A/RES/53/207 Page 4 NEW NARRATIVES OF THE PROGRAMME BUDGET Approves the new programme narratives for section 7A, Economic and social affairs11 and section 26, Public information,12 subject to the modifications recommended by the Committee for Programme and Coordination13 and also to the provisions of the present resolution; V PROGRAMME PERFORMANCE 1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on the programme performance of the United Nations for the biennium 1996–19976 and the recommendations of the Committee for Programme and Coordination thereon, subject to the provisions below; 2. Notes with concern the late submission of the programme performance report, and urges the SecretaryGeneral to submit the report in future to all Member States by the end of the first quarter following completion of the biennial budget period, in accordance with regulation 6.3 of the Regulations and Rules Governing Programme Planning, the Programme Aspects of the Budget, the Monitoring of Implementation and the Methods of Evaluation; 3. Recalls section II, paragraph 13, of its resolution 50/214 of 23 December 1995, in which it decided to keep the vacancy rate at 6.4 per cent during the biennium 1996–1997, and in this context expresses its deep concern at the high vacancy rate and its adverse impact in some areas of programme delivery; 4. Reaffirms that the vacancy rate is a tool for budgetary calculations and should not be used to achieve budgetary savings; 5. Deeply regrets the use of vacant posts for consultancies and short-term appointments during the biennium 1996–1997; 6. Notes with appreciation that the United Nations, in particular the regional commissions, provided development-related advisory and technical support to Member States during the biennium 1996–1997, and requests the Secretary-General to continue to extend such services during the current biennium, in accordance with existing mandates; 7. Reaffirms the right of Member States to seek the support and assistance of the United Nations, individually and collectively, in the regional and subregional context, in their efforts to promote developmental activities; 8. Emphasizes the need for greater interaction between the regional commissions and the respective regional organizations; 11 E/AC.51/1998/6 (Sect. 7A) and Corr.1. 12 E/AC.51/1998/6 (Sect. 26). 13 Official Records of the General Assembly, Fifty-third Session, Supplement No. 16 (A/53/16), part one, paras. 192 and 208. /...