EU Presidency Statement - Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country

Mr. Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union, the Candidate Countries, Bulgaria, Croatia*, Romania and Turkey, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA country Iceland, member of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.

Mr. Chairman,

The European Union wishes to express its appreciation for the work of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country. The Committee remains an important forum for discussing and resolving problems which might arise for the normal functioning of the delegations and missions accredited to the United Nations in New York. Solving such practical problems in an expedient and efficient manner contributes to the smooth functioning of the United Nations and benefits the relation between the Organization, its member States and the host country.

The European Union would like to thank the host country for its efforts to accommodate the interests and requirements of the diplomatic community in New York. Furthermore, the European Union wishes to thank the Chairman of the Committee, Ambassador Mavroyiannis, for his presentation of the Committee report. Over the years, his delegation provided guidance and expertise to the Committee which greatly enhanced the quality of the Committee's work.

Mr. Chairman,

The Committee dealt with such varied problems relating to transportation, immigration and customs procedures, entry visas and travel regulations. With regard to transportation, the European Union appreciates the efforts of the Secretariat for compiling a comprehensive database of the submissions from permanent missions on their experience with the implementation of the New York Diplomatic Parking Programme. It takes note of the problems that have been identified, as well as of the results of the constructive consultations between the Chairman, the city authorities and the host country mission. Such consultations, which we welcome, must be seen as part of a continuing process to review the implementation of the Parking Programme, given that unsolved problems might compromise its effectiveness and its consistency with international law.

Mr. Chairman,

The European Union has studied carefully the report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country and is pleased to support its recommendations and conclusions. The European Union expresses the hope that the issues raised at the meetings of the Committee will continue to be resolved in a spirit of cooperation and in accordance with international law. We have full confidence in the host country's commitment to take all measures necessary to prevent any interference with the functioning of the missions.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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