Gürsu OKURER (Turkey): I would like to start by congratulating the Secretariat for the excellent work undertaken in preparing the document for the Programme of Work and Budget 1992-93, which indeed presents a realistic package of proposals. The steady improvements in the format and presentation of the document deserve our full appreciation. My delegation is also pleased to observe that the decisions and recommendations made at previous Conference and Council meetings are duly taken into account to ensure that the programme priorities respond to present global requirements. Accordingly, my delegation agrees on the proposals which are aimed at shifting resources to priority areas, within the limits of the overall budget level.
Under the existing financial constraints, we note that the Director-General was bound to set the level of Budget on the basis of no real growth. We certainly do not consider this approach as desirable but note it as a praise-worthy attempt to reach a consensus.
My delegation attaches importance to arriving at decisions based on consensus. This would not only signify our determination to consolidate the universality of the Organization but at the same time our will to ensure its future achievement. With this approach, my delegation goes along with the proposed level of budget for 1992-1993.
Mr Chairman, we welcome the procedure of biennial programme-budget formulation, which is distinguished by the supplementary step of an Outline of Programme of Work and Budget. We deem it useful to continue with this procedure which permits us to review the programme priorities at various Technical Bodies. We are also pleased with the links established between the budgetary proposals and other documents presented to the Conference on Medium-Term Plan, and the reviews of the Field and Regular Programmes.
Having said this, Mr Chairman, we endorse the programme priorities such as environment and sustainable development, improvement of agricultural data, policy advice, the Technical Cooperation Programme, Tropical Forestry Action Programme and enhanced cooperation with other international organizations.
We would however like to make some brief remarks on a number of specific programmes.
Mr Chairman, we feel that greater attention paid by FAO toward agricultural data development is an important and timely action. In this connection, we hope to see that within the available resource base, works related to the completion of the World Agricultural Information Centre will be the main focus of attention. This centre, not only will help FAO to consolidate its activities, but will also contribute to better collection and dissemination of agricultural data in member countries.
On Major Programme 2.1 Agriculture my delegation would like to make the following specific comments:
First of all we welcome the greater attention paid to "farming systems development" in response to expressed interest of many member countries. We would also like to underline the priority attached to integrated pest management. We wish to express our willingness to take part in the works planned on this subject.
My delegation however feels somewhat uneasy with the intention to reduce the overall budget for animal health in particular for infectious diseases. Especially in our Region, infectious diseases can easily spread among the livestock population which is mainly due to the practice of grazing on common rangelands. In order to compensate the decreased resources for this Sub-Programme, we would like to strongly suggest that efforts be made to supplement them by way of extra-budgetary supports.
As regards Programme 2.2 Fisheries, my delegation would like to stress the importance of promoting regional cooperation on fisheries, particularly on aquaculture, which has a great potential for further development in many member countries. We however note with concern that this action is not provided with adequate resources but left to the availability of extra-budgetary resources.
On Programme 2.3 Forestry, we welcome the overall priority given to the Tropical Forestry Action Programme (TFAP). It is a realistic and practical approach that TFAP will coordinate several Sub-Programmes by Regional Offices. However, we believe that it would also be useful to consider cross-regional Sub-Programmes on TFAP such as a Mediterranean Forestry Action Programme.
It is worthwhile to point out that the Sub-Programme of the TFAP for the Office of Near East proposes studies to be conducted on Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFP). Despite its growing economic importance, the NWFP subsector has not received commensurate attention in forestry development policy. In recognition of the importance of NWFP in Turkey, we are very much interested in participating in the above studies within the framework of TFAP.
My delegation observes with satisfaction that the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) is agreed as a vital element in FAO's field programmes. In recognition of this, the Resolution adopted in the previous Conference has provided guidance to the present Conference on the level of resources to be allocated for this effective programme. We therefore appreciate the efforts made by the Director-General to ensure that this programme will enjoy the greatest net increase in the proposed budget. While we expected to see that this increase should be at the percentage decided upon at the Twenty-fifth Conference, for the sake of consensus, we are prepared to agree to the proposed level.
We are also inclined to look favourably to the proposals regarding the process for the allocation of TCP resources on the basis of the established criteria and appraisal/review process and considering the concerns of some member countries for greater transparency. However, we would like to stress the importance of the basic objective which led to the establishment of the TCP.
We are of the opinion that most of the action programmes stated in the document may gain further vitality and concerted action by establishing regional training activities under the TCP. As a matter of fact, several of the training activities were undertaken in our country. In the opinion of the participants and Secretariat these training activities have been effective in strengthening regional cooperation and exchanging information among respective countries. From this standpoint, we are prepared to make further contribution to technical cooperation activities by establishing two regional training centres on agriculture and on forestry in Turkey.
FAO Country Representatives have proven their usefulness in the past. Taking into account our greater expectations from these offices such as the promotion of TCDC, national execution and coordination, we endorse the proposed increase in the Programme of Work and Budget. However, we note with some caution the reduced resources for the Regional Offices since these offices play an important role in the generation of extra-budgetary funds for the field programme activities.
In conclusion, Mr Chairman, with the above specific remarks, my delegation gives its overall support for the proposed Programme of Work and Budget 1992-93. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN: Before giving the floor to the delegate of Japan, I would like to read out the complete list of the members of the Drafting Group. Do remember, members of the Drafting Group, you have to meet right after the end of Plenary this evening. The room is the Mexico Room.
Now, members of the Drafting Group: the Chairman is Mr Carandang from the Philippines; and the members: Algeria, Australia, Belgium, Haiti, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Sudan, the United States of America and Zambia.
Takayoshi ISHIDERA (Japan): Thank you very much, Mr Chairman, for giving me the floor under this very important Agenda Item. First of all, I must apologize to you for coming in too late. I'm sorry.
Japan has already explained its views on the Programme of Work and Budget 1992-93 at the Hundredth Session of the Council, but we would like to make an intervention again on the following five points in the light of the importance of the debate on this Agenda Item.
First of all Japan's views on the circumstances and the surroundings for formulating FAO's Programme of Work and Budget have been continuously stiff and tightly constrained, reflecting the financial difficulties and tightness of each member's own financial situation, including Japan. In this regard our delegation is pleased to welcome the zero real growth of the PWB for 1992-93. We too support most of the priority areas which are environment and sustained development, agriculture data development, women in development, policy advice and forestry, an International Nutrition Conference, decentralization and the merging of the IAA and DDA units into a consolidated Office for External Relations.
Thirdly, concerning TCP, Japan recognizes that TCP plays a catalytic role and provides FAO with the flexibility to respond to urgent small-scale requests from developing countries.
Japan, however,has great concerns that TCP is an unprogrammed reserve, and its detail is not shown in the PWB while other FAO Regular Programme details must be registered in the programme budgeting system. The increase of US$4 million for TCP is an imbalance in the total budget when other major programmes are under severe financial restraint. The TCP projects, training, advisory service, investment, formulation/programming support of TCDC and support to development, can be implemented to a large extent through FAO's Trust Fund and UNDP funding field programmes, and we believe that through better coordination with those programmes the aims and objectives of TCP projects could be effectively and efficiently executed.
Fourthly, concerning cost increases, taking full account of the financial constraints and difficulties of member countries, we believe the proposed cost increase of 14.6 percent is too high. Japan sincerely and wholeheartedly requests a review of the cost increase and asks FAO to make every effort to find ways to decrease costs.
Fifthly, lapse factor. We understand that the Twenty-fifth Session of the Conference approved a lapse factor of 3 percent. This lapse factor was a change from the original proposal immediately after the last Conference of 5.5 percent and was the main reason why Japan could not endorse the PWB for the current biennium during the last Conference. Japan continues to believe that the lapse factor should be decided on a realistic vacancy ratio and that the 3 percent must be subject to further adjustment to a realistic and reasonable figure. We would appreciate if the FAO Secretariat could come up with further reductions of cost increases by the adjustment of this lapse factor.
Mme. Fatma LARBI (Tunisie) (Langue originale arabe): M. le Président, je tiens tout d'abord à vous féliciter au nom de la délégation tunisienne de votre élection à la direction de notre Commission. Nous espérons que nos débats seront couronnés de succès. Je tiens aussi à féliciter M. Shah de ses remarques très claires; c'est d'ailleurs une chose à laquelle il nous a toujours habitués pour ce qui est du Programme de travail et budget.
La délégation de mon pays est d'accord avec toutes les délégations qui se sont exprimées auparavant, surtout celles qui ont dit qu'elles étaient d'accord avec le Programme de travail et budget qui nous est soumis par le Directeur général, et qui a été déjà approuvé par le Comité financier, le Comité du Programme ainsi que par le Conseil lors de sa dernière session.
Le niveau du budget qui nous est proposé, surtout si nous considérons la croissance zéro, est un niveau qui n'est pas très satisfaisant. Nous ne pensons pas que nous pourrons réaliser des progrès tout en maintenant le niveau du budget au même niveau. Nous savons que les pays en développement ont besoin davantage d'aide, mais les ressources et le budget ne cessent d'être réduits.
Donc, afin d'arriver à un consensus et pour aider le Secrétariat, nous apportons notre soutien au PTB dans l'attente d'un avenir meilleur. Peut-être que la croissance zéro nous permettra de réorienter nos priorités. Mais je vous rappellerai à nouveau que les pays en développement ont des
besoins plus grands aujourd'hui que par le passé. Donc, mon pays aimerait demander à tous les autres pays de remplir leurs obligations financières. Je leur rappellerai que la FAO a prouvé sa capacité et son efficacité au sein du système des Nations Unies. Il y a des programmes excellents que nous avons déjà vus à l'action. Tout le monde est d'accord aujourd'hui pour dire que la FAO a eu des activités couronnées de succès. Il y a eu par exemple la lutte contre les acridiens et contre le criquet pèlerin, la campagne de lutte contre la lucilie bouchère qui menaçait non seulement l'Afrique du Nord mais la plupart du continent africain ainsi que des pays méditerranéens, c'est-à-dire la plupart des pays de la région dont je proviens.
Nous appuyons aussi les priorités qui nous ont été fixées dans le Programme de travail. Elles reprennent toutes les recommandations du Comité du Programme.
Le Conseil a approuvé cela également.
Nous nous satisfaisons par exemple des programmes des forêts, du rôle de la femme dans le développement, des statistiques agricoles, des conseils en matière de politique ainsi que du PCT et du fait que les priorités de celui-ci doivent être atteintes. Nous pensons que ce sont là des aspects positifs que nous devons appuyer jusqu'au bout.
Yun HYONG CHONG (Democratic People's Republic of Korea): May I voice my thanks to Mr Shah for his clear explanation on document C 91/3. I would like to make a brief comment on the item under discussion. First, I believe that the Director-General and his staff have taken all possible measures to reflect a realistic package of proposals, taking into account the interests of all the Member States of our Organization. I am in favour of the Programme of Work and Budget for 1992-93 presented by the Director-General.
Secondly, with reference to the budget levels contained in the Programme of Work and Budget, I express my opposition to the concept of zero growth for an international organization like FAO in view of the magnitude of the requirements for assistance particularly in the developing countries. However, I accept the present budget levels for the sake of facilitating a consensus.
Thirdly, in regard to the Technical Cooperation Programme, which is important for developing countries, I am disappointed by the percentage of the TCP appropriation in the proposed overall budget remaining at the current level of 11.9 percent, which is too low. I am particularly concerned that the terms of Conference Resolution 9/89, inviting the Director-General to make every effort to restore the resources available to the TCP to the former level of 14 percent of the total Programme Budget, and if possible to raise it to 17 percent, have not been fulfilled. In this regard, I invite the Director-General once more to do his very best to restore the resources available to the TCP to at least 14 percent of the next Programme Budget.
The proposal for the system of indicating country allocations under TCP is unacceptable to us. I also emphasize that the flexibility of the TCP represents one of the main strengths of the Programme. We have never witnessed the need to introduce a modification to the present operating procedure of the TCP. I insist TCP should be more flexible.
A mi delegación le causa cierta preocupación ver que la reasignación de recursos no ha dejado de afectar a Programas como el de Agricultura y Pesca, este último muy sensible a cualquier disminución. Urge una reacción, cada vez más favorable, de los Estados Miembros para el cumplimiento de los compromisos contraidos en el marco de la FAO de manera que se alcancen los objetivos con la participación de los paises en proporción a sus posibilidades de contribución.
Señor Presidente, la posición de mi Gobierno, en principio, es de no aumentar su cuota al presupuesto organización para el próximo bienio, lo cual responde a disposiciones presupuestales y a severas restricciones en el gasto público. Sin embargo, con el propósito de que haya consenso en la elaboración del Programa de Labores y Presupuestos para 1992-93, mi Gobierno aprueba la propuesta de Programa y Presupuesto de la Secretaria de esta Organización para dicho periodo. De esta forma expresamos el rechazo al principio del crecimiento cero y reafirmamos la importancia que mi Gobierno concede a la cooperación internacional como instrumento para el desarrollo. En la cruzada para el desarrollo, la corresponsabilidad obliga a mayores esfuerzos.
Ray ALLEN (United Kingdom): I would first like to thank Mr Shah for his very detailed introduction to the document. We have already given an outline of the United Kingdom position at the Council but I would like to elaborate on some of the comments I made there now. My first substantive comments relate to the presentation of the document itself.
This is by far the best presentation of the Programme of Work and Budget that I have so far seen, and I would like to thank the Secretariat for all the efforts that they have put into its preparation. My delegation sincerely hopes that these improvements in the presentation of the Programme of Work and Budget will continue and that the document continues to become, for want of a better expression, more "user-friendly".
My delegation is extremely pleased to see that the proposed budget represents no real growth over the last biennium. We are all acutely aware of the difficult choices that have had to be made, and in this respect we think that the Director-General has taken a brave and pragmatic approach to the Budget level, and the affects that any real increase would have on members' assessed contributions. We are fully confident that the efficiency and effectiveness of FAO's operations need not be adversely affected by this restraint. We therefore hope that a consensus can be achieved on the Budget.
The inclusion of detailed explanations of the cost increases provided in paragraphs 65 to 109, including the effects of biennialization and expected inflation, are very welcome. We are, however, disappointed that paragraph 75 gives no justification for retaining the lapse factor at 3 percent. I will return to this point later, Mr Chairman. The reduction in cost increases by US$4 million since the Summary Programme of Work and Budget was presented to the Council in June is particularly welcome. A significant number of members are having difficulty in fulfilling obligations. Those cost increases that have not been absorbed have an impact on members' assessments for the next two years. We therefore urge that these cost increases be absorbed to the maximum extent possible.
You all know that Iraq is an agricultural country. We need this kind of assistance so that we can carry out our agricultural production.
Finally, I hope I have not been too long. I thank you very much, Mr Chairman, and may God's peace and blessing be on you all.
P. Natigor SIAGIAN (Indonesia): We thank Dr Shah for the clear explanation of the document C 91/3.
Indonesia has been associated with this exercise of formulating the Programme of Work and Budget, being a member of the Programme Committee, various Technical Committees and Council. Nevertheless, my delegation welcomes this further opportunity to share its views on a number of PWB's components. My delegation has read the documents. We believe that the Director-General and his able staff have taken all possible measures to formulate a realistic package of proposals, taking into account all suggestions and guidance of various FAO's concerned Bodies. We also note that this PWB is presented at the time of a difficult global and national economic situation, especially for the developing economies.
We share the views that FAO's assistance still plays an important role in the developmental programmes of the developing countries. It is, therefore, our delegation's wishes to see any possible real increases of this FAO's PWB, because we believe it can give a positive response to the calls of combating the world's problem on hunger and malnutrition and of helping the needy developing countries to implement their agricultural development programmes in a very successful manner.
However, we also take note of the views that we should prepare a PWB for the forthcoming biennium which really considers the real and latest economic condition of the member countries, in order to assure the maximum participation of all members in sharing the cost of the forthcoming programmes.
We note that the PWB is proposed with no real growth and, therefore, it will mean that this Organization will be in a more difficult situation in the years to come if FAO really wishes to help the developing countries in their struggle to combat hunger, malnutrition and poverty. We also note with concern the possible "migration" of many brilliant experts and technical officers from FAO due to the financial limitations of the Organization. It is in this light that we follow with full attention the process of finalization of the PWB.
FAO has, in the past, repeatedly implemented programmes with the objective of directly assisting farmers in the developing countries, in their efforts to become successful producers and traders of their own agricultural produce. It is the wish of my delegation that FAO be in the position to continue such a programme in the future, since this programme proved to be important to the developing countries.
We support the proposed global priorities of the PWB in which the programme on environment and sustainable development receives high priority. We also appreciate efforts to strengthen the Major Programme on Forestry.
We welcome the strengthening of programme and budget allocation for the Programme on Women in Development, as this is a logical consequence of the inclusion of the WID in the mainstream of FAO's programme.
At the previous Council's meetings we have expressed our full support for the convening of the International Conference on Nutrition. We, therefore, welcome the provision of a net increase of US$1 million for the preparation of this Conference.
However, we also wish to request FAO's Secretariat also to take any possible efforts to assist the developing countries in their national preparations for this Conference. Likewise, we also wish to request FAO to secure funds for assuring the attendance of representatives of all developing nations, especially the least developing countries at the coming ICN.
We also wish to reiterate our support for the gradual strengthening of the office of the FAO Country Representatives. The consolidation and modernization of FAO's Representatives is one of the recommendations stemming from the FAO Review, in the context of growing national execution and in the light of the urgent requirements for more rapid, effective and substantive advisory services of FAO at the national and regional level.
One of the main important components of FAO's PWB is TCP. We note that, as a response to Conference Resolution 9/89, it is proposed that the TCP receive a net programme increase of US$4 million, meaning that the greatest net increase is assigned to the TCP. We wish to express our appreciation to the Director-General for his efforts to implement Resolution 9/89.
The TCP's main characteristic has placed this programme as one of FAO's main instruments for a speedy response to an emergency request to help member countries because of unpredictable problems which happen in the agricultural field.
However, much more effort needs to be done in the future, if we really wish to commit ourselves to the wishes of Conference Resolution 9/89, that is to restore the resources available to TCP to the former level of 14 percent of the total Regular Programme Budget and, if possible, to raise it to 17 percent.
We note that there are no extra budgetary resources for TCP for the next biennium. We, therefore, wish to appeal that FAO seeks every possibility to secure extra budgetary resources for this very valuable programme.
As regards the area of reduced resources, we note with concern the decreased allocation of the funding level for the Major Programmes, Agriculture and Fisheries. In previous meetings we have stated that, in the light of the overriding importance of poverty alleviation, there should be emphasis on upgrading human resources and, therefore, we regretted the reduction in resources for the relevant Programme.
In previous Council meetings we also noted that the Member Nations of the Asian and Pacific Region have expressed their disappointment that the regional study for their Region could not be carried out during the 1990-91 biennium, and their call for its inclusion in the PWB 1992-93.
With regatd to Fisheries, in view of the fisheries sector's significant contribution to national economic, social and nutritional goals, we requested the Director-General to reconsider the allocation for the Major Programme. At the last Council meeting we requested whether it was possible at least to reach the level of the current biennium.
We also wish to express our concern regarding the suspension of the Professional Training for Agricultural Development Programme. As the previous speaker said, we look forward for the possible reinstating of this important programme in the future PWB. We believe that this programme is very useful for strengthening the managerial capability of technical departments' ministries in the developing countries, and also in the light of the growing needs for national execution.
In other matters related to this we follow with attention the development of matters regarding the Working Capital Fund and the replenishment of the Special Reserve Account. We wish to express our hope here that member countries can reach an acceptable solution, paving the way to a consensus on this matter.
In conclusion, we wish to express here our full confidence in the work of the Programme and Finance Committees. We respect all their wisdom and views. We 'hope that Conference will feel able to give its consensus, approval to this Programme of Work and Budget for 1992-93. Hopefully, this consensus. approval will be a good basis for renewed financial stability in FAO.
R.C.A. JAIN (India): Coming as I do at the tail-end of the debate on the Programme of Work and Budget for the years 1992 and 1993, I will keep my intervention Very brief. I intend keeping it more so as India has already made its views known in the Council and the Technical Committees and I already perceive a consensus emerging in this House in support of the PWB for 1992-93 as presented in document C 91/3. India does not feel particularly satisfied with the fact that the budget maintains current level in real terms. In the context of increasing demands being made on FAO to meet the twin challenges of hunger and poverty, the call for zero growth is quite incomprehensible. We feel that for any organization as vital as FAO, it is imperative to maintain a certain rate of growth lest it should be rendered incapable of following its mandate. However, in the interest of the emerging consensus and realism, India is willing to go along and support the Programme of Work and Budget as presented.
We are, however, happy that while maintaining zero growth, programme priorities such as environment and sustainable development, bio-diversity including plant genetic resources, policy advice, women in development, forestry and International Conference on Nutrition as laid down by the Council, Programme and Finance Committees and other Technical Committees have been adhered to. While we welcome the increased allocation in the PWB proposals for different priority sectors, we are concerned at the reduction in the provisions in respect of Agriculture and Fisheries. If FAO has to meet the growing demand of food for the ever growing global population, these programmes will need to be augmented suitably from extra-budgetary resources. India needs additional regional and country programmes in fisheries exploitation and utilization, aquaculture, development of value-added products from low-value fish and marketing. India supports priority being accorded to agricultural data development primarily through the World
Agriculture Information Centre (WAICENT) project and Remote-sensing, Agro-meteorological monitoring and forecasting Global Information and Early Warning System.
India is one of the few countries having a well-established system of collection and compilation of agricultural statistics which have been established over a century ago. The area estimates of different crops are based on complete enumeration whereas the yield estimates are derived from well planned and scientifically designed crop cutting experiments. For handling data of such enormous proportions, and that too at micro level, the use of an extensive electronic data processing system would be helpful in enlarging the coverage and improving the quality and timeliness of the agricultural information system.
In this context, we support the idea of assistance for a statistical system based on a computer package suitable for developing countries' requirements. This would certainly help in improving the coverage, quality and techniques of agricultural statistical information in India, and may act as a model for developing similar systems in other developing countries.
We support the budget proposals for the livestock sector. The attention proposed to be given by FAO to diseases like rinderpest, foot-and-mouth diseases and zoonosis diseases like brucellosis and rabies is also welcome. The proposed centre for veterinary vaccine quality control will be highly beneficial to veterinary, biological products, quality control centres having been established by the Government of India. We are also happy for extension of bio-technology to animal breeding genetics, and utilization of animal genetic resources and conversion of indigenous breeds, germplasm. Application of bio-technology to milk processing and milk products is an important programme element which needs due support from the FAO.
The emphasis proposed in the budget for FAO's research and technology programmes in regard to issues concerning environment and sustainable development, assistance in monitoring of natural resources, prevention of soil salination, agro-meteorological crop monitoring and forecasting in support of early warning system for food shortages are in line with our planned research thrusts and we welcome them.
Like my colleagues from other developing countries, India also feels that provision of US$774 million for TCP, though at an increased level from the current Programme of Work and Budget, is inadequate. This also fails short of the exhortation given by the Conference Resolution 9/89 in calling upon the Director-General to make every effort to restore the resources available to TCP to the formal level of 14 percent of the total Regular Programme and Budget and, if possible, to raise it to 17 percent.
The Indian delegation also appreciates the recognition given by FAO to TCDC as the key element for collective self-reliance in the developing world. We would, however, suggest that FAO may establish an institutional mechanism and a fund to implement cooperative activities to ensure effective transfer of technology among developing countries.
My delegation had raised the question of implementation of the FAO decision to carry out detailed studies and initiate the work of such a study for Asia and the Pacific Regions. The Report of the Hundredth Council also
recalls such requests by the members of the Asia and the Pacific regions. My delegation will reiterate that the study should be undertaken during the biennium 1992-93 and adequate financial provision be made for the same.
India welcomes the various cost containment measures proposed in the budget. We, however, feel that adopting a lapse factor at a rate higher than 3 percent may be detrimental to the smooth functioning of the Organization. We also lend our support to the imperative need for replenishing the Reserve Fund of the Organization.
I cannot conclude without making reference to the excellent quality of document C 91/3 presenting the Director-General's Programme of Work and Budget for 1992-93. Unfortunately, I was not present when Mr Vikram Shah, Assistant Director-General, introduced the Agenda Item but judging from the quality of the debate and the comments made by various delegates on this Agenda Item, I can say that it must have been of a very high order.
The Indian delegation feels that the new budget process adopted since the last biennia involving preparation of a supplementary Outline of Programme of Work and Budget has considerably improved the quality of the end product and therefore should be retained. Finally, the Indian delegation is happy to commend the Director-General's Programme of Work and Budget for 1992-93 for adoption to the Conference.
Igor MARINCEK (Suisse): J'aimerais remercier M. Shah de son introduction dans ce point de notre ordre du jour et le secrétariat de l'élaboration du document, ce document plus informatif que dans le passé, et nous nous en félicitons bien que nous voyions encore des possibilités de l'améliorer.
D'emblée, j'aimerais signaler que ma délégation approuvera le niveau budgétaire proposé. En acceptant le budget, nous voulons témoigner notre attachement vis-à-vis de cette organisation, et prouver en même temps le caractère constructif de nos remarques et propositions.
Je rappelle ce qui a toujours été notre position à l'égard de la FAO. Nous ne voulons pas une FAO qui coûte moins cher, mais une FAO plus forte et plus efficace dans le cadre d'un budget donné, et une FAO qui puisse contribuer mieux à relever les défis qui sont sa raison d'être principale.
Ma délégation souhaite cependant pouvoir éviter une augmentation du Fonds roulement et la reconstitution du Compte de réserve spécial. Vu les déclarations faites par le plus gros contributeur dans la Plénière, il semble que l'on s'approche de la fin du tunnel et que la situation financière de la FAO s'annonce plutôt bonne à partir de l'an prochain.
Dans ces perspectives, nous ne voyons donc pas de raison pour les mesures proposées qui devront être discutées plus en détail dans la Commission III.
J'en arrive à mon deuxième point: le Programme de travail proposé ne peut pas nous convaincre pleinement. Nous constatons, comme dans le passé, une nouvelle augmentation du nombre des éléments de programmes proposés, ce qui est un indicateur d'un éparpillement croissant des ressources. Nous pensons que cela affaiblit la FAO. Nous sommes pour une concentration des activités et programmes sur les domaines où la FAO dispose d'un avantage comparatif. En concentrant l'action de la FAO de cette manière, nous pouvons à notre avis favoriser un triple renforcement de la FAO:
Premièrement, en privilégiant les domaines d'action où la FAO est particulièrement compétente et efficace. L'efficacité de l'ensemble de l'action de la FAO se trouve améliorée.
Deuxièmement, en concentrant l'action de la FAO, nous pouvons obtenir des gains de productivité de nature tant qualitative que quantitative grâce à la spécialisation. L'effort consacré aux projets récents ouvre des perspectives très intéressantes dans ce sens.
Et troisièmement, en se concentrant sur ces domaines d'avantages comparatifs donc de compétence, d'efficacité et de succès, la FAO pourra renforcer sa compétitivité dans le système international, ce qui améliore ses possibilités d'augmenter sa part relative dans le flux de l'aide au développement.
Je pense notamment aux ressources du PNUD, aux fonds bilatéraux, aux fonds de la Banque mondiale.
Nous pensons donc qu'il est dans l'intérêt de tous les pays membres de concentrer l'action de la FAO sur ces domaines d'avantages comparatifs. Pour le faire de la manière le plus rationnelle possible, il serait bien de pouvoir disposer d'une information concrète sur le développement de la productivité qualitative et quantitative dans les différents domaines d'action de la FAO.
Je rappelle ma proposition faite pendant notre examen du Programme ordinaire 1990-91. Lors de notre examen du Plan à moyen terme, hier, nous sommes parvenus à un consensus sur le Plan à moyen terme et ses priorités, ce qui est réjouissant.
Dans le futur, le Programme de travail et budget devrait refléter davantage ces priorités. Dans deux ans, nous espérons donc trouver un Programme de travail qui propose une concentration des programmes sur les priorités du Plan à moyen terme; car c'est seulement en le traduisant dans le Programme de travail et budget que nous pouvons mettre en valeur le Plan à moyen terme.
Nous ne pouvions pas encore nous attendre à ce stade à une telle harmonisation entre Programme de travail et Plan à moyen terme.
Dans deux ans, nous serons cependant plus exigeants. Il est clair que les priorités du Plan à moyen terme et du Programme de travail et budget ne peuvent pas s'appliquer à toutes les lignes du budget de notre Organisation.
En fait, c'est avant tout les chapitres deux et quatre qui se prêtent pour un exercice de concentration sur des priorités. Ils représentent ensemble quelque 60 pour cent du budget. C'est dans ces deux chapitres que les priorités du Plan à moyen terme devraient pouvoir bénéficier d'une part croissante des ressources disponibles, ceci aux dépens des domaines moins prioritaires. Si de telles activités pouvaient être reprises par d'autres organisations qui sont déjà actives, la division du travail et l'efficacité du système international en profiteraient.
J'en viens à mon troisième point: le calcul des augmentations des coûts. La présentation n'est pas tout à fait claire pour nous dans le document. En approuvant le budget il y a deux ans, nous avons accepté une provision de
quarante millions de dollars pour l'inflation prévue pour 1990-91. On nous dit maintenant qu'il faut encore une fois quarante millions pour la biennalisation des coûts en cette même période. Est-ce dire que l'augmentation des coûts dans le biennium actuel s'élèverait à quatre-vingt millions de dollars? Est-ce que M. Shah peut nous confirmer ce calcul?
Ma deuxième question concernant les augmentations de coûts est relative à la prise en compte des améliorations de la productivité. Dans le paragraphe cinquante-deux, il est mentionné que l'informatisation a permis d'améliorer la productivité et de réduire les tâches à forte intensité de travail le plus souvent confiées à des agents de services généraux. Nous en sommes contents et nous espérons, et sommes même convaincus, que l'amélioration de la productivité touche aussi les cadres organiques. Augmentation de la productivité signifie qu'on arrive au même résultat avec moins de ressources, ce qui devrait compenser, tout au moins en partie, les augmentations des coûts pour ces dites ressources. Est-ce que M. Shah peut nous informer si l'on a tenu compte de ce phénomène dans le calcul des augmentations des coûts?
J'en arrive à mon quatrième point: le budget proposé n'est pas établi sur la base des dépenses effectives dans le présent biennium mais sur une base budgétaire assez théorique. Dans sa réponse à la fin de notre débat sur l'examen du Programme ordinaire 1990-91, M. Shah nous a informés sur les niveaux des dépenses atteintes dans le biennium en cours. Selon ses dires, les dépenses du chapitre deux ont dû être réduites en raison de la situation financière difficile de quelque 10 pour cent, c'est-à-dire environ 27 à 28 millions de dollars.
Si nous partons de l'idée que les autres chapitres n'ont pas subi de coupures, les dépenses de notre Organisation, liées à l'exécution du Programme ordinaire pendant le biennium en cours, se seraient élevées à quelque 540 millions de dollars.
En partant de la base budgétaire de 568 millions approuvée il y a deux ans, nous aurons ainsi, de toute façon, une augmentation réelle des ressources disponibles à condition que tous les Etats Membres paient leurs contributions.
Vu les circonstances particulières, nous ne considérons cependant pas cette augmentation comme une croissance réelle du budget. Une fois la situation financière rétablie, nous aimerions que l'on commence à préparer les budgets à partir des dépenses effectives.
J'en arrive à mon cinquième point: dans le paragraphe 77, nous lisons, et je cite, que "le budget-programme est établi par imputation des mois de travail correspondant à chaque poste inscrit au Programme ordinaire, et que le budget est calculé compte tenu des augmentations de coûts et de l'abattement pour mouvements de personnel à l'aide des nouveaux coûts normalisés".
Peut-être l'examen des organigrammes des postes ouverts et des changements proposés au niveau du personnel nous donne-t-il une meilleure indication des priorités du programme que les descriptifs que nous pouvons trouver dans la présentation des programmes proposés.
Or, nous constatons, dans le tableau après le paragraphe 55, que la variation brute des postes du cadre organique proposés se limite à de maigres 5 pour cent de l'effectif, et qu'une partie significative de cette variation ne concerne en vérité que le transfert de certains postes d'un service à l'autre.
S'il est vrai que pour de nouvelles priorités il faut faire appel à de nouveaux spécialistes, je ne vois pas très bien comment notre Organisation compte relever les nouveaux défis avec détermination. Au rythme de 5 pour cent tous les deux ans, il faudrait 40 ans pour changer de cap totalement.
Il y a évidemment des activités qui doivent rester en permanence dans les attributions de la FAO comme les travaux liés aux statistiques, aux conférences, etc. Mais, là aussi, les méthodes de travail changent comme en témoigne le projet WAICENT que j'ai déjà mentionné et dont nous attendons beaucoup.
J'en viens à mon sixième point: le budget préparé avec un taux d'abattement de 3 pour cent. Nous étions opposés à la réduction de ce taux de 5 à 3 pour cent il y a deux ans. Il semble que les vacances de poste établies se situent nettement au-dessus des 10 pour cent. En été, le taux de vacances se serait même situé à 18 pour cent. Nous regrettons que le Comité financier ne se soit pas intéressé à nous informer de la situation actuelle sur cette question. Dans son rapport au Conseil, nous avons cherché en vain à trouver l'information sur ce sujet. Comme les coûts de personnel organique, c'est-à-dire sans les consultants, absorbent quelque 62 pour cent du Budget ordinaire, une différence de 10 pour cent entre le laps factor et le niveau effectif des vacances de poste laisse une marge très importante de quelque 40 millions de dollars au niveau du budget proposé de 652 millions de dollars.
Mon septième point concerne le PCT. Nous sommes contre une allocation géographique de celui-ci mais nous sommes pour une allocation thématique en accord avec les priorités du Plan à moyen terme. Pour nous, le PCT peut remplir une fonction utile de lien entre Programme ordinaire et Programme de terrain, notamment dans le domaine de l'analyse et des conseils en matière de politique.
Concernant le niveau proposé du PCT, nous constatons que ce programme bénéficie d'une augmentation nette de 4 millions de dollars, c'est-à-dire d'une augmentation réelle de 6 pour cent. C'est seulement grâce à des augmentations de coûts plus faibles de ce programme en comparaison avec d'autres que la part du PCT dans le budget reste la même que dans le budget précédent.
Mon huitième point concerne les activités en Europe. Celles-ci sont importantes vu les changements qui ont eu lieu au centre et à l'est de ce vieux continent. En Europe aussi il s'agit de combattre le gaspillage des ressources par des doubles emplois. Ma délégation a déjà proposé dans la plénière la fusion du Bureau régional de la FAO pour l'Europe et de la Division mixte FAO/CEE, et parallèlement celle des organes européens de la FAO avec les organes agricoles et forestiers de la Commission économique pour l'Europe. Une telle fusion permettra une concentration de l'offre des activités du système onusien dans l'agriculture, l'alimentation et les pêcheries en Europe, ce qui conduira à une amélioration de l'efficacité et à une diminution des coûts des divers services concernés au sein de la FAO et de la CEE comme au sein des administrations des pays de la région.
Concernant le budget proposé pour l'Europe, nous constatons que seulement un tiers de celui-ci est géré par le REUR et le GEUR, c'est-à-dire le Bureau régional et la Division mixte. Les deux tiers sont affectés aux activités menées par le Siège. Nous aimerions que la Conférence régionale pour l'Europe soit dans l'avenir informée davantage sur l'utilisation de ces deux tiers et qu'elle puisse avoir une prise plus directe sur les activités financées par ces ressources. Par ailleurs, nous espérons que les Etats baltes que nous saluons comme nouveaux membres de l'Organisation participeront pleinement aux activités européennes de la FAO.
Mon neuvième point concerne l'allocation de ressources pour les questions de l'environnement et du développement durable. Le paragraphe 22 nous informe d'une plutôt maigre augmentation nette de crédit de 1.5 million pour cette grande priorité du Plan à moyen terme. Le paragraphe 23 se veut un peu rassurant en rappelant qu'un certain nombre d'unités de la FAO prévoient de renforcer leurs activités ayant trait au développement durable. Pouvons-nous savoir quelle est l'augmentation nette liée à toutes les activités? Nous espérons que la priorité accordée dans le Plan à moyen terme au développement durable se reflétera dans l'avenir dans une augmentation substantielle de la part relative des ressources allouées aux activités dans ce domaine. Les activités agroforestières et forestières sont également très importantes dans ce contexte.
J'en arrive à mon dixième et dernier point. Mon pays a déjà signalé à plusieurs reprises son opposition au recours aux emprunts pour faire face à la situation financière difficile dans laquelle la FAO s'est trouvée. Nous sommes opposés à l'idée de déduire les coûts des emprunts des recettes diverses. A notre avis, il faudra les déduire plutôt du remboursement de l'excédent de trésorerie des pays qui n'ont pas rempli leurs obligations financières.
S. RAJASEKAR (New Zealand): We thank you for this opportunity to say a few words on the very important subject of the Programme of Work and Budget for the coming biennium. We have followed with interest the various interventions on this issue. We would like to compliment Dr. Shah and his staff for the progress and the improved format in the quality of the C 91/3 budget document.
Dealing with the programmes first, Mr. Chairman, New Zealand supports FAO's programmes in the areas of policy advice, environment and sustainable development, provision of agricultural statistics and information. We have also been strong supporters of FAO's Field Programmes which are in some ways the bread and butter of the Organization. Acknowledging the importance of substantial statistical data and information, we are pleased with the progress being made towards the establishment of the World Agricultural Information Centre or WAICENT as it is known.
New Zealand also supports FAO's work in the forestry area. In our Plenary address the New Zealand Minister of Agriculture stressed the importance of the contributions being made by FAO in the area of international standards harmonization through programmes such as Codex. Indeed, the proposed GATT Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures recognizes the very important role being played by organizations such as FAO in the area of standards development harmonization as a means of reducing technical
barriers to trade. In this context we are disappointed that progress has yet to be made on the establishment of a Support Secretariat to service the programmes and objectives of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
We hope early progress can be made on this in the next biennium.
Mr. Chairman, moving on to the issue of the Biennial Budget I would like to restate our support for a zero growth budget. We acknowledge the efforts that have been made by the Organization to achieve cost savings and improve internal efficiencies, and this is by no means an easy task as we have found from our own experience when faced with, not so much a zero budget but a declining real budget. Even so, we do have some reservations about the level of cost increases predicted for the biennium particularly against the background of the decisions made at the last Conference on the lapse factor. We are nevertheless prepared to work for a consensus.
Having said that, Mr. Chairman, we are concerned about the proposals for replenishment of the Special Reserve Account and the Working Capital Fund through special assessment. We have to view the depletion of FAOs reserves in the overall context of arrears in contributions. We are concerned that the Organization has had to resort to external borrowings necessitated by that and would hope that all member countries would clear outstanding arrears to the Organization and arrange to meet their financial obligations as soon as possible each year consistent with their budgetary cycles. We believe the settlement of arrears will obviate the need for special assessment.
In conclusion I would like to reiterate our willingness to work towards consensus on this important issue. Thank you.
Horacio M. CARANDANG (Philippines): The Philippine delegation would like to express the hope that consensus can be achieved during the Commission concerning the Programme of Work and Budget.
We are all aware of the importance of achieving consensus, since it can contribute towards the solution of the problems related to economies and the problems consequent thereto, i.e. the need for borrowing, forcible programme cuts, and the diminished ability of the Organization to deliver agreed programmes and respond to the needs of the Member Nations.
In this spirit, and upon the instructions of the Head of the Philippines delegation, we wish to reiterate our support for the Programme priorities and resource allocations which have already been deliberated upon and generally agreed upon by the FAO Technical Bodies and the Programme and Finance Committees at the last session of the FAO Council.
In the same vein, the Philippines delegation wishes to indicate its suport for the budget level and the resolutions on the Special Reserve Account and the Working Capital Fund. We believe that the proposed budget level is already the result of compromise that has been made by various parties in the interest of consensus. The Group of 77 is ready to set aside the objections in principle to zero growth in spite of the fact that more is required now of the Organization, in view of the deteriorating food
production problems in the developing countries and the new initiatives required of the Organization related to sustainable development support for the Uruguay Round set-up of policy advice and other priorities.
The Philippine delegation is of the view that a study has to be made to better address the problem of currency fluctuations and exchange rates. Right now, for example, because of unfavourable dollar exchange rates, countries which have devalued their currencies against the dollar have to face a double jeopardy. Those countries, however, whose currencies have appreciated against the dollar, for example various European currencies, will have to pay less in terms of national currency. In the spirit of greater equity and equal distribution of burdens, perhaps this could be taken into consideration in any future studies regarding contributions. Various ideas are floating, for example regarding forward-buying and split-currency contributions. Split-currency contributions, for example, would shift the instability of currency exchange rates to member countries. Forward-buying is not without costs, but perhaps expert advice would be required to obtain optimum results. We realize that it is unfair and not possible at all to request the Conference to give its views on such ideas for which no adequate study or documentation has been prepared.
For the present, therefore, the Philippine delegation believes that we have to keep the present device of the Special Reserve Account to ensure delivery of the approved programmes. In the past, Member Governments have received their share of surpluses as a result of favourable exchange rates. Now that we have unfavourable exchange rates, who in here complains about the Special Reserve Accounts? But this is probably not entirely logical since we were aware of the nature of the Special Reserve Account when we approved it.
With regards to the lapse factor, Mr. Chairman, we wish to say only that a return to a high level of lapse factor would mean a lower availability of resources for the Organization, which has already been obliged to absorb cost increases.
With regard to the TCP, we only wish to say that while approving the present budget level we wish to reiterate our support for the Resolution asking the Director-General to allocate 14 percent of the budget of the TCP and if possible 17 percent. The Philippine delegation attaches great importance to TCP as it enables FAO to provide technical assistance in the various areas of its competence and where it has comparatively advantage. The Philippine delegation supports the flexible nature of the TCP and is not in favour of a rigid allocation of TCP resources which can only favour disharmony among regions.
Neil PIERRE (Guyana): I would like at the very outset to commend Mr Shah for the very useful and informative presentation of this item made to the Commission yesterday, and to the Secretariat for the high quality of the documents before us.
Having said that, Mr Chairman, let me know go straight to the point of my intervention, which is to register some comments on the proposals we are now considering. We have been presented firstly with the proposal for a zero growth budget. While recognizing the Director-General's underlying objective in presenting this budget, of facilitating its adoption by consensus, my delegation finds it difficult to reconcile such a principle
of no growth with the nature and extent of the Organization's work. It is a principle, we believe, that should never be supported as a general rule in organizations such as FAO, but it is an action nonetheless in these specific circumstances which receives the endorsement of my delegation in a spirit of compromise and in recognition of the efforts of the Director-General and of his staff in attempting to put forward such a compromise.
My delegation will therefore support the adoption of the Programme of Work and Budget 1992-93 by consensus.
That general comment apart, let me at this stage, enter our very strong reservations on the section of the proposal dealing with the TCP. My country, like so many others, has found the resources available under this Programme to be very effective in meeting some of our more immediate needs. It is to be regretted therefore that at a time when demands on such resources will inevitably increase, a commensurate increase in its allocations, will not be forthcoming. This will undoubtedly result in the build up of un-met requests and the denial of much needed project support. It is a matter of great regret, therefore, that the established funding targets of 14 and 17 percent will remain in the realms of illusion.
My delegation believes that the existing arrangements governing the TCP should be duly maintained since these have proved to be both effective and flexible in responding to needs of countries such as ours.
Finally, we welcome the current focus in the budget on areas for priority action by FAO. This focus in general accords with our own developmental priorities and is necessary in a period of scarce resources. In particular my delegation is pleased with the emphasis on forestry and with the resources allocated for backstopping the TFAP. We look forward to the full and effective implementation of this Programme as a matter of great urgency.
With these few comments, Mr Chairman, let me thank you for giving me the floor, and wish you well in your attempts to guide the work of this Commission.
François ROUX (Belgique): Je voudrais d'abord féliciter le Secrétariat pour la qualité des documents qui nous ont été soumis pour débattre de ce point de l'ordre du jour.
La Belgique ne faisant partie d'aucun des organes restreints de la FAO, du moins en ce moment, elle n'a jusqu'ici pas encore eu l'occasion de se prononcer sur le Programme de travail et budget. Toutefois, depuis la publication précoce du schéma, nous avons suivi toutes les étapes de la procédure d'établissement du Budget-Programme biennal, et nous sommes donc de ceux qui sont favorables au maintien de cette étape supplémentaire.
Nous avons également écouté les orateurs qui nous ont précédés et, comme vous sans doute, nous avons noté la fréquence de l'utilisation du mot "consensus". Pour ne pas briser ce consensualisme de bon aloi, ma délégation se livrera ici à une froide analyse des documents qui nous sont fournis, en les examinant selon la bonne vieille méthode de comptabilité, c'est-à-dire du point de vue des ressources, du point de vue des dépenses.
Voyons tout d'abord le point de vue des ressources.
Le niveau du budget pour la période biennale 1992-93 s'élève à un peu moins de 652 millions de dollars, je parle ici des ressources allouées au Programme ordinaire. Ce montant est faible.
Il est faible si on le compare aux sommes allouées au développement agricole par la voie bilatérale. Il est faible aussi si l'on compare le budget de la FAO à celui d'autres organisations qui couvrent le même secteur et dont certaines sont établies à Rome. Il est dérisoire enfin si on le compare au besoin d'assistance technique des pays en développement, même compte tenu de la capacité limitée d'absorption de l'aide par l'économie de ces pays.
A ceux qui font observer que ce faible montant s'explique par le fait que cette organisation n'a pas de vocation financière, je répondrai que l'assistance technique qu'elle fournit constitue le moyen le plus sain et le plus sûr d'attirer d'autres financements.
Certains disent aussi que le budget n'a qu'une valeur indicative, et qu'une fois voté il ne doit pas nécessairement être dépensé dans sa totalité. C'est malheureusement un luxe que la FAO ne peut se permettre. Compte tenu de la situation actuelle qui l'oblige à racler ses fonds de tiroirs, il est peu réaliste de demander à cette organisation de constituer une sorte d'épargne budgétaire.
J'en viens à la deuxième remarque concernant les ressources.
Pour la première fois le Directeur général nous propose un budget à croissance réelle nulle. La FAO rejoint en cela l'austérité budgétaire pratiquée par d'autres organisations spécialisées des Nations Unies.
Des controverses subsistent sur la question des accroissements nominaux des coûts ramenés à 83 millions de dollars. Ces controverses risquent de compromettre tous les efforts que l'on s'est donnés pour remplacer la vilaine notion de "croissance zéro" par une expression plus pudique, "la non-croissance réelle", qui camoufle mal cependant les coupes sombres dont plusieurs programmes techniques ont déjà fait l'objet.
Au nom de cette même pudeur, nous encouragerions ceux qui exigent une réduction supplémentaire de l'augmentation des coûts à respecter d'abord leurs obligations budgétaires.
La Belgique est opposée à une croissance négative ou à une décroissance réelle du niveau du budget. L'accroissement des coûts étant dû pour l'essentiel à la réadaptation des salaires des fonctionnaires, il est en grande partie incompressible. Sans cet ajustement, l'Organisation perdrait les qualités dont elle a besoin. C'est d'ailleurs le même souci de préserver l'excellence de l'Organisation qui justifie selon nous la diminution du taux d'abattement pour postes vacants. Nous pensons que cette mesure couvre des coûts salariaux effectifs qui correspondent aux surcoûts occasionnés par l'emploi de consultants temporaires pour pallier les insuffisances du cadre organique.
La troisième remarque que nous désirons faire à propos des ressources concerne la provenance. Si l'on en croit le tableau de la page 65 du document C 91/3, les 652 millions du budget représentent seulement un peu
moins de 43 pour cent des ressources de l'Organisation. Le reste, c'est-à-dire environ 880 millions de dollars, soit un peu plus de 57 pour cent de l'ensemble des ressources, provient de sources extrabudgétaires.
Il est vrai que d'autres organisations spécialisées connaissent le même phénomène, et, pour ce qui concerne la FAO, nous pensons qu'il s'agit d'une anomalie. Il n'est pas sain que les activités relevant par essence du long terme et donc du Programme régulier soient financées par des ressources extrabudgétaires. Cette anomalie est particulièrement perceptible dans certains programmes comme celui consacré aux forêts tropicales, et cette anomalie ne pourra être corrigée que par une augmentation à terme du budget de cette organisation.
Une fois de plus, nous désirons rappeler que ressources budgétaires et ressources extrabudgétaires doivent être complémentaires mais ne sont pas substituables ni interchangeables.
J'en arrive maintenant à l'examen des dépenses.
A leur sujet nous ferons deux remarques, la première concerne le PCT et la seconde les priorités.
En ce qui concerne le PCT, on peut ne pas apprécier ce programme à sa juste valeur, on peut même douter de son utilité. Nous ne sommes pas intolérants ni sectaires, mais il y a une chose que l'on ne saurait lui reprocher, c'est sa transparence. A ceux qui en doutent encore, je conseille vivement de se pencher sur ce document intitulé Annuaire des projets de terrain qui vient d'être distribué. Peu de sujets ont fait l'objet d'autant d'expertises et d'évaluations. A force de transparence, on risque de faire du PCT un véritable programme fantôme.
La délégation belge continue de penser qu'à travers ce programme, dont les modalités sont très strictement définies, c'est toute la capacité opérationnelle de cette organisation qui est préservée. Ce programme joue le rôle irremplaçable d'amorce pour la mise en place des projets. Il constitue le chaînon indispensable qui relie le Programme ordinaire et le Programme de terrain. Sa souplesse d'utilisation doit être préservée.
Le deuxième point que je désire aborder sous la question des dépenses est celui des priorités. C'est un problème important. Lors de la vingt-cinquième Conférence, nous avions manifesté notre scepticisme sur leur instauration. Deux années après, le processus semble bien engagé et conforme aux recommandations de la Résolution 10/89 et à l'idée de Plan à moyen terme. Je dis "semble", M. le Président, car la FAO peut difficilement faire plus avec moins de ressources. Une lecture attentive du document C 91/3 révèle que les secteurs bénéficiant d'une augmentation de dépenses correspondent à des domaines pour lesquels la FAO doit faire face à des échéances à court terme. Je pense particulièrement aux Conférences sur l'environnement et à celle sur la nutrition. Ces sujets sont certes importants mais l'Organisation est en fait plus contrainte à parer au plus pressé qu'à opter pour de véritables choix stratégiques qui conditionneraient son action pour les années à venir, et ceci confirme les craintes que nous avions exprimées il y a deux ans. Nous continuons de penser que la fixation de véritables priorités nécessite au préalable une situation financière saine.
En conclusion, je désire rappeler que l'adoption du budget n'est pas seulement un acte comptable; c'est aussi un acte politique qui conditionne l'avenir de cette organisation, et qui conditionne aussi les relations entre ses différents membres.
Nous espérons nous aussi que ce budget sera adopté par consensus, mais nous ne voudrions pas que les choses s'arrêtent là. Ce consensus ne sera significatif que lorsque tous les Etats Membres, joignant le geste à la parole, décideront de mettre un terme au psychodrame financier de cette organisation en s'acquittant de leurs obligations financières.
F.A. Shamim AHMED (Bangladesh): First of all, I would like to compliment FAO's Secretariat for producing the document. I would also like to extend our very warm thanks to Mr Shah for introducing the subject with the clarity which characterizes his presentations. We are aware that the Director-General and his officials have had to prepare the budget with the constraint of resource limitations, aggravated by the fact that some Member Nations have not paid their dues in full. We hope countries in default will clear their arrears as soon as possible. What we feel is badly needed today is prompt payment of assessed contributions by all Member Nations to enable the Director-General to prepare the Budget with the confidence that he has the funds required for the allocations that have to be made. My delegation also feels that efforts should be made to avoid borrowing without cutting down on the essential activities of the Organizations.
My delegation is pleased to see that major priorities in areas of increased resources have been given to environment and sustainable development, agricultural data development, women in development, policy advice, TCP, International Conference on Nutrition, forestry, strengthening of Country Representations and enhanced coordination with international and NGOs. All these areas are of great importance to Bangladesh and FAO activities in these areas would effectively complement the endeavours of the Bangladesh Government for all-round agricultural development. We are particularly happy to see the emphasis on women in development. In Bangladesh, where the majority of the population live on agriculture, there is an increasing awareness of the role of women in development, particularly agricultural development. A recent study indicates that 40 percent of our rural women are involved in primary agricultural production. The new projects that are being undertaken in my country aim at ensuring adequate involvement of women in production activities, both as participants and as beneficiaries. We are also happy to see the emphasis on TCP and the International Conference on Nutrition. Bangladesh hopes to benefit from participation in the Nutrition Conference and there are ongoing activities in the country in preparation for the Conference. We would also like to see increased allocation on the TCP in future.
Finally, my delegation commends the Director-General's Programme of Work and Budget be adopted by consensus.
J.O. FALOBI (Nigeria): The Nigerian delegation would like to start by congratulating the Director-General and his staff on the meticulous and well-articulated document prepared on the Programme of Work and Budget for the 1992-93 biennium. There is no doubt that a lot of painstaking efforts have been put into the preparation of the document. We appreciate and commend the efforts. The Nigerian delegation would, however, also like to
join other delegations in saying that we do not support zero growth for future programmes of work. We would like to caution that we cannot shy away from zero growth for future Programmes of Work and Budget if Member Nations do not honour their financial obligations fully and promptly.
As observed by the Director-General in his introduction, unless we return to a normal pattern of payment of assessed contributions for current year and until all arrears due are cleared by the governments concerned, the hand-to-mouth existence imposed on this Organization will continue to have all the negative implications on the services it renders to its Member Nations. Amongst these negative implications is zero growth or negative growth in its Programme of Work and Budget, as we see in the Programme of Work and Budget before us for discussion today. Although we are not in support of zero growth in the Programme of Work and Budget, under the present dwindling financial resources faced by the Organization, we would like to say that the Programme of Work and Budget as presented by the Director-General is well-balanced and articulate. We are pleased to note that major priority areas, as recognized and endorsed by the Council, which include, among others, environment and sustainable development, agricultural development, women in development, policy advice, Technical Cooperation Programme and Tropical Forestry Action Plan which is of global importance in view of the need to promote concerted action for addressing the problem of deforestation and ensuring conservation and sustainable development of tropical forests have been given some prominence in the Programme of Work and Budget.
We recognize the need to provide a better financial resource base from Member Nations through prompt payment of contributions and arrears owed by countries concerned. There is therefore a need for the Council to examine very critically the various options for an improved Programme of Work and Budget in future. When adequate funds are available we would like the Director-General to allocate more financial support to the TCP, the TFAP, Agriculture Data Development and Women in Development Programmes.
Finally, there is no doubt that the Director-General and his staff have had a difficult task prioritizing and preparing the Programme of Work and Budget for the 1992-93 biennium on the basis of no real programme increase, and that cost increases are contained to the maximum extent possible while at the same time providing for the requirements for the implementation of the Programme of Work approved by Council within the financial resources at its disposal. We therefore lend our support to the Programme of Work and Budget as presented by the Director-General.
Saleh Idris MUHAMMED (Tanzania): Since Tanzania is taking the floor for the first time, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on having been elected to the Chair of Commission II. I would also like to congratulate Mr Shah for his very informative and extensive introductory remarks. My delegation would like to commend FAO for the comprehensive Programme of Work and Budget for 1992-93. The task put before FAO of setting priorities within a rationality of zero budget growth was not an easy one. However, the concept of zero growth in the budget is untimely. It comes when the human environment, especially in the developing countries, is dominated by poverty, malnutrition, illiteracy and sheer misery. Thus, with such enormous requirements, one would expect FAO to have a reasonable budget to meet the ever-increasing demands. The concept of zero growth in the budget undermines FAO's operations and one finds FAO failing to live
fully in line with the set goals and objectives in the development of world food and agriculture. My delegation would like to join in endorsing the Budget but would like in future to see FAO budget being allowed to grow and being directed to the most needy areas. Tanzania supports and endorses fully the priorities set in the 1992-93 Programme of Work. The priorities are relevant and appropriate. The priorities include environment and sustainable development, agricultural data development, women in development, policy advice, the Technical Cooperation Programme, International Conference on Nutrition, forestry, especially support to the Tropical Forestry Action Programme, strengthening of Country Representations and enhanced cooperation with other national organizations and NGOs.
On environment and sustainable development, Tanzania observes that the need for linking environmental considerations with national development strategies is growing.
The majority of the people in Tanzania are directly dependent on their environment for their livelihood. Yet these people experience hardships as a result of degradation and depletion of vital natural resources. We are deeply concerned that degradation of our natural resources undermines our efforts in the development process. We are further concerned that emerging environmental conditions such as global warming and climatic changes might threaten our agricultural production, reduce our woodland resources to bare earth, destroy our aquatic resources and wildlife, and hence threaten the existence of our future generations.
Tanzania has tried, to the best of her ability, to respond to these development problems. However, on our own, we are limited by the complexity of the tasks.
The developing countries, especially African countries, are confronted with grim situations. In order to arrest and reverse this unsatisfactory and unacceptable situation, great efforts have to be made. For developing countries appropriate economic and social policies must be put in their proper places. For FAO it is not enough to be sympathetic only to the needs of the rural poor. FAO has to act adequately and with speed.
It is in the light of the above that my delegation feels uncomfortable with the stagnation of budgetary allocations to the Technical Cooperation Programme. Maintaining the same level of budget for TCP at 11.9 percent as that of the biennium 1990-91 will have a negative impact on FAO's Programme implementation. Tanzania would like to join other member countries in appealing for increased budgetary allocation to TCP, at least to the recommended level of 14-17 percent of the Regular Programme budget as contained in Conference Resolution 9/89.
My delegation would like to remind the Conference of the adverse effects of structural adjustment programmes on the agricultural sector, in particular to small farmers. As we all know, structural adjustment programmes currently implemented in a number of African countries are accompanied by massive devaluation of local currencies and removed subsidies even on production inputs. Since we import most of our inputs, the cost of these inputs has risen beyond the means of our farmers.
My delegation would like to request an increased budgetary allocation to inputs such as fertilizers. Similarly, we appeal to FAO, to carry out related studies on structural adjustments and give appropriate advice, so that the agricultural sector is not adversely affected by such programmes.
My delegation would also like to join other member countries in appealing for FAO's increased participation in technology transfer, fisheries, human resources deployment, Codex Alimentarius Commission, pest management and Tropical Forestry Action Plan.
May I suggest that the more fortunate developed countries should take heed of the Holy Father's statement this morning that FAO should listen to the pleas of the poor.
The Tanzanian delegation endorses the Budget and the Programme with the observations that I have stated.
Oscar MAS HERRERA (Costa Rica): Seré extraordinariamente breve. En primer lugar, vayan nuestros saludos más cordiales a usted por su nombramiento para ese honroso cargo. También deseo agradecer al Sr. Shah por la presentación que ha hecho, con la competencia que le es usual, del documento relativo a Labores y Presupuesto 1992-93. La delegación de Costa Rica desearía manifestar su apoyo a la aprobación por consenso del Presupuesto presentado a la Conferencia; creemos que debe ser asi en bien de todos, dadas las circunstancias.
Pero nuestro apoyo es sólo en principio puesto que estimamos que hay algunas observaciones que parecieran indispensables de hacerse.
En primer lugar, queremos referirnos al crecimiento cero, o llamado de otras maneras algo más maquilladas, que lo tenemos por un mal pero que probablemente hoy por hoy sea un mal necesario. Ojalá el crecimiento cero sea sólo coyuntural y que en un futuro cercano el crecimiento de la Organización sea positivo, especialmente en lo relativo a los programas de cooperación. No desearíamos ver a la FAO estancarse en su capacidad de ayuda, en especial a los países del Tercer Mundo.
Otro punto al que quisiera referirme, es la supresión de los Fondos de Reserva. Nuestra delegación considera tal medida como altamente calamitosa. No sabemos de ninguna otra institución en este mundo que maneje fondos y desarrolle programas, que no cuenten con sus correspondientes Fondos de Reserva. Pero advertimos ciertamente las dificultades que este punto supone y no quisiéramos entrar en detalles de procedimiento para lograr la restitución de estos fondos, sino únicamente señalar el problema conscientes de que, sin duda, lo más apropiado sería profundizar en el tema pero que en este documento no lo consideramos oportuno.
Finalmente, quisiera hacer un llamado a la Conferencia para que los cálculos del Presupuesto de la Organización se atengan al cambio del dólar el día de la aprobación del Presupuesto, tal y como ha sido la inveterada tradición de la FAO, sin fijar arbitrariamente el nivel del dólar, hecho, que a nuestro juicio, podría traer daños considerables a nuestra Organización.
Assefa YILALA (Ethiopia): Since this is the first time that we have taken the floor in this Commission, the Ethiopian delegation would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your election to the Chair of this Commission.
Our delegation would also thank Mr Shah for his clear introduction of this item.
We have had a chance to indicate our position with regard to the Programme of Work and Budget for 1992-93 during the last Council session and we see no need to go into detail.
We have also had a chance to air our views in the development of the Programme of Work and Budget during the biennium, and we are convinced that our concerns are fully covered in the proposed Programme of Work and Budget by the Director-General.
Therefore, we would like to express our endorsement of the proposals as presented in the document that we have before us. However, our delegation would like to make some specific remarks with regard to some of the issues related to the Programme of Work and Budget.
The introduction of a discussion on the summary Programme of Work and Budget was initially decided upon with the understanding that it will assist in establishing earlier agreements and lead to a consensus during the decision-making process on the proposed Programme of Work and Budget.
It is reported to us that an understanding has been established and the proposed Programme of Work and Budget is based on this agreement on the summary Programme of Work and Outline.
Priority programme areas are in line with this understanding that was reached during the various exhaustive discussions and also the last session of the Programme Committee. Therefore, we would like to express the firmest support of the Ethiopian delegation for the proposed PWB.
The Ethiopian delegation feels that further cost absorption will affect the Programme of the Organization which has to operate under financial constraints for quite a long time now. The position of the Ethiopian delegation, therefore, is to endorse it as presented by the Director-General rather than requesting further cost absorption.
Zero growth at budget level was accepted at an earlier stage of the preparation of the document, on the grounds on reaching a consensus rather than justified adequacy for an Organization whose mandate covers the whole area of food and agriculture. This being a part of a package of all issues related to the PWB, its present level will need to be seen accordingly.
The increase of the TCP and the total resource allocation for it, is below the 17 percent level that was called for by the Conference. The proposed allocation for the TCP can only be acceptable as a package of the overall budgetary proposal, rather than adequacy on its own merit.
The issue of cost increase is a technical matter which is based on factors affecting it. From the explanation of the Assistant Director-General, we understand that some of the factors that should have been accounted for are
left out because of the rationale of reaching a consensus. Our delegation, therefore, feels that a further decrease in the cost increase will affect the PWB; hence we favour the endorsement of the proposal as presented.
The Working Capital Fund and the Special Reserve Account are affected, either directly or indirectly, by the payment of assessed contributions. We also understand that currency exchange fluctuations are also factors contributing to their depletion. All of these factors have prevailed in both the present biennium and the one before it. Replacement of these two funds is a logical sequence if member countries fail to fulfil their obligation as per the decision of the Conference during the Twenty-fifth Session and also the previous Conference.
The regional allocation and distribution of resources at a country level were called for in some previous meetings and the Organization, in its preparation and presentation, is just responding to its calls. We thank the Organization for responding to these calls and agree with the proposal as presented in the document. However, we would like to express our positive view on the modalities of operations, the TCP project implementation of the past. Our delegation has had no problems with the way in which it was done in the past.
Finally, the PWB is to be seen in relation to payments of assessed contributions, cost increases and the replenishment of the two funds I have just mentioned. If each of these items is to be seen in isolation, there might be a need to assess the whole area as it might need a review and revision in the light of actual needs rather than facing the budget on a consensus framework.
Our delegation feels that the package approach as presented in the proposal of the Director-General could be used as a basis for a consensus. We are supporting this approach. Failure to see the proposal accordingly might force our delegation to revert back, in which case we might request the floor once again.
However, at this stage we are stopping our deliberation here and will examine the discussion and see if there is any reason to come back to the discussion.
Mrs Maria Alessandra FABI (Italy): The Italian delegation is pleased to join the other participants to this Commission in praising Mr Shah for his particularly clear and exhaustive presentation of document C 91/LIM/9. The establishment of the Outline Programme of Work and Budget on a permanent basis is seen by the Italian delegation as a positive step towards facilitating the consensus process which it hopes may be achieved on the 1992-93 budget.
The initiative of the Director-General in submitting proposals regarding FAO's Programme Budget Process is to be praised insofar as it streamlines the work of the Secretariat and of the delegations.
More in detail, we deem particularly useful and constructive the involvement of the COAG and the COFI. The adoption of both the Programme Implementation Report and the Programme Evaluation Report may be seen as true progress in the monitoring of FAO's activities in line with what is done within other international organizations.
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Mansur Mabruk SEGHAYER (Libya) (Original language Arabic): Mr Chairman, allow me to begin by thanking FAO for all their efforts in the drafting of this very voluminous document C 91/3, the Programme of Work and Budget for 1992-93. This document contains a great deal of information which is very interesting for delegations. I should also like to thank Mr Shah for his very precise and clear introduction to this document.
My delegation expressed its opinion on the Programme of Work and Budget at the Council sessions. We feel that this document is a very exhaustive one which we have been able to study in detail during the Council sessions as well as during other Commission and Committee meetings. We welcome all the innovations that have been made in the preparation of this document as well.
My delegation would also like fully to support the new methodology which has been proposed by the Director-General in suggesting to us increases in certain areas and programmes, and cuts in others.
My country would also like to support all the priorities which have been established within the Programme. For example, we would support Sustainable Development, Women in Development, Biological Diversity, as well as the other priority areas which have been identified.
My delegation is very concerned because we feel the text of Resolution 9/89 has not been fully implemented as regards the Technical Cooperation Programme.
My delegation firmly believes that flexibility must be respected for the TCP. We do not feel that it is necessary to change the present working methods.
My delegation would also like to support the Resolution of the Conference at its Twenty-fifth Session on the lapse factor.
In conclusion, allow me to say that my delegation would not wish to take up too much of our time but we do feel that this item on the Agenda has been covered very exhaustively. That is why we would like to ask all delegates to work towards a consensus on the acceptance of the present Programme of Work and Budget and the budget level for 1992-93.
Hilda GABARDINI (Argentina): Señor Presidente, como es esta nuestra primera intervención quisiera primeramente felicitarle por su elección a la Presidencia de esta Comisión, a la que usted tan bien está guiando en sus deliberaciones.
Agradecemos a la Secretaria la preparación y la presentación, en la gentil oratoria del Sr. Shah, del Programa de Labores y Presupuesto 1992-93 que estamos considerando. El mismo resulta ilustrativo y claro en su contenido, y constituye una guia adecuada para la asignación de los recursos en el próximo bienio, de conformidad con las prioridades globales señaladas en su primera parte.
La delegación argentina, coincide a grandes rasgos con la distribución de los créditos que se proponen, y se limitará, en aras a la brevedad, a señalar sólo dos aspectos: en primer lugar, el nivel del Presupuesto.
La República Argentina está atravesando un periodo de dificultades financieras derivadas principalmente del estancamiento de su economia y de su elevada deuda externa, que sumados al severo ajuste del sector público, le imponen la máxima austeridad en los compromisos monetarios.
La delegación argentina aprecia altamente el esfuerzo realizado por la Secretaria para presentar una propuesta de Programa de Labores y Presupuesto contenida, que incluye como único factor de crecimiento real los aumentos en los costos y la inflación. Pero, por las razones expuestas resulta sumamente difícil para mi país aceptar incrementos en sus contribuciones a los organismos internacionales.
Instamos entonces a la Secretaría y al resto de los países miembros a desplegar los mayores esfuerzos para contener aún más el monto presupuestario sujeto a cuotas.
En segundo lugar, respecto del Programa de Cooperación Técnica, la delegación argentina desea expresar su satisfacción por que se haya asignado al mismo el mayor aumento neto en las propuestas del bienio, en cumplimiento parcial, dadas las circunstancias, de lo decidido por esta Conferencia hace dos años.
El PCT constituye una valiosa herramienta, tanto para solucionar problemas particulares en los países, cuanto para mantener a la Organización al día con las necesidades de los sectores agroalimentarios de los mismos.
Sin embargo, la delegación argentina no puede aceptar, en esta instancia, la propuesta de establecer una preasignación de los recursos del PCT por países y por regiones, en base a los criterios expresados en el párrafo 761 del documento C 91/3. Estimamos que dicha preasignación es contraria a la propia esencia y objetivos del Programa, que lo distinguen sustaneialmente de otros Programas de Desarrollo del sistema de Naciones Unidas, alguno de los cuales se propone como punto de referencia.
Creemos asimismo, que la propuesta constituye y constituirá, de insistirse en ella, una fuente de conflicto y recelo entre las regiones en desarrollo, y aún más entre los propios países de una misma región.
Por estas razones, la delegación argentina solicita respetuosamente a esta Comisión que decida que la administración del PCT a lo largo del próximo bienio se continúe realizando con la máxima atención en el cumplimiento de los criterios decididos por esta Conferencia, en la forma en que se ha hecho hasta el presente.
Proponemos asimismo que se solicite al señor Director General que al finalizar el próximo bienio informe detalladamente acerca de las asignaciones y prestaciones efectuadas en el marco del Programa.
Creemos que un par de años para reflexionar acerca de la necesidad de establecer nuevos criterios de asignación de los recursos del PCT serán de la máxima utilidad para poder adoptar, en el futuro, las acciones que se estimen adecuadas con el consenso de todos los países miembros.
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Angel BARBERO MARTIN (España): Le felicitamos a usted y también al Sr. Shah por la excelente exposición del documento C 91/3, en el que se concreta la propuesta del Director-General de la FAO para el Programa de Labores y Presupuesto del bienio 1992-93.
Del análisis detenido del documento se deduce, en primer lugar, una mejora sustancial en la presentación y contenido del Presupuesto, que hace más fácil la consulta y más documentado el contenido de los distintos programas que lo componen; razón por la que felicitamos a los servicios de la FAO también, por sus reiterados esfuerzos en este sentido.
El nivel del Presupuesto que se nos presenta, no contempla aumentos totales de gasto, si bien actualiza las dotaciones del bienio anterior con aumentos de costos asignados en los dos ejercicios anteriores, que representan un montante de 83 millones de dólares.
Nosotros estamos totalmente de acuerdo con la propuesta del Director General en que ésta sea dentro de la linea de crecimiento cero. Siempre habíamos lamentado que se adoptara esta linea, pero entendemos que en las actuales circunstancias y dado el momento económico que están viviendo gran número de países, dada también la evolución que presenta el mundo en muchos aspectos políticos, sociales y económicos, quizá la FAO tenga que adaptarse, tenga que seguir esta evolución y una forma de hacerlo sea adoptar este criterio y presentar estos presupuestos que durante estos años no crecen. Sin embargo, nos sigue preocupando que esto pueda influir en la cantidad o en la calidad de los servicios que la FAO presta a todos sus miembros.
Estamos de acuerdo con un buen número de países que también lo han manifestado asi, en que los aumentos de los costos se ajusten a los niveles más reales posibles, y en particular que se acomode el coeficiente de descuento por vacantes a la realidad esperada para el periodo que contempla el Presupuesto, siempre que se mantengan para la FAO las posibilidades de elegir buenos y excelentes técnicos.
En cuanto a la financiación del Presupuesto, también hemos reiterado en anteriores ejercicios que hay que pagar puntualmente. Hay que pagar y hacerlo puntualmente en las cuotas pendientes; si no, vemos que los planes a medio plazo o el esbozo del Presupuesto, que consideramos excelentes herramientas para el buen desenvolvimiento de esta Organización, van a ser trabajos inútiles y sin ninguna utilidad. Esta falta de pago está originando hasta ahora dificultades financieras. Estas dificultades han repercutido en el Fondo de Operaciones y en la Cuenta Especial de Reserva. Esto origina costes adicionales, nos origina costes adicionales a todos los países contribuyentes.
Por otra parte, se mantiene, hasta que no se nos afirme lo contrario, que existe el peligro de acudir a préstamos mientras se mantenga esta crisis de liquidez con que cuenta la FAO. Siempre hemos reiterado que el afrontar estos gastos, estos costos adicionales que pueden originar los préstamos, que a su vez están originados por la falta de pago de otros países, tienen unas dificultades dentro de nuestros países, incluso de tipo estatutario, para afrontarlos.
En cuanto al proceso de presupuestación, que está a nuestro juicio mejorando la información del contenido de los distintos programas, nos parecería conveniente mantenerlo y darle carácter permanente a través de su inclusión como norma en los Reglamentos de la Organización.
Nos referiremos al PCT para indicarle que nosotros tampoco, con otros países, vemos la utilidad de esta repartición geográfica de los medios del PCT, que puede originar inútiles y no deseables tensiones entre diferentes regiones y países. Nosotros entendemos el PCT como un elemento de enlace y de apoyo mutuo entre los Programas de Campo y el Programa Ordinario y debería así constituir también una ayuda excepcional en los momentos en que se necesite dentro de un determinado país, pero nunca una fuente de disidencias.
En cuanto a las prioridades, volvemos a repetir que entendemos que la prioridad fundamental para esta Organización es mantener su nivel de excelencia en sus servicios técnicos. Si este nivel baja, debido a estas dificultades financieras, peligra la misma razón de ser de la FAO, peligra su propia existencia. Por tanto, para nosotros esa debería ser la principal prioridad.
En cuanto a las demás, para las que hemos colaborado en anteriores foros en su establecimiento, dentro de un delicado y fatigoso trabajo que han realizado todos los países miembros, no tenemos mucho que decir, puesto que estamos prácticamente en todas de acuerdo. Sólo subrayar que nos interesa mucho, nos preocupa, el ámbito de la silvicultura; nos gustaría ver incorporadas las recomendaciones del Congreso Forestal Mundial de París y también dentro de este mismo ámbito de la silvicultura; nos gustaría que las miras de la FAO se ampliaran no sólo a los bosques tropicales, sino a esos bosques semitropicales o regiones semidesérticas, zonas templadas con problemas de sequía, que sufren también la desaparición de su cubierta vegetal por los incendios o por la lluvia acida.
Nos interesa también, y así lo hemos reiterado otras veces, el trabajo que está realizando la FAO en los recursos fitogenéticos y nos hemos visto sorprendidos desagradablemente por el descenso en las dotaciones que se da en la pesca. La pesca, que es tan importante para la alimentación de muchos países y que además puede resultar una fuente de ingresos adicionales para muchas poblaciones, hay que convertirla en un instrumento más racional, en un recurso más racional mediante la ordenación de las explotaciones, y también enseñando a las poblaciones a consumir, a vender y a comercializar los productos de la pesca. En esto creemos que la FAO, tiene un papel fundamental. Creemos que tiene ventajas comparativas, puede perfectamente dedicarse, incluso dentro de sus labores sobre el medio ambiente y también dentro del propio sector de la División de Pesca que existe ya en la FAO, mejorando y apoyando sus dotaciones.
Por último, ya que todas estas prioridades han sido el fruto de un delicado proceso, deben ser sometidas continuamente a examen y estudio; no son algo definitivo, pero los criterios para la selección de estas prioridades no deben basarse en un frío examen de costos y beneficios desde el punto de vista económico. No tenemos que olvidar, como ponen los Textos Fundamentales de la FAO en sus primeros artículos, que el objetivo auténtico de la FAO es el desarrollo de las poblaciones, la eliminación de las lacras del hambre y la malnutrición. Esas deben ser las pautas, y debe
ser el modelo o los puntos básicos para evaluar la labor de la FAO, el impacto sobre el desarrollo y sobre la malnutrición y la pobreza en la población mundial.
Ibrahima KABA (Guinée): Veuillez accepter nos vives félicitations. Nous nous réjouissons de pouvoir réitérer notre position déjà prononcée lors des sessions précédentes d'autres instances de notre Organisation.
Tout d'abord, que M. Shah trouve ici l'expression de nos chaleureuses félicitations pour le talent remarquable qui lui est propre et avec lequel il a présenté le sujet sous examen.
La délégation guinéenne intervient brièvement pour apporter son soutien à celui généralement exprimé au niveau de notre importante commission en faveur du Programme et budget 1992-93 pour atteindre le consensus. Les différents documents y afférents sont d'une qualité qui reflète les efforts considérables déployés par le Secrétariat et qui facilite l'examen de cette question capitale. Les priorités et leur hiérarchisation dans le programme correspondent à nos préoccupations essentielles.
Par ailleurs, nous espérons qu'à l'avenir, avec l'amélioration prévisible de la situation financière de notre Organisation, le PCT connaîtra un accroissement conformément aux recommandations de la Résolution 9/89. Concernant le PCT et le principe de la croissance zéro, nous faisons nôtres les commentaires objectifs exprimés par de nombreux pays du Groupe des 77, et en particulier par le distingué délégué du Royaume de Belgique.
M. le Président, il est temps que la volonté politique qui motive notre présence ici se concrétise enfin par le paiement intégral de nos contributions statutaires, source principale des moyens financiers de notre Organisation.
Nedilson Ricardo JORGE (Brazil): As this is the first time I have the floor, let me congratulate you on your election as Chairman of this Commission and also thank Mr Shah for his clear presentation.
In my statement I will not refer to questions relating to the Working Capital Fund, the Special Reserve Account and external borrowings. The understanding of my delegation is that these aspects will be examined in Commission III and included only in the Report of their respective items on that Commission.
As to this I would like to briefly reiterate the Brazilian support to the priorities set out in the Programme of Work for 1992-93 and express the hope that it will be fully implemented without need to readjust it or adapt programme execution to financial constraints. In any case, FAO should consider the following priorities: Environment and Self-Sustainable Development, Agricultural Data Development, including the WAICENT, Forestry, Women in Development, Policy Advice, Decentralization and the International Conference on Nutrition.
Brazil also deems the TCP very important and expects Resolution 9/89, adopted during the last Conference, to be implemented. If this is not possible it is just fair that at least the TCP is not reduced. Thus, Brazil
supports the increase of US$4 million in order to allow TCP percent level to be kept the same as before.
Regarding the TCP, Brazil also believes that indicative country allocations might turn out useful, as it can permit a better coordination and planning by governments. However, our understanding is that these indicative allocations should not be viewed as a binding scheme to be obeyed but rather as a broad reference to work with. Flexibility is an important feature of TCP that can be maintained together with indicative country allocations. Brazil also thinks that indicative country allocations should not represent any reduction on present allocations for the Latin American Regions.
With regard to the level of the budget, the Brazilian delegation has made, during the Ninety-ninth Session of the FAO Council in June, many suggestions to reduce the proposed budget levels to more acceptable levels. Let me stress that Brazil did not and does not want to see reductions on FAO affecting its programmes for we understand the importance of FAO in developing countries. Our suggestions were presented with the aim of improving the situation of FAO taking into account the financial difficulties many of its member countries have been facing. I am sure our suggestions were noted and seriously considered by the Secretariat and therefore I will not repeat them.
The Brazilian Government appreciates the efforts made by the Secretariat to reduce cost increases since then and also recognizes that the proposed budget assumes no real increase in the programmes of the Organization. However, my Government is worried with regard to the impact of the 15 percent increase of the proposed budget level on the assessed contributions of the developing member countries because they are facing economic and financial difficulties, mostly due to the burden of the external debt. It is well known that the international economic crisis continues to affect negatively the developing countries through the fall of export prices and monetary problems derived from the transfer of resources for the service of the external debt.
Therefore, we think international organizations should make every effort to adjust their budgets to the real possibilities of their Member States; many member countries have had to introduce measures of economic adjustment with painful social costs to their populations.
Our worries come from the fact that we have seen in the last few years that more and more countries are having economic and financial problems and are not managing to face their already existing contribution as well as their other international obligations.
It is difficult, therefore, to accept passively such an increase in contributions - contributions that many of us are having difficulties in paying. As a consequence, the Brazilian Government thinks that an even larger effort has to be made by FAO's Secretariat to reduce, as much as possible, the level of the proposed budget and thereby reduce this nominal, but substantial, increase of 15 percent to more acceptable levels.
In this connection we would prefer that the lapse factor be brought back to the 5.5 percent level as it was before the last Conference.
In conclusion, we support the proposed Programme of Work. However, we believe that it was necessary to draw the attention of the Conference, as we have done on previous occasions, to the impact of the budget level on the assessed contributions of developing countries facing economic and financial difficulties, due among other factors to the burden of the external debt.
The position of the Brazilian Government is consistent with our attitude regarding this issue in other multilateral fora. This position should be viewed as deriving exclusively from economic and financial factors and should not, in any way, be misconstrued as similar to other negative policies that aim at debilitating our Organization.
Ebrahim MAYGOLINEJAD (Iran, Islamic Republic of): On behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran delegation, I would like to express my appreciation to FAO and the Secretariat for the preparation of the document C 91/3, and to Mr Shah for his clear introduction. I would like to make some brief comments.
The TCP, as most of the delegates have pointed out, have a great role in the developing countries and we fully support the paragraphs numbers 741 and 736 for increasing the percentage of the TCP to 14 percent and if it is possible, 17 percent. Paragraph number 504 is very important in sustainable development in Fisheries, but the paragraph number 527 has not enough effect on developing aquaculture, which has a great role in fishery development in future; training extension and transfer of technology should be increased in this regard.
Finally, we fully support the Major Forestry Programme, particularly forestry resources assessment of sub-tropical and temperate zones. Mr Chairman, I would also like to express my delegation's support of the Natural Resources Programme in general, and Sub-Programmes 2.1.1.1 and 2.1.1.5, namely Assessment and Planning, and Conservation and Reclamation, respectively.
Thanks to FAO and its role in agricultural development.
CHAIRMAN: We have come to the end of the speakers. Sixty-four delegates have spoken on this item, which I think is a very interesting performance.
When we started this item, I said there was a particular problem called the Programme Budget Process. I have sent through two things: first a memo commenting on that point too, and I therefore do not see any need for any further discussion. Secondly, and more importantly, all the delegates who have spoken have said this is a good idea - this should be continued, and therefore I take it that you approve the Draft Resolution here for forwarding to Plenary. If there is no objection, it is so done.
Now before Mr Shah answers, I think we have concluded the substantive discussion on Item 16, but we have a problem left. It is quite obvious to the Chair that there have to be consultations on the final outcome of the Budget Resolution, so I think we keep this part of the matter open until -let's put it this way, I say something more; I hope that may be tomorrow. So the item of substantive discussion is concluded, but we keep Item 16 open for a final discussion, or whatever it may be, on the budget level.
I give the floor to Mr Shah. I say in advance, both to Mr Shah and to you, we will conclude at 6 o'clock.
V.J. SHAH (Assistant Director-General, of Programme, Budget and Evaluation): Thank you, Mr Chairman. As always I will abide by Office your directives.
Firstly, before I respond to the very large number of questions raised, may I make a point on the subject of the Programme Budget Process. You got the confirmation of this august body that the Draft Resolution on Amendments to the Basic Texts on the Outline Programme of Work and Budget is acceptable and will be considered by the Plenary. May also seek clarification that, as I heard the debate, there was general approval of the suggestions by the Director-General for the other aspects of the Programme Budget Process and the related documentation.
CHAIRMAN: I take it this is so. No objection? It is so.
V.J. SHAH (Assistant Director-General, Office of Programme, Budget and Evaluation): Thank you, Sir. Now I will go ahead with the reply in the time that you have given me.
There are as usual some rules which I try to set myself in order to do justice to the debate and give the maximum number of answers. Let me say at the outset, Mr Chairman, first of all, through you, thank you to every member of this Commission who have expressed themselves. We have taken very careful note of all comments made. In responding to the questions, it seems to me that it may be most useful to the Commission if I take questions which have been raised by one or another delegation, but which, from the discussion clearly reflects a much wider interest, in a different category from a few questions which were very precise. I know who raised the question, but the answer to it may be so long that it may not do justice to the overall replies that you expect me to give in the time available. I will try to handle all of them to the best of my ability. If there are any questions which any member feels that he or she wants a public response to, which I have not given, then of course I will ask to come back at the time available.
One of the first questions raised, by the distinguished Ambassador of France, was about the follow-up given to the recommendations of the June Council in the formulation of the full Programme of Work and Budget, and there are two aspects of this question to which I would like to reply. Firstly, the distinguished Ambassador referred to the proposals in the Summary and in the full budget regarding Fisheries. It is certainly true that there has been no overall increase in the appropriation proposed for the major Programme Fisheries as a number of delegations had indicated in the Council, but this is a major and a basic question of judgement that comes between the stage of the Summary and the full Programme of Work and Budget. Is it possible for the Director-General to shift resources further between agriculture, forestry and fisheries, and in relation to each other, in the light of all the comments made and in the light of all the commitments which are indicated in the Summary proposals? In this particular instance you see that the basic appropriation for Fisheries has
not changed, and yet we try, within that appropriation level, to respond to the comments which were made, and I have details but I will keep only to the main parts.
My colleague, the Head of the Fisheries Department, reflected in the full Programme of Work and Budget some changes with regard to the Sub-Programme on Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Information 2.2.1.1, improvement in the coverage of fisheries information dealing with environmental policy, aquaculture and sustainable fisheries and biotechnology in specific response to comments in the Committee on Fisheries and at the June Council from Sweden, Canada, Japan and the United Kingdom; development of a global inventory for fishery research and development in the promotion of applied research in developing countries in response to comments made by the United Kingdom, France, United States, Canada and Japan.
With regard to fishery data and statistics, Sub-Programme 2.2.1.2, Statistics on high-seas catches in consultation with other international fishery agencies and fishing nations, in response to comments made by Japan, Norway, Canada, Sri Lanka, Poland, Mauritius, France, Morocco, and a large number of other countries which I will not bother to list.
In the case of animal genetic resources, and here again there was a question from the distinguished Ambassador for France as to whether the views of the June Council on strengthening the work on animal genetic resources were taken into account, my answer, Sir, is yes. The animal genetic resources work has been strengthened by US$200 000, made up of US$100 000 from adjustment within the Programme on Livestock 2.1.3, and US$100 000 from a number of cuts made within other Agriculture Department programmes.
There was a question and a number of comments again referring to the comparative advantage issue - and I refer to the comments of the United States, the United Kingdom and the Nordic countries. I have already made a comment on this in relation to your debate on the Medium-Term Plan. I would only add that in this issue we might all bear in mind that comparative advantages of an ongoing Organization are something which can be built up. You can build them up or you can shift the comparative advantages from one organization to another, depending on respective priorities that you set in each and depending on the funds that you provide. The comparative advantage in one organization - our own, your own, FAO - can be easily reduced if governments do not pay their contributions and do not allow a particular Programme to be effectively carried out.
As an example of a converse situation, I would point out that over the last five years or so, the World Bank has built up a capacity, if not a comparative advantage in environmental work by a more than tenfold increase in its environmental staff. A number of delegations, and particularly the United States of America, refer to the emphasis on the private sector. There are some special programmes which directly and specifically rely on the initiative and the mobilization of the private sector; special programmes such as the one on marketing, on food and agriculture industries; but may I suggest that we all keep in mind that in most or many countries farming is essentially a private enterprise, as is fishing, and it can be said that a very large part of the FAO Programme, although directed to governments and involving collaboration with governments, is really in support of the private sector.
One of the earlier questions, which was repeated throughout the debate, was about FAO operationalizing - I do not like the term but that is the term used - in its Field Programmes the concerns about the environment and sustainable development, and there was a specific question from the distinguished Ambassador of France on whether we are introducing a procedure of environmental impact assessment in fields projects. The answer is yes, and the details are given in chapter four of the document which you will be considering, the Review of Field Programmes C 91/4, so I will not go into more detail now.
There was a question from the distinguished representative of Poland about whether the sterile insect technique has been used successfully against insect species. I do have a technical explanation which, even though I am not a technical person, I can understand, but I notice that the distinguished representative is not here so, in the general interest of the Commission's work, I will refrain from dealing with that question at this stage.
There were many, many references to the TCP and I have noted each one of them, and where I have not noted, my colleagues have. I do not need to respond to the views of the very large number of members who have expressed their support for the TCP, what they appreciate about it, why they like it and what they want for the future. What they want for the future, as I understand it, is for more resources to go into the TCP, and they do not accept the Director-General's proposal for the distribution of TCP resources by country. This is the overall response that I have understood, but some distinguished representatives have given their perception of the TCP which perhaps I should address. One comment is that the TCP, and the aspect of the TCP which does not appeal to some Member Nations, is that it is unprogrammed. Mr Chairman, I do not feel defensive about this at all. It is a characteristic of the TCP that appeals tó the vast majority of Member Nations. It is the very characteristic of the TCP which has been endorsed over and over again, so I do not need to be defensive. It is a matter between all of you. Secondly, a comment was made about concerns about the impact of the TCP. The Secretariat of course responds to your enquiries, to your concerns, by providing information but if anyone says, "I am not convinced about the impact of the TCP", in a sense, nothing I say is going to change their minds. The answer comes from others who believe that the TCP has the desired impact, desired impact as far as they are concerned as recipients of TCP assistance, and that this is a valid impact within the mandate of this Organization. I cannot accept, with all respect, any suggestion that the TCP represents an engagement by FAO in activities which are not within its mandate.
The third aspect of the TCP is that the financial regulation which authorizes the carry-over of TCP funds from one biennum to another is still of concern to some Member Nations. Mr Chairman, the financial regulations are a fact. The reasons why the unobligated funds of the TCP are authorized to be carried over from one biennium to another has been explained to the Conference at every Session - certainly in the last ten years that I have been asked to do so - and has been explained to the Council and to the Finance Committee, and I am ready to do so again but I think the answer has been provided, so I take it that if the point was made, it is a matter of concern to those who expressed it, which nothing I say will change.
The fourth aspect of the TCP is about more information, and I am grateful for the expressions of appreciation which have been made about our providing more information on the TCP. I have every intention, and I know the Director-General has every intention, that we satisfy the general interest in the TCP in all the ways that we are doing and with improvements in the future.
Mr Chairman, the International Conference on Nutrition. The distinguished Ambassador of Colombia asked what the additional US$1 million was for. I would refer him and others to paragraph 405 of the document Programme of Work and Budget, but to amplify what is in that paragraph let me say that the US$1 million is broken down as follows: for the joint FAO/WHO Secretariat, US$375 000; for travel, US$85 000; for the holding of the Conference itself and the preparation (preparatory workshops and technical meetings) US$350 000; and for the documentation US$250 000; which brings us to a total of US$1 020 000. A question was also asked about extra-budgetary contributions for the International Conference on Nutrition. Some of my colleagues are providing me with information of what they hope to receive. At this stage, Mr Chairman, I would rather be realistic with the Commission and report to you what we have received to date. The support obtained to date concerns essentially the preparation of country papers and the holding of national seminars. The support is provided directly by governments to the beneficiary countries in both cash and kind. For this reason, I cannot always give a precise dollar figure but we estimate that the bilateral donors and other organizations, UN agencies, are providing some US$240 000 to country activities of which US$200 000 is from bilateral donors and US$40 000 from other organizations. There will be other extra-budgetary contributions received, particularly for the regional meetings, and eventually for attendance at the Conference itself. As this item, the preparations for the ICN, is going to be discussed in Commission I, I know that my colleagues next door will be ready to give any further information that may be of interest to delegations.
The next question, Mr Chairman - and if I recall correctly, it was Indonesia and Colombia which referred to it, and I hope I have not overlooked anyone else - expressed regrets about the proposal for not continuing with the Programme of Training for Agricultural Development (PTAD). I am glad to reply to this question because I would like to use it as an illustration, if I may, but first the specifics. We were asked for the average number of trainees per year. Since the Programme started in 1979, the average number per year has been ten, the average duration of their stay with FAO was three months, the average cost per trainee in 1991 - this year - US$12 000 and the average annual budget US
$200 000. These are not vast sums, Mr Chairman, and I do sympathize with those distinguished representatives who attached importance to this Programme because they felt that their nationals could benefit from it and they would wish to see it continued, but this is also an illustration of the kind of situations in which the Director-General had to make choices. Many of you are always saying, "you have to make difficult choices", and among the judgements which were called in deciding on this matter were, irrespective of the usefulness of this Programme and its appreciation by those who benefit from it, is what FAO doing through PTAD of such scale, of such impact, that if we did not do it the world is going to suffer? Each one of us may have a different answer to this but the judgement which was used by the Director-General and by us, his colleagues, was that, irrespective of the value of this Programme or its utility, after all, the number of people we can help through this Programme is very small. If we do not do it, it is
the kind of support or assistance which is provided in many, many ways not only by FAO but by a large number of other organizations, so when it comes to making a choice, when we have to shift resources, when we have to reexamine priorities, this is the judgement which we submit to you on this occasion.
May I now turn, Mr Chairman, to a number of financial questions, and I will really try to answer all of them. Cost increases methodology. The distinguished Ambassador of Colombia was very tough with me, if I may say so, in asking whether the reduction in the amount of cost increases from US$87 million to US$83 million is a move away from the approved methodology, and I would very respectfully have to assure him and all other members that the answer is no; the methodology has remained the same. The methodology used to develop the cost increases in the document before you is the same as that applied over the past biennum and the same as used in the summary Programme of Work and Budget. The calculations and the assumptions which produced the figure for the summary which the Council examined in June have all been reviewed in the formulation of the full Programme of Work and Budget in the light of two factors. Firstly, the latest development in those external factors which affect our figures and, secondly, the Council's hope as expressed in its report that the Director-General would seek to contain the total level of cost increases as much as possible. The changes can be summarized as follows: firstly, the improvement in the exchange rate between the time that the summary was prepared last January, when you may recall that the rate was 1 100 lire to the dollar, to the full Programme of Budget which was prepared in July, when the rate was more than 1 300 lire. This allowed the cost increases for General Service staff in the field - not in Rome but in the field - to be reduced by US$1.4 million and the biennialization of cost increases for general operating expenses, which was shown as US$1.5 million in the summary, to be eliminated. Frankly, the recent weakening of the US dollar makes these adjustments seem rather optimistic but they were made in good faith based on the data available at the time the Programme of Work and Budget was prepared and they do not represent any change in methodology.
Similarly, the education grant provision has been reduced on the basis of further information. This reduction is US$1.1 million.
A more discretionary item was the postponement of the cost increases for consultants from 1 January 1992 to 1 January 1993, which generated a further saving of US$1.2 million.
The Director-General has exercised his judgement, taking into account the changes in circumstances and the Council's hope and wish for the containment of the cost increases. This approach is a reflection of a willingness to under-state, to be conservative, to compromise, which is presumably what the Council had hoped for.
Other questions on cost increases were more detailed. The distinguished representative of Switzerland asked whether it was true that the inflationary increases shown in the 1990-91 Programme of Work and Budget of 45.1 million should be added to the biennialization of 40.1 million in 1992-93, to arrive at the total effective increase in cost. I do not use the word "inflation" because that word is normally referred to for national inflation rate, consumer-price indices, wages indices. So I prefer to use this precise terminology.
Posts: the distinguished delegate of the United States asked for information on the percentage of the budget voted to established posts. The answer is: about 60 percent. The reason why we have not repeated this data in the current document is that there was no substantive change from the preceding biennum. The percentage represents a small rise which is not due to a change in the gross number of established posts because, in fact, you see a reduction of five, but it is attributable to a relatively high percentage of cost increases which are applicable to staff costs, versus the lower percentage applied to the remainder of the Programme.
The distinguished representative of Switzerland asked whether computerization has allowed the Director-General to convert General Service posts to Professional posts and whether this is further demonstrated by the change in posts of minus 23 General Service to plus 18 Professionals.
The delegate inquired whether such productivity gains should not be translated into cost-reduction rather than additional Professional posts.
In some cases, this might have been possible, but it did not meet the objective as stated in paragraph 52 of raising the professional level throughout the Organization.
A second point is that not all of these movements from general service to professional posts are, or can be, related to productivity. In many cases it is the nature of the work that has changed, now requiring a professional person rather than clerical skills.
There has been some concern expressed about a comparison in a budget document to a theoretical base, on the argument that not all the approved Programme of Work for 1990-91 has been, or can be, implemented, because of budgetary and financial difficulties, and that a large amount of funds has required, and will require to be transferred out of the Technical and Economic Programmes, Chapter 2. The question is, does this not result in an inflated growth of Chapter 2?
My answer is that the overall transfer of fund between Chapters - and in this case, from the budgetary Chapter 2 - is entirely due to the exchange rate and the cost variances; the cost variances, that is to say, between standard costs and actual incurred costs. We need to correct that from one biennium to another. That is the reason for the cost increases and the currency adjustment in the proposals before you. This is a practice which is followed by FAO and which is followed by organizations in the UN system. It is also applied by the majority of governments. I have not seen any reason why the methodology need to be changed.
Borrowing and interest: the United Kingdom in particular, and several other countries, raise the question of borrowing. There are two aspects for this. One is on the interest paid. The specific question was whether interest payments are charged against miscellaneous income. Yes, that is correct. This is in accordance with Council and Conference Resolutions on the authority to borrow.
Is this fair? This is a question for you to determine and I think many of you have given very clear answers.
Even if there is no borrowing, may I point out that the contribution to miscellaneous income in terms of interest earnings is clearly made by those who pay promptly. Those who pay late or those who pay in installments, therefore, contribute less to the average balance on-hand, and therefore have less entitlement to an equal share of miscellaneous income.
However, Member States falling into this latter category - and I am only stating a fact, I am not expressing any judgement, please believe me -these Member States have shown little interest in correcting this imbalance. In fact, attempts made to introduce any corrective schemes have not been received exactly with enthusiasm.
The second aspect of the question was on expenditure cuts in order to avoid borrowing. I would submit that a permanent reduction in contributions would need to be matched by a permanent reduction in expenditure levels and in programmes. But this is not what you have been led to believe by one another or what the Secretariat has been led to believe by Member Nations, of those who are in arrears, because these Member Nations, without exception, have stated that it is their intention to pay, and that it is a question of when.
Given that, the problem becomes one of irregular flow of income versus the more regular flow of expenditure. Whilst we can and do make every attempt to forecast expenditures, we cannot reliably do so for income as a number of Member Nations concerned do not - do not - advise us when and what amount they are going to pay.
Now the practical result has been that there are some months in the year when we simply do not have the cash. If we were to follow the advice of those members who state that we should adjust expenditures in order to avoid borrowing, let me tell you very calmly that this would have required the Director-General to dispense with the services of virtually all Regular Programme staff for the months of August and September of this year, only to hire them again when the two largest contributors made their payments in October.
I do not need to comment on the consequences of such management practices. I put the question whether this is serious and sound advice.
I cannot ignore the lapse factor. I am sorry that members of the Conference have perhaps not all seen the document we submitted to the Finance Committee at its last session, as we had submitted also two documents to the Finance Committee in the last biennium, but I am sure that members of the Finance Committee would be prepared to share this information with their fellow colleagues who are not members of the Finance Committee. This would save your time at this stage instead of my reading the documents. But I would point out again, as I did in the debate in the Council last week, that there is no standard lapse factor which can be mathematically relied upon. I do not deny that there is no link, there is some link between the lapse factor and the level of vacancies, but basically it is a question of overall resources.
You have before you proposals of the Director-General with the cost increases, with the assumption of a 3 percent lapse factor which leads to a certain budget level. Certainly, it is true that if you, the Conference, do not want to accept this budget level one way of reducing it is by amending the level of the lapse factor, but your debate has shown that there are two
points of view. There are many of you who accept the 3 percent lapse factor and what it entails, and I have noted very carefully that there are some others who do not. But this relates to the budget level and, in view of the announcement that consultations are under way, I hope this is a matter which will be resolved, and I do not refer to it specifically any further.
There are answers which I have, but we have reached the deadline of the time, so I hope that representatives will accept this response. I am once again available to help you further in this debate when you continue.
CHAIRMAN: I too hope that these answers are satisfactory. We cannot agree to everything, but I think the answers cover a broad range of activities, and I take note of the last point you made about the lapse factor. It is something which may or may not go into the consultations later on.
I take it that we can conclude this part of Item 16. We will keep the item open, and when consultations have moved some way I hope I can report back.
C.B. HOUTMAN (Netherlands): At the beginning of this discussion you divided this question into the Programme of Work and Budget and the Outline Budget Process. Do we come back to that? We did not make any reference to that because we thought it was being dealt with later. Could you inform me about that?
CHAIRMAN: I can inform you that we decided here early on that, all the reactions were very positive, and therefore we could forward the Draft Resolution to the Plenary, including proposals. I hope that meets your views too.
We will adjourn now and meet tomorrow morning at 9.30 hours when we will start on Item 17 with Mr. Rinville's introduction of the item.
The meeting rose at 18.00 hours.
Le séance est levée à 18 heures.
Se levanta la sesión a las 18.00 horas.
