Sixty-first General Assembly

Fifth Committee

42^nd Meeting (AM)

BUDGET COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS ASSETS FROM COMPLETED

 

BURUNDI OPERATION BE DONATED TO GOVERNMENT

 

Also Approves Text on Joint Inspection Unit’s Work Programme

The Fifth Committee this morning recommended that the General Assembly approve the donation of the assets of the now-completed Burundi operation, with a total inventory value of some $2.8 million and corresponding residual value of about $1.73 million, to Burundi’s Government.  In other action, it recommended that the Assembly take note of the 2007 work programme of the Joint Inspection Unit.

Approving a draft decision on the financing of the United Nations Office in Burundi (UNOB) without a vote, the Committee also endorsed the recommendations contained in the report of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), requesting the Secretary-General to ensure their full implementation. 

[Established by the Security Council in 2004 and extended in 2006 until 31 December 2006, UNOB was succeeded by a follow-on mission, the United Nations Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB).  The Operation’s administrative liquidation, including the process of disposing of its assets, began on 1 January 2007 and is expected to be completed by 30 June.]

By the terms of a draft resolution on the Joint Inspection Unit’s 2007 work programme, also approved by consensus, the Assembly would note with appreciation the Unit’s programme of work and decide to consider it jointly with the Unit’s report at the first part of its resumed sessions, starting from the sixty-second session.

Introduced to the Committee by the Unit’s Chairperson on 6 March, the Unit’s 2007 work programme contains 11 reviews, including on corporate consultancies at the United Nations, the national competitive examinations as a recruitment tool and common services in Nairobi and at regional commissions.  Requested by the Assembly to continue submitting an advance version of its programme of work at the first part of the Committee’s resumed session, the Unit had modified its annual planning last year, revising and streamlining the process.

The Committee also began its consideration of the financing of two peacekeeping missions -- the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT).  Following last year’s decisions by the Security Council regarding the introduction of a follow-up mission in Timor-Leste and expansion of the peacekeeping operation in Lebanon, the Secretary-General had been given commitment authority, with assessment, pending submission of the missions’ full budgets during the first part of the Fifth Committee’s resumed session.

Introducing the Secretary-General’s proposed budgets for the two missions, United Nations Controller Warren Sach noted that the Secretary-General’s current request for some $522.75 million for UNIFIL for the period from 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007superseded the original budget for the same period and provided for the phased deployment of 14,790 military contingent personnel, 406 international and 696 national staff.  While the Assembly had previously appropriated some $93.53 million for the Force, the Council, by its resolution 1701 (2006), had augmented its mandate and strength. 

Turning to the proposed budget for UNMIT, he said the Secretary-General requested the Assembly to appropriate some $194.6 million for the Mission’s establishment and maintenance for the period from 25 August 2006 to 30 June 2007, including $170.22 million previously authorized by the Assembly for the period from 25 August 2006 to 31 March 2007. 

Introducing the related reports of ACABQ, its Chairman, Rajat Saha, said that body recommended a 5 per cent reduction in the proposed budgets for both missions.  While recognizing that UNIFIL’s expanded mandate required an increase in its substantive and support components, ACABQ doubted that the Mission’s proposed staffing could be put in place and associated operational costs fully utilized within the budget period ending on 30 June.  In fact, less than 30 per cent of the total provision for operational costs had been used as of 3 March.  While concerned about UNMIT’s precarious cash-flow situation, in the view of a significant under-expenditure so far, the Advisory Committee nevertheless doubted that Mission’s capacity to utilize all the requested resources.

Stressing the need for budget discipline, the United States representative expressed concern over the consistent pattern of overbudgeting of peacekeeping missions, saying he saw a tendency to ask for more than required to carry out the mandated tasks involved.  The projected expenditures for both missions corresponded precisely to the envisaged unused balance.  Those figures were simply not credible.

Noting the important role UNIFIL had played in contributing to Lebanon’s stability, particularly in the southern part of the country, Lebanon’s representative said his delegation’s position had been to support the Secretary-General’s proposals in terms of resources to ensure that the Force performed efficiently.  The issue was not the level of assessment or the 5 per cent reduction, but ensuring that the Force had the necessary resources to perform its tasks as mandated by the Security Council.

Also stressing the need for adequate resources, Indonesia’s representative said that, while the immediate concern was to ensure Timor-Leste’s stability, the ultimate purpose of external assistance was to equip the Government and the people with the capacity to reduce poverty, improve living standards and meet national development priorities.  Making that progress possible required adequate funding.  Underlining the importance of properly translating UNMIT’s ultimate purpose into dollar terms, he said the very limited resources must be carefully allocated into the Mission’s units and teams.

Also speaking today were the representatives of Germany, on behalf of the European Union and associated States, Japan, Australia, also on behalf of Canada and New Zealand, and Burundi.

The Committee will continue its work at 10 a.m. Thursday, 22 March.

Background

This morning, the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) was expected to act on drafts relating to the work of the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and financing of the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB) and take up the financing of peacekeeping missions in Lebanon and Timor-Leste.  Following last year’s decisions by the Security Council regarding the introduction of a follow-up mission in Timor-Leste and expansion of the peacekeeping operation in Lebanon, the Secretary-General had been given commitment authority, with assessment, pending submission of the missions’ full budgets during the first part of the Fifth Committee’s resumed session.

The Committee had before it the Secretary-General’s report on the budget for the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) for the period from 25 August 2006 to 30 June 2007 (document A/61/759).  Following the establishment of this follow-up Mission by Security Council resolution 1704 (2006), the Assembly authorized the Secretary-General to enter into commitments in an amount not exceeding some $170.22 million for the establishment of UNMIT, to cover the period from 25 August 2006 to 31 March 2007.  The commitment authority provided for deployment of 34 military liaison and staff officers, 1,608 police personnel, 480 international staff, 1,075 national staff and 380 United Nations Volunteers, as well as requirements for 22 general temporary assistance positions.  The Secretary-General was also authorized to finance up to 22 general temporary assistance positions at Headquarters to provide support for the deployment of the Mission from the peacekeeping support account.

The budget for the Mission for the period from 25 August 2006 to 30 June 2007 amounts to some $194.6 million, the report states.  It incorporates and supersedes the initial resource proposals for the Mission for the period from 25 August 2005 to 31 March 2007.  The budget provides for the deployment of 34 military liaison and staff officers, 1,608 police personnel, including 1,045 United Nations police officers and 563 formed police personnel, 469 international staff, 1,136 national staff and 385 United Nations Volunteers.

The Secretary-General requests the Assembly to appropriate some $194.6 million for the Mission’s establishment and maintenance for the period from 25 August 2006 to 30 June 2007, including the $170.22 million previously authorized by the Assembly under the terms of its resolution 61/2499 for the period from 25 August 2006 to 31 March 2007.  It is also asked to assess the amount of $51.42 million, taking into account the amount of $143.14 million already assessed by the Assembly for the period from 25 August 2006 to 25 February 2007 under the terms of its resolution 61/249, at a monthly rate of $12.55 million, should the Council decide to continue UNMIT’s mandate.

The recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), in a related report (document A/61/802), would entail a reduction of about $9.75 million in the proposed budget of the Mission.  Accordingly, it recommends that the Assembly appropriate for UNMIT an amount of some $184.82 million for the period from 25 August 2006 to 30 June 2007.  The Advisory Committee also makes a number of observations and recommendations regarding the administration and management of the Mission and opportunities for further savings.

Among other things, ACABQ expresses its concern regarding the precarious cash-flow situation of the Mission, but, in the view of a significant under-expenditure so far, continues to doubt the capacity of the Mission to utilize all the requested resources.  It, therefore, recommends a reduction of 5 per cent in the proposed budget for the period from 25 August 2006 to 30 June 2007.  Should the appropriation prove insufficient, further requirements would be reported in the context of the performance report.  The Advisory Committee also urges a careful review of the staffing requirements for UNMIT.

The Advisory Committee further cautions against routinely using a standard template in determining the structure and staffing levels of missions, reiterating that missions of different dimensions, scope of activities and components have different requirements that should be reflected in structures specifically tailored to the needs of each mission.

A number of special circumstances should have been taken into account in planning for the staffing of UNMIT, the report states.  For example, given the strong presence of United Nations agencies, funds and programmes in Timor-Leste, care should be taken to avoid duplicating functions and structures that already exist within the country team.  The proposed budget for 2007-2008 should make clear the arrangements for coordination and cooperation between the United Nations country team and the Mission.  Furthermore, the possibility that both presidential and parliamentary elections may be concluded by the end of the financial period should be taken into account.

The report on the financing of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) (document A/61/766) contains the budget for UNIFIL for the period from 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007, which amounts to some $522.75 million.  The current request for financing supersedes the original budget for the same period.  The budget provides for the phased deployment of 14,790 military contingent personnel and 406 international and 696 national staff, including 23 national officers.

Previously, the Assembly, by its resolution 60/278 of 30 June 2006, appropriated the amount of some $93.53 million for the maintenance of UNIFIL for the period from 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007.  However, the mandate and strength of the Force were then augmented by Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) of 11 August 2006.  The Assembly, by its resolution 61/250 of 22 December 2006, then authorized the Secretary-General to enter into commitments in a total amount not exceeding $257.34 million for the expansion of the Force for the period from 1 July 2006 to 31 March 2007, inclusive of the amount of $50 million previously authorized by the Advisory Committee and in addition to the amount already appropriated under the terms of resolution 60/278.

ACABQ, in a related report (document A/61/803), recommends reducing the estimated budget requirements of UNIFIL from $522.75 million to about $496.62 million.  Recognizing that the Force’s expanded mandate does require an increase in its substantive and support components, the Advisory Committee expresses doubt that the Mission’s proposed staffing could be put in place and associated operational costs fully utilized within the budget period that ends on 30 June.  Less than 30 per cent of the total provision for operational costs had been utilized as at 3 March.  Thus, ACABQ recommends a reduction of 5 per cent in the proposed budget for 2006-2007.  Should the appropriation prove insufficient, further requirements would be reported in the context of the performance report.

ACABQ expects that the Secretary-General’s proposals for 2007-2008 will provide an analysis of the capacity required to undertake the Force’s mandated activities.  The Advisory Committee does not interpose, at this stage, objections to the proposed staffing structure of UNIFIL as a whole, subject to the specific observations and recommendations set out in the report.  In particular, it trusts that staffing resources for the Regional Oversight Office of UNIFIL will be justified for the next budget period on the basis of an analysis of the risks and complexity of operations.  The staffing of the Conduct and Discipline Team should be reviewed on the basis of the workload.  Also recommended in the report is a review to see which functions proposed for Field Service and international professional staff could be appropriately carried out by national staff.  The Advisory Committee also trusts that the budget for 2007-2008 will provide detailed information on the support provided by staff of the Finance Section to personnel in the sectors and liaison offices.

Introduction of Reports

WARREN SACH, United Nations Controller, introduced the Secretary-General’s report on UNIFIL. 

The ACABQ report was introduced by its Chairman, RAJAT SAHA.

Statements

THOMAS THOMMA ( Germany), speaking on behalf of the European Union and associated States, said the Union fully supported UNIFIL, as well as other peacekeeping operations, as a core function within the United Nations for ensuring conflict resolution and peace.  He had noted differences between the Secretary-General’s proposal regarding the budget and ACABQ’s recommendations, and was looking forward to receiving more detailed information in the Committee’s informal consultations.  The Union urged the Secretary-General to ensure that the Mission was conducted with a maximum of efficiency.  The Union welcomed the continued support to the Mission by the Strategic Military Cell at United Nations Headquarters.

He said the Union also welcomed the agreement regarding the Maritime Task Force between the United Nations and those countries contributing maritime resources.  The Maritime Task Force was a crucial element for peacekeeping, as it assisted the Lebanese Navy in securing Lebanon’s maritime border.  He highlighted the need to grant all necessary financial means to the Secretary-General to implement the provisions of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).  The Union also expected the Secretary-General to present budget proposals that reflected the most efficient way of delivering peacekeeping mandates.

KEN MUKAI ( Japan) said that, as the Assembly continued to address the surge in peacekeeping, it must be vigilant in ensuring effective implementation of all peacekeeping operations as mandated by the Security Council, while enhancing budgetary discipline, accountability and transparency.  In that regard, his delegation welcomed the adoption, on 15 March 2007, of the framework resolution on strengthening the Organization’s peacekeeping capacity.  He supported the broad thrust of the Secretary-General’s proposal to meet the challenges of expanding peacekeeping operations.  He was looking forward to receiving a comprehensive report, by mid-April, of functions, budgetary disciplines and full financial implications, for consideration and decision by the Assembly.

Regarding UNIFIL, his delegation fully shared the concern expressed by the Advisory Committee that there was a clear tendency in the proposed budget and other submissions to assert resource requirements without fully explaining or justifying them.  Clear recognition of the mandate of the Mission and its careful implementation, while avoiding duplication and overlaps through careful planning, was important.  He fully concurred with the approach taken by ACABQ to make adjustments to the level of assessments.  As of 5 March, less than 30 per cent ($61.1 million) had been utilized out of the total provision of $215.9 million for operational costs.  As recognized by ACABQ, it was unlikely that the proposed staffing for the Force for 2006-2007 could be put in place and associated operational costs utilized within the budget period that would end on 30 June.  It was necessary, therefore, to decide on the level of the budget, depending on further clarifications and justifications that would be provided by the Secretariat.  With limited justifications, the Committee might need to consider deeper cuts than what had been recommended by the Advisory Committee.  Without any justification provided by the Secretariat, his delegation would be obliged to point out the possibility of deferring the decision on appropriation and providing another commitment authority for the continuation of operations.

He also had questions regarding the administrative aspects of the proposed Strategic Military Cell, he said.  The justification for stationing in New York 4 civilians and 29 military officers was weak.  It was also necessary to further clarify the Cell’s relations with the existing Military Advisory (D-2).  There was a discrepancy between what was stated in the report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council (S/2006/670) and the budget document before the Committee.  In that connection, he asked about the rationale for appropriating some $2.5 million for the support account in the context of the Force’s budget for 2006-2007.  Regarding the Regional Oversight Office, he agreed with ACABQ that such factors as risk and complexity of operations needed to be fully considered in deploying the resources.  With regard to the Conduct and Discipline Team, its actual workload needed to be considered.  Those issues should be reviewed immediately.  Finally, his delegation had doubts about the proposals for quick impact projects in UNIFIL.  It was necessary to make sure that those resources were utilized in accordance with the policy agreed by the General Assembly.

MAJDI RAMADAN ( Lebanon) said he was very thankful and supportive of the Mission’s performance and the important role it had played in contributing to Lebanon’s stability, particularly in the southern part of the country.  For that reason, Lebanon’s position had been to support the Secretary-General’s proposals in terms of resources to ensure that the Force performed efficiently.  He did not believe that the issue was the level of assessment or the 5 per cent reduction, but ensuring that the Force had the necessary resources to perform its tasks as mandated by the Security Council.

United Nations Controller, Mr. SACH, responding to comments on the request to appropriate some $2.5 million for the support account, reminded the Committee that that request followed the commitment authority granted by the Committee last fall for that amount in connection with commitments in place for Headquarters-based support costs, which continued to be required.  The request for the appropriation was to follow through on an existing commitment authority already in place from the Committee.

United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste

Mr. SACH then introduced the Secretary-General’s report on financing of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste.

ACABQ Chairman, Mr. SAHA, introduced that body’s related report.

PETER STONE (Australia), speaking also on behalf of Canada and New Zealand, thanked the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and all UNMIT personnel, including police contributed by Member States, for the good progress to date in implementing the Mission’s mandate under challenging conditions.  The passing of Security Council resolution 1745 on 22 February, renewing UNMIT’s mandate for 12 months, had been an important step in assisting Timor-Leste towards a more stable and secure path.  While presidential and parliamentary elections this year were a priority, UNMIT’s mandate also included other critical elements, such as assistance to Timor-Leste’s governing institutions and support for a comprehensive review of the security sector.  The presentation of the first results-based budget for UNMIT represented an important development in the United Nations ongoing and broad-ranging work in Timor-Leste. 

Although UNMIT was relatively young, the vacancy rate was of concern, with some 60 per cent of international posts unfilled, he said.  He understood that the Mission’s original 6-month mandate might have contributed to the situation and was hopeful that the 12-month mandate approved by the Security Council should help remedy the situation.  He would appreciate an update from the Secretariat as to whether the situation had improved and how it planned to expeditiously fill those posts.  He had carefully studied ACABQ’s report and noted its recommendations, in particular on the Mission’s structure and staffing levels.  Staffing requirements should be carefully reviewed for all missions each budget cycle. 

On the suggested changes to the level of some posts, he said he had concerns regarding the proposal to downgrade the post of Deputy Police Commissioner.  The reform, restructuring and rebuilding of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) would be a long-term task, critical to the development of a sustainable police service in Timor-Leste.  The task of leading and managing the implementation of the capacity enhancement and institutional development was complex, requiring a highly qualified person and continuity in the role.  That should be reflected in the grade level established for the Deputy Police Commissioner.  Also, ACABQ had recommended a reduction in the overall budget of 5 per cent.  With both presidential and parliamentary elections approaching, he would be grateful for the Secretariat’s practical assessment of the potential operational impact of that measure.

Also of concern was the current level of outstanding unpaid assessments for UNMIT, he said.  As of the end of February, only 6 per cent of assessed contributions had been received.  That not only put the Mission in a difficult cash position, but also delayed payment to those Member States providing the police personnel that were so critical to the Mission’s success.  “UNMIT cannot run on goodwill alone, and we encourage Member States to meet their obligations to fund the Mission,” he said. 

Mr. MUKAI ( Japan) noted that Timor-Leste would hold the second elections since its independence this year.  At such a critical juncture, the country needed strong continued support by the international community, of which UNMIT activities were a major component.   Japan supported the Council’s decision to extend the mandate of the Mission for one year and had been a strong supporter of the resolution to establish UNMIT.

Regarding the funding of the Mission, he said that his delegation fully concurred with the approach taken by ACABQ and wished to see further adjustment to the level of assessment.  He also agreed with the Advisory Committee on a number of issues related to the administration and management of the Mission, as well as opportunities for savings.  As of 5 March, since the end of August 2006, only 40 per cent had been spent against the approved commitment authority of $170.2 million.  In view of the past spending pattern, the projected expenditure for the period from 6 March to 30 June 2007 could be estimated at $16.9 million, which was much lower than the envisaged unencumbered balance of some $126.95 million in the Secretary-General’s report.  He also doubted the capacity of the Mission to utilize all the requested resources.  The decision on the level of apportionment should be decided, depending on further clarifications and justifications by the Secretariat.

The structure of the Mission was in want of clear justification, he continued.  His delegation shared ACABQ’s warnings against routinely using a standard template in determining the structure and staffing levels of missions, including the number and grade level of posts.  He was not convinced about the need for the grade levels of certain posts, such as Assistant Secretary-General for two Deputy Special Representatives, D-2 for the Chief of Staff, D-1 for the Chief Political Affairs Officer, and D-1 for two Deputy Police Commissioners.  His delegation was also not convinced about the staffing of the Conduct and Discipline Team and the Internal Oversight Office.

He added that care should be taken to avoid any duplicating functions and structures that already existed within the country team.  It was necessary to utilize the strong presence of United Nations agencies, funds and programmes in Timor-Leste.  He would like to hear in more detail the expected areas of cooperation between the Mission, country team partners, as well as bilateral and multilateral partners.  Given the presence of funds, programmes and donors in the field, he had doubts about the rationale for quick impact projects.  He was concerned about the lack of a comprehensive policy and legal basis for such projects.

DAVID TRAYSTMAN ( United States) said that he wanted to address the formulation and implementation of the budgets for both UNMIT and UNIFIL.  As his delegation had noted during the main part of the session, the surge of peacekeeping operations had placed a strain on the Organization.  He understood the challenges both at Headquarters and in the field and would support what was necessary for the successful implementation of mandates.  His delegation was particularly aware of the burden on the Secretariat during this difficult period, including sometimes challenging negotiations.  It was precisely for that reason that his delegation expected stronger management, more efficient implementation of mandates and greater accountability.  It was necessary to closely scrutinize the financing requests to meet current and future challenges.  He asked the Secretariat to take extra care to ensure that all requests were fully justified.

Continuing, he expressed concern over the consistent pattern of over-budgeting of peacekeeping missions, saying that he saw a tendency to ask for more than required to carry out the mandated tasks involved.  Budget discipline was of fundamental importance in that regard.  He noted that, as of 5 March, only 40 per cent had been spent for a financial period that was more than 80 per cent complete.  The Advisory Committee had also pointed out that projected expenditures for UNMIT for the period of 6 March to 30 June corresponded precisely to the envisaged unused balance.  The same pattern of under-expenditure was seen in connection with UNIFIL, where, as of 5 March, expenditures had amounted to 65 per cent for a financial period that was almost 90 per cent complete.  And again, the projected expenditures corresponded precisely to the envisaged unused balance.  Those figures were simply not credible.

The missions had been authorized last August against a backdrop of significant international urgency, he said.  It was fully understandable that the first budget estimates would necessarily need to accommodate uncertainty and tend towards overestimation.  Subsequent budgets, however, should reflect field experience.  His delegation would endeavour to clarify the actual requirements through 30 June in informal consultations.  While he was prepared to support the Advisory Committee’s recommendation for a 5 per cent reduction in both proposed budgets, he was inclined to call for further reductions, if justified.

Specifically on UNMIT, he added that the Assembly had emphasized the importance of ensuring coordination and collaboration of efforts with United Nations agencies, funds and programmes and the implementation of a unified work programme in its December resolution on UNMIT.  He commended those involved in the preparation of the current report before the Committee, as it included detailed information on the funding provisions and activities of various agencies, funds and programmes in Timor-Leste.  That should be used as a model for other missions.  Any overlap and duplication should be avoided.  It would be possible to do that by clearly articulating the responsibilities of all United Nations, bilateral and multilateral partners and factoring them in during the preparation of unified country team work plans.

Mr. SILALAHI ( Indonesia) recognized the Mission’s importance and strongly supported it in advancing the processes of peacekeeping, peacebuilding and nation-building in Timor-Leste.  Peacebuilding and nation-building, as key elements of development, were not easily achieved, especially when peace and stability remained fragile.  Indeed, UNMIT would significantly contribute to Timor-Leste’s security and progress, starting with upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.  Acting on the mandate of Council resolution 1704 (2006), UNMIT was committed to supporting all aspects of the 2007 post-independence national elections.  To ensure the successful conduct of free, fair and credible elections, UNMIT had committed substantial political and technical resources towards that end.  While the immediate concern was to ensure the country’s peace and stability, the ultimate purpose of external assistance was to equip the Government and the people with the capacity to reduce poverty, improve living standards and meet national development priorities.  Making that progress possible required adequate funding.  Provisional resources had been approved for the Mission’s start-up activities, including its extensive support for the 2007 elections. 

Regarding the Secretary-General’s proposed budget for 25 August 2006 to 30 June 2007, he underlined the importance of properly translating UNMIT’s ultimate purpose into dollar terms.  The very limited resources must be carefully allocated into the Mission’s units and teams.  For example, compared to the Democratic Governance Support Office, UNMIT had put a relatively large number of P-4 and P-5 officers in the Electoral Assistance Office.  While that might be understandable in light of the upcoming elections, democratic governance was the ultimate goal.  A large number of staff was also in the Office of the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, which had mainly a coordination function.  It would be more appropriate for those resources to be allocated to the Administration of Justice Support Section or the Security Support Section, which might more directly impact the Timorese people.

Continuing, he said he did not understand the rationale behind having a substantial investment of international staff in the Serious Crimes Investigation Team, whose main objective was to dwell in the past, rather than in the Humanitarian, Gender or HIV/AIDS units, which were to invest in the country’s future.  He hoped the Secretariat would look into the matter and realize its priorities within the limited budget available.  Funds should be spent in such a way that the Mission’s ultimate goals were met in a cost-effective, responsible and timely manner.  That would be an important step towards the creation of a stable and bright future for Timor-Leste.

Responding to comments from the floor, Mr. SACH said that the level of the budgets presented to the Committee had been the result of computations made late in 2006, when anticipations about the actual deployment had been “somewhat optimistic”.  He noted the remarks of ACABQ and several Member States that actual requirements evolving for the financial period ending 30 June would require some adjustments.  Those remarks were well taken and the Secretariat would work with Member States in informal consultations to arrive at appropriate figures.

Action on Drafts

The Committee first took up a draft resolution on the Joint Inspection Unit (document A/C.5/61/L.34), by the terms of which the Assembly would take note with appreciation of the Unit’s programme of work for 2007and decide to consider it jointly with its report at the first part of its resumed sessions, starting from the sixty-second session.

The Committee approved the draft without a vote.

The Committee then approved, also without a vote, a draft decision on the financing of the United Nations Operation in Burundi (document A/C.5/61/L.35).  By its terms, the Assembly would approve the donation of the assets of the Operation, with a total inventory value of some $2.8 million and corresponding residual value of $1.73 million, to the Government of Burundi and decide to keep the item under review during its sixty-first session.  It would also endorse the conclusions and recommendations contained in the report of ACABQ, and requests the Secretary-General to ensure their full implementation.

The representative of Burundi then took the floor to thank the members of the Committee for approving the draft by consensus.

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