Summary: March 11, 2002: Statement by Mr. Daniel Soto on behalf of the European Union on financing of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), (New York)
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the EU. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe associated with the European Union, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, and the associated countries Cyprus, Malta align themselves with this statement.
The EU would first of all like to thank Ambassador Mselle for introducing document A/56/845, containing the report of the ACABQ on the financing of the United Nations Organisation Mission in The Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). However, we would like to express our concern at the lateness of its submission to the Committee which limited the time available for its study by delegations. The EU reiterates its concern at the recurring lateness in the submission of PKO budget reports and
urges the Secretariat to address this situation without delay.
Mr. Chairman,
The EU strongly supports the SG's efforts to bring lasting peace to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The formidable tasks envisioned for the United Nations under the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement require careful preparation and financial support. We also recognize the geographical and infrastructure constrains affecting this mission, the fluidity of the situation on the ground in the DRC, and the inherent difficulties in producing a budget for such operations. But the EU cannot but concur
with the ACABQ's disappointment at the fact that there is so much in the report on which to be critical.
Mr. Chairman,
At this stage the EU would not like to go into details but we should at least highlight two general and substantive remarks.
Firstly, the EU considers that clear narratives are important in order for Member States to evaluate budget proposals and take the right budgetary decisions. In this regard we share the ACABQ's comments on this issue, especially in the administrative component of the Mission, and trust that their advice will be taken into consideration for our May session.
Secondly, the EU notes that there is in general a poor justification for most new posts and that, in several cases, there is no direct relation between their number and the workload. Nevertheless, in view of the fluidity of the situation in the field, we are inclined to accept the ACABQ's recommendation not to reduce posts. In any case, we call upon the Secretariat to ensure that every effort is made to improve substantially these shortages in the presentation of the next budget document.
Mr. President,
The EU is greatly concerned at the reported mismanagement of the evaluation and award of the air service contract to PAE/Daher. If the informations contained in the report of ACABQ are confirmed, the EU would like to have a full explanation on this matter, including why the contract was awarded to a company which did not produce the lowest bid. We would be grateful if the information requested by the ACABQ in this respect could be provided now, and not with the next budget. The EU recalls that
similar problems arose in UNAMSIL. In this regard we would like to explore the ways and means with which the Organisation could be protected from such mismanagement and cost.
Mr. Chairman, let me finally stress the fact, that the ACABQ deliberations on the MONUC budget have revealed a number of issues that the EU, in light of previous GA resolutions, believed where in a state of improvement. Let me, among others, mention; timely signing of MOU's, verification of COE and the whole question of "gender mainstreaming". This budget proposal clearly shows us, that significant improvements have not taken place.
The EU intends to pursue these, and other matters of general concern during our May session under item 133 "Administrative and Budgetary Aspects of the Financing of the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations."
Thank you Mr. Chairman.
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