FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY PREPARATORY COMMITTEE FAILS TO REACH CONSENSUS ON DRAFT DECLARATION FOR COMMEMORATIVE MEETING
Press Release
ANV/219
FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY PREPARATORY COMMITTEE FAILS TO REACH CONSENSUS ON DRAFT DECLARATION FOR COMMEMORATIVE MEETING
19951020 Syria, Lebanon, Libya Express Disagreement with TextThe Preparatory Committee for the Fiftieth Anniversary of the United Nations this afternoon failed to reach consensus on the draft declaration to be submitted to the General Assembly's special commemorative meeting and decided to meet again tomorrow, 21 October, to continue its consideration of the text.
The draft declaration was presented to the Committee by its Chairman, Richard Butler (Australia), who noted that while many parts of the text enjoyed agreement, on other parts delegations had indicated some degree of concern. "Taking this draft as a whole it is my firm view that I should put it to you as a document for transmittal to the special commemorative meeting of the General Assembly so that it may adopt it on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary", he said.
However, the representatives of Syria, Lebanon and Libya said they could not agree to the draft declaration, as it made no mention of the right to resist foreign occupation.
The representative of Syria said his country had hoped that the amendments submitted by the Non-Aligned group would be taken into consideration. Unfortunately, some States had opposed those amendments, without regard to the legitimate resistance of oppressed people living under the yoke of colonial occupation. All peoples living under foreign occupation had the right to resist, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter, resolutions of the General Assembly and those of the Non-Aligned Summit.
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The representative of Lebanon said his country had long declared the importance of reaffirming the right of all peoples to resist occupation, which had been clearly stated in numerous international meetings and conventions. Thus, Lebanon could not approve the declaration as it did not refer to that important principle.
The representative of Libya said there were some principles that could not be ignored, especially those that were compatible with the Charter and including the rights of those who suffered from foreign occupation and colonialism. "We feel that it is very important to reaffirm the right of peoples to resist foreign occupation, especially on this fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations." He could not accept the draft unless it stated the right to resist foreign occupation.
Following a discussion of the status of the draft declaration, during which numerous representatives stressed the importance of achieving a consensus on the historic occasion of the Organization's fiftieth anniversary, the Chairman said he would conduct further consultations on the matter.
Statements on the draft were also made by the representatives of Canada, Finland, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Japan, Argentina, France, Belgium, Chile, India, Austria, Germany, Malaysia and Italy.
Also this afternoon, the Committee considered the matter of publishing the statements to the commemorative meeting. The Chairman said that the cost of a special book would be $1 million, while a bound version of the verbatim record would cost only a few thousand. He proposed that the second approach be implemented, as it was less costly. However, the verbatim record would not reflect the entire text of the speech, only that part which would be delivered at the meeting.
The representatives of China and Brazil said that they would have to consult their capitals before giving final approval to that suggestion. Supporting the Chairman's proposal were Ukraine, France and the United Kingdom.
In addition, the Committee decided that for the special commemorative meeting, Switzerland and the Holy See as observer States, and Palestine, in its capacity as observer, would have four seats, instead of the usual two, allocated to them in the General Assembly Hall.
The Preparatory Committee for the Fiftieth Anniversary of the United Nations will meet again at 3 p.m. Saturday, 21 October, to continue its work.
Committee Work Programme
The Preparatory Committee for the Fiftieth Anniversary of the United Nations met this afternoon to consider its draft report to the General Assembly and discuss other pending issues.
The draft report of the Preparatory Committee (document A/AC.240/1995/L.8/Rev.1) provides background information on the Preparatory Committee and reviews preparations for the commemoration of the Organization's fiftieth anniversary. It recalls that the Committee was established by the Assembly in 1992 (decision 46/472) and that there was an understanding that its decisions would be taken by consensus. In 1993 the Committee decided that the theme for the commemoration would be "We the Peoples of the United Nations ... United for a Better World" and also established an open-ended drafting group to prepare a declaration to be adopted in 1995 to mark the anniversary.
In 1994, on the recommendation of the Preparatory Committee, the Assembly decided to convene a special commemorative meeting on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Charter of the United Nations. The Assembly also decided that invitations to the meeting would be issued to all Member and observer States at the level of head of State or government, and that all heads of delegations would be afforded the opportunity to address the special meeting. In its report to the Assembly's forty-ninth session, the Committee reported that the arrangements for the special commemorative meeting, in addition to applying to all Member and observer States, would also apply to Palestine and other observers, should they so request.
Addressing matters relating to the preparations for the special commemorative meeting, the draft report reviews decisions by the Committee and the General Assembly concerning the organization of the list of speakers. The speakers list as at 22 August, arranged using the procedures described in the report, is contained in an annex to the report, although the report states that there have been a number of changes to the list reflecting changes in the level of representation of certain delegations.
Addressing the drafting of the declaration, the report recalls that in 1994 the open-ended drafting group agreed upon a conceptual approach: namely that the declaration should address the general public; utilize simple and not grandiose language; be substantive in nature; strive for brevity; and reflect a thematic approach. It was also agreed that all decisions by the drafting group would be taken by consensus.
By March 1994, a general structure for a draft declaration had been agreed to by the drafting group. In February 1995 the drafting group agreed that the Bureau would prepare a draft that would serve as the "single negotiating document". Subsequently, based on a paragraph-by-paragraph reading, and written amendments presented by delegations, the first rolling
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text was produced by the Chairman. Following the submission of additional written amendments, the Chairman issued three other rolling texts and discussion continues on a final draft declaration.
Reviewing other preparations for the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary, the draft report states that as of 25 July, 149 Member or observer States had established national committees. Throughout the year the Preparatory Committee was kept advised of the numerous commemorative activities being organized for the anniversary year by those committees and it was pleased to note that many of the activities were directed at reaching and informing the general public, and especially at educating youth about the work of the United Nations.
Moreover, numerous Member States decided to honour the United Nations on its fiftieth anniversary with special issues of stamps and coins. In addition to the three special stamp series which are being issued in 1995 by the United Nations Postal Administration in honour of the fiftieth anniversary, virtually every other postal administration has issued or has noted plans to issue such commemorative stamps. Over 40 Member States already have agreed to issue legal tender coins honouring the anniversary. Under the programme, participating Member States donate a royalty to the Trust Fund for the Fiftieth Anniversary Celebrations on each special proof or uncirculated coin sold to collectors. These royalties are being used to support educational and communications activities about the work of the United Nations.
The report states that the secretariat of the fiftieth anniversary continued to develop and implement a global commemorative programme of activities and products. The goals identified by the secretariat and endorsed by the Preparatory Committee for the anniversary had been to promote a more balanced image of the United Nations, to enlarge its constituency of support, especially among youth and non-traditional audiences, to improve world-wide education about the work of the Organization and to mobilize public support in favour of the United Nations to position it to meet ever-growing demands. The report cites important global youth projects undertaken by the secretariat, among them:
-- The promotion of a global teach-in on the United Nations, in which the objective is to have all schools designate time around 24 October to teach about the United Nations;
-- The development of educational kits for teachers on the United Nations and its work for three school levels -- primary, intermediate and secondary -- in all six official languages, focusing on such global issues as migration, pollution, health and peace, within subject matters ranging from history and literature to science and mathematics;
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-- Initiation of a passport to the future, designed to sign on millions of young persons between the ages of 7 and 14 years as "global citizens" by having them pledge to carry out a number of volunteer activities to make their world a better place;
-- And a book about the United Nations, A World In Our Hands, written, illustrated and edited by young people from around the world.
Fiftieth anniversary global communications activities developed by the secretariat have included:
-- Print, audio and video campaigns for media, exhibits, conferences, film and television programming, including the international public service announcement campaign, in the six official languages, to inform the public of the many achievements of the United Nations system in the areas of democratization, decolonization, women and development, health, refugees, peace-keeping, environment and food security;
-- A multimedia exhibit provided to Headquarters and regional offices, and to headquarters of specialized agencies using CD interactive technology and demonstrating the interdependence of the global community by focusing on the history of the Organization and on its major areas of endeavour;
-- Fiftieth anniversary information sites on the Internet and related on-line services (United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Gopher, America On-Line, CompuServe and The Microsoft Network);
-- And publications, including a pictorial history of the United Nations -- Visions - Fifty Years of the United Nations -- a newsletter, press kits, an informational brochure, notes for speakers and an educational wall chart.
Addressing activities within the United Nations system, the report states that a Forum on the Future of the United Nations had been convened at Vienna with the participation of all Administrative Committee on Coordination members and a number of distinguished personalities who have been leading independent reviews on ways to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations system to meet the major challenges ahead.
In addition, the report states cooperative activities between the United Nations and other organizations of the United Nations system had taken a more operational turn, focusing on the preparation of projects that highlight the work of the system. Also, joint projects were being undertaken with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) regarding the distribution of educational materials, the promotion of the global teach-in and the organization of youth encounters. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) had cooperated in publishing the results of
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discussions with non-governmental and private organizations related to a global assembly on food security. In addition, the UNDP had contributed significantly to the dissemination of information on the fiftieth anniversary through the Internet.
Addressing activities of non-governmental organizations, the report says that United Nations associations and other non-governmental organizations have supported the fiftieth anniversary effort to broaden public understanding of the work and continued relevance of the United Nations through, among other things, education programmes, conferences and activities aimed at young people, such as art projects, essay competitions and model United Nations programmes. In addition, many of those organizations, especially the United Nations associations, actively participate as members of national committees established for the fiftieth anniversary.
In the context of the Assembly's fiftieth session, there are plans to organize a one-day non-governmental organization programme in mid-October to examine the role of the organizations and the United Nations and its future in the twenty-first century, building on the various initiatives, studies and reports issued in 1995 dealing with civil society and the United Nations. The programme would be coordinated by the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations, in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, together with the Executive Committee of Non-Governmental Organizations associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI).
Concerning administrative and financial issues, the report states that the Preparatory Committee was informed that the financial situation of the Organization precluded making funds from the regular budget available for financing fiftieth anniversary commemorative programmes and events. The Secretary-General had therefore established a Trust Fund for the Fiftieth Anniversary Celebrations for that purpose, and had urged the Member States to support that initiative. A number of Member States have made contributions, and many have provided resources to their national committees organizing anniversary commemorations.
Support also was sought from the private sector, including a limited number of global sponsors and international licensees. Sufficient resources to develop core global activities were obtained from three global sponsors and several major project sponsors. A limited number of international licensees also provided substantial funds and distribution of messages about the work of the Organization. The Trust Fund is expected to continue to receive revenue from some of the licensees, particularly with respect to commemorative coins and publications.
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Statements
The Committee Chairman, RICHARD BUTLER (Australia), said work on the draft declaration had been extensive, detailed and sometimes laborious. The drafting group had produced a suitable text for celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations. Very few were entirely satisfied with the final draft, which contained materials that had been subject to extensive and various points of view. However, a point had been reached at which the Chairman could recommend it as a declaration that would serve its stated purposes well, today and in the future. He thanked all for extraordinary efforts that had been made to produce the outcome.
He said that a proposed draft decision (document A/AC.240/1995/L.11) by which the draft declaration would be submitted to the Assembly plenary for adoption prior to being submitted to the special commemorative meeting was not necessary, as it would be tantamount to adopting the draft twice. Therefore, he proposed withdrawing that draft decision and substituting the following oral draft decision: "The Preparatory Committee decides to forward to the General Assembly the attached draft declaration with the recommendation that it be adopted by the General Assembly at its special commemorative meeting."
The representative of Cuba said that in no way would it be a duplication to send the draft declaration to the General Assembly and then to the special commemorative meeting. However, the time available prevented that.
The Chairman, Mr. BUTLER (Australia), said that many parts of the text enjoyed agreement, while on other parts delegations had indicated some degree of concern. "Taking this draft as a whole it is my firm view that I should put it to you as a document for transmittal to the special commemorative meeting of the General Assembly so that it may adopt it on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary", he said.
The representative of Syria said his country had participated in the work of the drafting group. Syria had always shown flexibility and had hoped that the amendments submitted by the Non-Aligned group would be taken into consideration. Unfortunately, some States had been opposed to those amendments without regard to the legitimate resistance of oppressed people living under the yoke of colonial occupation. It was surprising that some delegations refused to mention resistance to foreign occupation in a declaration commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations. The principle of resistance was sacred and should not be attacked. That very principle had enabled numerous States to join the United Nations after removing the yoke of foreign occupation. The United Nations had moreover been established following a war caused by occupation.
All peoples living under foreign occupation had the right to resist, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter, he continued. General Assembly resolution 42/159 clearly discussed that issue, as did
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resolutions of the Non-Aligned Summit, which had reaffirmed that foreign occupation was one of the most vile forms of terrorism and resisting such occupation was a sacred right. For those reasons, Syria could not approve the draft declaration, which made no reference to that sacred principle.
The representative of Lebanon said that efforts to reach an agreement on the draft declaration had been welcome. Lebanon had actively participated in the drafting sessions and had listened to all views expressed. It had long declared the importance of reaffirming the right of all peoples to resist occupation, which had been clearly stated in numerous international meetings and conventions. It was a matter of regret that some delegations refused to accept such a proposal. Those delegations refusing to accept the proposal had themselves resisted the foreign occupation that they had once suffered. Unfortunately, Lebanon could not approve the declaration as it did not refer to that important principle.
The representative of Libya said his country had shown great flexibility in the search for an agreement, but there were some principles that could not be ignored, especially those that were compatible with the Charter, including the rights of those who suffered from foreign occupation and colonialism. Libya opposed all forms of terrorism, but references to it should be deleted, as they only confused the right to resist foreign occupation with that scourge. "We are sorry because some delegations do not endorse this proposal", he said. "We feel that it is very important to reaffirm the right of peoples to resist foreign occupation, especially on this fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations." Libya could not accept the draft unless it stated the right to resist foreign occupation.
The representative of Canada said that all interested parties had submitted amendments and propositions over the course of drafting the text. Those considerations had been taken into account by the drafting group, which had worked to reach the goal of a declaration that all could agree on. The final draft, although not perfect, reflected the work of 185 States seeking to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations. It was very disappointing that after so much work and dedication, there was no consensus text to present to the leaders who would be arriving on Sunday.
The representative of Finland expressed full support for the draft declaration and said it would be very difficult to find a better one. "We are dismayed that it has not been possible to have a consensus on this text." As it stood, the text did cover the sacred right of peoples to self- determination, which no one had spoken against, and he hoped that something could be done to reach consensus. Should that not be the case, all present should bow their heads in shame for having failed to complete the task at hand.
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The representative of Mexico said that, since the start of the process, participants had been seeking a consensus. Apparently, an impasse had been reached. There was no consensus. He was concerned over how the lack of consensus would be reflected. Efforts should be made to minimize damage to public opinion. It would not be useful to criticize the process or the Member States as having failed. Blame should not be assigned. He suggested that the following text be included in the report: "There was no consensus on the approach which Member States of the Organization have about the future of the United Nations".
The representative of Brazil said that the Committee was faced with an extremely serious situation. "I cannot think of a better target for the critics of the United Nations than the fact that we could not agree on a declaration commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations", he said. "We might as well close shop now." He appealed to those present to work for a consensus. He expressed hope that the draft could be saved. If the participants failed in that task, history would not forgive them.
The representative of Peru associated himself with the views of the previous two speakers. Peru supported the draft as it stood.
The representative of Japan said that it was deeply disappointing that the drafting group had not reached consensus. He hoped that there was still some way to reach consensus.
The representative of Argentina said that the draft was worthy of the fiftieth anniversary. He hoped all was not lost and that consensus could be reached by Tuesday.
The representative of France said that a dramatic juncture in the life of the Organization had been reached, a time that would culminate in the meeting of heads of State and government. Now, the threat loomed of a draft declaration that did not enjoy consensus. If there had been real divergences of views on the future of the United Nations, that would have been one matter. In fact, the dispute involved only the situation in one Member State and did not affect the main mission of the Organization.
Syria, Lebanon and Libya had concerns which should be respected, but the charges they levelled against the text were not really fair, he continued. The text did thoroughly address the problem of how to deal with foreign occupation. The suggestions of the delegations had been almost completely incorporated into the text. It would be difficult to explain how consensus had not been reached when all concerns had been almost entirely met. He appealed to the Chairman to make a final effort to foster agreement on the text.
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The representative of Belgium expressed disappointment that consensus could not be reached. He appealed to the three delegations concerned to reflect on their actions. Consensus meant consensus, but there was also the concept of the spirit of consensus. Out of 185 countries, there were 182 that could agree to the text.
The representative of India said that it was a matter of regret that despite arduous efforts, no agreement had been reached. India fully supported the text.
The representative of Chile said the Organization was at the threshold of its most important historic event. It would be regrettable if consensus could not be reached. In the past, the Organization had been able to overcome critical impasses. For example, at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), wisdom had prevailed to enable participants to overcome an impasse.
The representative of Austria appealed to those present not to play into the hands of those who wanted the Organization to disappear. He hoped that prior to Tuesday night a consensus could be agreed upon. "We still have three days to go."
The representative of Germany said the United Nations had reached a very crucial moment in its history. More than ever before, the Organization was badly in need of a consensus declaration of the fiftieth anniversary. If it failed to achieve one, the public would never understand. He appealed to the three delegations concerned to reconsider their positions. Perhaps interpretive statements could be made on the text, if that would allow consensus.
The representative of Malaysia appealed to the Chairman to use his last reserves to reach a consensus. Perhaps the meeting could take a break and then reconvene later. "We have come this close, and I think we should try a bit more."
The representative of Italy said his country was ready to accept the draft as it stood. He hoped that something could be done so that the declaration could be adopted by consensus.
The Chairman, Mr. BUTLER (Australia), recalled that he had not used the word consensus when he had put the text to the Committee. He had stated that the text should be adopted by the special commemorative meeting. That had been based on previous agreement with one of the delegations now objecting to the text. "I had specifically been asked to proceed that way, but apparently that was not acceptable." Since it was clear that the proposal to approve the text and send it to the special commemorative meeting had not been accepted, he proposed suspending the meeting.
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When the meeting resumed the Chairman, Mr. BUTLER (Australia), said that it had become clear that it would not be wise to proceed further. The issue of approving the draft declaration should be set aside for some time to allow for consultations to continue.
With respect to other matters, he said the question of the publication of statements made by leaders at the special commemorative meeting must be addressed. The cost was a problem. Given the present financial circumstances of the United Nations, the estimated cost of $1 million should not be incurred. The question then was what to do instead.
He noted that all proceedings of the General Assembly were recorded and printed verbatim in all languages of the United Nations. That would also be the case for the special commemorative meeting. The preferable way to proceed would be to decide that all statements made from the podium during the special commemorative meeting be bound in a pleasant, but economical way, and be made available to all delegations. They would also be put on sale in the United Nations Bookstore. The quality of the binding would be akin to that of the Blue Book series.
He said the cost would be tiny. Although he could not say the exact figure, it would be thousands of dollars, not $1 million. He proposed that the Committee agree to a low-cost, but attractively bound volume of the verbatim reports of the special commemorative meeting, to be published in all languages.
The representative of China sought clarification on the statements that would be included in the publication. Would it be the five-minute condensed version actually delivered, or the complete version of the text? he asked.
The Chairman, Mr. BUTLER (Australia), said the condensed version would be included. He added that the high cost of the previously discussed bound volume was due to translation. Delegations were, of course, free to circulate their full texts.
The representative of China said he needed to consult with his capital on the matter. Although $1 million was a lot of money, just one peace-keeping operation, as it was known, cost $5 million per day. The special commemorative meeting was a historic occasion. It would be difficult for heads of State to understand the Chairman's proposal.
The representative of Brazil said he also had problems with the proposal.
The representative of Ukraine supported the Chairman's proposal.
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The representative of France said that, although he regretted that it would be so, in view of the financial situation of the Organization he would go along with the economical version.
The representative of the United Kingdom said the recommendation by the Chairman was sensible. It would be an appropriate gesture of restraint from heads of States to make a saving of $1 million and use the money for other activities of the Organization.
The Chairman, Mr. BUTLER (Australia), added that the $1 million volume would not be available for one year, due to translation problems. Turning to another matter, he said a decision by the Committee was required with respect to the number of seats for the delegation of Palestine. As an observer, it had two seats allocated to it in the General Assembly Hall. He recalled that special arrangements had been made for the participation of Palestine as an observer in the commemorative meeting that were different from those for regular sessions of the Assembly. A new category had been created for the special meeting, which referred to Switzerland and the Holy See as observer States, and Palestine, in its capacity as observer.
He suggested that four seats, instead of the usual two, be allocated to those three observers on the western side of the General Assembly Hall where they usually sat. Observer organizations would have the usual two and Member States their usual six.
The Committee adopted that proposal.
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