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REGRESAR

Statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on Agenda Item 134: Programme Budget for the Biennium 2016-2017: First Performance Report on the programme budget for the biennium 2016-2017

15 December 2016

Madam Chair,

1. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 134, in particular on the first performance report on the programme budget for the biennium 2016-2017.

2. I would like to thank Ms. Bettina Tucci Bartsiotas, Assistant Secretary-General, Controller, Office of Programme Planning, Budget and Accounts, for introducing the Secretary-General's report contained in document A/71/576 and Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, for presentation of the Committee's report as contained in document A/71/680.

Madam Chair,

3. As an essential tool of the budget methodology, the performance reports are a particularly important benchmark of the proper implementation of the budget process.The Group stresses the importance of respecting the budgetary process and, therefore, does not support any attempt that may infringe on such process by way of passing resolution on the Performance Report and Budget Outline to that effect. If we object to piecemeal budgeting because it does not give us a coherent view of the whole, we should also object to attempts at piecemeal reform of the budgetary process. The Group will not support any action that could be detrimental to the current budgetary process.

4. As mentioned in several General Assembly resolutions, Member States must provide the Organization with the adequate resources needed to implement mandated activities efficiently. It is our collective responsibility to demand and guarantee the full respect of the budgetary process, as set out in resolutions 41/213, 42/211 and 48/228 and reaffirmed in many others. It shall also be taken into account that no changes to the budget methodology, to the established budgetary procedures and practices or to the financial regulations be implemented without prior review and approval by the General Assembly.

Madam Chair,

5. The Group of 77 and China take note of the positive outcomes of the forward purchasing as this tool provided more certainty, as the price to be paid in future purchasing of currency is known in advance. The Group will continue to follow this matter with interest.

6. The Group of 77 and China call for all mandates approved by the intergovernmental bodies of the United Nations be provided with adequate resources from the regular budget for their implementation.

7. In conclusion, I wish to assure you of the readiness of the Group of 77 and China to engage constructively on the negotiations on this very important agenda item.

I thank you, Madam Chair.