A/68/PV.99 General Assembly

Members will recall that the General Assembly held a debate on agenda item 11 at its 91st and 92nd plenary meetings, on 6 June. We shall now proceed to consider draft decision A/68/L.51, entitled “Implementation of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the Political Declarations on HIV/AIDS”. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

In connection with draft decision A/68/L.51, entitled “Implementation of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the Political Declarations on HIV/AIDS”, I wish to put on record the following statement of financial implications on behalf of the Secretary-General, in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. *1444918* 14-44918 (E) Under the terms of paragraph (b) of the draft decision, the General Assembly would decide to convene a high-level meeting on HIV/AIDS in 2016, preferably in the second half of the year, and to undertake the necessary consultations to determine the modalities and organizational arrangements for such a meeting during the seventieth session of the General Assembly, but no later than December 2015. Pursuant to the request contained in operative paragraph (b), the General Assembly would convene a high-level meeting on HIV/AIDS in 2016. It is understood that all issues related to the meeting, including the date, format, organization and scope, would be determined during the seventieth session of the General Assembly. Accordingly, in the absence of the modalities for the meeting, it is not possible at the present time to estimate the potential cost implications of the requirements for meetings and documentation. Upon the decision on the modalities, format and organization of the meeting, the Secretary-General would submit the relevant costs of such requirements, in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Accordingly, the adoption of draft decision A/68/L.51 would not give rise to any financial implications under the programme budget.

The Assembly will now take action on draft decision A/68/L.51, entitled “Implementation of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the Political Declarations on HIV/ AIDS”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision A/68/L.51?

I shall now give the floor to the representative of the United States of America, who wishes to speak in explanation of position on the decision just adopted.

The United States joins the consensus on the decision just adopted. We are pleased to welcome the report of the Secretary-General, entitled “Towards ending the AIDS epidemic: meeting the 2015 targets and planning for the post-2015 era” (A/68/825). We also wish to acknowledge the progress achieved and the remaining challenges in the fight against HIV and AIDS, as noted in the report. We look forward to the high-level meeting on HIV and AIDS in 2016 and to actively engaging in consultations on the arrangements to ensure a successful meeting.

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 10.

I would like to inform members that the consideration of draft resolution A/68/L.49, entitled “Modalities for the third International Conference on Financing for Development”, will take place following the adoption of its programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee, in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure.

The General Assembly will now take up a request submitted by the Secretary- General in document A/68/235 relating to the appointment of members and alternate members of the United Nations Staff Pension Committee. In his note, the Secretary-General informs the General Assembly of the resignation of Gerhard Küntzle (Germany) from membership of the United Nations Staff Pension Committee, effective 16 June 2014. A vacancy in the Committee has therefore occurred as of that date. As the agenda of the sixty-eighth session of the General Assembly does not contain a sub-item on the appointment of members and alternate members of the United Nations Staff Pension Committee, the Secretary-General has therefore deemed it necessary to request, pursuant to rule 15 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the inclusion in the agenda of the current session of an additional sub-item entitled “Appointment of members and alternate members of the United Nations Staff Pension Committee”, under agenda item 116, entitled “Appointments to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs and other appointments”. Owing to the nature of the sub-item, unless there is an objection, may I take it that the General Assembly agrees to waive the relevant provision of rule 40 of the rules of procedure of the Assembly, which would require a meeting of the General Committee on the question of the inclusion of this additional sub-item in the agenda?

May I take it that the General Assembly, on the proposal of the Secretary-General, wishes to include in the agenda of the current session of the General Assembly, under agenda item 116, entitled “Appointments to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs and other appointments”, an additional sub-item entitled “Appointment of members and alternate members of the United Nations Staff Pension Committee”, under heading I, “Organizational, administrative and other matters”?

Owing to the nature of the item, the Secretary-General also requests that it be allocated to the Fifth Committee. As the Fifth Committee has just concluded its work for the resumed part of the session, and without setting a precedent, may I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to consider this sub-item directly in the plenary meeting of the General Assembly? I know it has been a hard time for the members of the Fifth Committee, and the request is that this item be considered directly by this session of the General Assembly without asking the Fifth Committee to meet on this item.

I should like to inform members that this additional sub-item becomes sub-item (j) of agenda item 116 in the agenda of the current session.

Members will recall that, under agenda item 118, the Assembly held the High- level Dialogue on Financing for Development at its 29th and 30th plenary meetings, on 7 October 2013, and its 31st plenary meeting, on 8 October 2013. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/68/L.49, entitled “Modalities for the third International Conference on Financing for Development”. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/68/L.49. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution A/68/L.49?

I should now like to express my sincere thanks to Ambassador George Wilfred Talbot of Guyana and Ambassador Geir Pedersen of Norway, who so ably and patiently conducted the deliberations and complex negotiations in the informal consultations. I also thank Member States for their very valuable contributions to the successful completion of resolution 68/279. I am sure that the members of the Assembly join me in extending our sincere appreciation to the Ambassadors for their hard work and leadership. The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 18.

Members will recall that the Assembly decided to consider sub-item (b) of agenda item 67 directly in plenary meeting and adopted resolution 68/237, entitled “Proclamation of the International Decade for People of African Descent”, at its 72nd plenary meeting, on 23 December 2013. We will now proceed to take action on draft decision A/68/L.52, entitled “Extension of the intergovernmental process of the General Assembly on a programme for the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent”. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft decision A/68/L.52?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 67. Reports of the Fifth Committee

The General Assembly will now consider the reports of the Fifth Committee on agenda items 131, 134, 147, 148, 150 to 152, 154 to 158, 159 (a) and (b), 160 to 165, 176 and 132. I request the Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee, Mr. Ken Siah of Singapore, to introduce in one intervention the reports of the Fifth Committee before the Assembly. Mr. Siah (Singapore), Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee: I have the honour to present to the General Assembly the reports of the Fifth Committee containing recommendations on issues that required action during the second part of the resumed sixty-eighth session of the General Assembly. On agenda item 131, entitled “Financial reports and audited financial statements, and reports of the Board of Auditors”, in its report contained in document A/68/610/Add.1, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution, which the Committee adopted without a vote. On agenda item 134, entitled “Programme Budget for the biennium 2014-2015”, in its reports contained in documents A/68/689/Add.2 and A/68/917, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution and a statement of programme budget implications, both of which the Committee adopted without a vote. On agenda item 147, entitled “Administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peacekeeping operations”, in its report contained in document A/68/918, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the following four draft resolutions, all of which the Committee adopted without a vote: draft resolution I, entitled ”Rates of reimbursement to troop-contributing countries” ; draft resolution II, entitled: “Triennial review of the rates and standards for reimbursement to Member States for contingent-owned equipment”; draft resolution III, entitled ”Support account for peacekeeping operations”; and draft resolution IV, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Logistics Base at Brindisi, Italy”. With regard to the draft resolutions on the financing of peacekeeping operations, I should like to inform the General Assembly that, with the exception of sub-item (b) of agenda item 159, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon”, the Committee adopted all the draft resolutions without a vote. The reports of the Fifth Committee are presented under the following agenda items: 148, “Financing of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei”, contained in document A/68/672/Add.1; 150, “Financing of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire”, contained in document A/68/922; 151, “Financing of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus”, contained in document A/68/923; 152, “Financing of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo”, contained in document A/68/924; 154, “Financing of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste”, contained in document A/68/919; 155, “Financing of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti”, contained in document A/68/925; 156, “Financing of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo”, contained in document A/68/926; 157, “Financing of the United Nations Mission in Liberia”, contained in document A/68/927; 158, “Financing of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali”, contained in document A/68/680/Add.1; sub-item (a) of agenda item 159, “Financing of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force”, contained in document A/68/671/Add.1; 160, “Financing of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan”, contained in document A/68/929; 161, “Financing of the United Nations Mission in the Sudan”, contained in document A/68/920; 162, “Financing of the United Nations Supervision Mission in the Syrian Arab Republic”, contained in document A/68/921; 163, “Financing of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara”, contained in document A/68/930; 164, “Financing of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur”, contained in document A/68/931; 165, “Financing of the activities arising from Security Council resolution 1863 (2009)”, contained in document A/68/933; and 176, “Financing of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic”, contained in document A/68/932. Regarding sub-item (b) of agenda item 159, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon”, the report of the Fifth Committee is contained in document A/68/928. The Committee considered the draft resolution and decided to retain the fourth preambular paragraph and existing operative paragraphs 4, 5 and 13 by a single recorded vote. The draft resolution as a whole was adopted by the Committee by a recorded vote. The Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft resolution. Finally, under agenda item 132, entitled “Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations”, in its report A/68/691/Add.2, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft decision relating to questions deferred for future consideration. The proposal was adopted by the Committee without a vote. In conclusion, I would like to thank delegations for their cooperation during the negotiations. I would also like to thank the Chair of the Fifth Committee, Ambassador Janne Taalas, for his guidance through our work, as well as the other members of the Bureau of the sixty-eighth session.

I thank the Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee for his introduction. Before proceeding, I would like to emphasize to representatives that, as the Fifth Committee has just finished its work, the reports are available in English only. It is my understanding that they will be issued in other languages as soon as possible. I apologize for that and thank representatives for their understanding. 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 that are before the Assembly today.

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.” 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 official records. May I also remind delegations that, in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. Before we 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 in advance.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report, the text of which, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.43. We shall now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 131.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report, the text of which, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.42, as orally revised in the Committee. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “Estimates in respect of special political missions, good offices and other political initiatives authorized by the General Assembly and/or the Security Council”. The Fifth Committee adopted it 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 item 134.

The Assembly has before it four draft resolutions recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to IV. Draft resolution I is entitled “Results of the revised survey to establish the standard rate of reimbursement to troop-contributing countries, as approved by the General Assembly in its resolution 67/261 on the report of the Senior Advisory Group on rates of reimbursement to troop-contributing countries”, the text of which, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.44, as orally revised in the Committee. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Draft resolution II is entitled “Triennial review of the rates and standards for reimbursement to Member States for contingent-owned equipment”. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.45. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Draft resolution III is entitled “Support account for peacekeeping operations”, the text of which, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.46. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Draft resolution IV is entitled “Financing of the United Nations Logistics Base at Brindisi, Italy”. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.47. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

I shall now give the floor to those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of position following the adoption of the resolutions.

As one of the largest troop- contributing countries to United Nations peacekeeping operations, India underscores the importance of resolution 68/281, which the General Assembly has just adopted. This is the first time in almost 20 years that the General Assembly has revised the basic troop reimbursement rate upwards. We joined the compromise consensus because of our demonstrated commitment to multilateralism. It is our belief that jeopardizing reimbursements to troops on the ground wearing blue helmets would be detrimental both to the institution and to the credibility of the United Nations, as well as to troops’ ability to effectively fulfil the mandate for which they have been deployed. We thank most sincerely the Permanent Representative of Bolivia, who, as Chair of the Group of 77, contributed in no small measure to the outcome. We also take this opportunity to thank the Secretary- General for having taken the initiative to bridge the difference between the finance-contributing and troop- contributing countries, which, together, make up the organic whole of United Nations peacekeeping. On this occasion, we would like to state the following. First, the outcome of the negotiations, which were long and arduous, spread out over the past two months, is firmly rooted in the acceptance by all members of the Assembly of the process of the report of the Senior Advisory Group on rates of reimbursement to troop-contributing countries and related issues (A/C.5/67/10, annex) and its survey (see A/68/813). India was a member of the Senior Advisory Group and is well aware of the compromises that were made for the report. The fact that the report submitted to the Secretary-General, and subsequently scrutinized by the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, almost foundered on the rocks and shoals of the Fifth Committee gives us cause for concern. The manner in which the negotiations were conducted in the Fifth Committee, seeking to reopen the Senior Advisory Group’s report and survey, is reprehensible. We assert today that, with the adoption of the resolution, all States Members of the United Nations have committed themselves unequivocally to the future method by which the reimbursement for troop costs for United Nations peacekeeping operations will be handled from now on. That essentially means that the report of the Senior Advisory Group and the resolution put in place an automatic and objective methodology for dealing with the reimbursement of troop costs for United Nations peacekeeping operations in future. Four years later, our successors in the Assembly should, we hope, adopt a follow-up draft resolution without the rancour and bitterness that marked our engagement this time. Secondly, the survey mandated by the General Assembly as part of the Senior Advisory Group’s report is the accepted objective method for assessing troop- reimbursement costs. India is one of the 10 countries that participated in facilitating the work of the survey. The average figure given by the survey, proposing a reimbursement of $1,762 per month for individual troops in a United Nations peacekeeping operation, is based on the facts on the ground. That such facts have been questioned and finessed by references to the current economic and financial difficulties faced by finance-contributing countries does not, in our view, lessen the justification for the figure of $1,762 per month. We therefore expect the next survey, due four years from now, to use the figure of $1,762 per month as the baseline for its examination of the ground realities in relation to the escalating costs of United Nations peacekeeping. Thirdly, we refer to the overriding argument of economic difficulties in appropriating budgets for contributing to United Nations peacekeeping made in our negotiations this year. As has been noted, it has taken 18 long years for the previous baseline figure of $1,028 per peacekeeper per month to be revised upwards today. During that period, many of us, including troop-contributing countries, faced similar economic difficulties and budget austerity measures. However, those difficulties did not prevent us, as troop-contributing countries, from demonstrating our commitment to the cause of maintaining international peace and security by contributing our troops when called for by the United Nations. We hope that the next four years will see a significant upturn in the economic fortunes of our partners in the finance-contributing countries. However, we would caution against using that argument four years later to again attempt to negate the outcome of the objective process embodied by the survey mandated by the General Assembly. Fourthly, we would like to express our concern about the increasing demands being placed on the human and financial resources of participating Member States by the mushrooming of United Nations peacekeeping operations. That such peacekeeping operations are being mandated by the Security Council as a knee-jerk response to volatile political situations within Member States is something that we have addressed at length in open debates of the Security Council. It is now for the General Assembly to advise the Security Council, in the light of the financial difficulties that major members of the Council face in contributing resources for an ever- expanding footprint of peacekeeping operations, to review its approach. The Security Council should only, to use an idiom from shopkeeping, “cut its coat to suit its cloth”. Finally, we reiterate our offer, as a major troop- contributing country, to share our experience and advice with the Security Council on how to make the mandates of United Nations peacekeeping operations more cost-effective. We can, however, do so only if the Security Council begins to implement the provisions of Article 44 of the Charter of the United Nations, which provides for us to play such a role. We hope that members of the Security Council, especially the major finance-contributing Member States, will take advantage of our suggestion so that we can share the burden in a meaningful way to make the United Nations more credible and effective.

We commend the efforts of Mr. Janne Taalas for having ably steered this extremely challenging session of the Fifth Committee. We thank him for his leadership. My delegation recognizes the sterling leadership, wisdom and negotiating skills of Ambassador Sacha Llorentty Solíz, Chair of the Group of 77 and China. We also thank partners for engaging the Group of 77 and stepping forward to increase the reimbursement rates despite their financial constraints. We can all celebrate the fact that, despite their different perspectives, all sides worked resolutely to explore common ground and to keep the peacekeeping partnership intact and strong. What ultimately matters is that the spirit and tradition of consensus prevailed. The Fifth Committee experts deserve tribute for their professionalism, hard work and tenacity of purpose. We are grateful to the Secretary-General for his intercession and outreach and we thank Ms. Susana Malcorra for going the extra mile to forge consensus and for averting a drift towards an ad hoc solution, which the entire membership did not want. In view of the increasing complexity and demands of United Nations peacekeeping operations, the Group of 77 and China has long argued for an increase in the reimbursement rate for costs incurred by troop- and police-contributing countries in deploying their forces to United Nations peacekeeping missions. The reimbursement rate was last revised in 1992. Since then, it has remained a vexing issue for the General Assembly and for the United Nations. The rate has now been revised. That is a step in the right direction. Our partners, the major fund contributors, have always  — I would add, rightly  — insisted that any fruitful conversation on the rate increase could take place only if there were empirical evidence to justify such an increase in the reimbursement rates. We needed data for the required empirical evidence and to determine the common denominator for an increase in such rates. The Senior Advisory Group on rates of reimbursement to troop-contributing countries and related issues, established in 2011, gave us the necessary framework and a common denominator. The report of the Senior Advisory Group (A/C.5/67/10, annex) made three key recommendations, namely, that, first, the typical rotation period be set at 12 months; secondly, a proportional reduction be made to personnel reimbursement to troop-contributing countries (TCCs) or police-contributing countries in the case of absent or non-functional major equipment; and, thirdly, to provide fair and equitable compensation to TCCs, a survey be conducted so that a decision could be made on a factual basis, grounded in the reality of the actual costs incurred. Last year, we approved the Senior Advisory Group’s report. It was a difficult decision for us. We assumed costly obligations. Pursuant to the third recommendation, a professional survey was conducted on the basis of a scientific methodology. The survey report clearly recognizes $1,762.55 per contingent person per month as the actual weighted average cost to TCCs. The figure is authentic and credible. It should remain an indicative parameter for the next four years. We are glad that resolution 68/281, adopted today, welcomes the Secretary-General’s report on the results of the revised survey (A/68/813). We express satisfaction that the reimbursement rates have been revised and increased formally for the first time since 1992. We have broken new ground despite the divergences and constraints. Despite the limitations of the outcome, our decision today is a net gain for peacekeeping and for the Organization. However, we must continue to review reimbursement rates periodically so as to align them with the actual costs incurred, both tangible and intangible. That, we hope, will be done four years from now. Finally, Pakistan reiterates its strong commitment to United Nations peacekeeping. International peacekeeping under the auspices of the United Nations is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 147.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.48. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 148.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.49. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 150.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.50. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 151.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.51. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 152.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.38. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 154.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.52. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 155.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.53. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 156.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.54. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 157.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.55. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 158.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.56. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force”. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

I now give the floor to the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic, who wishes to speak in explanation of position.

My delegation joined the consensus on the adoption of resolution 68/260 B, on the financing of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), and we also support the draft resolution on the financing of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (A/C.5/68/L.39). Our position is based on our consistent support for the principle that the responsibility for financing those two forces should be borne by Israel, the aggressor and occupying Power responsible for their establishment in the first place. Our position is in conformity with the basic principles set out in resolution 1874 (S-IV), of 27 June 1963. We would like to underscore that the reports of the Secretariat should be impartial and unpoliticized. The reports of the Secretary-General (A/68/596 and A/68/725) on the budget for UNDOF do not mention the role of Israel’s military activities in supporting terrorist groups associated with Al-Qaida that have crossed into the area of separation. The reports described the Syrian crisis as a civilian crisis, although it is a war against terrorism. We are surprised that the reports state that the Damascus airport is closed. It was never closed. It is still operating in the usual, orderly way. We would ask that the Force again use the Damascus airport and other Syrian airports to support the needs of the mission, as the roads in the mission’s area of operations are safe. Moreover, the withdrawal of UNDOF from certain areas has opened the door for terrorist groups that are attacking Syrian forces with the support of the Israeli occupation forces. UNDOF should immediately take back its territory, as Syria has provided the infrastructure enabling it to return to the field, for that is important for stability in the area of separation.

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 159. (b) United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon Report of the Fifth Committee (A/68/928)

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.39. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon”. I shall now put to the vote the fourth preambular paragraph and operative paragraphs 4, 5 and 13, on which a single separate and recorded vote has been requested.

I shall now put to the vote the draft resolution as a whole, as amended. A recorded vote has been requested.

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 159.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report, the text of which, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.57, as orally revised in the Committee. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 160.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.40. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 161.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.37. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 162.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.58. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 163.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.59, as orally revised in the Committee. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted (resolution 68/297).

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 164.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.60. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 165.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.61. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 176.

The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 5 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft decision is contained in document A/C.5/68/L.62. The Assembly will now take action on the draft decision, entitled “Questions deferred for future consideration”. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 132. On behalf of the General Assembly, I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Janne Taalas, Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations and Chairperson of the Fifth Committee, the members of the Bureau and representatives for a job well done. It has been an extremely taxing exercise, and they have all done an excellent job. The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Fifth Committee before it.