Fifty-ninth General Assembly

Fifth Committee

4^th Meeting (AM)

Budget Committee recommends 11 states retain General Assembly voting rights

despite unpaid UN debt, under Charter’s hardship exemption provisions

Also, Peacekeeping Financing Division Director Presents

Overview; Committee Discusses Costs for Missions in Timor-Leste, Haiti

The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) this morning recommended that the General Assembly allow 11 States -– the Central African Republic, the Comoros, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Liberia, the Niger, the Republic of Moldova, Sao Tome and Principe, Somalia and Tajikistan -- to retain their voting rights in the Assembly until 30 June 2005, despite their level of accumulated unpaid contributions to the United Nations, under Article 19 of the Charter.

[According to Article 19, should a MemberState fall behind in the payment of its dues by an amount equal to its assessments for the two most recent years, it will lose its right to vote in the General Assembly, unless the Assembly decides that non-payment is a consequence of factors beyond its control.]

Georgia had only presented its request for an exemption at a Committee meeting last Monday (for details, see Press Release GA/AB/3627 of 4 October), and by the terms of the draft approved without a vote, as orally amended, today (A/C.5/59/L.2), the Assembly would also invite that country to submit appropriate information to the Committee on Contributions if similar circumstances prevailed in the future.

Similar provisions were included regarding Liberia following its “eleventh hour” appeal for an exemption from sanctions today.  That country’s representative said that her country’s delinquency in payments was due to its inability to pay, as the country had been in conflict since 1980 and its economy had suffered serious damage as a result of sanctions.

Supporting that plea, India’s representative said that he could not think of a more compelling case than that of Liberia.  The request also received support from the United States, Syria, Pakistan, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nigeria, the Netherlands (on behalf of the European Union), the Russian Federation, Japan, China, Morocco, Qatar (on behalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China), Uruguay and Venezuela.  Many speakers, however, expressed regret that Liberia had not followed the established rules in applying for an exemption and insisted that Member States needed to do so in the future.

Also this morning, an overview of peacekeeping financing was given to the Committee by the Director of the Peacekeeping Financing Division, Catherine Pollard.  Presenting budget proposals for peacekeeping missions in Haiti and Timor-Leste, she said that three of the five missions whose budgets would be considered by the Committee in the next two weeks –- in Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire and Haiti -- had been established by the Security Council in the first half of 2004.  Also in light of the Security Council decisions earlier this year, the Committee would consider the budgetary requirements for ongoing missions in Sierra Leone and Timor-Leste.

For 2004/2005, the five budget reports reflected total additional requirements of $759.1 million.  Taking into account the appropriations and commitment authorities of $3.1 billion approved in June 2004, the revised total peacekeeping budget for 2004/2005 amounted to $3.9 billion –- a 44 per cent increase, compared with the average total peacekeeping budget level of $2.7 billion for two previous financing periods.  [The budget cycle of peacekeeping missions runs from 1 July to 30 June each year.]  Total requirements are expected to further increase when the revised budget for United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) is presented to the Assembly.

The proposed budget for the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) reflects adjustments arising from the reduced size and revised tasks of the Mission and includes requirements for the commencement of liquidation activities upon expiration of UNMISET’s mandate on 20 May 2005.  It amounts to some $85.3 million, comprising $7.2 million for the maintenance of the Mission for the period from 1 July 2004 to 20 May 2005 and $8.1 million for the commencement of liquidation activities.  That represents a 59 per cent increase, compared with the appropriation of $208.8 million for the 2003/2004 period.

For the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), which was established by Security Council resolution 1542 of 30 April 2004 for an initial period of 6 months, the Assembly approved commitment authority in the amount of $172.5 million for the period from 1 July to 31 October 2004.  The budget of the Mission for the period from 1 May 2004 to 30 June 2005 amounts to $428.3 million, comprising $49.3 million for the period 1 May to 30 June 2004 and $379 million from 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005.  The budget provides for the phased deployment of some 5,840 military personnel and 1,620 civilian police, 482 international staff, 549 national staff and 153 volunteers.

The reports of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) were presented by the Chairman of that body, Vladimir Kuznetsov, who said that the ACABQ was recommending a reduction of some $179,700 on UNMISET financing and made a number of observations and recommendations regarding the administration and management of the Mission.  Regarding MINUSTAH, the Advisory Committee, having made numerous suggestions expected to result in savings of $9.3 million, recommended approval of the full amount proposed to address some of the damage caused by hurricane Jeanne.

Participating in the discussion of the two missions’ financing were representatives of the Netherlands (on behalf of the European Union and associated States), Indonesia, Japan, Cuba, Brazil (on behalf of a group of Latin American countries), Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Argentina, South Africa, Haiti, Nigeria, Uruguay and Mexico.

The Committee will hold its next formal meeting at 10 a.m. Monday, 11 October.

Background

The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) this morning was expected to take up the financing of United Nations missions in East Timor and Haiti.

On the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) (document A/59/290), the Committee had before it the proposed budget for the period from 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005 in the amount of some $85.4 million -— inclusive of $60,000 in voluntary contributions -- with more than $77 million going toward maintenance of the Mission and some $8 million to finance its liquidation, slated to begin on 21 May 2005.  The appropriation included the $30.49 million previously authorized by the General Assembly, in resolution 58/260B, for the period of 1 July to 31 October 2004.  (The assessment of some $43.16 million for the period from 21 November 2004 to 20 May 2005 would depend on a Security Council decision to extend the mandate of the Mission for a further, and final, period of six months.)

Resources would be devoted primarily to three programmes -— as set forth in Security Council resolution 1543 -— namely, the public administration and justice system of Timor-Leste and justice in the area of serious crimes; development of law enforcement in Timor-Leste; and security and stability of Timor-Leste.  Specifically, the budget would provide for the deployment of 42 military liaison officers, 310 contingent personnel, a 125-person international response unit and 157 civilian police, 58 civilian advisers, 277 international staff, 614 national staff (including 20 national officers), and 144 United Nations Volunteers.

A report of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) (document A/59/384) recommends a reduction of $179,700 and makes a number of observations and recommendations regarding the administration and management of the Mission.  The Committee also recommends that the General Assembly decide on the treatment of the unencumbered balance of $4.06 million (gross) with respect to the period from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003.  The Assembly’s decision is also required on the treatment of other income and adjustments for the period ending 30 June 2003 in the amount of almost $10.53 million.

Among the detailed suggestions offered by the Advisory Committee was for the Mission to improve budget forecasting by taking better account of the latest available performance data, rather than automatically applying standard costs and unit rates.  The Committee also stated that the large amounts of savings regularly realized by the Mission on prior-period obligations actually illustrate a weakness in budget implementation and monitoring, and requested that the Mission provide a brief explanation of prior-period adjustments in its next performance report.

Also contained in the report are recommendations on further improvements to the presentation of the Mission’s budgets in the results-based budgeting format, in particular “to establish a clear link between the results-based framework and the existing mandate plan”.  For instance, the Mission had identified the three main programme areas in the framework of its proposed budget, but did not offer details about when various outputs of the programmes would be delivered and how operations would be phased out.  The Committee also pointed out that the Secretary-General is due to make recommendations to the Security Council in November 2004 on the tasks and configuration of police and military components of UNMISET, following a technical assessment mission to Timor-Leste, which may also require staffing adjustments.

Though the ACABQ did not object to the proposed staffing for executive direction and management, it did recommend that “the Mission, to the extent possible, recruit ... staff locally to fill international Professional and General Service posts”.  This suggestion was made “in view of the fact that one of the major tasks of the Mission is national capacity-building”, but was expected also to result in additional savings.  The Committee also had more specific recommendations for the staffing of Programme 1, concerning the public information and justice systems, and of Programme 3, which deals with security issues, stating that some of the proposed posts do not appear to be adequately justified.

While accepting the need for a net increase of 18 posts to staff the Serious Crimes Unit in its final months, the Advisory Committee recalled that Security Council resolution 1543 had emphasized that the Unit should complete all investigations by November 2004.  Regarding Programme 3, which is implemented by the Office of the Force Commander, the Committee believes that the Force Commander post should be classified at the D-1 level, instead of the proposed D-2 level.  The Advisory Committee also found that the staffing establishment of a number of organizational units of the Division of Administration had not been adequately adjusted, commensurate with their reduced tasks.  The ACABQ did not recommend specific reductions to the proposed staffing, but expects that the performance report for the period 2004-2005 will reflect measures to implement this observation, as well as savings achieved.  Registering concern over a sharp increase in unbudgeted travel costs, the Advisory Committee trusts that the necessary measures will be taken by the Mission administration to rationalize, monitor, and control such expenditures going forward.

Along the same lines, the ACABQ also noted that the proposed budget for UNMISET does not take sufficient account of the fact that the Mission will gradually reduce its assets during 2004-2005.  The gradual reduction of Mission assets such as generators, vehicles, and communications equipment should bring about a reduction in requirements for spare parts, petrol, utilities, insurance, and rent, among other things.

By its resolution 58/260 A, the Assembly had approved the donation of assets with an inventory value of up to $35.3 million to the Government of Timor-Leste.  Since then, adjustments, including for accidental damage to or breakdown of equipment, has resulted in a revised donation value of $33.6 million.  The ACABQ trusts that the Mission will expeditiously and efficiently transfer its assets and promptly identify any additional assets which could be disposed of most effectively through donation to the Government of Timor-Leste.

Also before the Committee was the proposed budget for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) for the period from 1 May 2004 to 30 June 2005 (document A/59/288).  The Secretary-General requested $428.3 million, inclusive of the $49.3 million for the period from 1 May to 30 June 2004 that was already authorized by the ACABQ for the establishment of the Mission, and which has been assessed to the Member States in accordance with General Assembly resolution 58/311 of 18 June 2004.  The proposed budget for MINUSTAH links its total resource requirements to the Mission’s objectives through a number of results-based frameworks, grouped by components derived from the mandate of the Mission.  As defined by Security Council resolution 1542, of 30 April 2004, MINUSTAH is charged with the overall objective of restoring peace and security to Haiti, and to further the constitutional political process there.  The components identified by the Mission are:  a secure and stable environment; the political process; human rights; humanitarian and development coordination; and support.

In a related report, ACABQ (A/59/390), while making numerous suggestions expected to result in savings of $9.3 million, recommends approval of the full amount proposed.  The Advisory Committee reasoned that any savings could be used to address some of the damage caused by hurricane Jeanne, which had a significant impact on the facilities and infrastructure of the Mission itself, and with regard to the additional tasks the Mission is being called upon involving humanitarian assistance and security for food distribution.  Informed that the Secretary-General did not intend to request additional resources at this time, in view of the circumstances, the Advisory Committee asked that the Mission disclose the financial impact of Hurricane Jeanne on the mission in the relevant performance report for MINUSTAH.

Commending the results-based budget presentation for MINUSTAH for 2004-2005, the Advisory Committee nevertheless suggested further improvements, particularly regarding the measurability of indicators of achievement and the refinement of external factors.  It also identified three primary areas where adjustments could yield savings -- namely, accounting for the delayed deployment factor for military contingents and staff, reducing the cost of rations, and incorporating suggested changes in Mission staffing.  For example, at the time of the ACABQ’s hearings, a total of 2,770 troops were deployed throughout the Mission area, as compared with the 4,947 troops anticipated in the projected deployment schedule.  Thus, the Advisory Committee recommends that the delayed deployment factor for military contingents be adjusted to 15 per cent, which would reduce the budget by a little over $5.9 million.  Also, the cost of rations, estimated at $8.40 per day per person, was later revised to about $7 a day.  The ACABQ requested that additional efforts be made to reduce future costs of providing rations to put them more in line with those incurred by other missions, such as in Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the cost is between $5 to $6.

The ACABQ expressed a number of concerns about the structure of the Mission, which appears similar to that applied in United Nations missions in Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia.  In the case of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), specifically, the Advisory Committee had pointed out its “fragmented and top-heavy” structure, and recommended a review aimed at “streamlining the structure by combining smaller units or integrating them into larger sections, and eliminating some posts for heads of units and other higher-level posts, including in the Office of the Special representative of the Secretary-General and the Deputy Special Representatives”.

The Committee had an exchange of views on this matter with representatives of the Secretary-General and was informed that the structure now being proposed has evolved as a follow-up to the Brahimi report, in response to the multi-dimensional character of recent operations.  This model was being applied on an experimental basis and is not rigid, as it can be adapted to the specificities of each mission and will be adjusted to adapt to changes in mandates.  The Committee appreciates the work done in developing a suitable model for missions, but reiterates the need to avoid fragmentation, to establish clear lines of authority, and to avoid the potential for grade inflation.  The Committee recommends that an evaluation of this model structure, on the basis of experience in relevant missions, be provided in the context of the submission of the peacekeeping budgets for the period of 2005-2006.

Action on Draft

Acting Chairman of the Committee, NAJIB ELJY (Syria) introduced a draft resolution on the scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations:  requests under Article 19 of the Charter (document A/C.5/59/L.2), by the terms of which the Assembly would allow the Central African Republic, the Comoros, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, the Niger, the Republic of Moldova, Sao Tome and Principe, Somalia and Tajikistan to retain their voting rights in the Assembly until 30 June 2005, despite their level of accumulated unpaid contributions to the United Nations, under Article 19 of the Charter.

Regarding Georgia, which had only presented its request for an exemption at a Fifth Committee on 4 October, the Assembly would also invite that country to submit appropriate information to the Committee on Contributions if similar circumstances prevailed in the future.

The representative of Liberia then took the floor to make “an eleventh hour” appeal for an exemption from sanctions, saying that her country’s delinquency in payments was due to its inability to pay.  Liberia had been in conflict since 1980, and it was only with the help of the international community that it had retained its status of a sovereign nation able to participate in the work of the Organization.  The economic sanctions had led to the stagnation of its economy, and its capacity to pay was limited due to its large debt.  Her Government was preparing a payment schedule to alleviate its arrearsto the United Nations.

Supporting that plea, India’s representative said that he could not think of a more compelling case than that of Liberia.  The request also received support from the United States, Syria, Pakistan, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nigeria, China, Morocco, Qatar (on behalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China), Uruguay and Venezuela.  Many speakers, however, expressed regret that Liberia had not followed the established rules in applying for an exemption.

“Reluctantly supporting” the request, the representative of the Netherlands (on behalf of the European Union) insisted on the need for Member States to follow the established rules and procedures in applying for exemptions.  The Union strongly believed in a rules-based multilateral system.  The representative of the Russian Federation expressed hope that, should such a need arise in the future, Liberia would apply for exemptions through the Committee on Contributions.  Japan’s representative also urged Liberia to follow the established procedures, emphasizing the difficulty of making decisions without substantive materials to support a request.

The draft was approved without a vote, as orally amended, to include Liberia among the countries allowed to vote in the Assembly until 30 June 2005.

Representatives of Liberia and Georgia expressed gratitude for the support and understanding of the members of the Committee.

Introduction of Reports

Introducing the budget request for the United Nations Mission in East Timor, CATHERINE POLLARD, Director, Peacekeeping Financing Division, noted that the Committee during this session would have to consider budget reports for five missions -- the three peacekeeping missions in Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, and Haiti, as well as the two ongoing missions in East Timor and Sierra Leone.  Taken together, the revised total peacekeeping budget amounted to $3.9 billion, a 44 per cent increase, compared with an average of $2.7 billion for the periods from 2002-2003 and 2003-2004.

Taking into account that these five budgets were being considered by the General Assembly outside of the normal legislative cycle for review of peacekeeping matters, she informed the Committee that there would be a corresponding impact on the submission of the budgets for these five missions, and for the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), for the period from 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006.  The 2005-2006 budgets for the five missions would only be completed and submitted in mid-March 2005.  Regarding MONUC, the Secretariat planned to submit the revised budget for 2004-2005 in time for the first resumed session of the Committee.  It was doubtful that they could submit the 2005-2006 budget in time for the second resumed session in May, she said.  In that situation, there would be a need for interim funding until a full budget could be submitted in the main part of the sixtieth session.

The ACABQ report on the UNMISET budget request was introduced by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee, VLADIMIR KUZNETSOV.  He said that, of the $85.4 million requested by the Secretary-General, the Advisory Committee was recommending a reduction of $179,000.  While the Mission had maintained a good budget implementation rate, more could be done to improve budget forecasting, especially by taking better account of the latest available performance data.  He also suggested improvements in budget implementation and monitoring, including by the cancellation of prior-period obligations.  He further emphasized the desirability of recruiting national officers and staff whenever possible.

The Advisory Committee, as noted in paragraphs 28, 31, and 34 of its report, had a number of suggestions related to staffing, and was also concerned over high travel costs incurred by the Mission.

He noted the ACABQ’s recommendations on the disposal of assets and stressed the value of inter-agency collaboration and nation-building.

Statements

RONALD ELKHUIZEN (Netherlands), speaking on behalf of the European Union and associated States, noted that the group attached great importance to peacekeeping as a core function of the Organization.  As the largest collective financial contributor to the United Nations peacekeeping budgets, the European Union stressed the importance of improving efficiency in those missions, noting that the results-based budgeting techniques have been a great step forward.  The Union was extremely disappointed that the Committee was unable to agree on a cross-cutting resolution in May, due to lack of time, and, once again, the availability of documentation.  They would be returning to some of those issues in the context of the budgets currently before the Committee, and in a more comprehensive fashion in the future.

He noted that the Security Council had reviewed the mandate for MONUC and stood ready to discuss a revised budget for that mission on short notice in order to ensure an adequate level of funding.  He commended the Secretariat for the use of an integrated mission template for establishing draft structures for new missions, but said the model being applied, if used uncritically, carried the potential for overstaffing, risk of duplication of functions, potentially unclear lines of reporting, and grade inflation of posts.  The European Union agreed with the ACABQ when it cautioned about the tendency to fragment functions into very specialized units in cases where resources could be pooled or merged more effectively.

Supporting the comments of the ACABQ with regard to the staffing and management of both UNMISET and MINUSTAH, he said the two missions only needed regular budgets as soon as possible for the period ending 30 June 2005 in order to use resources efficiently.

He expressed support for a number of recommendations made by the ACABQ, including for UNMISET to further utilize the results-based budgeting framework, recruit national Professional and General Service staff whenever possible, adjust the number and level of posts as suggested by the ACABQ, and avoid the sharp increase in unbudgeted travel costs.  Regarding MINUSTAH, the European Union commended the Secretariat for the use of the results-based budgeting framework for the Mission, but fully supported the comments of the ACABQ with regard to the number of posts, recognizing the need for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to have staff at the appropriate level to perform the functions facing the mission.

While the European Union understood that hurricane Jeanne had a significant impact on MINUSTAH, the recommendation from the ACABQ to appropriate the full amount requested by the Secretary-General in order to cope with the effects was unclear.  He requested further clarification before taking a position on this issue.

The representative of Indonesia said her delegation had been consistently supportive of UNMISET and welcomed the steps taken by East Timor toward self-sufficiency.  Since the proposed budget was for the last phase, adequate financing was necessary to enable the Mission to complete its work in May 2005.  Indonesia fully supported the recommendations of the ACABQ, especially regarding the importance of recruiting staff locally as part of its role in national capacity-building.  She said there were, however, “big problems” with some of the indicators of achievement included in the proposed budget, and she would seek clarification in the informals.

The representative of Japan welcomed the extension of UNMISET’s mandate for another year, but noted that mission must achieve its goals within this final period. The proposed budget was, in principle, a reasonable one. He stressed the importance of hiring national staff as an integral part of national development and capacity-building. The ACABQ’s excellent recommendation in that regard should be fully implemented. He noted some equipment donated to the Government of Timor-Leste by Japan, which stood ready to support the proposal of the Secretary-General and endorsed the recommendations by the ACABQ.

Ms. POLLARD then introduced the report on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), noting that the actions to be taken by the General Assembly in connection with its financing were:  the appropriation of $49.3 million for the period of 1 May to 30 June 2004, which was previously authorized by the ACABQ; the appropriation of $379 million for maintenance of the Mission for the 12-month period from 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005, inclusive of the commitment authority of $172.5 million previously authorized by the General Assembly in resolution 58/311; and assessment of $206.6 million at a monthly rate for maintenance of the Mission from 1 November 2004 to 30 June 2005, taking into account the $172.5 million already apportioned, should the Security Council decide to continue the mandate of the Mission.

Mr. KUZNETSOV, of the ACABQ, said that the Advisory body had identified possible reductions totalling $9.3 million, but was recommending approval of the full amount requested by the Secretary-General in view of the impact of hurricane Jeanne on the Mission.  During its consideration of the estimates, the Advisory Committee became aware of the significant impact of hurricane Jeanne, both with regard to the Mission itself and on what the Mission was being required to do on the ground.  He pointed out that the ACABQ report requested that the full impact of hurricane Jeanne on the Mission should be included in relevant performance report of MINUSTAH.

Furthermore, he said, the budget had implications beyond the Mission.  It was the first opportunity for the Advisory Committee to comment on the application of a structure that was being proposed by the Secretary-General for all medium-sized missions.  The recommendations made by the ACABQ, depending on the reaction of the General Assembly, might be applied to other missions in the future.  Though the Secretariat had responded to some of the concerns expressed by the ACABQ, namely that the proposed model included fragmented and top-heavy structures, those problems had not been fully resolved.

Regarding the proposed budget itself, he said, adjustments should be made to account for the greater than anticipated delayed deployment factor, and efforts should be made to reduce future costs for rations.  The ACABQ’s recommendations regarding civilian posts followed from concerns over the Mission’s structure, and staffing of MINUSTAH should be evaluated.

He said that no one mission was being singled out for special treatment by the Advisory Committee, but that MINUSTAH happened to come first in the round of missions under review.  He stressed that the recommendations for MINUSTAH should not be considered in isolation, as the Advisory Committee would seek to apply the same principles when evaluating other missions in the future, depending on the reaction of the General Assembly.

CAIO MARIO RENAULT (Brazil), speaking on behalf of Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay, noted the commitment of the major Latin American countries in MINUSTAH.  He trusted that the Mission would help to restore democratic institutions and promote the economic and social development of the people of Haiti.  His group supported the level of resources requested by the Secretary-General as those essential for MINUSTAH to fully carry out its mandate.  The Mission currently had only 40 per cent of its military personnel and 20 per cent of the civilian police provided for in the resolution.  Therefore, it was urgent that the Secretariat step up efforts to provide the infrastructure needed for complete deployment of the mission.  Hurricane Jeanne had caused an exceptional circumstance that the Committee should acknowledge, but that should not set a precedent for other missions.

RAJIV RAMLAL (Trinidad and Tobago) urged the Assembly to ensure that MINUSTAH was provided with the requisite resources to successfully execute and implement the various components of the Mission’s mandate, which would facilitate the building and strengthening of functioning democratic institutions in Haiti, in supporting the rule of law, and in promoting the economic and social development of Haiti.  He noted the ACABQ’s report drawing attention to the need to address the impact of Hurricane Jeanne on the operations of the Mission.

ASDRUBAL PULIDO LEON (Venezuela) agreed that it was necessary to allow the flow of the needed financial resources to enable MINUSTAH to carry out its mandate.  In the spirit of solidarity, Venezuela, offered its unreserved support and sympathy for the people of Haiti for the suffering caused by hurricanes, and had sent financial assistance and emergency relief supplies.

ALEJANDRO TORRES LEPORI (Argentina), agreeing with Brazil, underscored the great importance for MINUSTAH to have the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate.  Finding peaceful solutions and normalizing democratic development in Haiti should be priority issues for Latin America.  In August, Argentinean police and military personnel, together with those from other countries in the region, represented 90 per cent of the forces in Haiti.  Argentina, which had provided 560 personnel and had another military contingent on the way, firmly supported MINUSTAH’s activities and requested that all necessary financial resources be provided, as requested by the Secretary-General and approved by the ACABQ.  The needs of the Haitian people could not be delayed.

NORMA GOICOCHEA (Cuba) said it would be useful to have copies of the introductory statements for the informals.  Appreciating the efforts to present a results-based budgeting framework for MINUSTAH, she raised very specific questions regarding certain indicators of achievements and how those related to the mandate.

For example, in component 1, which related to a “secure and stable environment”, the text stated among the indicators of achievement, “no violence requiring intervention between armed groups or against the Government of Haiti”.  She asked what was meant by the phrase “requires intervention”.  The idea of “intervention” didn’t appear in the mandate.  What was meant by that statement?

Also, under section 1.3, on “enhanced public safety”, one of the indicators of achievement mentioned addressing public disorder in four specific towns.  She wondered why those four specific towns were mentioned.  What was the link between the expected accomplishments and the indicators of achievement?

In component 2, regarding the “political process”, section 2.3 listed as an expected accomplishment “free, fair, and credible elections in Haiti, scheduled for 2005”.  The notion of what was “credible” was a value judgement that was not in the Security Council resolution establishing MINUSTAH, which called for the Mission to assist the Transitional Government in its efforts to carry out “free and fair” elections.  Perhaps the Secretariat could explain why it was going beyond the mandate provided by the Security Council.

She differed with the ACABQ recommendation regarding the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.  There was a need to continue to contribute to the promotion of the economic and social development of Haiti, with long-term objectives in mind.

Regarding the comments made by the ACABQ on MINUSTAH’s structure, she was grateful for Mr. Kuznetsov’s statement saying that the approach has also been applied to other missions.  She asked him to clarify whether the same recommendations had been made for the other missions.  The General Assembly would have to take a stand on the approach taken by the Advisory Committee at an appropriate time.  Finally, she requested more information about why the Deputy Special Representative for humanitarian and development coordination should be at the D-2 level.

KAREN LOCK (South Africa) said she would like to hear from the delegate from Haiti before continuing the discussion.

JEAN WESLEY CAZEAU (Haiti) said the report of the Secretary-General and of the ACABQ were important working documents on which a draft resolution for MINUSTAH would be based.  He thanked all those involved.  He underscored the impact of hurricane Jeanne, which had killed more than 2,000 people, on the work of the Mission.  He also stressed that the Mission must do more to hire qualified local staff to reduce unemployment and benefit the local population.

KAREN LOCK (South Africa) welcomed the submission of the first budget proposal for MINUSTAH in the amount of $379 million, inclusive of the commitment authority granted by the Assembly in June 2004.  The proposal had been tailored to meet the wide scope of tasks assigned to the Mission by the Council, ranging from creating a secure and stable environment, fostering democratic governance and assisting in organizing free and fair elections to strengthening the rule of law, promoting development and supporting human rights institutions and groups.  The Assembly had a collective responsibility to ensure that the Mission received adequate human and financial resources to successfully implement its mandate and ensure an inclusive, peaceful and lasting solution in Haiti.

Her delegation had taken note of the observations and recommendations of the ACABQ and stood ready to consider them further.  She trusted that the Secretariat at that time would be able to provide the Committee with a detailed explanation of the potential impact that any proposed reductions could have on the ability of the mission to fulfil its mandate.

Continuing, she affirmed the principle that each and every peacekeeping budget should be considered on the basis of financial justifications contained in the submission, with full recognition of the specificities and complexities of individual missions and their mandates.  That had been a long-standing position of the African Group and the basis of negotiations in the Fifth.  Regarding the references of the ACABQ to the multidimensional structure of the Mission and its apparent commonalities with other missions, she said it was imperative to apply the model in a flexible manner that would reflect the complexities, mandates and specificities of each mission.  It was important that the ACABQ considered the staffing of missions on a case-by-case basis.

Appreciative of the integrated approach to peacekeeping initiated by the Secretary-General, she stressed that there would be no lasting peace in any conflict situation without development and no development without peace.  The key problems that Haiti was facing in the human rights, security, economic and other areas were interrelated and required an integrated response by the Haitians and the international community.  The multidimensional structure of MINUSTAH, in particular the appointment of a Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Humanitarian and Development Coordination, would enhance the Mission’s coordination with other stakeholders.

On the latter, she noted that the ACABQ had proposed downgrading the post of one of the Deputy Special Representatives of the Secretary-General to a D-2 level.  It was to be deduced that the existing grade of Resident Coordinator could have been a deciding factor.  However, she wished to point out that the Deputy Special Representative, in addition to acting as Resident Coordinator, would oversee the work of substantive components of the Mission dealing with disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, repatriation and resettlement; child protection; gender; and HIV/AIDS programmes.  The posts of Deputy Special Representatives were political in nature and appointments were done by the Secretary-General.  It was important for the Representatives and Deputy Representatives of the Secretary-General to have access to stakeholders at the appropriate level.  Deputy Special Representatives, therefore, were appointed at the level of Assistant Secretary-General and she cautioned against what could be perceived as the creation of a subcategory within levels of each post.

She added that the political stability, economic development and institutional reconstruction of Haiti would require a long-term commitment of the international community.  It was important to provide a solid foundation for the work of that important Mission.

SHINICHI IIDA (Japan) said he supported the comments of the ACABQ on the structure of the Mission, as well as its observations regarding the importance of using national staff.  He also emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in the national capacity-building, requesting more explanations regarding proposed measures in that respect.  Noting large components of civilian police compared with other peacekeeping missions and a high proportion of civilian international personnel in relation to the number of national staff, he said that more information should be provided on the rationale for the specific numbers proposed.  He also had questions regarding paragraph 36 of the ACABQ report, saying that his delegation shared the concern over what had happened to Haiti and had provided some assistance to that country.  However, he wanted to receive further clarifications on the technical aspect of the ACABQ recommendation.

NONYE UDO (Nigeria) welcomed the submission of the first budget for the Haiti Mission.  That country was facing difficult times, worsened by hurricane Jeanne.  The Advisory Committee had wisely decided to take those unfortunate circumstances into consideration, and she expressed appreciation to the Secretariat and the ACABQ for their swift action on that important issue.  The representative of South Africa had commented on the need to take into account the specificity of each individual mission.  In that connection, she sought clarification regarding the proposed template for the structure of medium-sized missions.  Decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis.  The ACABQ itself was aware of the need to exercise flexibility in the experimental use of templates.

Responding to questions, Mr. KUZNETSOV explained that templates considered in the context of several missions had not been proposed by the ACABQ, but developed by the Secretariat.  The issue of templates and model structures for peacekeeping missions had been previously discussed in the Advisory and Fifth Committees when considering the Côte d’Ivoire mission.  The ACABQ commended the Secretariat for trying to develop a common approach towards structures of some medium-size missions.  However, the Advisory Committee had some concerns regarding the organizational structure of the Mission, reflected in paragraphs 17 and 26 of the MINUSTAH report.  Those concerns would also be reflected in the Burundi and Côte d’Ivoire reports.

Responding to Cuba’s comments, he assured the delegates that the principle would be applied consistently to various missions.  In keeping with the template approach, the level of the post for the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General had been considered in connection with the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) budget.  The functions and responsibilities of Deputy Special Representative did not justify the need to have the post at the Assistant Secretary-General level.  Further clarifications were also needed regarding the financial arrangements for that position.  In May, there had been indications from the Secretariat that the staff member in question would be provided for by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the D-2 level, and the difference between the D-2 and Assistant Secretary-General would be financed from the regular budget.  It was also important to consult relevant funds and programmes about the level of the post and the choice of the candidate.  Their participation was important.  Until those issues were clarified, the post should not be approved at the Assistant Secretary-General level.

Turning to the question from Japan on paragraph 36, in which the Advisory Committee had recommended the adoption of the full budget proposal regardless of the identified possible savings of $9.3 million, he said that the budget was being considered when the hurricane struck Haiti.  While it would take some time to assess the damage, it was clear that the Mission had suffered as a result of that natural disaster.  From the point of view of humanitarian assistance, $10 million was just “a drop in the sea”, but it would help to address the damage to the Mission itself.  Pending the estimate, the ACABQ decided to provide the Mission with some cash flexibility to deal with the aftermath of the hurricane, but the information on the actual expenditures would be provided to the Committee within the context of the Mission’s performance report.

Ms. POLLARD said she had taken careful notes of the questions and that comprehensive answers would be provided to the delegations later in the day in informal consultations.

SANTIAGO WINS (Uruguay) drew the Committee’s attention to the existing infrastructure problems in Haiti¸ which generated delays in troop deployment.  As one of the troop contributors to the Mission, his country had encountered problems on the ground due to the lack of infrastructure.  The hurricane had further affected the infrastructure, which was insufficient for the deployment of troops in the first place.  Adequate funding should be given to create the necessary conditions for the deployment of troops.

Ms. GOICOCHEA (Cuba) said that she did not object to receiving answers in informal consultations today but, in general, answers to important questions should be given in a formal meeting.  In the future, she would insist on that.

DIEGO SIMANCAS (Mexico) agreed that questions asked in a formal meeting should be answered in a formal meeting.  As for possible revised estimates in connection with hurricane Jeanne, he expressed hope that, in that revision, the Secretariat would take account of the flash appeal and humanitarian international assistance that was already provided to Haiti, to avoid duplication and unnecessary overlapping.

Mr. KUZNETSOV clarified that the Advisory Committee had found itself in a rather unusual situation, for it had had no time to assess the actual damage and the requirements.  However, the Mission had suffered damage to the accommodations, communications and vehicle fleet.  Also, although the budget estimates for the Mission might have been adjusted by some $2 million with regard to rations to the troops, he knew that soldiers were distributing their rations to the population.  Thus, the ACABQ could not have recommended such a reduction.  Currently, there was no intention to make recommendations regarding any increase in the budget of the Mission, but it was important to provide the Mission with some flexibility to improve the situation after the hurricane.  It was up to the Committee to accept or reject the recommendations of the ACABQ.

Mr. PULIDO LEON (Venezuela) said that he was not opposed to the recommendations of the ACABQ, but the Committee had a great responsibility and should always fully justify its recommendations.  It was important to avoid creating precedents that might affect the work of the Committee in the future.  A legal justification should be provided for any decision to assign resources to deal with the damage caused by the hurricane.

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