FIFTH COMMITTEE BEGINS CONSIDERING IMPLICATIONS OF REFORM PROPOSALS ON UNITED NATIONS BUDGET AND PROGRAMMES
Press Release
GA/AB/3201
FIFTH COMMITTEE BEGINS CONSIDERING IMPLICATIONS OF REFORM PROPOSALS ON UNITED NATIONS BUDGET AND PROGRAMMES
19971208 Seabed Authority Recommended For Admission in Joint Staff Pension FundThe overall level of the 1998-1999 budget should be kept below the $2.583 billion proposed by the Secretary-General, the representative of Japan told the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) this afternoon, as it began debating the budgetary and programmatic effects of the Secretary- General's reform proposals.
The point should be observed, he said, even though the final level of resources for the budget was unknown, since requirements for special missions and adjustments for inflation and currency fluctuations had not been taken into account. He had earlier noted that some $2.63 billion had been recommended by the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ).
In introducing the ACABQ's views on the implications of reform proposals, its Chairman, Conrad Mselle, said that whether the Secretary- General's or the Advisory Committee's overall figures were considered, the amount to be assessed on Member States would virtually be the same -- about $2.214 billion, which was the proposed net expenditure.
The Decolonization Unit should be reinstated in the Department of Political Affairs, and given adequate funds to function properly, in line with the Organization's medium-term plan, Grenada's representative said. That view was reiterated by several delegations, who stressed the importance of the Unit's work.
Also this afternoon, the Committee recommended that the Assembly approve the admission of the International Seabed Authority into the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, with effect from 1 January 1998. According to the Secretary of the Joint Staff Pension Board, Raymond Gieri, should the Assembly do so, the Authority would become the Fund's twentieth member organization.
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The representatives of Papua New Guinea (on behalf of the Chairman of the Special Committee on decolonization), Belgium (on behalf of the European Union), Norway, Russian Federation, Syria, Mexico, Grenada, United States, Iraq, Cuba, Bolivia and Jamaica made statements.
United Nations Controller, Jean-Pierre Halbwachs, introduced the Secretary-General's report on programmatic and financial implications of the proposed reforms. The Vice-Chairman of the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC), Anuson Chinvanno (Thailand), introduced the CPC's report. The Secretary of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Board, Raymond Gieri, also spoke.
The Fifth Committee is scheduled to meet again at 10 a.m., tomorrow, 9 December, to continue discussing questions related to the proposed 1998-1999 budget, particularly the costs of draft resolutions and decisions, and human resources management.
Committee Work Programme
The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) met this afternoon to take up the implications of the Secretary-General's reform proposals on the proposed 1998-1999 budget and the admission of the International Seabed Authority into the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund.
Implications of Reform Proposals on Proposed Budget
The Secretary-General's report on the financial and programmatic implications of his proposals (document A/52/303) will be considered in the context of the proposed budget. Subsequent letters from General Assembly President Hennadiy Udovenko (documents A/C.5/52/20 and A/C.5/52/27) asked the Committee to examine the reforms and their budgetary impact as a priority.
In considering the Secretary-General's report, the Committee would take into account the second budget report of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) (document A/52/7/Add.1) and a report from the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC) (document A/52/16/Add.1).
Also before the Committee are the Secretary-General's July report on the reform proposals (document A/51/950 and Corr.1 (A) and Add. 1-6). (For background, see press releases SG/2037-ORG/1239 of 16 July and GA/9354 of 12 November.)
The Secretary-General's reform measures and proposals and their effects on the budget sections are highlighted below. (For overall information, see Press Release GA/AB/3200 of 5 December.)
Section 1A: Overall Policy-Making, Direction and Coordination
In his revised proposals to the budget, the Secretary-General recalls that he has proposed the establishment of a post of Deputy Secretary-General. The incumbent would be appointed by the Secretary-General for not more than his own term of office, with a salary set at the mid-point between his own and that of the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
In its report, the ACABQ recalls that the proposal for a Deputy Secretary-General has not been acted upon by the Assembly. The ACABQ has been provided with a breakdown of the $621,100 estimated for the office: salary ($421,800), representation allowance ($30,000) and common staff costs ($169,300).
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Section 1B -- General Assembly Affairs/Conference Services
The Secretary-General says the creation of a Department of General Assembly Affairs and Conference Services is to ensure the orderly conduct of the work of the Assembly, its General, First, Second, Third and Fourth Committees. Since the major work of the Department will be the servicing of the Assembly and its Main Committees, the Economic and Social Council and its subsidiary and ad hoc bodies, he proposes to reflect its work under section 1B. The work on Assembly affairs and decolonization previously undertaken by the Department of Political Affairs; the technical secretariat servicing of the Economic and Social Council, formerly provided by the Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development; and the Conference Services component of the Office of Conference and Support Services in the Department of Management will be moved to that budget section.
Overall, The Secretary-General revised proposals would provide some $458.1 million and 1,868 posts for the subsection.
In its report, the ACABQ says it was informed that the servicing of the Fifth and Sixth Committees would not be undertaken by that Department. It recommends that those arrangements be reviewed since the distinction between the servicing arrangements for those two committees and the other Main Committees was not made clear; and rationalizing such arrangements could cut costs.
The CPC noted the information on the section and draws the Assembly's attention to the variations between the medium-term plan and the Secretary-General's proposals.
Section 2A -- Political Affairs
In his report, the Secretary-General initially says that activities under General Assembly affairs and those related to decolonization will be carried out by the new Department of General Assembly Affairs and Conference Services under section 1B of the budget. Activities under disarmament will be undertaken by the new Department for Disarmament.
In its report on the budgetary implications of the proposed reforms, the ACABQ recalls that, in his letters of 24 and 28 October (documents A/52/521 and A/52/531), the Secretary-General stated that substantive responsibilities for decolonization would be maintained in the Department of Political Affairs and a stand-alone Decolonization Unit established. The ACABQ recommends that the Secretary-General should indicate how resources would be provide for that Unit.
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Noting some of the Secretary-General's proposed changes and consequent decrease in the Department of Political Affairs resources and the declining number of missions to be undertaken by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the ACABQ asked about the effects such a trend would have on the rationale for having two separate departments; an issue the Secretary-General may have to re-examine. In an exchange with the Secretary-General, the ACABQ members were told that the Department of Political Affairs carried out a political and advocacy role, while the Department of Peacekeeping Operations was involved in operational functions. Without questioning the continued existence of the two departments, the ACABQ trusts that efforts will be made to avoid duplication in their work and expressed belief that the efficacy of their continuing separate existence should be kept under review.
Section 2B -- Disarmament
In his report, the Secretary-General recalls that he would create a Department of Disarmament led by an Under-Secretary-General and transfer from the Department of Political Affairs the work on disarmament. Such activities include the servicing of the Conference on Disarmament and supporting the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research. About 40 posts would be transferred from section 2A, Political affairs and some $12.3 million proposed.
The ACABQ does not object to the proposal that the Department be headed by an Under-Secretary-General. The CPC failed to agree on the conclusions and recommendations to relay to the Assembly.
Section 6 -- Office of Legal Affairs
The Secretary-General proposes to reclassify a post at level of Director (D-2) in the Office of the Legal Counsel to the level of Assistant Secretary-General, according to his report.
The ACABQ does not see the need for reclassification.
Section 7A -- Economic and Social Affairs
The Secretary-General's revised proposals consolidate the initial budget sections on policy coordination and sustainable development (section 7), economic and social information and policy analysis (section 9) and development support and management services (section 10) into a single department under the budget section on economic and social affairs. The Department on Economic and Social Affairs would promote sustainable development through an integrated approach to economic, social, environmental, population and gender-related aspects of development. It will provide an institutional structure for promoting international goals and monitoring the
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implementation of the plans of action adopted at United Nations conferences and special sessions of the Assembly.
The staff proposed for the Office of the Under-Secretary-General would include one post each at the following levels: Under-Secretary-General, Assistant Secretary-General, Principal Officer (D-1), P-4, and P-3; two at P-5; and five General Service. Overall, the revisions seek $110.4 million and 516 posts, down from the initial budget proposal of 602.
The ACABQ does not object to the post of Assistant Secretary-General. It expresses similar views on the proposals on other posts for the Department.
After noting the details, the CPC draws the Assembly's attention to some variations between the medium-term plan for 1998-2001 and the Secretary-General's proposals.
Section 14 -- Crime Control
The Secretary-General proposes to reconstitute the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division as the Centre for International Crime Prevention. The Centre and the United Nations International Drug Control Programme will form the new Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention. Emphasis will be placed on the implementation of relevant Assembly decisions, particularly the Declaration on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism and its Supplement. The Centre will support governments' efforts to combat national and transnational crime, corruption, environmental and economic criminality, money laundering, trafficking in women and children and terrorism. The Secretary-General would raise the number of posts in the section slightly to 23, by adding two posts (one each at the P-5 and P-4 levels) to strengthen the capacity to address terrorism-related issues.
The ACABQ does not object to the new posts.
The CPC recommended that the Assembly consider Member States' views found in the CPC report when acting on the Secretary-General's proposals. During CPC discussions, some delegations expressed reservations on the proposal to establish a new Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention. Accepting the Secretary-General's proposal, they stressed, could endanger the Assembly's mandate and Member States' purposes. The establishment of the new Office could only address the drug issue through a crime approach, without paying attention to related social and economic issues.
Section 22 -- Human rights
According to the Secretary-General's report, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner and the Centre for Human Rights are to be
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consolidated into one unit called the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. It would be placed under the new High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The Secretary-General proposes to reclassify the post of the head of the New York Office from the D-1 level to D-2. The incumbent would represent the High Commissioner on the executive committees recently set up by the Secretary-General. Overall, the number of posts would be reduced to 141, from the 143 in his initial budget proposal.
The ACABQ approves the reclassification of the New York Office head to the D-2 level.
The CPC failed to agree on what conclusions or recommendations to relay to the Assembly. During its deliberations, several delegations strongly expressed the view that there was no mandate to integrate/consolidate the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner and the Centre for Human Rights into one unit. That action should not be carried out before the Assembly decided on the issue.
Section 25 -- Humanitarian Assistance
The Secretary-General recalls his decision to establish an Office of the Emergency Relief Coordinator in place of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs. The Coordinator will focus on three functions: policy development in support of the Secretary-General; advocacy of humanitarian issues with the Security Council and humanitarian actors; and coordination of humanitarian emergency response. The Department's operational functions would be distributed to competent United Nations system entities. For example, the humanitarian aspects of demining would be transferred to the Department of Peacekeeping Operations while the coordination of operational work for natural disaster mitigation would be moved to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Secretary-General seeks 50 posts overall, down from the 75 in his initial budget proposals.
The implementation of humanitarian aspects of demining by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations should be monitored carefully, the ACABQ recommends.
The CPC failed to agree on what to relay to the Assembly.
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Section 26 -- Public Information
In his revised proposals, the Secretary-General recalls his intention to transform the Department of Public Information into an Office of Communications and Public Information. To reflect the emphasis given by a task force on DPI to the need for strong central leadership of a united communications function to be placed at the heart of the Organization's strategic management, public information will be reorganized to focus on strengthening communications and outreach services to information re-disseminators, such as the media, non-governmental organizations and educational institutions. He suggests that the Office be led by an Under-Secretary-General who will manage it as the principal strategist for United Nations communications policy. Information centres will be streamlined and administrative posts reduced, the Secretary-General continues. In that regard, he proposes to abolish 51 local level posts, two General Service positions at the New York Information Centres Service, one P-4 and two General Service posts at the Geneva Information Service and one General Service post at the Vienna Information Service. He will also cut five General Service posts in the Dag Hammarskjöld Library.
Overall, the Secretary-General seeks a total of 678 posts, down from 740 in his initial budget proposal. But he asks for $139 million, down from his initially proposed $140.3 million.
The ACABQ agrees with the reclassification of the Assistant Secretary-General post to Under-Secretary-General, according to its report. While not opposing the abolition of posts in this budget section, it states that the Secretariat should ensure that the public information capacity of affected offices is not diminished.
The CPC failed to agree on what conclusions to relay to the Assembly. During its deliberations, many delegates expressed concern that the proposed streamlining would harm the Organization's capacity to fulfil the mandates in that field. Many said they were disappointed with the resources allocated for traditional media, especially radio. Some stressed that they were not in a position to approve the proposal to raise the rank of the Department's head to the level of Under-Secretary-General, due to the United Nations financial crisis.
Section 27A -- Administrative Services
In his revised proposals, the Secretary-General says the new Department of Management will set management policies and oversee the effectiveness of managerial activities throughout the Secretariat. Its structure will include the following: a strategic management policy team consisting of the Under-Secretary-General for Management and the three Assistant
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Secretaries-General, who will form the Management Policy Committee; Management Policy Office; Office of Programme Planning, Budget and Accounts; Office of Human Resources; and the Office of Central Support Services.
According to the Secretary-General's report, the Office of the Under-Secretary-General will lose 13 of the 70 posts in the initial budget proposals; the Office of Human Resources Management, four of 165; and Support Services, four of 629.
In its report, the ACABQ expresses the belief that the functions of the Management Policy Office -- to be headed by a D-2 post and with overall responsibility for management reform -- should be carefully coordinated with the role of the Office of Internal Oversight Services. That would help avoid duplication.
Section 34 -- Development Account
The Secretary-General proposes that a development account should be established and funded from savings accrued from cuts in non-programme costs and other management effectiveness. The $12.7 million in savings anticipated from the reforms would be placed in the account.
The ACABQ recommends the appropriation of that amount. Pointing out that the account has not been acted on by the Assembly, the ACABQ says some issues related to the "dividend for development" must be examined in detail. It would revert to the matter in its winter 1998 session.
Taking note of the proposal on the account, the CPC adds that the matter was not within the scope of the medium-term plan. The modalities for the account's operation and the Assembly's role in using it should be provided by the Secretariat.
Additional Expenditures
In its report on the additional expenditures, including those related to the maintenance of international peace and security, inflation and currency fluctuation (document A/52/7/Add.2), the ACABQ says it is informed by United Nations officials that even before the end of its current session, the Secretary-General would submit revised estimates of budget implications for a total of $80 to $90 million for 1998-1999 for two special missions (the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) and Afghanistan), the mandates of which are expected to be reviewed by the Assembly shortly. In addition, in another report (document A/C.5/52/24), he has asked for additional appropriation of $9.3 million for five special missions in 1998-1999.
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In his report of 25 August (A/C.5/51/57) the Secretary-General concludes that "biennium after biennium, there is a need for resources for such mandates". Consequently, it is prudent to make provision for such mandates up front. The Secretary-General offers two alternatives for such provisions up front: to include a one-line provision in the budget outline and in the proposed programme budget or to modify the contingency fund to include mandates relating to peace and security.
According to the ACABQ, the first alternative appears more suitable to the Secretary-General, since it would provide for appropriations at the outset and obviate the need for additional amounts later on. The ACABQ agrees with the Secretary-General. However, given the unpredictable nature of special missions, it points out that such an arrangement may not completely obviate the need for additional appropriations. Accordingly, it recommends that the Secretary-General make provision in the outline for expenditure for missions related to peace and security expected to be extended or approved during a biennium. Such a provision would also be included in a proposed budget and justified.
Admission of Seabed Authority to Pension Fund
Before the Committee is a letter dated 18 September addressed by Jamaica and Guyana to the President of the Assembly (document A/52/233 and Add.1), which asks for the inclusion of an additional agenda item entitled "Admission of the International Seabed Authority and Membership in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund" and its allocation to the Fifth Committee.
A memorandum, annexed to the letter, states that the Assembly of the Authority decided in August 1996 to join the Fund. The Standing Committee of the Pension Fund agreed to recommend the admission of the Seabed Authority in the Fund effective 1 January 1998, as long as the Authority adhered to the United Nations common system of pay.
The Jamaica-based Authority is an autonomous body created under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The Secretary-General's note on the Authority's admission (document A/C.5/52/26) transmits the Pension Board's request for the Committee to recommend the application's approval.
Statements on Effects of Proposed Reforms
JEAN-PIERRE HALBWACHS, United Nations Controller, introduced the reports of the Secretary-General. In an amendment to the report, the Secretary- General would propose the redeployment of resources to the Department of Political Affairs for substantive support for the Decolonization Unit. The
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creation of an Office of the Emergency Relief Coordinator, in place of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs, would result in a simplified, more rational structure that would better support the Organization's medium-term plan. The Secretary-General had proposed that the Department of Public Information would become the Office of Communications and Public Information, to be headed by an Under-Secretary-General. Partnerships with local United Nations support groups would be strengthened and the United Nations information centres would be streamlined.
CONRAD S.M. MSELLE, Chairman of the ACABQ, introduced that body's reports on the Secretary-General's reports. The ACABQ's budget estimates of almost $2.63 billion amounted to some $48.9 million more than the Secretary- General's estimates. That difference was attributable to the inclusion of amounts which had been netted out under certain budget sections in the Secretary-General's estimates.
Without those amounts, the ACABQ recommendations would amount to almost $2.584 billion -- $765,100 more than the Secretary-General's proposals, he continued. The net expenditures were not shown in the Secretary-General's report on the budgetary implications of his reform proposals. Whether the Secretary-General's net or the non-net figure proposed by the ACABQ were taken into consideration, the amount to be assessed on Member States, some $2.214 billion, would remain virtually unchanged.
ANUSON CHINVANNO, Vice-Chairman of the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC), introduced the relevant sections of that body's report. The CPC had noted some variations between the medium-term plan for 1998-2001 and the Secretary-General's proposals.
KOJI F.X. YAMAGIWA (Japan) said that as the ACABQ report had been issued only recently, his delegation would need more time to examine its contents. However, Japan supported many of the Advisory Committee's recommendations, including the appropriation of $12.7 million for a new development account. He hoped the ACABQ would provide advice to the General Assembly on technical aspects of the proposal. The increasing numbers of high-level positions distorted the grade pyramid and were a source of concern. In that regard, he welcomed the ACABQ's recommendation to restore the two positions that were to be abolished in the Examinations and Tests Sections, under Section 27C.
The total level of appropriation recommended by the ACABQ was some $2.63 billion, but if net budgeting were to be instituted, the figure would be reduced, he said. The final level of resources required for the 1998-1999 budget was still unknown, as costs for special missions and inflation-related recosting had not yet been determined. Every effort should be made to keep the final level below $2.583 billion, following the budget outline decided by the General Assembly.
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JIMMY U. OVIA (Papua New Guinea), speaking for the Chairman of the Special Committee on decolonization, said the decolonization programme of the United Nations had been one of its major success stories. The Special Committee of 24 and the entire United Nations membership were doing their best to help the peoples of the remaining 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories to exercise their legitimate right to self-determination and to usher into the twenty-first century, a world free of colonialism.
At the current moment of the global decolonization process, it was important that the Fifth Committee approve the demand of many Member States that the Decolonization Unit be kept in the Department of Political Affairs and provided with adequate resources, he said. Such an action would fully conform with the Secretary-General's pledge to the Chairman of the Special Committee to retain the Decolonization Unit in that Department. It would also comply with ACABQ recommendations.
PETER MADDENS (Belgium), speaking on behalf of the European Union, said that the details of the budgetary implications of the proposed reforms could be discussed within the context of the Fifth Committee debate on the 1998-1999 budget. He reiterated the European Union's support for the Secretary-General's reform proposals. The set of documents on their budgetary effects currently before the Committee should enable Member States to proceed to a debate on the entirety of the proposed budget.
ERLING SKJONSBERG (Norway) aligned his delegation with the statement for the European Union.
EVGUENI N. DEINEKO (Russian Federation) said the Secretary-General's reform proposals would renew the Organization and enhance its effectiveness. His delegation would be taking part in discussion on reforms in the appropriate forum. Many of the measures and recommendations contained in the Secretary-General's July report would require further consideration by the Assembly.
He thanked the Secretary-General for the timely submission of his report on the reforms' budgetary implications (document A/52/303). His delegation's comments on some of the Secretary-General's proposals would depend on the consultations going on in the Assembly on the reform proposals in general. In principle, the Russian Federation did not oppose the budgetary implications related to the creation of the post of Deputy Secretary-General. Without prejudicing the outcome of consultations in the Assembly on the creation of that post, the candidate for the position should be approved by the Assembly. He expressed support for the proposed strategic planning unit, but expressed concern regarding the amounts recommended for consultants and experts. Additional clarification on the matter should be provided by the Secretariat.
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The new Department of General Assembly Affairs and Conference Services should be provided the resources it required, he said. The Office of the President of the Assembly should be strengthened and given adequate resources, which should be presented and approved on an object of expenditure basis. As a whole, he agreed with the ACABQ's recommendations and conclusions regarding the Secretary-General's report on the budgetary implications of reforms. He would make further comments on the various sections. Recalling that the Secretary-General has been requested by the ACABQ to submit a report on the operation of the development account, he said he would like to see such a report. On personnel matters, he said there appeared to be a tendency towards keeping more high-level positions in the Secretariat, distorting the grade pyramid in the Organization. That matter should be given focused attention by Member States at, for instance, the next Assembly session during which some staffing-related issues would be introduced.
TAMMAM SULAIMAN (Syria) said his delegation's position on the reports of the Secretary-General would be reflected in the statement which would be made on behalf of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China. He supported the statement made by the representative of Papua New Guinea reaffirming the importance of the work of the Decolonization Unit. He supported the ACABQ's comments on the matter, and noted that the Secretary-General had been unable to provide information on the resources which would be made available to the Unit.
All posts provided for the Unit in the medium-term plan should be maintained, he continued. The post of the Secretary of the Special Committee should be at the D-1 level. The Unit's work should not be divided between departments, as that would lead to overlapping and thus contradict the spirit of reform. The Assembly must provide the Unit with the proper political consideration in accordance with its lofty goals.
MARIA ANGELICA ARCE DE JEANNET (Mexico) said that her delegation would make more detailed comments during the Committee's informal consultations on the matter. Her Government was concerned by the apparent decrease in the number of posts in the regular budget in what would be the new Department of Disarmament Affairs, based in New York. She asked when the new organizational chart would be circulated.
LAMUEL A. STANISLAUS (Grenada) stressed the importance of the work of the Decolonization Unit. It should be reinstated in the Department of Political Affairs and given adequate funds to function properly. It was essential that the Committee endorse that request, which was in line with the Organization's medium-term plan.
SUSAN SHEAROUSE (United States) said the legal opinion of the Office of Legal Affairs on the concept of net budgeting should be sought and the
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Committee advised of the outcome. The United States would talk in greater detail on the budgetary implications of the proposed reforms at a later date.
MOWAFAK MAHMOUD AYOUB (Iraq) said the post of the Secretary of the Special Committee on decolonization should be at the D-1 level and the Decolonization Unit retained in the Department of Political Affairs. He affirmed the statements of the representatives of Syria and Papua New Guinea on the matter.
EVA SILOT BRAVO (Cuba) expressed support for the statements by the representatives of Syria, Papua New Guinea, Grenada and Iraq, on the restoration of all the resources in the budget section 2A, political affairs, and the Special Committee on decolonization.
MARTHA MONTANO (Bolivia) expressed support for the statement by the representative of Papua New Guinea. The posts in the Unit should be restored and the agreement on the fate of and resources for the decolonization programme fulfilled.
Admission of Seabed Authority into Pension Fund
RAYMOND GIERI, Secretary of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Board, said that if the Seabed Authority's application was approved, it would take effect from 1 January 1998.
ANWARUL KARIM CHOWDHURY (Bangladesh), Committee Chairman, proposed the following oral draft decision:
"The General Assembly,
"Decides to admit the International Seabed Authority to membership in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, in accordance with article 3 of the Regulations of the Fund, with effect from 1 January 1998."
The draft was approved without a vote.
WAYNE ST. JOHN MCCOOK (Jamaica), speaking in explanation of position on behalf of the Authority's member States, thanked the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Pension Board, its Secretary and others for their quick action in facilitating the Authority's admission into the Fund.
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