Statement by H. E. Ambassador Shigeki Sumi
Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations
on
 Agenda item 131: Improving the financial situation of the United Nations
Second Resumed Part of the Sixty-Fifth Session
United Nations General Assembly
19 May 2011

Mr. Chairman,

At the outset, I would like to thank Ms. Angela Kane, Under-Secretary-General for Management, and Mr. Jun Yamazaki, Controller, Assistant-Secretary-General for giving us a comprehensive overview of the financial situation of the United Nations. I wish to briefly outline my delegation’s views on the issue.

It is the responsibility of every Member State to pay its assessment, in full and in a timely manner, pursuant to the Charter of the United Nations. The Government of Japan has faithfully fulfilled its obligation.

Japan would like to reiterate its request to the Secretariat to utilize the resources contributed by Member States efficiently and effectively when it implements mandates given by the legislative bodies of the Organization. At the same time, Japan would like to also call upon the Secretariat to seek further efficiency, taking into account the domestic efforts of each Member State. In this connection, my delegation would like to stress that the General Assembly should scrutinize the Secretary-General’s proposals with a view to setting a realistic level of resources necessary to implement given mandates.

Mr. Chairman,

The Great East Japan Earthquake has caused untold damages to the country. The international community has extended its warm support to us. On behalf of the people and government of Japan, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation of the support received from various nations and international organizations. The Government of Japan is currently making all-out efforts for the early recovery of the affected areas.  Yet, in spite of this unprecedented situation, Japan’s determination to play an active role for the international peace and prosperity remains unchanged and Japan will faithfully implement its international commitments. In this context, I am pleased to announce that the Government of Japan will pay its assessed contributions which amount to US$466 million by June 2nd, in addition to its payment of US$728 million earlier this year.

Finally, I would like to assure you, Mr. Chairman, that my delegation continues to actively engage in the discussions at the Second resumed session in order to reach a consensus among Member States based on sufficient explanation by the Secretariat on the proposed budgets.

Thank you for your attention, Mr. Chairman.