The Twenty-Fifth Session of the Preparatory Commission of CTBTO was open in Vienna on 14 November 2005. Discussions were focused on Programme and Budget as well as the restructuring of the Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS).

In the discussion on 2006 Programme and Budget, Ambassador Wu Hailong, Head of Chinese Delegation, reiterated China's persistent view of zero real growth. China was willing to see consensus reached through consultations on 2006 budget on the basis of the present draft decision.

Meanwhile, China believed that all work of the PrepCom should be progressed in the comprehensive and balanced way. While keeping the construction of the international verification system, the PTS should also promote the entry into force process of the Treaty. China hoped that the future budget would reflect this two-fold approach. Furthermore, China supported the funding of more experts from developing countries to participate in the work of the PrepCom.

For the restructuring of the PTS, Ambassador Wu said that China supported every effort on a more reasonable PTS structure and any further coordination on IMS and IDC functions and relations. China believed that the restructuring should be based on the following principles:

Firstly, any restructuring should be in compliance with the Treaty and all PrepCom Resolutions.

Secondly, it should be assured that any restructuring programme would not hamper the process of the construction of the international verification system.

Thirdly, any reform should not result in the additional financial burden on all relevant parties. The total budget of the two divisions after restructuring should not exceed the existing one.

Fourthly, all work related to restructuring should be open and transparent. The PTS should keep the parties informed on regular basis. Particularly, the PTS should submit a mid-term report to the Prepcom after the achievement of the first phase aim for thorough review before a second step.

Fifthly, the regulation of seven-year-term of the staff should not be affected in the process of the restructuring.

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