A/69/PV.100 General Assembly

Members will recall that the Assembly held a debate on agenda item 13 and its sub-item (a) jointly with agenda item 115 at its 51st plenary meeting, on 14 November 2014. Members will also recall that under agenda item 13, the Assembly adopted resolution 69/288 at its 81st plenary meeting, on 5 March 2015. I have the honour to make the following statement on behalf of His Excellency Sam Kutesa, President of the General Assembly: “I would like to commend the delegations of Gabon and Germany and the many sponsors of draft resolution A/69/L.80 for this important initiative and step forward in addressing the serious implications of illicit trafficking in wildlife. The draft resolution calls for effective measures to prevent and counter the serious problem of crimes that have an impact on the environment, particularly illicit trafficking in wildlife and wildlife products. *1523794* 15-23794 (E) “It is essential to take decisive steps at the national level to prevent, combat and eradicate the illegal trade in wildlife, on both the supply and demand sides, including by strengthening the legislation necessary for preventing, investigating and prosecuting such illegal trade. We also need to further strengthen regional and international cooperation to effectively deal with that challenge. “Illegal wildlife trafficking not only threatens species and ecosystems, it affects the livelihoods of local communities and diminishes tourism attractions. It compromises efforts to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development. Given the role of organized criminal networks, armed groups and even terrorist groups in illegal wildlife trafficking, this scourge also carries with it serious security implications for many countries and regions. The adoption of today’s draft resolution and its effective implementation will be crucial to our collective efforts to combat illicit trafficking in wildlife worldwide.” I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Issoze-Ngondet, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Regional Integration of Gabon, to introduce draft resolution A/69/L.80.

At the outset, I would like to say how glad I am to be in the General Assembly today for this plenary meeting, and especially since the subject of draft resolution A/69/L.80, under consideration today, combating the poaching and illicit trafficking of wild fauna and flora, is one of my country’s top priorities. I would therefore like to convey to the President, on behalf of Mr. Ali Bongo Ondimba, the President and Head of State of the Republic of Gabon, our thanks for organizing this important meeting. I am deeply grateful to Germany, in its capacity as co-author of the draft resolution, as well as to the group of friends who have worked tirelessly throughout the negotiations. And of course my thanks also go to all delegations for the constant support they have shown during the process. It was in 2013, here at the United Nations, that we launched this initiative against the poaching and illicit trafficking in wildlife. On that occasion, addressing himself to the entire world, President Ali Bongo Ondimba drew attention to the extremely destructive effects of poaching and the importance of acting quickly and cooperatively in order to combat the problem. He took care to point out that wildlife poaching is at once an environmental, economic and security threat. He then proposed that the Secretary-General consider appointing a special envoy to coordinate the various efforts required to fight this illicit trade. At that point it was already a very profitable enterprise and highly attractive activity whose dividends drive the perpetrators to brave all the risks it carries. Take, for example, the situation of elephants, symbols of the ravages of poaching in Africa. In 2006, their population consisted of about 550,000 individuals. Today they are estimated at about 470,000 throughout the African continent. Over the years, the devastation has reached extreme proportions, with between 20,000 and 30,000 elephants killed each year. Gabon, which is home to more than half of the elephants in Africa’s forests, has also been heavily hit by this scourge. Since 2004, nearly 20,000 elephants have been killed in our country’s national parks. Today the threat of poaching continues to grow. Illicit trafficking in wildlife is estimated at $19 billion a year and is the fourth-highest type of illegal trafficking in the world. It damages the environment, it represents a genuine health risk and it is a drag on our economies. And, ultimately, it is a threat to security, particularly in some regions of Africa. The impact of illicit wildlife trafficking on the environment is well established. It contributes significantly to ecological imbalances in our forests. The pressure it places on fauna has undermined the ability of many species to survive. If we do not act now, their extinction could become a strong probability. Trafficking is a health risk. In fact, the clandestine nature of poaching increases the risk of the spread of illnesses. Many species cross borders and thereby avoid the monitoring of health-care services. According to studies by the World Wildlife Fund, such trafficking represents at least one quarter of all animals sold worldwide. For its part, the World Health Organization estimates that nearly 75 per cent of emerging diseases are transmitted to humans by wild animals. Trafficking hinders the economic development of our countries. Poachers and other traffickers disrupt the stability of businesses in remote areas. The instability caused by the regular attacks by these traffickers is likely to deter investment and undermines the implementation of sustainable development programmes. The ecotourism industry is significantly affected, although it is obviously one of the most reliable sources of income and employment for local populations. Illicit trafficking in wildlife is a source of national and regional instability. As a manifestation of transnational organized crime, trafficking generates roaming armed groups that are well structured and often better armed than regular armies. It has been noted in recent years that armed terrorist groups, operating in Africa in particular, are using poaching and illegal trafficking of wildlife to increase their incomes. Such trafficking generates illicit funds that allow the groups to acquire the most sophisticated weapons. Their methods are inspired from drug traffickers, which contributes to the proliferation of arms in Africa. In tackling illicit trafficking in wildlife, we have no choice but to cooperate. No State can overcome this phenomenon on its own. As with drug trafficking and human trafficking, we are dealing with well- organized international criminal networks that are greedy for profit. A concerted effort on the part of the international community seems to me to be essential. The countries of origin, transit and destination must work together. No lasting results can be achieved if this chain is not strong. In that chain, the countries that are most concerned are not on one side, with those that are less concerned on the other. The glaring truth is that a lack of involvement on the part of some will undermine the effectiveness of our approaches and thereby contribute to the entrenchment and perpetuation of the phenomenon. Only with solidarity and cooperation can we be effective. That is the principle that has guided Gabon, Germany and the Group of Friends. The President of the Republic, Mr. Ali Bongo Ondimba, has long been personally and continuously committed to calling on the international community whenever he has had the opportunity to do so. In Marrakesh in May 2013, alongside some of his African peers, he stressed the need to raise such trafficking to the level of a serious crime. In Paris in December 2013, he denounced the activities of poachers and highlighted the link between poaching and national instability. In London in February 2014, he reiterated the importance of immediate and significant international action. In Kasane in March 2015, he called for strengthening measures against the illegal trade in wildlife. At the national level, the Head of State has undertaken symbolic actions of great significance from the outset. For example, in June 2012 he ordered the incineration of Gabon’s entire ivory stock in the name of protecting elephants. At this initiative, the Government has with the utmost resolve strengthened the legal regime of sanctions against traffickers in order to make it more deterrent. Moreover, programmes to strengthen the capacities of the environmental rangers who oversee national parks have been developed with the support of friendly countries and international friends. Gabon has thus demonstrated a strong and obvious determination to eradicate illicit wildlife trafficking. Draft resolution A/69/L.80 before us today is sponsored by more than 70 States and certainly presents an opportunity to coordinate our actions. It would allow us to implement a comprehensive mechanism that would take all the dimensions of this issue into account. We believe that the General Assembly is an important political platform for achieving this goal. I welcome the fact that the draft resolution takes into account and highlights the dimensions of the phenomenon, including the damage caused by trafficking on ecosystems. It underlines the importance of strengthening international cooperation so that effective action can be undertaken to mitigate both the supply and the demand. It takes into account the impact of trafficking on the living conditions of populations, especially those whose livelihoods depend on ecotourism. It encourages States to strengthen sustainable development policies and to find alternative livelihoods for rural communities affected by illicit trafficking and poaching. Furthermore, the draft resolution recognizes that the phenomenon is a form of organized transnational crime and hence a direct threat not only to wildlife, but also to the security of States, the rule of law and good governance. The draft resolution therefore calls for proactive cooperation and more significant regional coordination. It calls on the United Nations, especially its specialized agencies, to continue its support to Member States, notably through capacity-building. It provides for the possibility for the Secretary- General to appoint a special envoy mandated with mobilizing interest and significant support against this phenomenon. The Secretary-General is also invited to present an annual report. I cannot thus but recommend its adoption, being convinced that the draft resolution is in form and in content a synthesis of the different views of Member States on this subject. In conclusion, I thank all delegations that participated in the negotiations. They demonstrated a willingness to compromise that allowed us to conclude our debates on a positive note. I would also like to thank all agencies of the United Nations and the non-governmental organizations that have played an active part throughout the process. Finally, I commend all States that have agreed to sponsor this draft resolution and hope that it will be adopted by consensus.

We will now proceed to consider draft resolution A/69/L.80. In connection with draft resolution A/69/L.80, I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

In connection with draft resolution A/69/L.80, entitled “Tackling illicit trafficking in wildlife”, 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. By operative paragraph 14 of draft resolution A/69/L.80, the General Assembly would call on the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, within its mandate and resources and in line with Economic and Social Council resolution 2013/40, in close cooperation and collaboration with Member States, to continue to collect information on patterns and flows of illicit trafficking in wildlife and to report thereon. With regard to the request contained in operative paragraph 14, it is estimated that additional extra- budgetary resources in the amount of $504,300 would be required for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to report on patterns and flows of illicit trafficking in wildlife, including collection of data and conducting case studies on trafficking in protected species of wild flora and fauna. The activities related to the aforementioned requests would be carried out provided that the additional extra-budgetary resources mentioned are made available. Should the General Assembly adopt the draft resolution, no additional provisions would be required under the programme budget for the biennium 2014-2015 or the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2016-2017.

The Assembly will take note of draft resolution A/69/L.80, entitled “Tackling illicit trafficking in wildlife”. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that since the submission of the draft resolution and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become sponsors of draft resolution A/69/L.80: Azerbaijan, Belize, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Cameroon, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Grenada, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Viet Nam.

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to adopt draft resolution A/69/L.80?

I shall now give the floor to those representatives wishing to make statements following the adoption of the draft resolution.

Germany is very grateful for the support that we have received in the preparation of resolution 69/314. Today is a good day for the protection of wildlife and the fight against crime. But despite this fact, I have to start with a piece of sad news. On Monday, the first elephant was poached in the famous Kruger National Park in South Africa. Every day in Africa around 100 elephants die at the hands of poachers. Almost all of the killing has occurred beyond the borders of South Africa, but the ivory poachers are now moving south. Record numbers of elephants and rhinos were poached last year. The Foreign Minister of Gabon just reminded us of the disturbing figures, to which I would like to add the following: Tanzania recently announced a drastic 60 per cent drop in its elephant populations in the past five years due to poaching for ivory. In addition, 1,200 rhinos were killed in South Africa for their horns in 2014 alone, and 700 have already been slaughtered this year. Clearly wildlife is in more danger than ever, despite all of the efforts undertaken at the regional, national and international levels. It is our joint task, therefore, to protect wild fauna and flora in their many beautiful and varied forms for this generation and for generations to come. The time for action is now. If we fail, rhinos, elephants and other species will face local and, potentially, global extinction. Equally disturbing, as we have just heard, are the negative political, economic, social and environmental effects of the illicit traffic in wildlife. The scale and nature of wildlife crime has become a pressing global problem that requires shared solutions at all levels. No one country, region or agency working alone will be able to succeed. The need for an enhanced collective effort within and among States, regions and agencies is obvious. This includes working across source, transit and destination States and tackling both demand and supply. The fight against wildlife crime is our common, shared responsibility. With this in mind, the Foreign Minister of Germany and the President of Gabon co-chaired high-level meetings on poaching and illicit wildlife trafficking in the margins of the General Assembly’s general debate in 2013 and 2014. I commend the President of the General Assembly for having personally attended the meeting in September 2014 and having called for the redoubling of United Nations efforts to put a halt to wildlife crime. As one outcome of those meetings, Gabon and Germany have established a United Nations Group of Friends on Poaching and Illicit Wildlife Trafficking. Its aim is to raise awareness among all Member States of the alarming trends in wildlife crime and the urgent need to step up our efforts to fight this scourge. The Group also discusses and prepares joint initiatives. The Group of Friends the resolution we have just adopted. It is action-oriented and aims at fighting illicit wildlife trafficking more effectively, thereby taking up a respective call from the United Nations Environmental Assembly. I sincerely thank all members that have supported our joint initiative, be it as members of the Group of Friends, as sponsors of the resolution, or by joining the consensus in the adoption. Together, we can stop the current trend and protect our flora and fauna. It is important that all stakeholders, citizens, civil society, the private sector, Governments and international organizations unite in this endeavour, which is so important for us, the people, and for the planet. By adopting the first resolution on tackling illicit wildlife trafficking, the General Assembly sends a strong signal that the world is determined to put an end to wildlife crime and that the United Nations is ready to take a leading role in that fight. Our next step on this road will be the adoption of the post-2015 agenda, which contains dedicated targets to protect wildlife. We look forward to reviewing the information provided by the Secretary-General at the seventieth session of the General Assembly about the global status of illicit trafficking in wildlife and his proposals for possible future actions. I am convinced that the resolution that we all have adopted by consensus today will make our common efforts against illicit wildlife trafficking stronger and more effective.

I now give the floor to the observer of the European Union.

The European Union (EU) and its member States would like to warmly thank Gabon and Germany for their hard work in helping us to reach agreement on the important resolution 69/314, of which all 28 States members of the Union are proud to be co-sponsors. The high number of sponsors from all parts of the world shows that the international community is aware that wildlife trafficking is an urgent and serious problem that requires global and comprehensive action far beyond the pure conservation approach or the necessary measures to protect iconic species. Indeed, wildlife trafficking exemplifies how criminal activities, taking advantage of every governing weakness, can cause serious environmental damage, have a disastrous impact on sustainable development and, in some cases, fuel conflicts and threaten the stability of entire regions. Building on important previous resolutions and declarations of the United Nations Environmental Assembly, the United Nations Economic and Social Council, the thirteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held in Doha, and the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, today for the first time the General Assembly has adopted a comprehensive resolution on the issue, connecting the dots between the various interlinked aspects of wildlife trafficking. This is an essential step in demonstrating the political commitment to fighting wildlife trafficking nationally, regionally and globally, but it is also only a first step. In that regard, we very much welcome the fact that the General Assembly will consider the topic annually, and we look forward to hearing the proposal of the Secretary-General. On that basis, we hope to discuss next year an even more action-oriented resolution. We must be serious about implementing the commitments we have made today as well as those we will make in the future. We are glad to note that in the European Union, we are currently developing an action plan against wildlife trafficking to further step up our efforts, both domestically and in support of developing countries. We will review the existing policies and measures at the EU level to react even more effectively to the current situation. In the European Union, we have recently taken an important step to fight the illegal wildlife trade by adopting stricter measures to ensure that the imports of hunting trophies are sustainable. On that basis, we have already agreed on a ban on the import of hunting trophies of African elephants from Tanzania and Mozambique into the EU in order to stop the decline of the population of African elephants in those countries. On the operational side, over the past 30 years the European Union has funded many conservation projects in developing countries, including €500 million invested in protected-area management in Africa. The European Union is also supporting specific initiatives against wildlife crime with specialized agencies, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, for a total of €17 million. Moreover, the eleventh European Development Fund will increase the resources for those purposes, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, up to an estimated amount of €35 to €40 million specifically earmarked for wildlife crimes out of a total of €500 million aimed at wildlife issues in general. New activities on African wildlife conservation have been defined in detail in a recent study endorsed by major conservation stakeholders worldwide. We must not relent until we end poaching and wildlife trafficking, as we have committed to do as one of the targets of the post-2015 agenda, which we expect to adopt in a few weeks. The resolution serves as an important political signal and a critical step towards bringing us closer to the desired goal and beyond.

I thank the President of the General Assembly for allowing us to share experiences, lessons and ideas on this very important subject. At the outset, let me commend the Governments of Gabon and the Federal Republic of Germany for their leadership and contribution to bringing to the attention of the international community the plight of millions of endangered species as well as the challenges facing both humankind and animal-kind. Botswana wholeheartedly welcomes the adoption by the General Assembly of resolution 69/314, entitled “Tackling illicit trafficking in wildlife”. We believe that the resolution not only reaffirms our commitment to paying respect to our natural capital, but also serves to reaffirm the intrinsic value of our biological diversity, as well as its contribution to sustainable development. As a country known for its abundance of flora and fauna, we place a very high premium on strong conservation policies in order to safeguard those natural resources for future generations. In recent times, the world has witnessed rising tides in the illicit trafficking of wildlife — fauna and flora — by organized criminal gangs and groups. Every day, thousands of rhinos, elephants and members of other precious species are killed, maimed and stolen from their natural habitats by brutal gangs that are driven solely by profit and greed. Even as we speak today, we remain concerned and saddened by the latest headlines bringing to us reports of a rhino, elephant or other animal killed or maimed, its horn or tusk hacked off while the animal is left for dead. In an endeavour to contribute to international efforts to stamp out the illicit transfer and trafficking in endangered species, we have developed framework agreements with our regional neighbours to coordinate the protection of rhinos and elephants. We recently collaborated with the Governments of South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe to repatriate a few hundred rhinos to Botswana, where they can enjoy the peace and tranquillity so cherished by our people. We would like to thank those Governments for their cooperation and collaboration in understanding these animals’ plight. Like violent extremism and terrorism, illegal wildlife trafficking has been on the rise, with criminal gangs and cartels harvesting tons of elephant tusks and rhino horns for profit. Armed poachers have infiltrated our national parks and animal sanctuaries, claiming thousands of these majestic animals’ lives while causing communities untold damage and robbing them of their livelihoods. For most of our countries, fighting this scourge without help has strained our resources in both material and human terms. It is not easy to suppress animal-trafficking gangs, which puts a strain on our economies. As we look ahead to the coming weeks and months, we must forge resilient partnerships and stand our ground even in the face of the armed gangs and criminals who rake in millions of dollars through their greedy activities. Together we must prevent, combat and eradicate this illegal trade in wildlife at both the supply and demand levels. We are confident that we will win this war.

I am pleased to take the floor following the adoption of this important resolution (resolution 69/314), not only to speak in explanation of position but also to say how pleased my Government and I personally are with the General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution on tackling illicit trafficking in wildlife. Illicit trafficking in wildlife is on a level with illicit trafficking in drugs, which is why it is vital that we strengthen the fight against poaching in order to end, or at least attempt to eradicate, an activity that has a tragic impact on the fauna, the environment and the economy of the countries involved. For protected species, it is a hellish cycle. The smaller the population of a particular species, the worse it is affected and the faster it is rendered extinct. Between 3,000 and 6,000 great apes are killed every year. Rhinoceros horn costs more per kilogram than cocaine. More than 12,000 elephants are massacred each year. The trade in elephant tusks has become a branch of global organized crime. More than 60 tons of bushmeat illegally enter even European countries every year. Those numbers make it clear that this activity is extremely lucrative, although highly detrimental to the continued existence of the species affected. The adoption of today’s resolution by consensus and its huge number of sponsors compel us to express our sincere thanks to its promoters, the Republic of Gabon and Germany. The presence here of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Gabon, Mr. Issoze-Ngondet, demonstrates how important Central Africa as a whole, and Gabon in particular, consider this issue to be. As President of the Central African Protected Areas Network (RAPAC), based in Libreville, I would like to say on behalf of the Network how pleased we are, and to ask Governments and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to strengthen their support for the fight against this scourge, so that we ensure today’s resolution is implemented effectively. In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge, thank and pay tribute to the European Union for the decisive support it has given to RAPAC and other Central African organizations fighting to preserve biodiversity in general and forest ecosystems and wildlife in particular. We say, enough of this illicit traffic. We must act firmly through global partnerships to combat the illicit poaching and trafficking of wildlife.

Argentina joined the consensus on today’s resolution 69/314, as we believe that illegal trafficking in endangered species of fauna and flora demands that we respect norms and that we need States’ cooperation if we are to eliminate it. We would like it noted and understood for the record that this resolution refers to the term “trafficking in wildlife”, meaning trafficking in endangered species of wild fauna and flora. Its makes references to Economic and Social Council resolution 2013/40 in order to reinforce that. Accordingly, the provisions of the resolution, including references to specialized agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations or entities of the Secretariat, should be aligned with the mandates approved by those instruments and as set out in resolution 2013/40.

The United Kingdom is proud to be a sponsor of today’s important resolution 69/314, on tackling illicit trafficking in wildlife. We align ourselves with the statement delivered earlier on behalf of the European Union, and we would like to thank and congratulate Gabon and Germany. Over the past two years, their dedication and hard work has been vital in rallying support and guiding this process towards agreement. Today’s resolution demonstrates a powerful and growing consensus that the illegal wildlife trade is an issue worthy of global attention at the highest levels of Government. That illicit trade is much more than an environmental issue. It drives corruption, damages economic growth and hinders sustainable development. It undermines good governance and the rule of law. The iconic animals the resolution will help to protect hold a special place in our hearts and those of our children. The outrage over the killing of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe shows how strongly people feel about the issue. Today’s resolution recognizes the huge efforts that are being made across the world to tackle the scourge of the illegal wildlife trade, and the important steps that have been taken to secure international commitment. Having the issues recognized at the highest level of the United Nations is an essential step. We cannot lose the momentum that we have worked so hard to build. An annual review by the General Assembly will ensure that it stays on the agenda, and we look forward to the recommendations of the Secretary-General coming out of this review next year. As host of the London Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade, held 18 months ago, the United Kingdom remains strongly committed to working with its international partners to turn the tide against this abhorrent trade. We supported Botswana in holding the Kasane Conference in March, and we look forward to working closely with Viet Nam, which will hold a third high-level conference in 2016. We will also shortly launch a further round of funding for projects around the world which will help to tackle the trade on the ground. By working together we have made progress, but there is much more to do. This resolution signals our collective determination and strikes a resounding blow against this destructive trade. It is a fight we can win. We will not relent until we do.

We have heard the last speaker on this item. The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 13.

Member States will recall that at its 75th plenary meeting, on 19 December 2014, the General Assembly concluded its consideration of agenda item 16. In order for the Assembly to consider agenda item 16, it will be necessary to reopen its consideration. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to reopen consideration of agenda item 16?

Members will further recall that at its 2nd plenary meeting, on 19 September 2014, the General Assembly decided to allocate agenda item 16 to the Second Committee. In order to enable the General Assembly to take action expeditiously on the document, may I take it that the Assembly wishes to consider agenda item 16 directly in this plenary meeting and proceed immediately to its consideration?

The Assembly will now take on draft decision A/69/L. 83, entitled “Overall review of the General Assembly of the implementation of the outcomes of the implementation of the World Summit on the Information Society”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision A/69/L.83?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 16.

Members will recall that the General Assembly concluded its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 113 at its 55th plenary meeting, on 18 November 2014. In order for the Assembly to consider the item, it will be necessary to reopen consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 113. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to reopen consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 113?

Representatives will also recall that at its 2nd plenary meeting, on 19 September 2014, the General Assembly decided to allocate this sub-item to the Fifth Committee. In order to enable the Assembly to proceed expeditiously on this sub-item, may I also take it that the Assembly wishes to consider sub-item (a) of agenda item 113 directly in plenary meeting and proceed immediately to its consideration?

As indicated in document A/69/101/Add.1, the Secretary-General has received notification of the resignation of Mr. Toshihiro Aiki of Japan from the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, effective 15 August 2015. The Assembly will therefore be required to appoint at its current session a person to fill the vacancy for the remaining period of the term of office of Mr. Aki, which expires on 31 December 2016. As also indicated in document A/69/101/Add.1, the Government of Japan has nominated Mr. Takeshi Akamatsu to fill the vacancy arising from the resignation of Mr. Aiki. The Secretariat was informed by the Chair of the Group of Asia-Pacific States that the candidature of Mr. Akamatsu has been endorsed by the Group. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to appoint to appoint Mr. Takeshi Akamatsu of Japan as the member of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions for the term effective beginning 15 August 2015 and ending 31 December 2016?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 113?