UN REFORM

"Conscious of the risks that the present financial crisis poses to the United Nations' ability to function, we are resolved to promote in parallel and as soon as possible a long-term solution based on the adoption of a more equitable scale of contributions, on scrupulous respect by Member States for their financial obligations, and on the payment of arrears."

Overall Grade: +1

Breakdown and Assessment

1) "a long term solution based on the adoption of a more equitable scale of contributions" :
Germany is committed to finding a permanent solution to the financial and institutional crises that now threaten the United Nations. To ensure the transition from a bureaucratic institution, to one with "more substance and less form", Germany has contributed a "substantial voluntary contribution" to the trust fund of the "Open-ended Working Group on the Strengthening of the United Nations System", to allow for the continuation of its work into the 51st session. With regards to the restructuring of the Security Council, Germany proposes the inclusion of a periodic review clause (PERECLA) "to guarantee that an increase in both membership categories (permanent and non-permanent) is not irreversible", thereby ensuring the accountability of permanent members. Other primary elements of the review clause as proposed by Germany's Acting Permanent Representative Ambassador Dr.Gerhard W. Henze are:

1. The review is compulsory and put on the agenda of the General Assembly automatically after a period of 10 to 20, preferably 15 years;
2. The General Assembly would have to decide upon an eventual new composition of the Council within two years;
3. New permanent members would not be entitled to use a possible veto right regarding the review results.

Grade: +1

2) "on scrupulous respect by Member States for their financial obligations":
As the third largest financial contributor to the United Nations regular budget, Germany maintains that "there is a context between the political will to play a role in the United Nations and the willingness to assume the corresponding share of the common financial burden". On the 10 January 1997, Germany announced the transfer of "48,248 million US-Dollars corresponding to 50% of its total assessment for the 1997 regular budget of the United Nations".

Grade: +1

3) "on the payment of arrears":
In 1996, as in previous years, Germany has paid in full its appraisement for both peace-keeping operations and the regular United Nations budget. Germany views "the non-payment of dues by some Member States (as) a major problem undermining the work of the United Nations".

Grade: +1