A/55/PV.98 General Assembly

In the letter contained in document A/55/745/Add.6, the Secretary-General informs the President of the General Assembly that, since the issuance of his communications contained in document A/55/745 and addenda 1 to 5, Chad has made the necessary payment to reduce its arrears below the amount specified in Article 19 of the Charter. May I take it that the General Assembly duly takes note of the information contained in this document?

The General Assembly will now consider the reports of the Fifth Committee on agenda items 115, 116, 116 and 123, 117, 117 and 168, 120, 122, 123, 124, 126, 127, 127 and 128, 128, 132 and 176. I request the Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee, Mr. Eduardo Manuel da Fonseca Fernandes Ramos of Portugal, to kindly introduce the reports of the Fifth Committee in one intervention. Mr. Ramos (Portugal), Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee: I have the honour today to present to the General Assembly the reports of the Fifth Committee during the first part of its resumed fifty-fifth session. With regard to agenda item 115, entitled “Financial reports and audited financial statements, and reports of the Board of Auditors”, the report of the Committee is contained in document A/55/689/Add.1. In paragraph 6 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution that was adopted by the Committee without a vote. With regard to agenda item 116, entitled “Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations”, the Committee considered the following questions: procurement reform and procurement-related arbitration; the three thematic reports of the Office of Internal Oversight Services on its follow-up audit of the implementation of procurement reform; the inspection of the outcome of the consolidation of the three former economic and social departments into the Department of Economic and Social Affairs; the inspection of the consolidation of technical support in the Department of General Assembly Affairs and Conference Services; and the question of the review of the term of office of the Board of Auditors. The report of the Committee on these questions is contained in document A/55/532/Add.2. In paragraph 12 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of two draft resolutions and a draft decision, which were adopted by the Committee without a vote. The Committee also considered the question of gratis personnel under this agenda item, as well as under agenda item 123, entitled “Human resources management”. The report of the Committee on this matter is contained in document A/55/852. In paragraph 6 of that report, the Committee recommends the adoption of a draft decision, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote. The report of the Committee regarding questions relating to the programme budget for the biennium 2000-2001, under agenda item 117, is contained in document A/55/713/Add.1. In paragraph 6 of that report, the Committee recommends the adoption of eight drafts decisions on the following questions: Integrated Management Information System; review and assessment of the asbestos problem at the United Nations and the management of asbestos-containing materials at buildings at Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi and at the locations of the regional commissions; facilities management; profitability of the commercial activities of the United Nations; construction of additional conference facilities at Bangkok and Addis Ababa; security arrangements at the United Nations Office at Geneva; common services; and internal and external printing practices of the Organization. These draft decisions were adopted by the Committee without a vote. As regards the question of the United Nations Fund for International Partnerships, which the Committee considered under two agenda items — 117, “Programme budget for the biennium 2000-2001”, and 168, “Programme budget for the biennium 1998- 1999” — the report of the Committee on the matter is contained in document A/55/876. In paragraph 6 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft decision, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote. Concerning agenda item 120, entitled “Administrative and budgetary coordination of the United Nations with the specialized agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency”, the report of the Committee on the statistical report of the Administrative Committee on Coordination on the budgetary and financial situation of organizations of the United Nations system is contained in document A/55/859. In paragraph 6 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft decision, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote. In connection with agenda item 122, “Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations”, in particular the application of Article 19 of the United Nations Charter, the Committee decided to inform the General Assembly that it took note of the information provided by the coordinator of the informal consultations on the item to the effect that the question of the application of Article 19 of the Charter should be considered by the Committee on Contributions at its forthcoming session. The report of the Committee on this item is contained in document A/55/521/Add.2. As regards agenda item 123, entitled “Human resources management”, despite extensive negotiations on a draft resolution on this item, which comprised around 200 paragraphs covering all issues under consideration, and in spite of substantial progress on the greater part of these issues, the Committee was unable to reach consensus or to complete its work for a number of reasons. The Committee still has to deal with the issue of the examination for the promotion from general service to the Professional category, contractual arrangements, recruitment and placement, and the application of the principle of equitable geographic distribution. In a draft decision entitled “Human resources management”, the Committee therefore decided to defer consideration of this agenda item to the second part of its resumed session. In paragraph 7 of its report, contained in document A/55/890, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft decision, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote. Concerning agenda item 124, entitled “United Nations common system”, the report of the Committee on the question of strengthening the international civil service is contained in document A/55/709/Add.1. In paragraph 5 of its report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft decision, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote. In connection with agenda item 126, “Report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the Office of Internal Oversight Services”, the report of the Committee is contained in document A/55/888. In paragraph 6 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft decision, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote. As regards agenda item 127, entitled “Financing of the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991”, the report of the Committee on the proposed requirements for the ad litem judges and the conditions and terms of service of these judges is contained in document A/55/691/Add.1. In paragraph 8 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of two draft resolutions, which were adopted by the Committee without a vote. As regards agenda item 127 and agenda item 128, “Financing of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Genocide and Other Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of Rwanda and Rwandan Citizens Responsible for Genocide and Other Such Violations Committed in the Territory of Neighbouring States between 1 January and 31 December 1994”, the reports of the Committee on the audit and investigation of the International Criminal Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda are contained in documents A/55/691/Add.2 and A/55/692/Add.1. In paragraphs 6 of both reports, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of two draft decisions, which were adopted by the Committee without a vote. Furthermore, a report of the Committee on the investigation into possible fee-splitting arrangements between defence counsel and indigent detainees at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia is contained in document A/55/877. In paragraph 6 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote. As regards agenda item 132, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone”, the report of the Committee is contained in document A/55/891. In paragraph 6 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote. Finally, regarding agenda item 176, entitled “Financing of the Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea”, the report of the Committee on this item is contained in document A/55/711/Add.1. In paragraph 6 of its report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote.

I call on the representative of Egypt on a point of order.

I wish to make a correction. It has been stated that the Fifth Committee was unable to reach a consensus on the examination for the promotion from general service to the Professional category. I should like to indicate in this respect that the General Assembly adopted resolution 53/221 on this issue, which remains in force until a new resolution is adopted by the General Assembly to supersede it.

If there is no proposal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I shall take it that the General Assembly decides not to discuss the reports of the Fifth Committee which are before it today.

Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Fifth Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. May I remind members that, under paragraph 7 of decision 34/401, the General Assembly agreed that “When the same draft resolution is considered in a Main Committee and in plenary meeting, a delegation should, as far as possible, explain its vote only once, i.e., either in the Committee or in plenary meeting, unless that delegation’s vote in plenary meeting is different from its vote in the Committee.” May I remind delegations that, also in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes. Before I begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Fifth Committee, I should like to advise representatives that we are going to proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Fifth Committee, unless notified otherwise.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 115.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 12 of its report and on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 13 of the same report. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “Procurement reform”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Draft resolution II is entitled “Review of the question of the term of office of the Board of Auditors”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We turn now to the draft decision entitled “Reports of the Office of Internal Oversight Services”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 116.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The draft decision is entitled “Gratis personnel provided by Governments and other entities”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda items 116 and 123.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the eight draft decisions recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We turn now to draft decision I, entitled “Integrated Management Information System”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Draft decision II is entitled “Review and assessment of the asbestos problem at the United Nations and the management of asbestos-containing materials at buildings at Geneva, Vienna and Nairobi and at the locations of the regional commissions”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Draft decision III is entitled “Facilities management”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Draft decision IV is entitled “Profitability of the commercial activities of the United Nations”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Draft decision V is entitled “Construction of additional conference facilities at Bangkok and Addis Ababa”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Draft decision VI is entitled “Security arrangements at the United Nations Office at Geneva”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Draft decision VII is entitled “Common services”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Draft decision VIII is entitled “Internal and external printing practices of the Organization”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

We have concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 117.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The draft decision is entitled “United Nations Fund for International Partnerships”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda items 117 and 168.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision, entitled “Statistical report of the Administrative Committee on Coordination on the budgetary and financial situation of organizations of the United Nations system”, without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 120.

May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Fifth Committee contained in document A/55/521/Add.2? It was so decided.

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 122.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 123.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 5 of its report. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision, entitled “Strengthening the international civil service”, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 124.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 126.

The Assembly will first turn to document A/55/691/Add.1. The Assembly will take a decision on two draft resolutions recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 8 of that report. Draft resolution I is entitled “Financing of the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Draft resolution II is entitled “Conditions of service and compensation for the ad litem judges of the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The Assembly will next turn to document A/55/691/Add.2. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of that report. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 127.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled “Report of the Office of Internal Oversight Services on the investigation into possible fee-splitting arrangements between defence counsel and indigent detainees at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia”, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda items 127 and 128.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision, entitled “Report of the Office of Internal Oversight Services on the follow-up to the 1997 audit and investigation of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda”, without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 128.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 132.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 176.

As indicated in the footnote to document A/55/L.80, in order for the General Assembly to consider the draft resolution contained in that document, it will be necessary to reopen the consideration of agenda item 12, entitled “Report of the Economic and Social Council”. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to reopen the consideration of agenda item 12?

May I further take it that the Assembly agrees to proceed immediately to consideration of agenda item 12? I see no objection. We shall therefore proceed accordingly.

I give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to introduce draft resolution A/55/L.80.

I am confident that the Assembly is fully aware that the number of countries classified as least developed has continued to grow. Currently, there are 48 countries in that group, as against 25 in the 1980s. With the adoption of the present draft resolution, one more country will be added to the group. The introduction of this draft resolution, preceding the holding of the Third United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries in Brussels in May 2001, indicates that the international community has been far less supportive of developing countries in general, and least developed countries in particular. Otherwise, we should have seen their graduation from the list, rather than their inclusion in the group of least developed countries. At any rate, on behalf of the sponsors of the draft resolution, as well as on behalf of the Group of 77, I would like to introduce draft resolution A/55/L.80 with some revisions, which I will now read out. In the second preambular paragraph there is a deletion to be made. The paragraph should read as follows: “Recalling Economic and Social Council resolutions 1998/39 of 30 July 1998 on the status of the least developed countries and 1999/67 of 16 December 1999 on the report of the Committee for Development Policy,”. The third and fourth preambular paragraphs remain as they are. Operative paragraph 1 remains as is, but operative paragraphs 2 and 3 should be deleted. I hope that the draft resolution as revised by the sponsors will be adopted by the General Assembly.

We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/55/L.80, as orally revised. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/55/L.80, entitled “Report of the Committee for Development Policy”, as orally revised. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution A/55/L.80, as orally revised?

I give the floor to the representative of Senegal.

On the occasion of the adoption of resolution 55/253, I would like to recall that the Committee on Development Policy, in the course of its last triennial review of the list of least developed countries, which was held from 3 to 7 April 2000, recommended that Senegal be placed on that list. The Economic and Social Council therefore recommended in its decision 2000/34 that the General Assembly include Senegal on that list, provided the Government of Senegal agreed. Clearly, agreeing to this required political courage on the part of the new Senegalese authorities. But it also required a great deal of realism, given the negative connotation attached to something that could be interpreted as a setback. However, the authorities of my country are convinced that, with the support provided by the solidarity of the international community to meet the new challenges confronting Senegal, the redoubled efforts of the Senegalese people will make it possible for Senegal to quickly satisfy the criteria for graduation established by the Committee for Development Policy. Before concluding, I would like to thank all the countries that sponsored the resolution. I would like to thank the Islamic Republic of Iran in particular, which spared no effort in this regard in its capacity as Chairman of the Group of 77.

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 12.

I should like to draw the attention of representatives to the fifth report of the General Committee (A/55/250/Add.4), regarding a request by Togo for the inclusion of an additional item in the agenda. In that report, the General Committee decided to recommend to the General Assembly that an additional item entitled “2001-2010 Decade: Decade to Roll Back Malaria in Africa” should be included in the agenda of the current session. May I take it that the General Assembly decides to include this additional item in the agenda of the current session? It was so decided.

The General Committee further decided to recommend that the additional item should be considered directly in plenary meeting. May I take it that the General Assembly decides to consider this item directly in plenary meeting? It was so decided.