United Nations General Assembly: Fifth Committee
21 March 2007
Item 151: Financing of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste
Statement by Peter Stone
Adviser
Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations
On behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand
(Check against delivery)
Mr Chairman,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the delegations of Canada, Australia and New Zealand. We thank Mr Sach, UN Controller, and Mr Saha, Chairman of the ACABQ for introducing their respective reports (A/61/759 and A/61/802) on the budget for the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT).
We also would like to thank the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and all UNMIT personnel, including police contributed by Member States, for the good progress to date in implementing UNMIT’s mandate under challenging conditions.
Mr Chairman,
The passing of Security Council Resolution 1745 on 22 February, renewing UNMIT’s mandate for 12 months, was an important step in assisting Timor-Leste toward a more stable and secure path. Presidential and parliamentary elections this year are indeed a priority, but UNMIT’s mandate also includes other critical elements, such as assistance to Timor-Leste’s governing institutions and support for a comprehensive review of the security sector. The presentation of the first results based budget for UNMIT represents an important development in the UN’s ongoing and broad-ranging work in Timor-Leste.
Although UNMIT is relatively young, the vacancy rate is of concern, with some 60% of international posts unfilled. We understand that the original six month mandate of the Mission may have contributed to this situation and are hopeful that the twelve month mandate approved by the Security Council should go someway in helping to remedy this situation. We would appreciate an update from the Secretariat as to whether this situation has improved and how it plans to expeditiously fill these posts.
Mr Chairman,
We have studied the ACABQ report carefully and note its recommendations, in particular on the structure and staffing levels of the Mission. Staffing requirements should be carefully reviewed for all missions each budget cycle.
On the suggested changes to the level of some posts, CANZ has concerns regarding the downgrading of the post of Deputy Police Commissioner responsible for administration and development proposed by the ACABQ. The reform, restructuring and rebuilding of the PNTL will be a long term task, critical to the development of a sustainable police service in Timor-Leste. The task of leading and managing the implementation of the capacity enhancement and institutional development is complex, requiring a highly qualified person and continuity in the role. This should be reflected in the grade level established for the Deputy Police Commissioner.
The ACABQ has recommended a reduction in the overall budget of 5%. With both presidential and parliamentary elections approaching, we would be grateful for the Secretariat’s practical assessment of the potential operational impact of this measure.
Finally, we are concerned with the current level of outstanding unpaid assessments for UNMIT. As at the end of February, only 6% of assessed contributions had been received. This not only puts the Mission in a difficult cash position, but also delays payment to those Member States providing the police personnel that are so critical to the Mission’s success. UNMIT cannot run on goodwill alone, and we encourage all Member States to meet their obligation to fund the Mission.
Mr Chairman,
We look forward to the informal negotiations and to hearing more about the staffing levels and structure of the Mission.
Thank you