Statement by Mr. Jun Yamada
Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations
Item 146: Closed Peacekeeping Missions
Fifth Committee
Second Resumed Part of the Sixty-fourth Session of the General Assembly
3 May 2010

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I would like to start my statement by thanking the Controller, Mr. Jun Yamazaki, and the Chairman of Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, Ms. Susan McLurg, for introducing their respective reports on this agenda item. I wish to make some brief remarks on the closed peacekeeping missions as at 30 June 2009.

My delegation believes that the status of closed peacekeeping missions should be viewed in light of the following two principles: first, that payment of assessed contributions is an obligation of Member States under the Charter of the United Nations; and second, that unencumbered appropriations should be returned to Member States in accordance with the Financial Regulations and Rules of the United Nations. It is essential to abide by these established principles of the Organization.

According to the Report of the Secretary-General A/64/605, as at 30 June 2009, 17 of the 22 closed peacekeeping missions had cash surpluses totaling $213,843,000 as credits available for Member States, and five closed missions had cash deficits totaling $86,648,000. We believe that the credits available from closed peacekeeping missions with cash surpluses should be returned to Member States. We share the concern of the ACABQ that lack of liquidity at times leads to the borrowing of funds for active peacekeeping missions from closed missions. At the same time, my delegation reiterates its view that the cash deficits of closed missions should be addressed through timely and full payment of assessments by Member States.

During the informal consultations, we wish to see the latest figures for cross-borrowed funds for the period 2009/10. We also wish to have, as early in our consultations as possible, information on the historic pattern with regard to cross-borrowing, as requested by the ACABQ. We need to examine carefully whether, in the past, cash surpluses retained by the Secretariat were used effectively for cross-borrowing. Similarly, we need to determine whether cross-borrowing will be essential in the current and subsequent financial periods.

In closing, my delegation wishes to assure you, Mr. Chairman, that we will engage in these negotiations in a constructive manner.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.