GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS $2.8 BILLION FOR 2004 - 2005 PEACEKEEPING

Fifty-eighth General Assembly                              

Plenary                                                    

91^st Meeting (AM)

General Assembly adopts $2.8 billion for 2004 - 2005 peacekeeping

The General Assembly this morning, acting on the recommendations of its Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary), adopted a peacekeeping budget of some $2.8 billion gross to finance 11 active missions for 2004-2005, including some $113.13 million gross for the peacekeeping support account, and some $25.25 million for the United Nations Logistics Base in Brindisi, Italy.

As the financial year of peacekeeping operations runs from 1 July to 30 June, their budgetary and administrative needs are customarily assessed by the Fifth Committee during its late spring session, which concluded on 3 June.  Most of the 25 texts adopted by the Assembly today address, therefore, various aspects of peacekeeping, including budgets of individual missions, the financing of the Logistics Base and the peacekeeping support account.  [For more information on the appropriations for the 11 peacekeeping missions, including the support account and the Logistics Base, see document A/C.5/58/59].

The Assembly today appropriated some $864.8 million for the United Nations Mission in Liberia and a further $211.10 million was recommended for the Organization’s expanding operation in Côte d’Ivoire.  For the newly deployed mission in Haiti, the Secretary-General was authorized to enter into commitments of some $49.23 million for 1 May to 30 June 2004, and $172.5 million for 1 July to 31 October 2004.

Responding to the financial requirements of other African operations, the Assembly approved some $746.1 million for the operation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  For the United Nations Operation in Burundi, the Assembly authorized the Secretary-General to enter into commitments in an amount not to exceed $156.04 million for the period 21 April to 31 October 2004.

With the exception of the draft resolution on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), all of the drafts adopted today were without vote.  The Assembly had two votes on the UNIFIL draft.  Prior to considering the text as a whole, the Assembly retained the fourth preambular paragraph and operative paragraphs 3, 4 and 13 by a vote of 75 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 48 abstentions (see Annex I).  Those paragraphs refer to several previous resolutions, which call for Israel to pay some $1.12 million for the damage resulting from a 1996 incident at Qana, Lebanon.

The resolution was then adopted as a whole by a vote of 131 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions (See Annex II).

Addressing one of most critical aspects of the United Nations peacekeeping budget -– the support account, which allows the Secretariat to plan and deploy peacekeeping operations in a coordinated manner -- the Assembly approved its

requirements for 2004-2005 in the amount of some $121.6 million, including 743 continuing and 18 new temporary posts.  The account is financed through assessments on all active missions, according to their size, as is the Logistics Base.

By other terms, affirming the need for adequate funding for the backstopping of peacekeeping operations, as well the need for full justification for that funding, the Assembly decided to continue it consideration of the implementation of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations’ restructuring at the second part of the fifty-ninth session and requested the Secretary-General to report on the status of the civilian rapid deployment roster, including measures to improve its utility.  Taking into account the number, size and complexity of peacekeeping operations, the Secretary-General was also requested to review the level of the support account.

Also by the terms of the text, the Assembly requested the Secretary-General to submit, during future consideration of the support account budget, information on posts that have been left vacant for at 12 months by 30 June of a given year, on the understanding that, until the Assembly’s consideration, the recruitment phase would not be affected.

On the financing of the United Nations Logistics Base in Brindisi, the Assembly approved cost estimates amounting to some $28.42 million for 2004-2005.  It also took note of the Secretary-General’s report on progress in the implementation of the field assets control system, as well as the report on the status of the implementation of the strategic deployment stocks.  The Secretary-General was requested to report at the fifty-ninth session on the functioning mechanisms of the strategic deployment stocks, in light of lessons learned from experiences with mission start-ups.

Also today, the Assembly adopted a text on strengthening the security and safety of United Nations operations, staff and premises, establishing 58 new field security posts for the Office of the United Nations Security Coordinator (UNSECOORD).  It also decided –- without prejudice to cost-sharing arrangements later -– to appropriate $2.58 million under current budgetary formulas and revert to the required residual funding of $8.2 million at its next session when determining cost-sharing arrangements.  The Assembly will return to the possibility of converting the extrabudgetary posts at its next session.

By other terms of the text, the Assembly authorized the Secretary-General to enter into commitments not exceeding some $38 million for financing infrastructure projects.  It also requested that the Secretary-General submit next year a comprehensive relevant report, which should contain, among other things, clearly established criteria for determining long-term needs, a rational framework for enhancing system-wide security arrangements, and establishing clear lines of accountability and responsibility and a clear chain of command for all participants in field security and duty stations.

Also according to the resolution, the Assembly decided that the resource requirements in that requested report should be based on and justified in terms of the Secretary-General’s comprehensive review of safety and security.  The Assembly also approved an additional appropriation under the regular budget in the amount of some $18.28 million, broken down among 16 of the Organizations’ various administrative divisions, offices and regional commissions.

In other action, the Assembly:

-- Authorized the Secretary-General to enter into commitments of $6 million for United Nations support to the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission until 30 November 2004, on the understanding that any decision on further financing must be taken by 31 October;

-- Accepted the audited financial statements of the United Nations peacekeeping operations in 2002-2003;

-- Took note of the Secretary-General’s report on special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse;

-- Requested the Secretary-General to provide a comprehensive report at the main part of the fifty-ninth session on the conversion of 300 series contracts; and

-- Took note of several Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) reports, including the evaluation of the impact of the recent restructuring of Department of Peacekeeping Operations, and decided to return to the OIOS report on the audit of policies and procedures for recruiting Department staff at the fifty-ninth session.

Among the items deferred to the Assembly’s fifty-ninth session were the Capital Master Plan, the updated financial position of closed peacekeeping missions and the Peacekeeping Reserve Fund.

In other business, the Assembly appointed Gilberto Paranhos Velloso (Brazil) as a member of the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) for a term of office beginning on 18 June 2004 and ending on 31 December 2005.

Taking up a letter from the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, the Assembly took note of the decision of the Government of Hungary to resign from its membership in the Committee as of 1 May 2004.

Statements were made by the representatives of Ireland (on behalf of the European Union), the United States and Syria.

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

Action on Drafts

The Assembly approved, without a vote, a draft resolution on the financial reports and audited financial statements, and reports of the Board of Auditors (document A/58/570/Add.1), accepting the audited financial statements of the United Nations peacekeeping operations for 2002-2003.  It also took note of and endorsed the Board’s recommendations, as well as the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ).

By further terms, the Assembly took note of the Secretary-General’s report on the implementation of the Board of Auditors’ recommendations concerning United Nations peacekeeping operations for the period ending 30 June 2003, and requested the Secretary-General to continue to ensure that internal control in peacekeeping missions is improved with respect to the optimum use of audit resources.  The Secretary-General was also requested to fully implement the Board’s recommendations and the related recommendations of the Advisory Committee in a prompt and timely manner.

The Assembly then took up the draft resolution on estimates in respect of special political missions, good offices and other political initiatives authorized by the General Assembly and/or the Security Council (document A/58/573/Add.2).  By its terms, the Assembly -- emphasizing the importance of the work of the Secretary-General’s good offices in support of the work of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission -- would take note of the Secretary-General’s report on the matter, noting also with concern its late submission.

By further terms, the Assembly would request the Secretary-General to provide, by the end of the fifty-eighth session, a comprehensive financial report on the requirements for United Nations support to the Mixed Commission, including clearly defined requirements to be provided from the regular budget and elements being financed from other sources, for its consideration at the early part of the fifty-ninth session.

The Assembly would, by other terms, authorize the Secretary-General to enter into commitments of $6 million for United Nations support to the Mixed Commission until 30 November 2004, on the understanding that any decision on further financing must be taken by 31 October 2004.

The Assembly approved the draft without a vote.

Making a statement under agenda item 121, programme budget for the 2004-2005 biennium, the representative of Ireland, on behalf of the European Union and associated States, highlighted the Union’s disappointment that the Fifth Committee had been unable to agree on a resolution on the Capital Master Plan during its present session.  Nevertheless, preparatory work for the resolution had been essentially meaningful.  At the plenary meeting of the Fifth Committee earlier in the month, she had made a statement on behalf of the Union regarding the Capital Master Plan.  In that statement, she had set out the clear messages the Union wanted included in the resolution, including the responsibility of the host country and the need for more financing and construction options for the Plan.  The provisional offer of an interest-bearing loan did not meet her expectation of the host country responsibility and she requested the Secretary-General to study all options, including a more substantial offer from the United States that would allow the Capital Master Plan to proceed in the most cost-effective manner.

The United States representative said he wished to clarify a few points regarding the Capital Master Plan and the provisional offer.  All agreed that the Capital Master Plan had to move forward quickly so that safety and security deficiencies of the United Nations Headquarters complex could be addressed as soon as possible.  The Plan must be kept on track.  In February, the United States President had submitted his fiscal year 2005 budget to the Congress, including an offer to finance the cost of the Plan.  During negotiations on the plan in 2002, the United States never put forward a specific financing mechanism, since it could not know what would be included in the fiscal year 2005 budget presentation.

He said the United States’ financial commitment to the Organization had first been demonstrated in the 1940s by providing an interest-free loan.  Now, at the beginning of the twenty-first century, the United States was prepared to demonstrate its strong interest once again.  The United States Government was offering an interest-bearing loan to cover the full cost of the Plan.  It would pay its share of the principle and interest on that loan.  Interest rates were advantageous and would remain so for 30 years.  The interest rates would vary with the length of the loan repayment.  It was a fair and reasonable offer.  The United States donated over $1 billion to the United Nations in voluntary contributions, in addition to its assessed contributions.  It had made the offer so that the project could move forward.

Continuing, he said he wished to point out that the City and State of New York had made related offers to construct a new 37-story building to be used as swing space.  That building would serve as a new addition to the United Nations Headquarters complex to consolidate its operations in commercial rental spaces.  The United Nations would pay rents at rates well bellow market value.  After that, the United Nations would not only receive the keys to the building, but also use of the land for perpetuity.  The land and the space was a substantial demonstration of the United States’ commitment.  The United States would welcome constructive discussion on the item during the fifty-ninth session.

The Assembly then took up a draft on strengthening the security and safety of United Nations operations, staff and premises (A/58/820) by which it would establish 58 new field security posts for the Office of the United Nations Security Coordinator (UNSECOORD).  It would decide -- without prejudice to cost-sharing arrangements later -- to appropriate $2.58 million under current budgetary formulas and revert to the required residual funding of $8.2 million at its next session when determining cost-sharing arrangements.  The Assembly would return to the possibility of converting the extrabudgetary posts at its next session.

Also by the text, the Assembly would authorize the Secretary-General to enter into commitments not exceeding some $38 million for financing infrastructure projects.  It would also request that the Secretary-General submit next year a comprehensive relevant report, which should contain, among other things, clearly established criteria for determining long-term needs, a rational framework for enhancing system-wide security arrangements, and establishing clear lines of accountability and responsibility and a clear chain of command for all participants in field security and duty stations.

The resolution would also have the Assembly decide that the resource requirements in that requested report should be based on and justified in terms of the Secretary-General’s comprehensive review of safety and security.  The text also requests the Assembly to approve an additional appropriation under the regular budget in the amount of some $18.28 million, broken down among 16 of the Organization’s various administrative divisions, offices and regional commissions.

Acting without a vote, the Assembly approved the draft.

The Assembly next took up a draft resolution on the administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of United Nations peacekeeping operations (document A/58/821).  By its terms, the Assembly would request the Secretary-General to provide a comprehensive report at the main part of the fifty-ninth session on the issue, including the conversion of 300 series contracts, addressing in particular the Organization’s strategy for meeting current and future human resources requirements for peacekeeping missions, taking into account the ACABQ’s recommendations.

Endorsing the ACABQ’s recommendations contained in paragraphs 35 to 39 of its report (document A/58/705) concerning the wholesale conversion, bearing in mind the fact that the Assembly has taken no decision to support the replacement of the 300 series contracts as a mechanism for the employment of staff in peacekeeping missions, the Assembly would decide to suspend the application of the four-year maximum limit for appointments of limited duration under the 300 series of the staff rules in peacekeeping operations until 31 December 2004, pending a decision by the Assembly on the matter at the fifty-ninth session.

The draft was approved without a vote.

Acting again without at vote, the Assembly approved a draft decision on special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse (document A/58/821), by which it took note of the Secretary-General’s report on the matter.

Approving, without a vote, a draft resolution I on the financing of the United Nations Logistics Base (document A/58/582/Add.2), the Assembly noted with appreciation the facilities provided by the Government of Italy to the Base.  Endorsing the ACABQ’s recommendations and requesting the Secretary-General to implement them fully, the Assembly reiterated the need to implement, as a matter of priority, an effective inventory management standard, especially in respect of peacekeeping operations involving high inventory value.

By other terms, it took note of the Secretary-General’s reports on progress in the implementation of the field assets control system and the status of the implementation of the strategic deployment stocks, and requested the Secretary-General to report at its fifty-ninth session on the functioning of existing mechanisms of the strategic deployment stocks, in the light of lessons learned from experiences with mission start-ups.

It also took note of the Secretary-General’s report on the analysis of establishing a global procurement hub in Brindisi.  Endorsing the ACABQ’s recommendations, it requested the Secretary-General to ensure their full implementation.

The Assembly, by further terms of the draft, took note of the Secretary-General’s report on the financial performance of the Base for the period 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003.  It approved the cost estimates for the Logistics Base amounting to $28.42 million for the period 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005.

On the financing of the budget estimates, the Assembly decided to apply the balance of other income and adjustments in the total amount of $3.17 million at 30 June 2003 to the resources required for 2004-2005.  It also decided that the increase of some $9,900 in estimated staff assessment at 30 June 2003 be added to the credits from the $3.17 million, and that the balance of some $25.25 million among the individual active peacekeeping operation budgets be prorated to meet the financing requirements of the Base for 2004-2005.

By other terms, the Assembly decided to set off against the balance of $25.25 million the estimated staff assessment of $1.41 million for 2004 to 2005, representing the difference between the estimated staff assessment income of $1.56 million for 2004 to 2005 and the adjustment in the staff assessment income of $148,100 related to the period ending 30 June 2001, to be prorated among the individual active peacekeeping operation budgets.

The Assembly turned to the draft resolution II on the support account for peacekeeping operations also contained in document A/58/582/Add.2.  By that text, the Assembly would approve the support account requirements for 2004-2005 in the amount of $121.61 million, including 743 continuing and 18 new temporary posts, deciding to maintain the current funding mechanism for the account.  It would also take note of the Secretary-General’s report on the financial performance of the support account for 2002-2003.

By further terms of the text, on the financing of the budget estimates, the Assembly would decide that the unencumbered balance and other income in the total amount of $8.5 million, comprising $8.4 million for the period ending 30 June 2003 and the adjustment of $127,800 for the period ending 30 June 2001, would be applied to the resources required for 2004-2005.  The increase of $59,000 in the estimated staff assessment income, representing the difference between $682,000 for the period ending 30 June 2003 and the adjustment of $741,000 for the period ending 30 June 2001, would be applied to the unencumbered balance and other total income.  The balance of $113.13 million would be prorated among the budgets of the active peacekeeping operations for 2004-2005.  The estimated staff assessment income of $16.51 million for 2004-2005 would be off-set against the balance of $113.13 million and prorated among the budgets of the individual active peacekeeping missions.

By other terms of the text, the Assembly would reaffirm the need for adequate funding for the backstopping of peacekeeping operations, as well as the need for full justification for that funding in the support account.  It would also reaffirm the need of the Secretary-General to ensure that delegation of authority to the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and field missions is in strict compliance with relevant Assembly resolutions and decisions, as well as the relevant rules of procedure on the matter.

The Assembly would also decide to continue its consideration of the implementation of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations’ restructuring at the second part of the resumed fifty-ninth session, and request the Secretary-General to report at the fifty-ninth session on the status of the civilian rapid deployment roster, including measures to improve its utility, taking into account recent experiences with its use.  The Secretary-General would also be requested to review the level of the support account, including the need for existing posts, in future budget submissions, taking into consideration the number, size and complexity of peacekeeping operations.

By further terms, the Assembly would note with concern, as observed by the ACABQ in its related report, that the implementation of paragraph 18 of resolution 57/318 is not consistent with the requirement of the resolution.  [By the terms of paragraph 18 of resolution 57/381, the Assembly decided that any support account posts that remained vacant and any new posts that were not filled for 12 months from the date of their establishment required rejustification in the subsequent budget submission.  In its report, the ACABQ emphasizes that the intent of the recommendation was to reconsider posts that were vacant at the time of the next budget submission.  The implementation of the recommendation, as described in the Secretary-General’s report on the matter, is not consistent with paragraph 18 of resolution 57/318 in that it deals with posts that were vacant for 12 months as of 31 August 2003.]

The Assembly would reiterate paragraph 18 of resolution 57/318, and request the Secretary-General to submit, during future consideration of the support account budget, information outlined in the ACABQ’s report with respect to posts that have been vacant for at least 12 months by 30 June of a given year on the understanding that, in the interim and until the Assembly’s consideration, the recruitment process will not be affected.

The draft resolution was approved without a vote.

Draft resolution III on the reports of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) (document A/58/582/Add.2) was also approved without a vote.  By its terms, the Assembly took note of various OIOS reports, including the evaluation of the impact of the recent restructuring of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the administration of the peacekeeping trust funds.  It decided to revert to the consideration of the OIOS report on the audit of the policies and procedures for recruiting staff for the Department during its fifty-ninth session.  Noting that the Board will act on Assembly resolution 57/318 of 18 June 2003 once it has considered the report of the OIOS and assessed what additional evaluation it might provide, it also noted that it may revert at that time to the OIOS report.

The Assembly approved, without a vote, a draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) (document A/58/822).  By the terms of the draft, the Assembly took note of the Secretary-General’s report on the final disposition of the Mission’s assets, as well as his report on the Mission’s financial performance for the period 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003.

By further terms, the Assembly decided that Member States that had fulfilled their financial obligations to the Mission shall be credited their respective share of the unencumbered balance and other income totalling some $16.84 million at 30 June 2003.  Outstanding obligations of Member States that had not fulfilled their financial obligations to the Mission would be set off against their respective share of the unencumbered balance and other income.  It further decided that the increase of some $342,600 in the estimated staff assessment income in respect of the financial period ending 30 June 2003 shall be added to the credits from the amount above.

The Assembly next took up the draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) (document A/58/823).  By the terms of the text, the Assembly would take note of the status of contributions to the Force as of 15 April 2004, including outstanding contributions in the amount of $15.7 million, representing some 7 per cent of the total assessed contributions.  Noting with concern that only 38 Member States have paid their assessed contributions in full, it would urge all others to ensure payment of their outstanding arrears.

The Assembly would also take note of the Secretary-General’s report on the financial performance of the Force for 2002-2003.  Regarding budget estimates for 2004-2005, it would decide to appropriate $51.99 million to the special account for UNFICYP for 2004-2005, inclusive of $47.24 million for the Force’s maintenance, $2.2 million for strengthening the security and safety of the staff and premises of the Force, $2.11 million for the peacekeeping support account and $469,800 for the Logistics Base.

By other terms, the Assembly would note with appreciation that a one-third share of the net appropriation will be funded through voluntary contributions from the Government of Cyprus and some $6.5 million from the Government of Greece.

As for the unencumbered balance of $1.01 million at 30 June 2003, for those Member States that had fulfilled their final obligations to the Mission, their respective share of the those amounts would be set off against their apportionment for 2004-2005.  Outstanding obligations of Member States that had not fulfilled their financial obligations to UNFICYP would be set off against their respective share of the unencumbered balance and other income.  The increase in estimated staff assessment income of $85,000 for the period ending 30 June 2003 shall be added to the credits from the above amount.

It would further decide, taking into account its voluntary contribution for the period ended 30 June 2003, that one third of other income in the amount of $641,666 at 30 June 2003 shall be returned to the Government of Cyprus.  Taking into account its voluntary contribution for the period ended 30 June 2003, it would decide that the prorated share of other income in the amount of $286,055 for the period ended 30 June 2003 be returned to the Government of Greece.

The Assembly, by further terms, would also decide to maintain as separate the account established for the Force for the period prior to 16 June 1993, invite Member States to make voluntary contributions to that account and request the Secretary-General to continue his efforts in appealing for voluntary contributions.

The draft was approved without a vote.

By the terms of the draft resolution on the financing of United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) (document A/58/583/Add.1), the Assembly would take note of the status of contributions to the Mission as of 15 April 2004, including outstanding contributions amounting to some $111.1 million, representing 6 per cent of the total assessed contributions.  Noting with concern that only 36 Member States have paid their assessed contributions in full, it would urge all others to ensure payment of their outstanding assessed contributions.

The Assembly would, by further terms, endorse the recommendations of the ACABQ, subject to the provisions of the present resolution, and request the Secretary-General to ensure their full implementation.  It would also request the Secretary-General to take all necessary measures to improve the distribution of food rations in the Mission.  In the context of the comprehensive review of the Mission’s organizational structure, the Secretary-General would be requested to consider the posts required for the election process.

By other terms, the Secretary-General would be authorized to employ, if necessary, 17 additional staff, up to a total of 34, in the Office of Public Information for the purposes of the election process, within the approved budget level for 2004-2005, and to report thereon in the Mission’s next performance report.  The Assembly would request the Secretary-General to present in his next budget proposal workload indicators for the international staff in that Office.

The Assembly would take note of the Secretary-General’s report on the Mission’s financial performance for 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003.  It would decide to appropriate to the Special Account for MONUC some $746.1 million for 2004-2005, including some $709.12 million for the Mission’s maintenance, $30.21 million for the support account for peacekeeping operations and $6.74 million for the United Nations Logistics Base.

The respective shares of the unencumbered balance and other income of some $133.44 million at 30 June 2003 of Member States that had fulfilled their financial obligations to the Mission would be set off against their apportionment.  Outstanding obligations of Member States that had not fulfilled their financial obligations to the Mission would be set off against their respective share of the unencumbered balance and other income.  The increase in the estimated staff assessment income of some $393,400 at 30 June 2003 shall be added to the credits from the above amount.

Taking note of the Secretary-General’s note on the financing arrangements for the Mission for 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004, the Assembly would, by further terms, decide to apportion among Member States some $59.03 million already appropriated for the Mission’s maintenance for 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004.

The text was approved without a vote.

The Assembly then took up the draft resolution on the financing of United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) (document A/58/584/Add.1), by the terms of which it would endorse the recommendations of the ACABQ, requesting the Secretary-General to ensure their full implementation.  It would also emphasize that it will consider the number and level of posts, the administrative structure, lines of accountability and reporting in support of the substantive mandate in the context of the full budget proposal to be submitted to the fifty-ninth session.

The Secretary-General would be authorized, by the terms of the text, to enter into commitments of some $30.48 million for the Mission’s maintenance for the period 1 July to 31 October 2004 and decide to apportion that amount among Member States for that period.

Acting without a vote, the Assembly draft was approved.

The Assembly then took up the draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) (document A/58/824).  By its terms, the Assembly would take note of the status of contributions to the Mission as of 15 April 2004, including outstanding contributions of some $24.8 million, representing about 4 per cent of the total assessed contributions.  Noting with concern that only 36 Member States have paid their assessed contributions in full, it would urge all others to ensure payment of their outstanding assessed contributions.

Taking note of the Secretary-General’s report on the financial performance of the Mission for 2002-2003, the Assembly would also decide to appropriate some $216.03 million to the special account for UNMEE for 2004-2005, inclusive of $198.33 million for the Mission’s maintenance, $17 million for the strengthening of safety and security of its premises, $8.75 million for the peacekeeping support account and $1.95 million for the Logistics Base.

The respective shares of the unencumbered balance and other income of $24.5 million at 30 June 2003 of Member States that had fulfilled their financial obligations to the Mission would be set off against their apportionment.  Outstanding obligations of Member States that had not fulfilled their financial obligations to the Mission would be set off against their respective share of the unencumbered balance and other income.  The decrease of $5,100 in the estimated staff assessment income at 30 June 2003 shall be set off against credits from the above amount.

Acting again without a vote, the Assembly approved the draft.

The draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) (document A/58/825) would have the Assembly take note of the status of contributions to the Mission as of 15 April 2004, including outstanding contributions of some $12.4 million, representing some 6 per cent of the total assessed contributions.  Noting with concern that only 30 Member States have paid their assessed contributions in full, it would urge all others to ensure payment of their outstanding assessed contributions.

By further terms, the Assembly would take note of the Secretary-General’s report on the Observer Mission’s financial performance for the period 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003.  It would decide to appropriate some $33.59 million to the special account for UNOMIG for the period 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005, including some $31.92 million for the Mission’s maintenance, $1.36 million for the peacekeeping support account and $303,500 for the Logistics Base.

The respective shares of the unencumbered balance and other income of $4.1 million at 30 June 2003 of Member States that had fulfilled their financial obligations to the Mission would be set off against their apportionment.  Outstanding obligations of Member States that had not fulfilled their financial obligations to the Mission would be set off against their respective share of the unencumbered balance and other income.  The increase of some $142,200 in the estimated staff assessment income at 30 June 2003 shall be added to the credits from the above amount.

The draft was then approved without a draft.

Also before the Assembly was a draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM) (document A/58/585/Add.1).  By the terms of the text, the Assembly would take note of the status of contributions to the Mission as of 15 April 2004, including the contributions outstanding in the amount of some $7 million, representing some 2 per cent of the total assessed contributions.  Noting with concern that only 81 Member States have paid their assessed contributions in full, it would urge all others to ensure the payment of their outstanding assessed contributions.  It would express its continued appreciation to the Government of Kuwait to defray two thirds of the cost of the Observation Mission effective 1 November 1993.

By further terms of the draft, the Assembly would take note of the Secretary-General’s report on the Observation Mission’s financial performance for the period from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003.  Taking into account the unspent balance and other income in the total amount of some $12.66 million for the period ending 30 June 2003, it would decide that Member States that have fulfilled their financial obligations to the Observation Mission shall be credited their respective share of the unspent balance and other income in the total amount of some $4.3 million.  Outstanding obligations of Member States that have not fulfilled their financial obligations to the Observation Mission would be set off against their respective share of the unspent balance and other income.

The Assembly would further decide that the decrease of some $114,900 in the estimated staff assessment income for the financial period ending 30 June 2003 shall be set off against the credits from the above amount.  Taking into account the voluntary contribution of Kuwait’s Government, it would also decide that two thirds of the net unspent balance in the amount of $8.4 million shall be returned to the Government.

The draft resolution was approved without a vote.

The draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) (document A/58/826) was then approved without a vote.  By its terms, the Assembly took note of the status of contributions to the Mission at 15 April 2004, including outstanding contributions of some $108.2 million, representing some 6 per cent of the total assessed contributions.  Noting with concern that only 32 Member States had paid their assessed contributions in full, it urged all others to ensure payment of their outstanding contributions.

The Assembly, by further terms, endorsed the recommendations of the ACABQ, and requested the Secretary-General to ensure their full implementation, bearing in mind that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General has requested additional police and judicial resources.

Taking note of the Secretary-General’s report on the Mission’s financial performance for 2002-2003, the Assembly decided to apportion $278.41 million to the special account for UNMIK for 2004-2005, inclusive of $264.62 million for the Mission’s maintenance, $11.27 million for the peacekeeping support account, and $2.51 million for the Logistics Base.

The respective shares of the unencumbered balance and other income of $10.8 million at 30 June 2003 of Member States that had fulfilled their financial obligations to the Mission would be set off against their apportionment.  Outstanding obligations of Member States that had not fulfilled their financial obligations to the Mission would be set off against their respective share of the unencumbered balance and other income.  The increase of $2.11 million in the estimated staff assessment for the period ended 30 June 2003 shall be added to the credits from the above amount.

By the terms of the draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) (document A/58/827), the Assembly would take note of the status of contributions to the Force as of 15 April 2004, including outstanding contributions amounting to some $17.4 million, representing some 1 per cent of the total assessed contributions.  Noting with concern that only 38 Member States have paid their assessed contributions in full, it would urge all others to ensure payment of their outstanding assessed contributions.

The Assembly would, by other terms, endorse the conclusions of the ACABQ, except those in paragraphs 16 and 20, and request the Secretary-General to ensure their full implementation.  [In paragraph 16 of its report A/58/759/Add.7, the Advisory Committee does not recommend, at the current stage, the establishment of a new P-3 post, Security Officer in the Office of the Force Commander.  In paragraph 20, noting a cost overrun of some $31,100 for overtime payments for national staff who drive shuttle buses for the Mission, the ACABQ reiterates its recommendation that alternative solutions to door-to-door pickups be found.]

By further terms, the Assembly would authorize the Secretary-General to fund the 14 contractual posts mentioned in his report on the Force’s budget for 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005 through general temporary assistance, without prejudice to a future discussion and decision on the proposal.  The Secretary-General would be requested to resubmit with full justification the request in the context of the budget proposal for 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006, taking into account the ACABQ’s recommendation against the proposed conversion and its intention to revisit the issue next year.

The Assembly would take note of the Secretary-General’s report on the financial performance for the Force for the period from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003.  It would decide to appropriate some $43.03 million to the special account for the Force for 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005, including some $40.9 million for the Force’s maintenance, $1.74 million for the peacekeeping support account and $388,900 for the Logistics Base.

The respective shares of the unencumbered balance and other income of some $1.89 million at 30 June 2003 of Member States that have fulfilled their financial obligations to the Force would be set off against their apportionment.  Outstanding obligations of Member States that have not fulfilled their financial obligations to the Force would be set off against their respective share of the unspent balance and other income.  The increase of some $86,600 in the estimated staff assessment income at 30 June 2003 shall be added to the credits from the above amount.

The draft resolution was approved without a vote.

The Assembly also had before it a draft resolution on the financing of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) (document A/58/828).  By the terms of the draft, the Assembly would take note of the status of contributions to the Mission as of 15 April 2004, including the contributions outstanding in the amount of some $77 million, representing some 2 per cent of the total assessed contributions.  Noting with concern that only 28 Member States have paid their assessed contributions in full, it would urge all other Member States to ensure payment of their outstanding assessed contributions.

Endorsing the recommendations of the ACABQ in its report (document A/58/759/Add.6), the Assembly would request the Secretary-General to ensure their full implementation.  Regarding the recommendation contained in paragraph 16 concerning the Secretary-General’s proposal to convert 45 individual service agreements into 45 national posts, the Secretary-General would be requested to provide further information so that the Assembly may decide on the matter at its fifty-ninth session.

The Assembly would take note of the Secretary-General’s report on the financing of UNIFIL for 2002-2003, and decide to appropriate to the special account for UNIFIL the amount of some $97.8 million for 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005, inclusive of some $92.96 million for the maintenance of the Force, $3.96 million for the support account for peacekeeping operations, and $883,800 for the Logistics Base.

As for the unencumbered balance and other income of some $15.78 million for the period ended on 30 June 2003, the respective share of Member States that had fulfilled their financial obligations to the Force would be set off against their apportionment for 2004-2005.  The shares of those States that had not fulfilled their financial obligations to the Force would be set off against their outstanding obligations.  The increase of $878,900 in estimated staff assessment income in respect of the financial period ended 30 June 2003 shall be added to the credit from the unencumbered balance and other income.

Further, the Assembly would decide for Member States that have fulfilled their financial obligations to the Force to off-set against their apportionment their respective share of the retained surplus in the amount of some $63.32 million, representing the net accumulated surplus in the Force’s account from 1978 to 1993.  For Member States that have not fulfilled their financial obligations to the Force, their respective share of the retained surplus of $63.32 million shall be set off against their outstanding obligations.

By further terms, the Assembly, expressing deep concern that Israel did not comply with several previous resolutions on the matter, the latest of which was resolution 57/325 of 18 June 2003, would stress that that country should strictly abide by them and would stress once again that Israel shall pay $1.12 million resulting from the incident at Qana on 18 April 1996.

A recorded vote was requested on the fourth preambular paragraph, as well as operative paragraphs 3, 4 and 14 of the text.

The Assembly then decided to retain the paragraphs in question by a vote of 75 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 48 abstentions (see Annex I).

Voting on the draft resolution as a whole, the Assembly approved the text by a vote of 131 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with no abstentions (see Annex II).

Syria’s representative said his delegation had joined the consensus on the draft and had voted in favour of the resolution of the financing of UNIFIL on the basis of the principle outlined in Assembly resolution 1874 (S-IV) of 27 June 1963.

The Assembly also had before it a draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) (document A/58/829), by the terms of which the Assembly would take note of the status of contributions to the United Nations Observer Mission in Sierra Leone and the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone as of 15 April 2004, including outstanding contributions in the amount of $85.5 million, representing some 6.5 per cent of the total assessed contributions.  Noting with concern that only 33 Member States have paid their assessed contributions in full, it would urge all others to ensure payment of their outstanding assessed contributions.

By other terms, the Assembly would endorse the ACABQ’s recommendations and request the Secretary-General to ensure their full implementation, bearing in mind that the budget may be revised in light of Security Council resolution 1537 (2004).

It would take note of the Secretary-General’s report on the Mission’s financial performance for 2002-2003, and decide to reduce the appropriation for the Mission for that period under the terms of resolution 56/251 B of 27 June 2002 from $699.83 million to $633.45 million.

Taking into account the amount of $622.5 million already apportioned for 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003 in accordance with the provisions of resolutions 56/251 B and 57/291 A of 20 December 2002, the Assembly would decide to apportion among Member States the additional amount of $10.98 million for 2002-2003.  It would further decide to approve the decrease in the estimated staff assessment income for 2002-2003 from $10.7 million to $9.56 million.

Regarding budget estimates for 2004-2005, the Assembly would, by the terms of the text, decide to apportion to the special account for United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone the amount of $207.24 million, inclusive of $196.92 million for the Mission’s maintenance, $8.39 million for the peacekeeping support account and $1.87 million for the Logistics Base.

The respective shares of the unencumbered balance and other income of $27.22 million at 30 June 2003 of Member States that had fulfilled their financial obligations to the Mission would be set off against their apportionment.  Outstanding obligations of Member States that had not fulfilled their financial obligations would be set off against their respective share of the unencumbered balance and other income.  The increase of $230,000 in the estimated staff assessment income at 30 June 2003 shall be added to the credits to the above amount.

The draft was approved without a vote.

Also approved without a vote was a draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) (document A/58/830).  By its terms, the Assembly would take note of the status of contributions to MINURSO as of 15 April 2004, including outstanding contributions of some $44.9 million, representing about 8 per cent of the total assessed contributions.  Noting with concern that only 33 Member States have paid their assessed contributions in full, it would urge all others to ensure payment of outstanding assessed contributions.

By further terms, the Assembly would take note of the Secretary-General’s report on the Mission’s financial performance for the period 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003.

Regarding budget estimates for the period from 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005, it would decide to appropriate some $44.04 million to the Special Account for MINURSO for the period 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005, including $41.86 million for the Mission’s maintenance, $1.78 million for the peacekeeping support account and $398,000 for the Logistics Base.

The respective shares of the unspent balance and other income of $5.95 million at 30 June 2003 of Member States that had fulfilled their financial obligations to the Mission would be set off against their apportionment.  Outstanding obligations of Member States that had not fulfilled their financial obligations to the Mission would be set off against their respective share of the unspent balance and other income.  The decrease of some $444,800 in estimated staff assessment at 30 June 2003 shall be set off against the credits from the above amount.

The draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) (document A/58/589/Add.1) would have the Assembly take note of the status of contributions to the Mission, including outstanding contributions of some $139.3 million, representing some 31 per cent of the total assessed contributions.  Noting with concern that only 38 Member States have paid their assessed contributions in full, it would urge all others to ensure payment of their outstanding assessed contributions.

The Assembly would also endorse the ACABQ’s recommendations, subject to provisions of the resolution, and request the Secretary-General to ensure their full implementation.  The Secretary-General would be requested to review the projects that may require the services of consultants to ensure the implementation of projects that are required for the mandate’s successful implementation.

By further terms of the text, the Assembly would decide to appropriate to the Special Account for UNOMIL some $864.815 million for the period 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005, including some $821.98 million for the Mission’s maintenance, $35.015 million for the peacekeeping support account and $7.814 million for the Logistics Base.

Taking note of the Secretary-General’s note on the financing of the appropriation from 1 August 2003 to 30 June 2004, the Assembly would, by other terms, decide to apportion among Member States the additional amount of some $114.5 million already apportioned for the Mission’s maintenance for the period from 1 August 2003 to 30 June 2004 under the terms of resolution 58/261 at a monthly rate of $10.41 million.  It would also approve the reduction in the estimated staff assessment income approved for the Mission in the amount of some $1.45 million, from $5.2 million to $3.76 million.

The draft was also approved without a vote.

By the terms of the draft resolution on the financing of United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) (document A/58/831), the Assembly would request the Secretary-General to review the Operation’s organizational and management structures, paying particular attention to the level and functions of the Deputy Special Representatives of the Secretary-General positions and providing detailed information thereon in the next budget submission.  Taking note of paragraphs 26 to 28 of the ACABQ’s report, the Assembly would request the Secretary-General to ensure that that functions assigned to the Deputy Special Representatives are performed consistent with the Operation’s mandate until such time as the Assembly is able to decide on the revised organizational structure.

The Assembly would, by further terms, authorize the Secretary-General to establish a special account for UNOCI for the purpose of accounting for the income received and expenditure incurred by the Operation.  It would decide to appropriate to the special account some $96.4 million for the period from 4 April to 30 June 2004 for the Operation’s establishment, inclusive of the amount of $49.94 million previously authorized by the ACABQ.  It would also decide to appropriate to the special account some $211.101 million, inclusive of $200.65 million for the Operation’s maintenance for the period from 1 July to 31 December 2004, $8.547 million for the support account for peacekeeping operations and $1.907 million for the Logistics Base for the period from 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005.

On the financing of the appropriation, the Assembly would, by further terms, apportion among Member States the amount of $96.4 million for the Operation for the period from 4 April to 30 June 2004.

The Assembly approved the draft, acting without a vote.

By the draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (UNSMIH) (document A/58/832), approved without a vote, the Assembly authorized the Secretary-General to establish a special account for the Mission.  The Secretary-General was also authorized to enter into commitments of some $172.5 million for the period from 1 July to 31 October 2004 for the Mission’s maintenance, in addition to $49.24 million for the period from 1 May to 30 June 2004 authorized by the ACABQ for the establishment of the Mission under the terms of section IV of General Assembly resolution 49/233 A of 23 December 1994.

By further terms of the draft, the Assembly decided to apportion among Member States some $221.74 million, comprising the amount of $49.23 million for 1 May to 30 June 2004 and $172.5 million for 1 July to 31 October 2004.

The Assembly also approved, without a vote, a draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Operation in Burundi (document A/58/833).  By the terms of the text, the Assembly authorized the Secretary-General to establish a special account.

The Assembly, by other terms, authorized the Secretary-General to enter into commitments for the Operation for the period from 21 April to 31 October 2004 in a total amount not exceeding some $156.04 million, comprising the amount of $49.71 million for 21 April to 30 June 2004 for the Operation’s establishment, inclusive of the amount of $49.5 million previously authorized by the ACABQ for the period from 21 April to 30 June 2004 and the amount of $106.33 million for the period 1 July to 31 October 2004 for the Operation’s maintenance.

On the financing of the commitment authority, the Assembly decided to apportion among Member States the total amount of $156.04 million, comprising the amount of $49.71 million for 21 April to 30 June 2004 and $106.33 million for 1 July to 31 October 2004.

The Assembly adopted, without a vote, a draft decision on questions deferred for future consideration (document A/58/571/Add.3).  By its terms, the Assembly decided to defer to its fifty-ninth session several items, including the Secretary-General’s report on the status of possible funding arrangements for the Capital Master Plan.  Under the agenda item on the financing of peacekeeping operations, it decided to defer consideration of the updated financial position of closed peacekeeping missions as of 30 June 2003 and the Peacekeeping Reserve Fund.

ANNEX I

Vote on Separate Paragraphs/Financing Lebanon Force

The fourth Preambular paragraph and operative paragraphs 3, 4 and 13 of the draft resolution on financing the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) (document A/58/828) were retained by a recorded vote of 75 in favour to 2 against, with 48 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Gambia, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstaining:  Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, San Marino, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay.

Absent:  Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Gabon, Georgia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Kenya, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mongolia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Suriname, Swaziland, Tajikistan, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.

ANNEX II

Vote on Financing Lebanon Force

The draft resolution on financing the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) (document A/58/828) was adopted by a recorded vote of 131 in favour to 2 against, with 0 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Absent:  Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Georgia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Iraq, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mongolia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Suriname, Swaziland, Tajikistan, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.

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