STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS BY H.E. AMBASSADOR KAREN TAN, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS ON AGENDA ITEM 134: PROPOSED PROGRAMME BUDGET BIENNIUM 2016-2017 - SPECIAL POLITICAL MISSIONS, 8 DECEMBER 2015

1        Thank you, Mr Chairman.  I have the honour to speak on behalf of the 10 Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on this agenda item.

2        I thank Mr Johannes Huisman, Director, Programme Planning and Budget Division, for introducing the chapeau of the Secretary-General’s report on estimates in respect of special political missions (SPMs). We also thank Mr Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), for introducing the ACABQ’s report on the same.

3        ASEAN Member States addressed the issue of funding and backstopping of SPMs in the Fifth Committee’s formal meeting on 4 November. Our views have not changed. We reaffirm our support for the funding and backstopping recommendations proposed by the ACABQ, including the creation of a separate account aligned with the budgetary cycle for peacekeeping operations. We reiterate our call for all Member States to set aside their political differences and to produce a holistic solution that is in the best interests of SPMs. 

4        ASEAN Member States are ready to participate in an open and frank dialogue on how to achieve this outcome. 

5        I thank you, Mr Chairman.

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