Vienna Chapter
Mr. Chairman,
On behalf of the Group of 77 and China, I would like to congratulate
you on your Chairmanship of the 14th session of the preparatory commission
of the CTBTO.
The Group commends the Secretariat for its ongoing efforts to fulfill
its mandate, ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of the Preparatory
Commission. I would also like to express our appreciation to Ambassador
Hoffman, Executive Secretary of the PTS, for his comprehensive written and
oral report as presented by the Secretary of the Preparatory Commission
and would like to thank her for undertaking this task.
I would like to seize this opportunity to thank Mr. Sato, the
Director of the Legal and External Relations Division for his presentation
on the external and international cooperation activities of the PTS during
the year 2000. These activities, mainly consisting of training courses and
regional workshops, have indeed increased the awareness of the officials
and public opinion in the signatory states of the various aspects related
to the treaty and its objectives.
Mr. Chairman,
While taking note of the progress realized in establishing the global
verification system, the Group is of the opinion that in line with this
progress the Preparatory Commission should maintain an adequate and
synchronized balance between budgetary implications and the prospects of
the entry into force of the CTBT.
The Group believes that these perspectives should guide the PTS' work
while preparing the 2002 program and budget project. Therefore, the Group
would like to stress its view that no extra-budgetary burden should affect
its members for the year 2002 budget.
On future preparations of the Programme and Budget the Group of 77
and China would like that following parameters be taken into
consideration:
1. the capability of the PTS to maximize the utilization of the
budget
2. actual prospects of the entry into force of the treaty
3. the payment capabilities of the Member States
With regard to this last element the Group is of the opinion that the
PTS should cooperate with the Member States in order to identify possible
solutions to impediments preventing them from making their payments, as
recommended by the X Prep-Com in November 1999, including constitutional
impediments.
Mr. Chairman,
In conclusion the Group reiterates its full support and appreciation
for the objectives of the treaty and the efforts of the PTS towards
achieving them.
Thank you Mr. Chairman.
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