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Unofficial translation from Russian

STATEMENT

by the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail ULYANOV 

at the 60^th session of the Working Group on Administrative and Budgetary Matters (Working Group A) on agenda item

“Appointment of the External Auditor of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission for the period of 2022–2023”

October 19, 2021

      Dear Madam Chairperson,

Regarding the appointment of the External Auditor of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission for 2022-2023, we would like to draw attention to the following important advantages of the application of the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation.

The Accounts Chamber has solid experience in auditing various international organizations, including within the UN System agencies. The UNIDO is a primary example in Vienna. Many experts from Permanent Missions already had an opportunity to be acquainted with the reports of the Russian candidate and highly appreciated quality of audit, detailed character of reports, format of presentation as well as demonstrative character of conclusions. The auditors of the Accounts Chamber have been members of the United Nations Independent Audit Advisory Committee for 13 years. The honorary position of the Chair of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) is the clear indication of professional recognition of the Accounts Chamber of Russia. We would also like to note that the candidate has specific experience in auditing organizations dealing with nuclear issues. In particular, the Accounts Chamber carries out annual audit of the State Atomic Energy Corporation “Rosatom”.

The Russian candidate proposes a multifaceted and in-depth audit of the work of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission. It means not only the standard audit of financial statements, but also the performance analysis in the Organization. Moreover, in addition to basic IT system audit, the Accounts Chamber of Russia, if necessary, would be ready to conduct specialized cybersecurity audit in accordance with latest international standards.

In the current epidemiological situation, the Accounts Chamber of Russia successfully performs combined audit, which includes both on-site and remote procedures without compromising the quality of audit.

Finally, given the present fiscal situation, the Russian proposal contains very competitive financial terms (slightly more than 120 thousand euros for two years).

In accordance with national legislation and the Lima Declaration of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions, the Accounts Chamber of Russia enjoys functional and organizational independence. Professional international assessments awarded the body high independence rating.

Taking into account the willingness of the Accounts Chamber of Russia to explore additional opportunities to improve the efficiency of the Organization, we are convinced that its election to the position of the External Auditor of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission will bring value both to the Organization and its States Signatories. Our candidate has all the necessary expertise and potential to do it.

We will be grateful for the support of the Russian candidacy.

Thank you.