Pakistan Statement Delivered by Ambassador Sahebzada Ahmed Khan Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan Agenda Item 147: Administrative & Budgetary Aspects of Financing the UNPKOs: Implementation of the GA Resolution 67/261: TCC Rates of Reimbursement (9 May 2014)

Mr. Chairman,

Pakistan thanks USG Harve’ Ladsous and USG Ameerah Haq for their vision and remarks. We would like to convey our appreciation to all the staff of Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and Department of Field Services (DFS) for their dedication and tireless efforts for the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping.

  1. Implementation of the GA Resolution 67/261 on the SAG’s Report on rates of reimbursement to Troop Contributing Countries is clearly one of the most important agenda items under consideration of the Committee. Important – Yes, but why does it have to be difficult. In fact, it is very simple, let us honour our commitment.
  2. Pakistan aligns itself with the statement made by the distinguished representative of Bolivia on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.
  3. UN Peacekeeping continues to evolve. Peacekeeping operations are more diverse than ever. Their mandates are now highly complex. Peacekeeping covers a broad range of political, security and peace building goals.
  4. Pakistan is proud to be the largest troop contributor to UN peacekeeping with over 8,000 boots on ground. Infact, 8,257 as of today’s figure. We participate in this effort with immense pride, and great responsibility. This is our contribution to International Peace and Security.
  5. Resolution 67/261 that established a new framework for troop cost reimbursement was a compromise that resulted from a prolonged and arduous process.
  6. The Secretary-General has implemented the mandate we entrusted to him in 67/261. A systemic and technically sound survey of the sample countries was conducted. It is now up to us, the Member States, to fulfill the commitment we made and honour the principle we agreed to under 67/261. The principle of reimbursement based on the empirical evidence. The TCCs have once again walked their talk!
  7. The survey results are in front of us. They are credible results. A fact reinforced by a Technical Expert Reference Panel, with a range of financial, military and police expertise. It confirmed that the methodology has been consistently applied, and that the data collection and analysis process was sound. Pakistan does not have any doubt, on the credibility of the process and its outcome.
  8. We now have a sound basis for a decision. So, let us not try to change the GOAL-POST! Discussions must, focus on “adoption” of survey results and not “investigating” the survey itself;
  9. We cannot afford a relapse in political considerations, package deals, linkages, supplementary and ad hoc payments, artificial absorptions by the Secretariat, and some other intermediary relief. The TCCs have endured hardship for far too long. We also cannot afford any reopening of agreement, which reflects a delicate balance of interests of all stakeholders. It will harm the spirit of partnership, Let us not try to “Re-Invent the wheel”.
  10. Lastly, we look forward to a smooth discussion. Hopefully, we are done with negotiations. All stakeholders must stay in the process positively! Any decision otherwise, will not help emergence of a consensus.
  11. I assure you of Pakistan’s continued cooperation. We were there on the SAG; and in the survey and now for an honourable implementation of our agreement.

Thank you.