UN considers $ 91 million for UNMIN

The United Nation's budget committee is considering the proposal to finance the political mission in Nepal.

The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) of the UN began its consideration on Wednesday of the financing of special political missions, including requests for US$ 91.5 million for United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN).

Regarding the Nepal Mission, Japan cautioned against the application of a one-size-fits-all model to different field missions. Clear recognition of the Mission's mandate, while avoiding duplication through thoughtful planning, was needed, Japanese representative to the committee was quoted as saying.

Flagging specific concerns regarding the UNMIN, Nepal's representative to the UN Madhu Raman Acharya noted that, in view of the importance of Nepal's political process and the mandate to be fulfilled, the proposed resource requirements for the UNMIN could not be said to have been set too high, compared to other missions. While he was generally satisfied with most of the recommendations of the Secretary-General and the Advisory Committee, he saw little justification for Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ)'s recommendation to disapprove several posts.

Acharya requested the Committee to consider approving those posts. He said these posts were crucial since non-military ceasefire monitoring functions were important to ensure effective implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

Dennis Thatchaichawalit, Chief of Service, Programme Planning and Budget Division, introduced the Secretary-General's report on estimates in respect of special political missions.

Turning to the UNMIN, Rajat Saha, Chairman of ACABQ, noted that the Security Council had welcomed an assessment mission to Nepal, together with advanced deployment of 35 monitors and 25 electoral personnel. To provide funding for interim activities in Nepal, US$9.6 million gross had been requested and granted by the ACABQ in 2006.

The UNMIN was established by Council resolution 1740 of January 23 for an initial period of one year and subject to provisions of the resolution. The proposed staffing requirements would comprise 927 positions, including 280 international staff, 389 national staff and 258 United Nations Volunteers. In addition, there were 155 military observers and 7 police advisers. Total financial requirements amounted to some US$91.5 million net and US$95.6 million gross for the Mission's various components. nepalnews.com Mar 15 07