderly fashion so as not to affect negatively the Organization's activities. He asked the Department to provide a budget and restructuring plan.
Regarding the Lessons Learned Unit and the Situations Centre, partial financing through the regular budget should be considered, given their importance, he said. Rapid deployment capabilities should be strengthened. He welcomed information on the upcoming issuance of the report on the matter. Funding special missions through the regular budget should be considered.
GABRIELLE DUSCHNER (Canada) said she shared the concerns expressed by the European Union on the delay in submitting funding proposals for a rapid deployable mission headquarters. The early establishment of such a small headquarters would enhance the Organization's ability to respond rapidly to situations in the field. Once established, the Fifth Committee should ensure that the headquarters was provided with regular and predictable resources.
MR. KABIR (Bangladesh) said he was not sure that the Secretary-General's proposal to merge six divisions into four in Section 2, Political affairs, would improve efficiency. Provisions for electoral assistance should be strengthened. As many electoral assistance missions as possible should be funded from the regular budget, not with extrabudgetary resources. The 1996- 1997 level of resources should be provided for the disarmament programme in the next biennium. It was hard to accept the need to abolish one Professional post at the P-3 level in the subprogramme on the question of Palestine. He agreed with the ACABQ that the proposed abolition of three P-5 posts from regional disarmament centres in Kathmandu, Lomé and Lima be referred to the First Committee.
The request for nearly $500,000 for maintaining vehicles should be accompanied by details on why such amounts were needed, he continued.
HUGO SAGUIER CABALLERO (Paraguay), speaking for the Rio Group, reiterated the Group's support for the subprogramme on decolonization, and the work of the Special Committee on decolonization. Necessary resources should be assigned to strengthen the subprogramme until the Special Committee had completed its mandate. The 1996-1997 budget's allocations for the programme on disarmament should, at least, be maintained, including the scholarship programme.
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On the question of peacekeeping operations funded from the regular budget, he said that the maintenance of international peace and security should not be pursued at the expense of development-related work. Expressing concern at the preponderance of gratis personnel in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, he said none of the personnel in the Situation Room was paid from the regular budget. It was also a cause for concern that estimates had not been submitted for peacekeeping missions that would continue through 1998 and 1999.
TRYGGVE GJESDAL (Norway) said maintenance of international peace and security remained a core priority. The Organization's ability in the area must be strengthened. More than half of the resources for maintaining international peace and security were to be delivered through extrabudgetary resources and use of gratis personnel. Resource needs for peacekeeping should, to the largest extent possible, be funded through regular budgeting. A number of peacekeeping posts should be made permanent, and funded through the regular budget. He asked which posts would be deemed a priority if funding were made available. No provision had been made for special missions that were not yet mandated. That decision should be rethought.
MR. CHINVANNO (Thailand) said the primary function of the Department of Political Affairs was to provide advice and support to the Secretary-General. That was perhaps the Department's most important function. Efforts should be focused on preventive diplomacy to resolve potential conflicts before they escalated and had to be dealt with by peacekeeping operations. Preventive diplomacy and peacekeeping was the most important way the Organization contributed to the maintenance of international peace and security. He supported strengthening coordination between the Organization and regional bodies in the settlement of conflicts.
Reducing the number of regional divisions in the Department should not adversely affect its ability to carry out preventive diplomacy, he said. He noted with satisfaction the Secretary-General's confirmation that the substantive responsibilities of the decolonization programme would be maintained in the Department.
LINDA SHENWICK (United States) said that Section 2 of the budget would be subject to changes pending the discussion in the plenary. Her delegation was concerned about the mix of posts to be funded from the regular budget. Some core functions were financed through the support account. Posts funded by the regular budget should be core posts and not backstopping posts.
The Organization either suppressed or deployed funds, she said. What was the meaning of "relinquishing" funds in the budgetary context? The Secretariat seemed to be taking funds line-itemed for one activity and changing their use. She was also concerned about the introduction of a new terminology.
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She said she supported the use of gratis personnel in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. She asked questions concerning provision for furniture and translation. What was the plan for the long-term use of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) building? she asked. The resource arrangements between the Organization and the Brindisi Base was unclear. She asked for an explanation of the logistical capacities of the Organization.
SYED MORTEZA MIR MOHAMMAD (Iran) said he shared the queries and comments made this morning by the Chairman of the ACABQ on disarmament, on gratis personnel and on consultants. He also supported the views of the CPC on the programmatic aspects of the budget sections.
WEN CHIN POWLES (New Zealand) said her delegation supported the efforts of the representative of Papua New Guinea to ensure support for the work on decolonization, as witnessed recently in the Secretary-General's letter. Since she supported the Secretary-General's undertaking, she would not seek to engage in micro-management.
Ms. BUERGO RODRIGUEZ (Cuba) said the attention of the First Committee should be called to the Secretary-General's proposal to eliminate some disarmament centres. She supported the scholarship programme for disarmament, which should be retained in the 1998-1999 budget. She attached great importance to the work of the Special Committee on decolonization and reiterated her delegation's support for work in that area. Adequate resources should be provided for the work in the field of decolonization. She was concerned about the delays in drawing up the Repertory of Practice of United Nations Organs, and resources for such work should be provided. The Secretariat should explain why Spanish had not been included in plans to translate some documents such as the Disarmament Yearbook and official records of the Security Council.
She supported the conclusions and recommendations of the CPC and expressed hope that gratis personnel loaned to the Organization would be phased out as soon as possible. She would expand on her comments during informal consultations on the budget.
REGINA EMERSON (Portugal) expressed support for the subprogramme on decolonization and the work of the Special Committee on decolonization. Referring to the exchange of letters between the Secretary-General and the Chairman of that Committee, she welcomed the fact that some compromise had been reached on provision for work in the field of decolonization.
ZSOLT HETESY (Hungary) associated his delegation with the statement made by the representative of Belgium, on behalf of the European Union and other States.
TAMMAM SULAIMAN (Syria) sought clarifications as to why the issuance of the Arabic and Chinese versions of publications such as the Repertoire of
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Practice of the Security Council, the Repertory of Practice of United Nations Organs and official records of the Security Council would take three years to complete.
Mr. SIAL (Pakistan) said that the number of fellowships for disarmament had been reduced and he hoped that those fellowships would be restored. He noted that there was a proposal to reduce 62 posts in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, while reference was made to the provision of 134 gratis personnel in a footnote in the budget section of that Department. Reductions of mission staff should be accompanied by justification. The Secretariat should provide information on how reductions in staff would not affect implementation of mandated activities.
ZHANG WANHAI (China) agreed with the conclusions and recommendations of the CPC and the ACABQ on Sections 2 and 3. Like the Advisory Committee, the Chinese delegation was concerned about the late issuance of certain documents. For example, translation into the Arabic language had in some cases been delayed by years. Regarding funds for replacing "obsolete equipment", he asked what was considered "obsolete".
Mr. REPASCH (United States) said the existing resource level of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, if managed well, was sufficient to provide support for the United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE III). He asked the basis of the ACABQ's statement that more had been programmed and more reports projected than could be easily implemented. All efforts should be made to keep the costs of UNISPACE III within existing resources.
RAJAT SAHA (India) asked for clarification regarding the Secretariat's withdrawal of a proposed professional level post for the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). Had travel arrangements been adjusted accordingly?
Mr. HALBWACHS, United Nations Controller, said that certain regional divisions in the Department of Political Affairs had been merged to make the office more manageable. Temporary posts had been created in 1993 to respond to developments prevailing at that time. In light of contemporary realities, those posts should now be made permanent. Regarding the posts for the subprogramme on the question of Palestine, he said that the Assembly had mandated a budget that required post reductions. A number of posts had been kept vacant. The work in that area had continued despite a post being kept vacant.
Fellowships for disarmament were being restored to the 1995 level, he continued. Currently, he said he had no further information concerning publications backlog. Regarding consultants for the Department of Political Affairs, he said that the Department required legal expertise.
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The rapid deployment force had to be considered in the context of the phasing out of gratis personnel, he said. A separate report on rapid deployment would not be issued. While provisions in the budget outline had been made for special missions not yet mandated, the Assembly had not agreed to it. Demobilization required highly specialized expertise which was not needed on a long-term basis; therefore, consultants were required.
Responding to questions on equipment and vehicles, he said that the background could not be included in the budget for practical reasons, but that details had been provided to the ACABQ. There were no funds in the regular budget for the logistics base at Brindisi or Pisa, Italy. Increased contractual services reflected the need to compensate for cuts taken in the current biennium. Furniture was considered obsolete according to the Organization's "policy of replacement".
MR. SULAIMAN (Syria) said the Controller should revert, at a later stage, to issues such as the cuts proposed from (UNTSO). The meaning of the term "streamlining", as it related to budget programmes, should be explained. The Controller should also present more convincing arguments on how the Secretariat intended to handle the subprogramming on the question of Palestine in the budget.
Ms. SHENWICK (United States) said $56 million had been relinquished from the budgetary provisions for international peace and security. The Secretary- General's proposal to include $70 million for peacekeeping missions in the outline for the 1998-1999 budget, was not supported by Member States. Despite that development, some $56 million, which was a "lot of money, even for Mr. [Ted] Turner", had been included in the previous regular budget. She did not understand why those funds, which could have served as base amount, were transferred from peacekeeping to other budget sections. Even though no mandate had been approved for missions beyond March 1998, the base amount meant for them should not have been transferred elsewhere.
PRAYONO ATIYANTO (Indonesia) said the Committee should spend more time on several questions related to the budget, such as the subprogramme on the question of Palestine. More time should be devoted to discussing various programmes in budget Sections 2, 3 and 4.
Mr. HALBWACHS, United Nations Controller, said the Secretary-General had last year proposed the inclusion of $70 million for anticipated peacekeeping mission in the outline for the 1998-1999 budget. But, the Assembly removed that provision and asked the Secretariat to live within a ceiling set by the outline. All the Secretariat had done was to propose budgetary allocations on the basis of Assembly decisions.
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GAAB3182.P2
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Committee Work Programme
The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) met this morning to conclude its discussion on the reports of the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU). It is also expected to continue its first reading of the budget, which involves a section-by-section consideration of the proposed 1998-1999 budget.
In continuing the first reading today, the Fifth Committee is scheduled to continue discussing Section 1: Overall policy-making, direction and coordination; and begin Section 2: Political affairs; Section 3: Peacekeeping operations; and Section 4: Peaceful uses of outer space.
The Secretary-General's initial budget proposals are contained in two volumes of programme narratives, numbers and tables (document A/52/6/Rev.1, Vols. I and II). The accompanying views of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) on individual sections of the initial proposals are contained in separate parts of Chapter II of its first report on the proposed 1998-1999 budget (document A/52/7 Chapter II, Parts I-XII). The comments of the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC) are contained in the report of its thirty-seventh session (document A/52/16).
(For background on the JIU reports, see Press Release GA/AB/3172 of 22 October; on Section 1 of the budget, see Press Release GA/AB/3181 of 31 October.)
Section 2 -- Political Affairs
The Department of Political Affairs is responsible for Programmes 1, Political affairs, and 26, Disarmament, of the medium-term plan for the biennium 1998-2001. In implementing the first programme, the Department supports the Secretary-General's effort to carry out mandates in preventing, controlling and resolving conflicts, providing electoral assistance and in servicing the Assembly, the Security Council and their subsidiaries. It also services the Special Committee on decolonization and the Committee on the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. As for disarmament, the Centre for Disarmament will support multilateral bodies deliberating on disarmament issues and assess trends in disarmament and security.
In his initial proposals, the Secretary-General envisages a cut of 17 posts in the section, lowering them to 264. The funds sought for the section almost total $61 million.
Section 3 -- Peacekeeping Operations and Special Missions
The Department of Peacekeeping Operations deals with the medium-term plan's programme on peacekeeping by managing them; providing administrative and logistic support; and by maintaining a flexible capacity to undertake peacekeeping and other operations. Included in the section are the first two
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operations, United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) and United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), established in 1948 and 1949, respectively, which continue to be paid for from the regular budget.
The Secretary-General's initial budget proposals reflect a cut of 70 posts, 33 of which are temporary, to bring the total for the Department to 359. The money allotted to the section is about $99.5 million. But the total resources sought under the regular budget do not reflect the full requirements for work in the section. For instance, the Secretary-General will continue seeking additional staff for the Department through the separately financed support account for peacekeeping operations.
Commenting on Section 3, on peacekeeping and special missions, in chapter II of its report on the budget (document A/52/7, Chap. II, Part II), the ACABQ recalls that the resources for the section had been cut mainly because funds for ad hoc missions have been provided only for the period from 1 January to 31 March 1998. The missions are undertaken at the request of the Security Council, the General Assembly, governments or at the Secretary- General's initiative. For example, $7.9 million has been requested for the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) through March 1998. Since the mission might continue through the year 2000, the ACABQ expects the budget to provide for that eventuality. It expresses regret that the Secretary-General has not followed the recommended procedure in this case.
The ACABQ understands that similar missions are expected in the near future at a likely cost of $21 million, which would be financed in accordance with Assembly resolution 41/213 of December 1986, which established the budgetary process. Such missions have included the United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan, the International Civilian Mission in Haiti, the Political Office for Somalia and the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region of Central Africa.
Section 4: Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
The Office for Outer Space Affairs implements Programme 3, Peaceful uses of outer space, of the medium-term plan, and services the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and its subcommittees. It also serves as a focal point for coordinating space activities among the United Nations specialized agencies and other international organizations. It aims to ensure that the benefits of space work are available to all, particularly developing countries. The Secretary-General's initial budget proposal includes the abolition of one General Service post. About $4.4 million is requested.
The CPC recommends the approval of the programme narratives of Sections 2 and 3, with some modifications. That of Section 4 could be approved as currently written.
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Statements on Joint Inspection Unit
KHALIL OTHMAN, JIU Chairman, said a number of delegations had expressed support for the Unit as the Organization's only system-wide oversight body. In recognition of the Organization's overall financial constraints, the Unit had proposed a negative budget. At the same time, he was aware of the concern expressed by several countries that the work of the JIU should not be negatively affected. The proposed negative growth budget was a reflection of enhanced working methods.
The Unit was concentrating on specific priority areas, including managerial issues, but its work programme was not "written in stone"; it was subject to revisions as needed by Member States, he said. The length of time needed to prepare reports varied depending on the scope of the subject. Frequently, the Unit's inspectors worked on several projects at once. One delegation had suggested that since the JIU was considered by the Fifth Committee biennially, its reports should also be issued biennially. However, other participating bodies considered the reports annually. Meetings with other oversight bodies had been tremendously successful and useful.
Good research officers were needed for the Unit's secretariat and staff, he said. They should understand the United Nations system thoroughly, and have full command of computer and information technology as well as other research capabilities. The Unit could have a core staff and depend on short- term staff with specializations directly related to specific reports. Regarding higher level professionals, the rules permitted the Unit to recruit system-wide, but the reality was very different.
The Unit had considered the United Nations Logistics Base at Brindisi, Italy, in a broader manner than had the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), he said. The Unit had considered the Base in the context of downsizing and closing missions, since all matériel that went to Brindisi was the result of downsizing and closing. It had also considered the Base itself, and the overall responsibility of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations.
How could the Unit's efficiency be improved? he asked. The JIU had done its part and would continue to do so. He hoped that in the future, the Unit would be given better quality resources. Member States must act on the reports; the Unit made suggestions, Member States made decisions. He hoped that Member States would send a clear message to the legislative bodies of participating organizations to ensure implementation of recommendations. Regarding the follow-up system recommended by the Unit, he said tracking follow-up was the most important part.
THOMAS REPASCH (United States) said his delegation was concerned about the Unit's ability to conduct comprehensive and methodologically sophisticated reviews. Regarding the proposed review of the performance appraisal system,
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would the Unit be able to access data? If not, the Unit's efforts would yield better results in another area. The Unit should not duplicate recent work of the (OIOS). What criteria would be used to evaluate bodies in the system? he asked.
Some reports did not include recommendations, and the recommendations in other reports were simply informative, he said. Such reports obviously did not require monitoring of implementation. How would such reports be dealt with in the proposed tracking system? he asked. Other reports contained recommendations that were far too broad to call for action. The Unit must direct its recommendations towards clear, specific and realistic goals. It should establish meaningful data fields and realistic timetables. Recommendations did not have equal weight; the Unit must prioritize its recommendations, particularly those with cost implications.
Mr. OTHMAN said he would not comment in detail regarding specific reports, since the investigations mentioned would be undertaken by Inspectors other than himself. The report on the performance appraisal system would be confined to the Secretariat. In a previous report on the appraisal system, the Unit had considered five different appraisal systems that had been applied over the years.
Turning to the follow-up system, he said that the United States' representative had mentioned points that were in line with the Unit's priorities. For example, the JIU was working towards making its recommendations more specific and relevant. It was important to note which recommendations were accepted and which rejected by legislative bodies of participating organizations. When the Unit's recommendations were rejected, the reasons should be made known. When accepted, participating organizations should indentify to the unit the officials who would be responsible for implementation. The Unit looked to Member States for feedback.
Statements on Budget Section on Overall Policy-Making
JEAN-PIERRE HALBWACHS, United Nations Controller, responding to a question posed at a previous meeting by Thailand's representative, said that the President of the General Assembly was provided with a full-time spokesperson, security officers, drivers, a secretary and other staffing from the General Assembly Affairs Division. He was also provided with hospitality funds, an office suite for himself and his staff, and transportation, when required. The Secretariat was proposing an annual budget of some $250,000 for the provision of support to the Office of the President.
Responding to past questions on the level proposed for the Secretary of the Board of Auditors, he said the Secretariat was only seeking to restore it to the level of Principal Officer (D-1), due to the functions performed by the incumbent. The Secretaries of the JIU and of similar bodies were, for instance, occupying positions at the Director level (D-2). The guidelines on
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the recruitment of gratis personnel loaned to the Organization were being reviewed and could be issued next week, along with other related reports. The writing of the document on the phasing out of such personnel was a complex undertaking, but it was being hastened for an intended submission before the end of the year.
MARTA PEÑA (Mexico) said she endorsed the recommendations of the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC) on Section 1 of the budget. She attached great importance to the CPC continuing its sessions, as provided for in the resolutions establishing the Committee.
ANUSON CHINVANNO (Thailand) welcomed the information from the Controller, adding that that was why he felt the Office of the President should have been accorded a separate subsection in the budget. That would prevent the recurrence of requests for additional information from the Controller.
DULCE BUERGO RODRIGUEZ (Cuba) expressed concern at the cuts proposed for several items in the section on overall policy-making, direction and coordination. She sought explanations for the abolitions and interchanges of some posts in the section. Such information should be provided as a conference room paper that could be used in informal consultations. She supported the comments of the ACABQ on the transfer of some $3.5 million related to the servicing of the General Assembly. The ACABQ had expressed hope that the amounts would be used wholly for the Assembly's needs and their use monitored.
She sought information on the proposals for an Office of External Relations under the Office of the Secretary-General and on the functions it would serve. Similarly, explanations should be provided on the proposal to spend some money to hire outside expertise to advise the Secretary-General on several questions.
HUMAYUN KABIR (Bangladesh) said he welcomed the allotment of travel resources for representatives from each of the least developed countries to attend the Assembly. The CPC played an important part in the budgeting process, and should be provided with adequate resources to fulfil its mandated role. The section's provision for travel funds for the Committee was reasonable. While noting the Secretary-General's broad range of responsibilities, it was difficult to accept the request for increased resources for outside experts to provide him with independent advice. Regarding the reclassification of two positions, he asked what would be their additional responsibilities? He said regular funding should be used to strengthen the Office of the President of the General Assembly.
AMJAD HUSSAIN SIAL (Pakistan) expressed appreciation for the information provided by the United Nations Controller on the issuance of reports on gratis personnel. Reports should be submitted on time to be considered by the ACABQ.
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The issue of gratis personnel and reduction of staff must be considered together. Mr. HALBWACHS, United Nations Controller, said the papers requested could be made available. Regarding uniform vacancy rates, he had thought the matter had been explained in his introductory statement. In the past, Section 1 included resources earmarked for a number of areas, largely in the form of temporary assistance. For better presentation, the Secretariat had thought that such resources should be reflected in the sections of the offices concerned. On the reclassification of posts, he said the Secretary-General had reorganized his Office and reduced staff, but felt that two posts at the D-2 level were needed.
Ms. BUERGO RODRIGUEZ (Cuba) reiterated her question relating to the posts proposed for abolition. As of what date would they be vacant?
IBRAHIM ELMONTASER (Libya) said that Member States had the right to determine the expenses of the Board of Auditors. The high cost of external consultants should encourage the use of consultancies available within the Organization. He asked whether it was necessary to use expensive external consultancies.
Mr. HALBWACHS, United Nations Controller, said the Assembly had the right to monitor the expenses of the Board of Auditors, since it had elected and paid for them. There were no internal consultants in the Organization, only external. They were "one-shot affairs" brought in to provide services for which there were no long-term provisions.
Statements on Sections: Political Affairs, Peacekeeping, Outer Space
CONRAD MSELLE, ACABQ Chairman, introduced the Committee's report on the sections, starting with Section 2, Political affairs. The ACABQ, he said, had called for further coordination between the Department of Political Affairs and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. But, it had been informed that it would be impossible to avoid completely some duplication and that the principle of comparative advantage was being applied. The Committee was further told that regular coordination meetings at all levels took place between the two departments. There were proposals to abolish three Professional posts at the P-5 level approved for the regional disarmament centres in Kathmandu, Lomé and Lima. The ACABQ stated that the proposal to abolish them should be brought to the attention of the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security).
Regarding Section 3, Peacekeeping operations and special missions, he said the implications of phasing out gratis personnel should be stated. Noting that the Situation Centre had no regular budget posts, the ACABQ restated that its operation should be evaluated and its resource requirements reflected in the Secretary-General's next budget on the support account for peacekeeping operations.
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Mr. CHINVANNO (Thailand), CPC Vice-Chairman, introduced the comments of that Committee on the relevant budget sections.
PETER MADDENS (Belgium), spoke for the European Union and associated States -- Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Cyprus. The fact that only 0.5 per cent of the total budget resources was earmarked for the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) was of major concern. The Secretary-General should provide full cost presentations which would include funding needs for all needed posts. The Assembly had taken a decision on the Organization's future use of gratis personnel. The practice should be phased out in an orderly fashion so as not to affect negatively the Organization's activities. He asked the Department to provide a budget and restructuring plan.
Regarding the Lessons Learned Unit and the Situations Centre, partial financing through the regular budget should be considered, given their importance, he said. Rapid deployment capabilities should be strengthened. He welcomed information on the upcoming issuance of the report on the matter. Funding special missions through the regular budget should be considered.
GABRIELLE DUSCHNER (Canada) said she shared the concerns expressed by the European Union on the delay in submitting funding proposals for a rapid deployable mission headquarters. The early establishment of such a small headquarters would enhance the Organization's ability to respond rapidly to situations in the field. Once established, the Fifth Committee should ensure that the headquarters was provided with regular and predictable resources.
MR. KABIR (Bangladesh) said he was not sure that the Secretary-General's proposal to merge six divisions into four in Section 2, Political affairs, would improve efficiency. Provisions for electoral assistance should be strengthened. As many electoral assistance missions as possible should be funded from the regular budget, not with extrabudgetary resources. The 1996- 1997 level of resources should be provided for the disarmament programme in the next biennium. It was hard to accept the need to abolish one Professional post at the P-3 level in the subprogramme on the question of Palestine. He agreed with the ACABQ that the proposed abolition of three P-5 posts from regional disarmament centres in Kathmandu, Lomé and Lima be referred to the First Committee.
The request for nearly $500,000 for maintaining vehicles should be accompanied by details on why such amounts were needed, he continued.
HUGO SAGUIER CABALLERO (Paraguay), speaking for the Rio Group, reiterated the Group's support for the subprogramme on decolonization, and the work of the Special Committee on decolonization. Necessary resources should be assigned to strengthen the subprogramme until the Special Committee had completed its mandate. The 1996-1997 budget's allocations for the programme on disarmament
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should, at least, be maintained, including the scholarship programme.
On the question of peacekeeping operations funded from the regular budget, he said that the maintenance of international peace and security should not be pursued at the expense of development-related work. Expressing concern at the preponderance of gratis personnel in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations that he said none of the personnel in the Situation Room was paid from the regular budget. There was also some concern regarding the fact that It was also a cause for concern that estimates had not been submitted for peacekeeping missions that would continue through the 1998 and 1999.
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