As prepared for delivery by Ambassador Ian Kelly
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
July 12, 2012
The United States would like to thank the OSCE Audit Committee for its seventh Annual Report. We place importance on your work, which contributes to the proper functioning of the OSCE’s external and internal controls.
We are pleased that progress has been made over the past year in a number of areas, including the formal decision this year to align with International Public Sector Accounting Standards.
With regard to the Financial Regulations, the United States supports the Committee’s recommendation to the Secretariat to publish internally a document comprising all legal texts concerning financial management. We consider this a necessary interim step toward a comprehensive update to the financial regulations.
In addition, the United States welcomes the Audit Committee’s recommendations on program and project evaluation in the OSCE. We support efforts to develop an evaluation framework in line with OECD Development Assistance Committee criteria.
Finally, we would welcome more information about the results of internal audits, investigations, and evaluations. It is our view that the participating States, as major stakeholders in this organization, should have access to information about both the administrative, managerial and financial successes and challenges that the organization is facing.
Again, thank you, Mr. Ernst, for your high quality work and comprehensive report.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
