Statement of the G-77 and China on the Budget update during the Informal PBC on May 18, 2016, delivered by Ms. Avril Coetzee, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Permanent Mission of Namibia
Mr. Chairman,
1. The Group would like to thank you for presenting a proposal on the Regular Budget for 2017 and for your active and dynamic leadership to bridge the gap between different points of view so as to arrive at a consensus solution. The Group also thanks the Secretariat for providing additional information on the price adjustment in the context of The Agency’s Draft Budget Update for 2017 (GOV/2016/1), which we understand the Secretariat has further revised to 1.2% for 2017.
2. The Group has earlier expressed its recognition that the application of Safeguards is one of the statutory functions of the Agency, and supports the integration of €5.2 million, resulting from the implementation of the JCPOA, in the Regular Budget in a manner as gradual as possible that would not result in any undue financial burden on the developing countries. The Group also stated its position on the Regular Budget regarding the urgent need to achieve a balanced distribution to reflect equal importance of the promotional and non-promotional activities of the Agency.
3. The Group appreciates that consideration has been given by the Chair to elements put forward by the G-77 and China. The Group looks forward to further discussions on your proposal in order to reach a consensus on the Agency Budget Update at the earliest.
