Madam Chair,

China has repeatedly made it clear that the Security Council has yet to reach consensus among its members regarding the 1737 Committee and the Panel of Experts on Iran and as such, the work of the 1737 Committee and the Panel of Experts should not restart on its own.

Against this backdrop, preparation and submission of such a controversial programme budget is an act that has hindered the efforts of the fifth committee to carry out its work based on technical considerations, including from a financial and management perspective.

More regrettable still is the fact that certain countries, in total disregard of the aforementioned circumstances, have insisted on putting the entire revised programme budget to a vote. This sets a bad precedent of resorting to a vote when it comes to SPM programme budgets in recent years, and seriously undermines the working methods of this committee.

In light of the above, China will vote in favor of the amendment and against the draft resolution to be posted to a vote. We are willing to work with all to jointly maintain a good working atmosphere within this committee and uphold the consensus-based working method.

Thank you, Madam Chair.