FIRST COMMITTEE APPROVES PROGRAMME OF WORK

9 October 1997

Press Release
GA/DIS/3078

FIRST COMMITTEE APPROVES PROGRAMME OF WORK

19971009 The First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) this morning approved the programme of work for its current session.

The Committee Chairman, Mothusi Nkgowe (Botswana) said that, following extensive informal consultations, the Committee's agenda items would be considered in two phases: first, those items dealing with disarmament and international security issues; and second, the item on rationalization of work and reform of the agenda. Further, owing to the large number of items and the complexity of the issues, the agenda has been organized in the following stages: general debate; structured informal discussion of specific subjects; and consideration of and action on drafts.

The Committee approved the following programme of work (document A/C.1/52/CRP.1): general debate on disarmament and international security items, 13 to 24 October; structured thematic discussion of specific disarmament and international security items, 27 to 31 October; exchange of views on the rationalization of work and reform of the Committee's agenda, 3 to 4 November; consideration of draft resolutions, 5 to 7 November; and action on draft resolutions, 10 to 18 November.

Prior to the programme's approval, several delegations discussed the question of flexibility, specifically concerning the allocation of time saved which could be used either for further consultations preceding action on draft resolutions, or for the attendance by small delegations of plenary meetings on the subject of reform. The Chairman said he would exercise as much flexibility as possible, but that the present schedule should stand.

Consultations were still under way concerning the election of Vice- Chairmen and Rapporteur.

The First Committee will meet again at 10 a.m. Monday, 13 October, to begin its general exchange of views.