GENERAL ASSEMBLY WOULD RESUME CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED REVOLVING CREDIT FUND AT FIFTY-FOURTH SESSION, BY TEXT APPROVED IN FIFTH COMMITTEE

23 November 1998

Press Release
GA/AB/3270

GENERAL ASSEMBLY WOULD RESUME CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED REVOLVING CREDIT FUND AT FIFTY-FOURTH SESSION, BY TEXT APPROVED IN FIFTH COMMITTEE

19981123 Committee Also Acts on Programme Budget Implications of MINUGUA, Discusses Results-Based Budgeting

The General Assembly would resume consideration of the proposed revolving credit fund at its fifty-fourth session, by a draft decision approved this morning without a vote by its Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary).

The draft, orally introduced by Movses Abelian (Armenia), the Committee's Chairman, and approved without a vote, would also have the Assembly take note of the related reports of the Secretary-General and the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ).

By a draft on programme budget implications, introduced and approved in the same fashion, the Assembly would decide to make an additional appropriation of some $22.6 million for the 1998-1999 programme budget, should it extend the mandate of the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) by adopting draft resolution A/53/L.20.

Speaking for the "group of friends of the peace process in Guatemala" -- Colombia, Spain, United States, Norway, Venezuela and Mexico -- Mexico's representative said real progress was being achieved in the peace process, and the Mission was playing an essential role.

Guatemala's representative expressed appreciation for the international community's support of the peace process in her country. Cuba's representative asked for clarification on aspects of the draft.

The ACABQ Chairman, C.S.M. Mselle, introduced that body's report on the item, while Frances Zainoeddin, Chief, Political, Legal and Common Service, Office of Programme Planning, Budget and Accounts, responded to Member States' questions.

By another draft decision introduced by the Chairman and approved this morning, the Assembly would make an additional appropriation of $184,300 for

Fifth Committee - 1a - Press Release GA/AB/3270 33rd Meeting (AM) 23 November 1998

the 1998-1999 programme budget, should it adopt a draft resolution on the situation in Central America contained in document A/53/L.22/Rev.1, calling for continued support to the process of implementing peace agreements in Guatemala signed under United Nations auspices.

Mr. Mselle introduced the ACABQ's views.

Also this morning, the Committee continued discussing results-based budgeting. Many representatives endorsed the proposal that the Secretary- General should submit prototype fascicles of the proposed 2000-2001 biennium programme budget in both the current and the proposed formats. Many States stressed the importance of the report of the ACABQ to be submitted during the fifty-fourth session.

Uganda's representative said it was wrong to focus only on results when it came to political matters. If only results had been looked at in the past, a number of African countries, including South Africa, might never have become independent. Another concern was whether the proposed system would represent a departure from the process delineated in resolution 41/213 [by which the budgetary process was established].

Cuba's representative said some proposals related to results-based budgeting assumed the implementation of a "sunset clause", yet that concept had not been accepted by the General Assembly. Results-based budgeting must include mechanisms to penalize managers if programmes were not consistent with Member States decisions.

Some Member States were concerned that results-based budgeting might be a cost and/or staff-reduction exercise ultimately leading to a lower budget, Singapore's representative said. But in his country's experience, autonomy had been encouraged, and the evaluation process was comprehensive.

Statements were also made by the representatives of Cuba, Russian Federation, Chile, Japan, Iran, Republic of Korea, United Republic of Tanzania, Australia, Algeria and New Zealand. Ms. Zainoeddin responded to questions.

On revised estimates of financial implications of the decisions of the Economic and Social Council, the representative of Cuba spoke, and the Committee heard from the Chief of the Economic, Social and Human Rights Service of the Office of Programme Planning, Budget and Accounts, Ali Khamis, who responded to questions raised at an earlier meeting.

Also this morning, the representative of Pakistan spoke on the Joint Inspection Unit report on publications.

The Committee will meet again at 3 p.m. today to continue discussing the financing of the International Criminal Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda.

Fifth Committee Work Programme

The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) met this morning to continue its review of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations and the programme budget for the 1998-1999 biennium.

Under review of efficiency, it was considering reports on the revolving credit fund and results-based budgeting.

(For background on these reports, see Press Release GA/AB/3268 of 20 November.)

Under aspects of the 1998-1999 programme budget, it was to continue looking at revised estimates resulting from resolutions and decisions of the Economic and Social Council at its 1998 substantive session. (For background on this, see Press Release GA/AB/3265 of 16 November.)

In addition, the Committee was to take up reports on the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA).

Reports on MINUGUA

The Committee had before it the Secretary-General's performance report for the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala for the period 1 January to 31 December 1998 (A/C.5/53/25 and Corr.1). The General Assembly, in its resolution 52/221 A of 22 December 1997, approved an appropriation of some $36.5 million under the peacekeeping operations and special missions of the programme budget for the biennium 1998-1999. In the same resolution, the Assembly also approved an appropriation of some $2.3 million under staff assessment, offset by a corresponding amount in the estimates of income from staff assessment.

Expenditures for 1998 are estimated at $31.5 million net (about $34.2 million gross), resulting in an estimated unencumbered balance of some $5 million, partly offset by over-expenditures of $329,400, with a corresponding increase in income from staff assessment, the report states. The unencumbered balance results mainly from salaries, common staff costs and monthly mission allowance of staff due to vacancies experienced to date. To a lesser extent, savings were also achieved under transport and air operations.

The Secretary-General proposes that the General Assembly take into account the estimated reduction of some $4.7 million gross ($5 million net) during its consideration of the programme budget implications statement to be submitted in respect of a draft resolution which it would consider if it wished to extend the mandate of MINUGUA.

Fifth Committee - 3 - Press Release GA/AB/3270 33rd Meeting (AM) 23 November 1998

The Committee also had before it a statement submitted by the Secretary-General on the programme budget implications of draft resolution A/53/L.20 on the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (document A/C.5/53/32 and Corr.1). According to the statement, the Assembly is considering extending MINUGUA's mandate from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 1999. Should it extend the mandate by adopting draft resolution A/53/L.20, requirements of some $27.6 million would arise under the peacekeeping operations and special missions section of the programme budget for the biennium 1998-1999. Additional requirements of some $2.1 million would also arise under the staff assessment section to be offset by a corresponding amount under income from staff assessment.

The estimated 1999 requirements would be partially offset by the unencumbered balance of some $5 million from the appropriation granted by the Assembly in 1998 for the Mission for 1998, according to the statement. The net additional requirements under the peacekeeping section would thus amount to some $22.6 million.

In a related report from the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) (document A/53/674) the ACABQ advises that it does not recommend any reduction in the estimates proposed by the Secretary- General. This recommendation is made on the understanding that resources will continue to be managed efficiently and expenditures monitored. It also commends the Secretary-General for the format and presentation of the performance report, and cautions him to keep the question of replacing international staff with local staff, as happened in 18 cases in 1998, under review.

A statement submitted by the Secretary-General (document A/C.5/53/33) says that should the General Assembly adopt A/53/L.22/Rev.1, an additional appropriation of $184,300 would be required under section 3, Peacekeeping operations and special missions, of the programme budget for the biennium 1998-1999. An additional appropriation of $34,800 would also be required under section 32, Staff assessment, which would be offset by a corresponding amount under Income section 1, Income from staff assessment.

The draft resolution would have the Secretary-General, the United Nations system bodies and the international community continue to support and verify the implementation of all peace agreements in Guatemala, signed under United Nations auspices. By other terms, the Secretary-General would be requested to continue to lend his full support to the initiatives and activities of the Central American Governments, particularly their efforts to consolidate peace and democracy through the implementation of a new and comprehensive sustainable development programme and the initiative to establish the Central American Union.

Fifth Committee - 4 - Press Release GA/AB/3270 33rd Meeting (AM) 23 November 1998

Revolving Credit Fund

MOVSES ABELIAN (Armenia), Committee Chairman, proposed a draft decision, as follows:

"The General Assembly takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on a revolving credit fund, contained in document A/53/822, and the observations of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions therein, contained in document A/53/645 and decides to resume consideration of the question of the revolving credit fund at its 54th session."

The Committee approved the draft without a vote.

Statements on the Financing of MINUGUA

C.S.M. MSELLE, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), introduced the ACABQ's report on the proposal from the Secretary-General. He said the ACABQ report contained its views on the performance report of the Secretary-General, and on the proposed future requirements of the Mission, should the draft resolution before the General Assembly, which would extend the mandate of the Mission, be adopted. The ACABQ concurred with the Secretary-General's proposed requirements.

BRENDA CASTELLANOS (Guatemala) said she appreciated the introduction of the reports. Guatemala was grateful for the support of the international community for the peace process in Guatemala. While it was true the item would be dealt with in the plenary, the question of financing was considered within the Fifth Committee. There was consensus in the international community about the importance of Mission, and it also had the support of Guatemalans. She asked the Fifth Committee to support the proposed necessary resources for the continuation of the Mission. A consensus vote would be the best demonstration of that.

DULCE BUERGO RODRIGUEZ (Cuba) asked for clarification on the use of extrabudgetary resources to finance the Mission. Most of the projects to be financed in that manner were essentially core activities. Why were they not being financed through regular resources? she asked. Cuba was prepared to endorse the request for resources, provided they would come from additional appropriations for 1998-1999 and be assessed on Member States.

ERNESTO HERRERA (Mexico) said he was speaking for the countries that made up "the group of friends of the peace process in Guatemala" -- Colombia, Spain, United States, Norway, Venezuela and Mexico -- who had presented the draft. By the text, the mandate of the Mission would be extended from 1 January to 31 December 1999.

Fifth Committee - 5 - Press Release GA/AB/3270 33rd Meeting (AM) 23 November 1998

Real progress was being achieved in the implementation of the peace process, he said. The Mission's presence had helped create stability in the area. It was an essential element of supporting the commitments of those involved. The peace process in Guatemala was working well, due to the desire of the Guatemalan people, combined with the international community's support. The group trusted that those in Guatemala would redouble their efforts and renew their commitments to implementing the peace process. At the same time, understanding the magnitude of the issue, the Assembly should continue to support it.

FRANCES ZAINOEDDIN, Chief, Political, Legal and Common Services Service, Office of Programme Planning, Budget and Accounts, said many of the activities funded by extrabudgetary resources were technical cooperation activities, including advisory services and assistance for construction of offices. Technical cooperation activities were appropriately funded by extrabudgetary contributions. In accordance with resolution 41/213, by which the budgetary process had been defined, the resources would be an additional appropriation.

The CHAIRMAN then proposed that the Committee recommend the following draft decision:

"The General Assembly takes notes of the performance report of the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala for the period 1 January to 31 December 1998 and, should it adopt draft resolution A/53/L.20, an additional appropriation of $22,640,800 would be required under section 3, Peacekeeping operations and special mission of the programme budget, for the biennium 1998-1999. An additional appropriation of $2,465,700 would also be required under section 32, Staff assessment, to be offset by a corresponding amount under income section 1, Income from staff assessment. These requirements will be considered in the context of the first performance report for the biennium 1998-1999."

The Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote.

Financial Implications of Draft Text on Situation in Central America

Mr. MSELLE, Chairman of the ACABQ, said this was more-or-less a perennial item. The Secretary-General had proposed resources for one political affairs officer at the P-4 level and one General Service staff member. The ACABQ concurred with the Secretary-General's request.

The CHAIRMAN proposed a draft decision as follows:

"Should the General Assembly adopt draft resolution A/53/L.22/Rev.1, an additional appropriation of $184,300 would be required under section 3 of the programme budget for the biennium 1998-1999. An additional appropriation of $34,800 would also be required under section 32, Staff assessment, to be

Fifth Committee - 6 - Press Release GA/AB/3270 33rd Meeting (AM) 23 November 1998

offset by a corresponding amount under income section 1, Income from staff assessment. These requirements will be considered in the context of the first performance report for the biennium 1998-1999."

The decision was taken without a vote.

Statements on Results-Based Budgeting

EVA SILOT BRAVO (Cuba) said Cuba believed that results-based budgeting was an integral part of the Secretary-General's reform initiatives, which were designed to ensure that the United Nations modernized in accordance with modern international administration. One of the fundamental requirements, that reform would take place in conditions of financial stability, had been violated. The main contributor did not pay.

Cuba believed a new document should be presented with a clearer definition of objectives, she said. That kind of budgeting would need task objectives much more specifically defined, not defined generally as was currently the case. It would also require measurement indicators. The United Nations was not in a position to apply such budgeting, until the General Assembly was presented with clear measurement indicators. She asked the Secretary-General to provide data on the status of the development of clear measurement indicators, and to inform Member States of the definition of objectives.

Some proposals assumed the implementation of a "sunset clause", she said. That concept had not been accepted by the General Assembly and its agreement would be required before such proposals could be adopted. Results- based budgeting would require greater delegation of authority, and would have to include mechanisms for the penalization of managers if activities were not consistent with Member States' decisions. Cuba endorsed the ACABQ position that no position should be taken. She hoped a new document would be submitted. Cuba also agreed with the need for the development of prototypes.

NIKOLAI LOZINSKI (Russian Federation) said the Secretary-General's report clearly established the shortcomings in the current budget process. The link between resources and results was weak, and Member States received minimal information as to how funds were being spent. Moreover, the expected results had a direct impact on the budgetary process, and the lack of identified expected results did not help evaluation. Therefore, Member States could not examine the relationship between resources and outcomes. The proof of that was clear in last year's budget consideration.

That said, change could not be taken overnight, and the Russian Federation appreciated the cautionary approach, he said. At this stage, there was no need to change rules and procedures. A lack of change to financial provisions or rules would not hinder the production of a budget aimed at

Fifth Committee - 7 - Press Release GA/AB/3270 33rd Meeting (AM) 23 November 1998

concrete results in the way proposed by the Secretary-General. Putting the new approaches into practice and determining their feasibility would allow for the relevant changes to be made. The Russian Federation agreed with the ACABQ proposal that the best means to determine the feasibility would be a parallel reading with the programme budget in its present format.

The Russian Federation also agreed with the ACABQ proposals that the Secretary-General prepare prototype sections of the budget aimed at specific results, he said. Results-based budgeting was a more progressive means of financing, but the main questions remained unanswered. The Secretary-General had said nothing about whether the Organization itself was ready for the change, and to what extent. The transition would mean full decentralisation of the system of management and a transfer of power and responsibility to programme managers. He asked if programme managers were psychologically ready, and if they possessed the requisite skills and knowledge. A clear system of monitoring was also required.

He said an important condition for successful implementation was a new, time-tested management culture. However, recent discussions of such a culture had been merely academic. There was no proof that it had matured and put down roots. The administration was silent on that.

Another important condition would be an effective means to analyse actions taken by staff, he said. The new evaluation system was only at the testing stage. There had been no data provided to Member States, on its effectiveness and efficiency, to convince them it would be the important tool required for programme managers to manage. Clear and effective mechanisms for accountability and responsibility were required. At present, only first steps in that direction could be spoken of. For example, the United Nations was still unable to find those responsible for financial violations.

The proposed system would also mean greater flexibility in recruitment and dismissal of Secretariat staff, he said. He asked how that would fit in with human resources management, in particular with permanent contracts. That was far from a full list of questions, he noted. The Russian Federation would like to receive answers before it considered the implementation of results-based budgeting.

LAURENCE BAY (Singapore) said results-based budgeting was a radical departure from the current programme planning and budgetary practices and procedures. For that reason, thorough and detailed consideration of the practice, by both the ACABQ and the Fifth Committee, was needed. Some Member States were concerned that results-based budgeting might be a cost and/or staff-reduction exercise which would ultimately lead to a lower budget. But that was not the intended objective; rather, it was a budgeting system to enhance performance. It provided an institutionalized framework for the

Fifth Committee - 8 - Press Release GA/AB/3270 33rd Meeting (AM) 23 November 1998

Organization to define objectives, identify outputs and decide on allocation. The emphasis of results-based budgeting was both qualitative and quantitative.

Singapore had implemented results-based budgeting, which had made its budget planning a robust exercise, he said. Autonomy was encouraged, while the existence of well-defined objectives and performance indicators meant that the evaluation process could be conducted systematically and comprehensively. Singapore's experience could not be replicated in the United Nations, given the Organization's complexity, but that did not mean the system was inappropriate for the United Nations. If the Assembly approved results-based budgeting, the practice would be refined to become a system by and for the United Nations.

While results-based budgeting would focus on results, the United Nations, as an intergovernmental body, could not lose sight of input management, he said. While "simplified information" on post and non-post resource requirements could be incorporated in the budget document, the supplementary materials on resource requirements that the Secretariat proposed would be made available to the ACABQ should also be given to Member States. It was important to address how to define outputs which were essentially unquantifiable or unpredictable. Performance indicators would have to be precisely tailored. Training for results-based budgeting should be given to programme implementers, as well as managers.

ALVARO JARA (Chile) said his delegation had supported the Secretary-General's reform proposals, but the conditions for implementing results-based budgeting must be made clear. A methodology must be designed that gave priority to the Organization's political nature. Pilot projects must be implemented by which the Secretariat, Member States and other relevant bodies could conduct in-depth evaluations. It was important to test and compare the two budgeting formats. In implementing the process experimentally, those involved must be given adequate training. For the process to go ahead, there should be consensus among Member States, who financed and developed mandates.

KAZUO WATANABE (Japan) said the idea of results-based budgeting was a new concept in the United Nations budget process, and further analysis of the pros and cons was needed. Consensus among Member States was necessary to implement the concept. He looked forward to the ACABQ's analysis of results- based budgets.

SEYED MORTEZA MIR MOHAMMAD (Iran) said the Secretariat should thoroughly analyze the present budgetary procedures and bring the results to the attention of Member States. If there were deficiencies, those should be addressed in an evolutionary process. He asked why emphasizing results should mean that inputs were no longer scrutinized. It was possible to continue

Fifth Committee - 9 - Press Release GA/AB/3270 33rd Meeting (AM) 23 November 1998

evaluating resources while also looking forward to better implementation of programmes which produced better results.

Why, by putting emphasis on results, should States set aside the issue of performance? he asked. Many delegations had correctly stressed the importance of full implementation of mandated activities. The Secretary- General's report indicated that statements of objectives, results and performance indicators were not required for all policy-making organs, he noted. That should be clarified.

PARK HAE-YUN (Republic of Korea) said the current budgetary process indicated whether outputs had been delivered, but did not provide satisfactory information on whether the expected goals were achieved. Nor did it assess the quality or relevance of the outputs produced. He concurred with the observation in the Secretary-General's report that the link between resources and results remained weak, despite improvements in the budget format and methodology.

His delegation welcomed the proposal to shift from input accounting to a results-based system, he said. The proposed system could enhance all aspects of the budget cycle. In particular, his delegation looked forward to optimal use of resources, as well as the Secretariat's enhanced responsibility and accountability. There would be a learning process along the way to successfully establishing results-based budgeting. The report of the ACABQ to the fifty-fourth session would further illuminate the concept. He endorsed the proposal that the Secretary-General should submit prototype fascicles, in addition to the current procedure, when presenting the proposed budget for 2000-2001.

NESTER ODAGA-JALOMAYO (Uganda) referred to explanations the Committee had received from the Secretariat. The answer to why the Office of Legal Affairs had been chosen as a prototype was that its staff had shown interest in participating in the process. A more challenging department should have been chosen, particularly since, by the very existence of interest, there was an automatic bias: the Office was interested in making the results appear positive. How ready were the Secretariat and the Member States for results- based budgeting? he asked. Programme managers had expressed the need for guidance and assistance, particularly in developing performance indicators. There was need for caution. He had noted where the Secretariat had said there would undoubtedly be mistakes in the process of learning and, in that regard, took great interest in the statement made by the representative of the Russian Federation.

On how the Secretariat envisaged performance indicators for political areas, he said focusing only on results was not correct -- the input side must also be a focus. If focus had been only on the results aspect, a number of African countries, including South Africa, might never have become

Fifth Committee - 10 - Press Release GA/AB/3270 33rd Meeting (AM) 23 November 1998

independent. Somalia had been forgotten with the results-oriented focus, he added.

Member States would be made aware of whether results were achieved or not achieved, the Committee had been told. How different was that from the current practice? he asked. Was results-based budgeting going to be a departure from the process delineated in resolution 41/213? What would happen to provisions on consensus? he asked.

MUHAMMAD YUSUF MSHAMBA (United Republic of Tanzania) said that with every new concept, there was always a starting point. The proposal should be examined thoroughly to determine whether it was viable or not. The ACABQ was proposing to deliver a detailed report on the matter to the Assembly's fifty- fourth session. It seemed that many Member States were looking at results- based budgeting critically, but criticism should not be used for its own sake. It was a good proposal and should be examined thoroughly to see whether it could be adopted. In his country, results-based budgeting was being implemented. He supported the ACABQ's recommendation that the Secretary- General come up with prototype fascicles for more complex areas.

Ms. ZAINOEDDIN, Chief, Political, Legal and Common Services Service, responded to questions raised by Member States. The report aimed to promote dialogue, and Member States comments would be taken into consideration. It was heart warming to know that many countries had implemented results-based budgeting, and accounts of their experiences would be welcome.

She said a question had been asked about programme managers' familiarity with the concept and mechanisms of performance-based indicators. Briefing sessions had been held with programme managers, and a guide had also been prepared that, while it was only preliminary, gave guidance on issues such as analyzing results, defining objectives and performance indicators. She hoped that information would help programme managers establish clear objectives.

Turning to another question, she said the time-limited objectives referred to in the report were not "sunset clauses". Rather, they were time- limited within the context of a biennium, defined over two years, not over the medium-term plan's four or six years, as had been done previously.

In response to another question, she explained that the part of the programme budget that dealt with policy-making organs indicated the resources necessary for the organs, and did not include objectives, because the work of the department appeared in other areas of the budget. The section referred to, on page six of Addendum 1, only referred to the resources required for the conduct of the legislative bodies themselves, and not to the work of the Office of Legal Affairs.

Fifth Committee - 11 - Press Release GA/AB/3270 33rd Meeting (AM) 23 November 1998

As to why the Office of Legal Affairs had been chosen as the prototype, there was no real answer, she said. It had always been the intention to propose additional prototype budget sections. It had just happened that staff of the Office had participated in performance indicator workshops and had shown an interest.

Reference had been made to the current report on "performance" results at end of biennium, she said. Part of the problem was that the report monitored outputs of the Organization, and thus did not give a qualitative assessment of the results achieved -- it was merely a counting exercise. In fact, no report currently addressed whether results were achieved. Therefore, a report at the beginning of the budget cycle that established what was anticipated would make feasible a report at the end of the cycle that measured achievement feasible. In conclusion, she noted that the process was evolutionary, and still new.

The CHAIRMAN advised the Committee that he could propose a decision that would have the General Assembly take note of the report and concur with the ACABQ recommendations on it -- which was a simple solution and would allow the issue to be closed today -- or the Committee could decide that the matter be taken up in informal consultations.

MILES ARMITAGE (Australia) said Australia was happy to agree to informal consultations or to take note of the report. It was important, however, that the Committee focus on other issues requiring action. If there was no substantial addition to the dialogue, the Committee should allow the Secretariat to take matters further to permit an informed decision next year. Australia would agree to taking the matter up in informal consultations on the understanding that they would not become an open-ended question and answer session, but would try to come up with a simple procedural decision.

DJAMEL MOKTEFI (Algeria) said he attached great importance to the Secretary-General's proposal, and would like to have informal consultations to allow a dialogue between the Secretariat and Member States to refine this new concept. Dialogue was important and questions and answers were very important so that clear responses to concerns could be received. Algeria insisted on the possibility of having a debate on the issue in informal consultations.

WEN CHIN POWLES (New Zealand) said New Zealand supported Australia's comments. She had no problems with informal consultations, but supported that a procedural decision be taken at their end to allow for consideration of the proposal at the Committee's resumed or fifty-fourth session. She also aligned herself with the earlier comments on the issue by the representative of Tanzania.

Ms. SILOT BRAVO (Cuba) said Cuba supported the Chairman's proposal that the matter go to informal consultations. In the informal consultations, other

Fifth Committee - 12 - Press Release GA/AB/3270 33rd Meeting (AM) 23 November 1998

questions might arise, and Member States could get written or oral responses. She did not wish to preclude a discussion that was not just procedural.

The CHAIRMAN proposed that the Committee agree to have informal consultations on results-based budgeting, at a time to be announced in the Journal, without prejudging the outcome of the informal consultations.

Mr. ODAGA-JALOMAYO (Uganda) said he would support the Chairman's proposal, although he was concerned about the workload of the Committee.

The CHAIRMAN said he hoped there would be a frank discussion of the workload of the Fifth Committee this afternoon.

The Committee then decided, without a vote, to refer the matter to informal consultations.

Statements on Revised Estimates of Financial Implications of Economic and Social Council Decisions

ALI KHAMIS, Chief of the Economic, Social and Human Rights Service of the Office of Programme Planning, Budget and Accounts, responded to questions raised last week by Member States. He advised the Committee that a written response to some questions and concerns had been circulated which listed the additional mandates referred to that had been adopted by the Commission on Human Rights.

It was indicated that the additional requirements, totalling $231,500, would be absorbed from the discontinuation of activities relating to assistance to Guatemala on human rights, he said. That was a result of the Human Rights Commission's decision to terminate those activities; from savings projected this year due to higher vacancy rates at the Centre for Human Rights; and from the non-renewal by the Commission on Human Rights of the mandate regarding the situation of human rights in Cuba.

Ms. SILOT BRAVO (Cuba) thanked the Secretariat for the document that had been circulated following Cuba's request. She also wished to ask, once again, about discussions on document A/C.5/52/42 [a report of the Secretary General on the relationship between the treatment of perennial activities in the programme budget and the use of the contingency fund], because that decision was closely connected with the question being considered today. She also drew the Committee's attention to the related sections of General Assembly resolution A/52/220 that said that funds could not be used until consideration of that report had taken place. She asked when that would be considered. She hoped it could be included in the programme of work, and would like additional time to consider the issue.

Fifth Committee - 13 - Press Release GA/AB/3270 33rd Meeting (AM) 23 November 1998

The CHAIRMAN proposed that he would inform the Committee of answers to the questions raised, and the Committee would resume its discussion at a later date.

The Committee agreed with the proposals.

Statements on United Nations Publications

The CHAIRMAN advised the Committee that when the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) report on United Nations publications was being discussed, it had been decided that statements could be made at a later meeting.

AMJAD SIAL (Pakistan) said Pakistan attached great importance to United Nations publications and shared the view that they must be cost-effective. However, that should be done without undermining their importance, usefulness and the role they played in the parliamentary process. The JIU had researched the topic well and had produced a reader-friendly report, but it had placed undue emphasis on savings to be achieved. Cost effectiveness did not mean cost avoidance. Some of the issues dealt with were irrelevant to the process, such as the discussion on "sunset provisions". It also referred to a review of mandates, which was within the purview of the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC).

The CPC was carrying out its mandates effectively and efficiently on the basis of inputs from the Secretariat, he said. Its last session deserved Member States' deep appreciation. The ACABQ should also be commended for its examination of the JIU recommendations. However, the ACABQ had recommended that action on some recommendations be taken through the programme budget for 2000-2001. The programme budget was a financial instrument of the medium-term plan, not a policy document. The legislative bodies should take decisions before they were reflected in the programme budget.

Pakistan concurred with the views of the CPC reported in document A/53/16, he said. Six JIU recommendations needed further clarification and should not be implemented. A further six might be approved subject to the Secretary-General's comments.

The CHAIRMAN proposed that discussion of the matter be concluded and the agenda item be taken up in discussions of the item on the Organization's pattern of conferences.

The Committee agreed with the proposal.

* *** *