STATEMENT BY THE DELEGATE OF GUYANA ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA AT THE FORMAL MEETING OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 170: FINANCING OF THE UNITED NATIONS INTERIM ADMINISTRATION MISSION IN KOSOVO

New York, 20 July 1999

Mr. Chairman,

1.  I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

2.  The Group would like to thank the representative of the Secretary-General for the introduction of the SecretaryGeneral's report A/53/238/Add.1 on the Financing of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. The Group would also like to thank the Chairman of the ACABQ for introducing the report of the Advisory Committee (A/53/1019).

3.  The Group of 77 and China would like to underline the importance of maintenance of international peace and security by the United Nations. We also underline the collective responsibilities of Member States in maintaining international peace and security.

Mr. Chairman,

3.  The Group recognizes that the situation in Kosovo is a highly complicated challenge for the United Nations. However, in considering the financing of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, the Group would like to stress the importance of adhering to the financial rules, regulations and procedures for the financing of United Nations peacekeeping missions in accordance with resolution 43/232 and other relevant resolutions.

4. We regret that the report of the Secretary-General does not provide adequate information, which makes decision-making by the Fifth Committee difficult. In considering the request of the Secretary-General, more detailed information and justification for the financing of the Mission is required. The report of the ACABQ also notes that the rationale for the figure of $200 million was not provided by the Secretary-General. However, the Group regrets that the ACABQ report offers no recommendation with regard to the requested figure of $200 million.

5. The Group looks forward to working very closely with all delegations during the informals on the subject.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.