FOURTH COMMITTEE SAYS PEACEFUL EXPLORATION AND USE OF OUTER SPACE SHOULD BENEFIT ALL MANKIND

13 November 1996

Press Release
GA/SPD/95

FOURTH COMMITTEE SAYS PEACEFUL EXPLORATION AND USE OF OUTER SPACE SHOULD BENEFIT ALL MANKIND

19961113 Assembly Also Asked to Seek Fullest Adherence to Treaties; Wide Range of Other Space-Related Recommendations Approved

International cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes should be carried out for the benefit and in the interest of all States, and be the province of all mankind, according to a Declaration annexed to a draft resolution adopted by consensus this morning by the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization).

The draft resolution on the Declaration on International Cooperation in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space for the Benefit and in the Interest of All States, taking into particular account the needs of developing countries was introduced by Austria, on behalf of the Fourth Committee's Working Group on International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. It said cooperation should also be conducted in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Charter and the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.

Under the Declaration, States would be free to determine all aspects of their participation in international cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space on an equitable and mutually acceptable basis. The Declaration called for the strengthening of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including its use as a forum for the exchange of information on national and international activities on the exploration and use of outer space.

States would be encouraged to contribute to the United Nations Programme on Space Applications and to other initiatives in the field of international cooperation in accordance with their capabilities and their participation in the exploration and use of outer space.

By the terms of a second draft resolution adopted by the Committee this morning, the General Assembly would stress the importance of the widest possible adherence to international treaties promoting the peaceful uses of outer space. The draft, also introduced by Austria, would have the Assembly

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endorse the recommendations of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for a special session of the committee open to all Member States (UNISPACE III) to be convened in Vienna in 1999 or the year 2000.

By the draft text, the Legal Subcommittee of the outer space committee would continue to consider the review and possible revision of the Principles Relevant to the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space, as well as matters relating to the character and utilization of the geostationary orbit.

By the terms of the draft, the Assembly would consider the urgent creation of adequate training centres at the regional level, linked to institutions implementing space programmes. The United Nations would also organize a fellowship programme for graduates or postgraduates from developing countries for in-depth, long-term exposure to space technology or applications.

The Assembly would further endorse the United Nations Programme on Space Applications for 1997, and would emphasize the urgency and importance of implementing fully the recommendations of the Second United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, relating to the strengthening of regional mechanisms of cooperation through the United Nations system.

Making statements on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space this morning were the representatives of Indonesia, Cuba, Uruguay and Iran. Speaking on the draft resolution on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space were Cuba, Austria, Brazil and Japan.

The Fourth Committee, having concluded its consideration of international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, will meet again at 10 a.m. on Monday, 18 November, to begin a review of peace-keeping operations.

Committee Work Programme

The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) met this morning to conclude consideration of international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. (For further information, see Press Release GA/SPD/93 of 11 November.)

Before the Committee today were two draft resolutions -- one containing a declaration on international cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space; the other on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.

By the terms of the draft on international cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space (document A/C.4/51/L.7), the General Assembly would express its desire of facilitating application of the principle that the exploration of outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, shall be carried out for the benefit of all countries, irrespective of their degree of economic or scientific development, and shall be the province of all mankind.

The Assembly would adopt the annexed declaration on international cooperation in outer space for the benefit of all States; and would declare that international cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes should be conducted in accordance with the provisions of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.

In addition, States would be free to determine all aspects of their participation in international cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space on an equitable and mutually acceptable basis. Particular attention should be given to the interests of all developing countries in the fostering of international cooperation.

By the draft declaration, international cooperation should aim at promoting the development of space science and technology and of its applications; fostering the development of relevant and appropriate space capabilities in interested States; and facilitating the exchange of expertise and technology among States on a mutually acceptable basis.

The Assembly would agree that the role of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space should be strengthened. States would be encouraged to contribute to the United Nations Programme on Space Applications and to other initiatives in the field of international cooperation.

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The draft is sponsored by Austria, on behalf of the Fourth Committee's Working Group on International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

By the terms of the draft on the peaceful uses of outer space (document A/C.4/51/L.8), the Assembly would stress the importance of the widest possible adherence to international treaties promoting the peaceful uses of outer space, endorse the report of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and invite States not yet party to the international treaties governing the uses of outer space to consider ratifying or acceding to those treaties.

By other provisions of the draft, which has 39 operative paragraphs, the Assembly would endorse continuation by the Legal Subcommittee of its consideration of the review and possible revision of the Principles Relevant to the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space; and, through its Working Group, of matters relating to the character and utilization of the geostationary orbit. The Assembly would also endorse the recommendation of the full Committee that the Legal Subcommittee, at its thirty-sixth session, should suspend consideration in its working group of the Principles Relevant to the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space, pending the results of the work of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee.

Other provisions deal with working methods of the outer space committee and its subsidiary bodies, including the composition and election of bureaux and duration of the committee sessions.

The Assembly would agree that the multi-year plan for the consideration of the item on space debris should continue to be implemented with flexibility. It would endorse the recommendation that the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, at its thirty-fourth session, should consider on a priority basis: coordination of space activities within the United Nations system; implementation of recommendations of the Second United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space; matters relating to remote sensing; use of nuclear power sources in outer space; and space debris. Other issues for consideration in the subcommittee are also listed.

By another provision of the draft, the Assembly would urgently consider implementation of the following recommendations: all countries to be able to use techniques resulting from medical studies in space; databases at the national and regional levels to be strengthened and expanded and an international space information service to be established; the United Nations to support the creation of adequate training centres at the regional level, linked, wherever possible, to institutions implementing space programmes; and the United Nations to organize a fellowship programme for selected graduates

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or postgraduates from developing countries to gain in-depth, long-term exposure to space technology or applications.

The Assembly would endorse the United Nations Programme on Space Applications for 1997, and would emphasize the urgency and importance of implementing fully the recommendations of the Second United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, in particular those relating to the establishment and strengthening of regional mechanisms of cooperation through the United Nations system.

It would further endorse the recommendations of the outer space committee that it convene a special session, open to all Member States of the United Nations (UNISPACE III), to be held at the United Nations Office in Vienna, preferably in 1999 (unless it were more appropriate to consider the year 2000). The Assembly would ask the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee to act as the Preparatory and Advisory Committee, and the Office of Outer Space Affairs to act as executive secretariat, for UNISPACE III. Those committees would be requested to report on progress to the General Assembly at its fifty-second session.

It would recognize the contribution of the Third Space Conference of the Americas at Punta del Este, Uruguay, in 1996, towards promoting regional cooperation on space activities, and would recommend that more attention be paid to all aspects related to the protection and preservation of the outer space environment, especially those potentially affecting the Earth's environment.

The outer space committee would be asked to continue to give priority to ways and means of maintaining outer space for peaceful purposes, taking into account the views expressed at its thirty-ninth session and at the fifty-first session of the General Assembly, and to report thereon to the Assembly's fifty-second session.

Statements

HELMUT BOECK (Austria), speaking on behalf of the Working Group of the Whole, introduced the two draft resolutions on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.

MAKARIM WIBISONO (Indonesia) said his country had long recognized the tangible benefits of space activities. It had made available to other developing countries various cooperation programmes on the peaceful uses of outer space. Last year, Indonesia signed an agreement establishing a Centre for Space Science and Technology and Education for Asia and the Pacific. Space activities were bound to play an even more significant role in global development, he said. The committee must work to develop a framework to

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ensure equitable sharing of the benefits from outer space activities. He underscored the need for urgent consideration of the recommendations of the second UNISPACE conference, and for strengthening the United Nations Programme on Space Applications. He regretted the recommendations of UNISPACE 82 had not been fully implemented.

He recommended that the General Assembly adopt the Declaration on International Cooperation in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space for the Benefit and Interests of All States. He emphasized the need for negotiations on the geostationary orbit and hoped continued discussions would address the interests of all States, especially those of the developing and equatorial States. He said he recognized the competence of the Conference on Disarmament to address questions of prevention of the arms race and outer space.

MIGUEL LANDERAS (Cuba) said his country supported the proposed Declaration. The outer space committee was the appropriate body to encourage international cooperation. Cuba supported such cooperation, for the benefit of developing countries without access to space technologies. The outer space committee should be strengthened to enable it to fulfil its responsibilities; Cuba would continue to help the committee attain its objectives and supported proposals aimed at revising its composition and broadening its work.

ALBERTO GUANI (Uruguay) recalled the Third Conference of the Americas on Outer Space held recently at Punta del Este, Uruguay, at which regional cooperation in application of science and technology and sustainable development had been considered. An exposition on space science had accompanied the conference, giving young people an opportunity to learn about outer space. He asked the Secretariat to circulate the Punta del Este declaration adopted at the Conference. Uruguay supported the work of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and urged that its budget should not be cut to undermine the work of its subcommittees. Uruguay also attached importance to the establishment of regional outer space centres such as those in Brazil and Mexico.

JALAL SAMADI (Iran) said stronger steps were needed to enable the outer space committee to fulfil its tasks, through further development of international space law and the strengthening of international cooperation for the peaceful uses of space. Emphasis should be placed on transparency in outer space activities, as well as in the exchange of data and equitable sharing of space benefits between developed and developing countries.

Iran acknowledged the competence of the Conference on Disarmament on questions relating to the prevention of an arms race in outer space. A mechanism for cooperation and coordination with the outer space committee should be established; such a mechanism would ultimately promote international peace, safety and security.

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He welcomed the inauguration of the Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia in November 1995, and its objective of establishing a network of major nodes, with one in Iran.

The Committee then approved draft resolution A/C.4/51/L.7 without a vote.

PEDRO NUNEZ MOSQUERA (Cuba) said that yesterday in the working group, concern had been expressed about operative paragraph 10 of draft resolution A/C.4/51/L.8, which stated that the General Assembly would note its satisfaction that the outer space committee at its thirty-ninth session was provided with unedited verbatim transcripts of that session in lieu of verbatim records, and that the Committee would evaluate the use of unedited verbatim transcripts at its fortieth session. He said he was not proposing to return to verbatim records, but if the committee was to evaluate something that it had already decided, then the paragraph should "observe" or "note", and not "note with satisfaction", which would, in effect, be putting pressure on the Committee. The Assembly should leave it to the Committee to complete its evaluative process.

Mr. BOECK (Austria) said that yesterday's working group discussion had dealt with that matter. There had been an effort to institute cost-saving measures in the outer space committee, and it had saved over $600,000. For that reason, the Committee noted the matter with satisfaction. The word "satisfaction" in paragraph 10 of the draft related to substantial savings already effected; therefore, he suggested that the text remain as it was.

EDGARD TELLES RIBEIRO (Brazil) said he agreed with the statement of the representative of Austria. He suggested the language be retained.

Draft resolution A/C.4/51/L.8 was then approved without a vote.

KIKUKO KATO (Japan) questioned the need for unedited verbatim transcripts of the outer space committee and the Legal Subcommittee. She joined the consensus on the draft resolution with the understanding that the committee would evaluate its use of those transcripts at its fortieth session.

The Committee then decided to circulate the Declaration of Punta del Este, Uruguay, as a document of the United Nations.

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