Sumario: October 25, 2002: Statement by Mr. Thure Christiansen, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Denmark to the UN, on behalf of the European Union, on the Programme Budget for the Biennium 2002-2003 - Capital Master Plan. FIFTY-SEVENTH SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY - FIFTH COMMITTEE: Item 112 (New York)
Mr. Chairman,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe associated with the European Union: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the Associated Countries: Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, as well as the EFTA countries of the European Economic Area: Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway align themselves with this statement.
Let me begin by thanking through you Assistant Secretary-General Niwa for introducing the report of the Secretary-General on the Capital Master Plan, contained in document A/57/285. We also thank Ambassador Mselle for introducing the conclusions and recommendations of ACABQ.
Mr. Chairman,
The United Nations Headquarters was constructed half a century ago through a collaborative effort that involved the UN Member States, the Host City and Government as well as private contributors. The buildings are now in dire need of renovation and modernization and must be improved to meet the present security, environmental and fire safety standards.
The European Union supports the proposal to undertake a refurbishment of the United Nations complex in New York through a Capital Master Plan. This endeavour will constitute a significant, tangible and far-reaching contribution to the on-going efforts to strengthen the United Nations, which all those who interact with this Organisation - delegates, representatives of NGOs and civil society as well as, not least, the staff of the United Nations - will benefit greatly from for decades to
come.
Mr. Chairman,
The European Union welcomes the overall approach of the Capital Master Plan contained in the Report of the Secretary-General as a good basis for the General Assembly to take decisions on the refurbishment of the UN complex.
As with the Secretary-General's report submitted to the 55th session of the General Assembly (A/55/117), the report before us today demonstrates that regular maintenance of the complex will not be able to keep up with the anticipated wear and tear of building infrastructure. The cost of such a reactive approach is higher than the cost of a complete renovation and will not provide the necessary improvements to the Headquarters facilities envisaged with the Capital Master Plan.
While the European Union generally supports the main elements of the Secretary-General's proposal, we look forward to receiving supplementary information relating to concrete design plans and other matters, including - among others - the need for and location of new conference rooms; the proposed level of security protection of the complex and its relation to already initiated security enhancements; the impact on parking facilities and other basic infrastructure; the prevention of cost overruns
and delays as well as legal aspects of construction management. We expect that this information and other details will emerge in the context of our informal deliberations in the Fifth Committee.
Mr. Chairman,
The European Union welcomes the recent indication given by the Host City, through the Secretary-General, of its willingness to consider providing a swing space site between Forty-First and Forty-Second Street. This approach would greatly facilitate the process of renovation of the Secretariat and conference buildings and provide a welcome opportunity, after the project is completed, to consolidate UN offices presently scattered around the area surrounding the UN complex. In order to ensure a
sufficient basis for decisions to be taken by the General Assembly, however, it is essential that the Fifth Committee receives confirmation from the Secretary-General, preferably at this session that this indication by the Host City will materialize in a firm commitment.
Mr. Chairman,
The European Union considers it essential that a common understanding is reached at this session of the General Assembly on the overall financing of the Capital Master Plan, in particular the Host Country financing.
The European Union notes that the total cost of the baseline scope of the plan, which is estimated at between $991 and $1094 million, is slightly higher than the proposal put forward in 2000. The additional scope options presented by the Secretary-General at a cost of $180 million merit further consideration. We also note that on the question of financing, the Secretary-General takes as the point of departure the model of 1951 of an interest-free loan, which was provided by the Host Country and
repaid through the regular budget. Voluntary contributions from public and private sources could be an important source of additional funding, including for upgrading of specific meeting rooms and public areas.
Any resolution of the financial arrangements for the Capital Master Plan would depend heavily on the Host Country. The European Union is of the view that the Host Country should carry a substantial proportion of the full cost of the project.
Mr. Chairman,
The European Union would like to propose that the Fifth Committee's consideration of the Capital Master Plan be carried out in two stages. During the first stage - which could commence as soon as possible - the Committee could concentrate on design, construction, swing-space, management and other practical aspects of the Secretary-General's proposal. The second stage - which could be taken up at a later stage during this session - could then focus on the financial aspects.
Let me conclude by re-emphasising the importance the European Union attaches to this issue and put to you that it is dealt with in a swift manner. My group stands ready to discuss text for a draft resolution as early as possible.
I thank you, Mr. Chairman.
| Arriba |
Estados Miembros de la Union Europea
Alertas por e-mail
Enviar por e-mail
Imprimir esta página