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Statement by Ms. Eriko Uemura

Adviser, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations

 

Agenda Item 136: Improving the financial situation of the United Nations

Main Part of the Sixty-eighth Session

United Nations General Assembly

October 17, 2013

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

At the outset, my delegation would like to thank H.E. Mr. Yukio Takasu, Under-Secretary General for Management, for providing a comprehensive overview of the financial situation of the United Nations. I wish to briefly outline my delegation’s views on this issue.

 

First of all, 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 in spite of the great financial burdens we face. Japan’s determination to play an active role in maintaining international peace and prosperity remains unchanged and Japan will faithfully implement its international commitments.

 

While the overview report states that ‘overall, financial indicators for 2013 are generally positive’, Japan would like to reiterate its request that the Secretariat utilize the resources contributed by Member States even more efficiently and effectively when it implements mandates from the legislative bodies of the Organization.

 

At the same time, Japan would also like to call upon the Secretariat to seek further efficiency, taking into account the domestic efforts made by each Member State. In this connection, my delegation would like to stress that the General Assembly should scrutinize all potential additional requirements to the current budget as well as the proposed programme budget 2014-2015 with a view to setting realistic levels of resources necessary to implement given mandates.

 

Finally, Mr. Chairman, I would like to assure you that my delegation continues to actively engage in the discussions at the Main session in order to reach a consensus among Member States on all items by the scheduled end of this session based on sufficient explanation from the Secretariat on the proposed budgets.

 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.