CONCERN OVER SHORTCOMINGS IN DISARMAMENT AGREEMENTS VOICED AS FIRST COMMITTEE CONTINUES GENERAL DEBATE

24 October 1997

Press Release
GA/DIS/3089

CONCERN OVER SHORTCOMINGS IN DISARMAMENT AGREEMENTS VOICED AS FIRST COMMITTEE CONTINUES GENERAL DEBATE

19971024 Delegates Cite Flaws in Test-Ban Accord, Express Regret That Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Still Not Universal

Concern over the failure of the international community to achieve any nuclear disarmament progress this year, or to conclude disarmament agreements that were both balanced and binding, was expressed by some speakers in the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) this morning, as the Committee continued its general debate.

The representative of Kenya told the Committee as it concluded its general debate that undercurrents had permeated recent disarmament developments. The Chemical Weapons Convention had entered into force with the absence of one of the major declared possessors of those weapons. The announcement of sub-critical testing by a key State signatory to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) had "burst the euphoric bubble" following the Treaty's signing last September. After 25 years, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons had not yet achieved universality.

The representative of Zimbabwe, recalling suspicions his delegation had expressed last year over a flawed CTBT text that was "snatched away" from the Conference on Disarmament and "dragged" to the General Assembly for adoption, noted that nuclear testing without explosions had continued unabated. As a non- nuclear-weapon State, Zimbabwe was committed to non-proliferation and to the elimination of nuclear weapons in a time-bound framework.

The representative of Oman expressed concern over the international community's shift away from the vital efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons to a focus on less ambitious fields, such as conventional arms control. Nuclear disarmament remained the central issue because nuclear weapons represented the greatest threat to humanity.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Disarmament Commission, Andelfo Garcia (Colombia), said that the intensity of debate over nuclear-weapon-free zones was a clear indication of their growing worldwide support. Although deep differences rooted in national security concerns remained, the Commission had made considerable progress on that question and had decided to include it in its 1998 session.

Statements were also made by the representatives of Mongolia, Burkina Faso, Benin, Georgia, Madagascar, Iraq and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

First Committee - 1a - Press Release GA/DIS/3089 12th Meeting (AM 24 October 1997

The First Committee will meet again at 10 a.m. Monday, 3 November, to begin its consideration of draft resolutions.

* *** *

Committee Work Programme

The First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) met this morning to conclude its general exchange of views on a wide range of disarmament initiatives and a number of international disarmament agreements. Among the nuclear disarmament issues under review is the adoption last year of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), so far signed by 148 States and ratified by seven. The CTBT requires ratification by the 44 States listed in its annex in order to enter into force. The Committee will also assess the implementation of the principles and objectives of nuclear non- proliferation and disarmament that were adopted at the 1995 Review and Extension Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). In the context of assurances to non-nuclear weapon States, the Committee is expected to focus on the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones. Such zones have already been created by the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (Treaty of Tlatelolco); the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Rarotonga); the South-East Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Bangkok); and the African Nuclear- Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Pelindaba Treaty). Committee drafts are anticipated for the establishment of similar zones in South Asia, Central Europe, and the Middle East. Another matter before the Committee is the convening of the fourth special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament, subject to the emergence of a consensus and agenda. The role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the international non-proliferation regime will also be considered. The Committee is expected to focus attention on the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction (Chemical Weapons Convention). It will consider the multilateral efforts under way to strengthen the verification mechanism of the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction (Biological Weapons Convention). Also under discussion will be the treaty agreed to in Oslo following the so-called "Ottawa process" -- the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction. The Committee will also consider ways to further negotiations on that weapon in the Conference on Disarmament, namely Protocol II of the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects (Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons). (For more information, see Press Release GA/DIS/3079 of 9 October.)

Statements

First Committee - 4 - Press Release GA/DIS/3089 12th Meeting (AM) 24 October 1997

JARGALSAIKHANY ENKHSAIKHAN (Mongolia) said there had been major international and regional developments connected with promoting disarmament and strengthening non-proliferation. He noted the many signatories to the CTBT, the establishment of additional nuclear-weapon-free zones in Africa and South-East Asia, and the adoption by the International Court of Justice of the opinion on the legality of the threat and use of nuclear weapons. Other positive changes had been the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention, the strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention and the Oslo treaty text on the ban of anti-personnel landmines.

He said that as a non-nuclear-weapon State, Mongolia's position was that nuclear disarmament should remain the highest priority. While recognizing the primary importance of bilateral negotiations, such as the START process between the United States and the Russian Federation, he believed that parallel substantive multilateral negotiations on nuclear disarmament should be pursued within the Conference on Disarmament. Such discussion should lead to a global and legally binding ban on such weapons.

His country had a practical and pragmatic approach to the question of dealing with nuclear weapons, he said. It was flexible and open enough to initiate negotiation where progress was possible and feasible. Negotiations towards a fissile material cut-off treaty should be started. He hoped the General Assembly would soon decide to hold a fourth special session on disarmament.

Located between two nuclear-weapon States, his country had promptly fulfilled its treaty obligation by ratifying the CTBT in July, he said. He urged all States that had not done so to ratify it as quickly as possible. His country had submitted its two seismological and radionuclide stations to the International Monitoring System set up under the CTBT.

He was pleased at the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones around the world, he said. They were important regional or sub-regional initiatives, and more than half the world was covered by such zones. He welcomed the initiative taken by the five Central Asian states to establish such a nuclear- weapon-free zone. His country was "endeavouring to make its modest contribution of a single state nuclear-weapon-free zone, reflecting the evolving reality". That had the support of all five nuclear-weapon States, and he hoped for recognition of the zone, like other nuclear-weapon-free zones, by the General Assembly.

He was pleased by the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention. He said Mongolia was preparing to make all the necessary notifications, declarations and communications under the Convention, as compliance with the treaty obligations remained a vital objective. On anti- personnel landmines, his country remained committed to the ultimate goal of banning that type of cruel weapon. He believed a comprehensive solution could be found through a phased approach that would command international consensus,

First Committee - 5 - Press Release GA/DIS/3089 12th Meeting (AM) 24 October 1997

by reaching a broad agreement on humanitarian concerns as well as the legitimate security interests of States.

ALAIN ILBOUDO (Burkina Faso) said that recent progress in global disarmament had provided some glimmer of hope. However, unless those concluded Treaties and Conventions were effectively implemented they would prove to be of little value.

All such Treaties should be accompanied by an effective, legally binding control mechanism, he said. The concept of creating an international body entrusted with those tasks was interesting; that formula should also strive to reduce costs. The United Nations, within the framework of its newly strengthened disarmament role, could carry out those tasks. Thus, he would welcome the establishment at Headquarters of the new department of disarmament and arms control.

While noting the signing of the CTBT by 148 States, he said that he regretted the lack of universal participation. The Treaty left open the possibility for the development of nuclear programmes in laboratories, with the consequent risk of a new technology race in nuclear arms as well as the illicit trade of nuclear material for non-peaceful purposes. The indefinite extension of the NPT was welcome, but it should be more equitable and should contain guarantees to non-nuclear-weapon countries against the nuclear threat.

He said the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice concerning nuclear weapons was a valuable contribution to the maintenance of peace and security. The creation of nuclear-weapon-free zones was also an important step towards nuclear disarmament. The process should be continued and stepped up by the ratification of existing Treaties and their extension to other zones.

He said that, along with nuclear weapons, conventional weapons demanded attention; they were excessively disseminated and equally dangerous. A massive and uncontrolled transfer of those weapons was evident. The exporters and importers involved in that transfer should show more restraint. The contribution of the United Nations to control the illicit trade of small arms, particularly in the sub-Saharan region, was appreciated. Also welcome was the adoption in Oslo, and the forthcoming opening for signature, of the Convention to ban anti-personnel landmines.

CAVINS MUGAVIRI (Zimbabwe) said the threat posed by nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction remained the biggest preoccupation of the international community. It was for that reason that the first special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament identified the need for expeditious discussions aimed at their eventual elimination. As a non-nuclear weapon State, Zimbabwe was committed to non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament, as well as to the elimination of those weapons in a time-bound framework. It fully supported the proposals made in the Conference on

First Committee - 6 - Press Release GA/DIS/3089 12th Meeting (AM) 24 October 1997

Disarmament in 1996 for a programme of action for the elimination of nuclear weapons.

Last year, he said, his delegation had expressed its suspicions over a flawed CTBT text which was "snatched away" from the Conference and "dragged" to the General Assembly for adoption. It was procedurally wrong to bypass the Conference. Meanwhile, nuclear testing continued unabated, so long as it did not entail explosions.

The fear that bypassing the Conference might become a precedent was confirmed by the current impasse on nuclear disarmament in the Conference, he continued. Of great concern was the lack of progress in the 61-member body following nine months of deliberations, as a result of the reluctance by certain groups to discuss the nuclear disarmament issue.

He said the Chemical Weapons Convention had broken new ground in the history of disarmament and in the elimination of weapons of mass destruction. Zimbabwe had ratified the Convention and would urge other countries to do so. Also welcome was the establishment of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCS).

He said that no efforts should be spared in encouraging the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones. The States of Central Asia deserved special tribute for their efforts to establish such a zone in their region. Similarly, the concept of single State nuclear-weapon-free zones was worth pursuing. Efforts aimed at promoting a nuclear-weapon free southern hemisphere also deserved support.

He said the destructive potential of anti-personnel landmines had been a subject of protracted debate and had remained a great source of concern to the international community. Last year Zimbabwe was one of more than 100 delegations that co-sponsored the resolution on an international agreement to ban those weapons. It was fully committed to the Ottawa process progressing towards the signing of the Convention in December.

ZACHARIE RICHARD AKPLOGAN (Benin) said prospects for world peace depended on achievement of the goal of general and complete disarmament under international control. He welcomed the significant progress in the last two years, with the conclusion of multilateral treaties negotiated under the aegis of the United Nations.

He noted, in particular, the Review Conference of the NPT in 1995, which decided on the indefinite extension of that treaty, the opening for signature of the CTBT, which began a new era in nuclear non-proliferation, and the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention. It was important to sustain the impetus of such progress, in particular, towards the removal of remaining nuclear weapons.

First Committee - 7 - Press Release GA/DIS/3089 12th Meeting (AM) 24 October 1997

However, the problem of conventional weapons -- in particular, landmines -- remained. The lack of norms governing conventional weapons, especially small arms, was a major concern. The illicit transfer of such weapons contributed to conflicts around the world, particularly in Africa. He supported the recommendations made by the panel of government experts on small arms. He said the opening for signature of the treaty to ban anti-personnel landmines would mark a decisive stage in banning those weapons which caused so many humanitarian problems -- many of them in Africa.

GEORGE VOLSKI (Georgia) said he welcomed advances in disarmament and international security, such as the CTBT, the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention, progress made on strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention and the strengthening of IAEA safeguards. This month, his country had signed an additional protocol with the IAEA. Unfortunately, a few days ago at a border guard garrison on Georgian territory, a dangerously high level of radiation had been detected. Ten servicemen had been exposed to radiation. The accident drew attention to the complex issues of nuclear safety.

The control of conventional weapons was also of great importance, he said. Illicit traffic of such weapons was threatening the national security of some States. Georgia was one that had been victimized by the indiscriminate sale and transfer of weapons, particularly small arms. The conflict within his country posed a continued threat to peace and security in the region. He welcomed long-overdue international efforts to deal with the proliferation of small weapons. The monitoring of the illicit flow of such weapons should be included in the mandates of United Nations peace-keeping operations.

He was deeply satisfied by the decision of the recent Oslo conference on anti-personnel landmines. His country was heavily affected by the horrendous consequences of indiscriminate laying of mines.

MARY ODINGA (Kenya) said undercurrents permeated the recent disarmament developments. For example, the Chemical Weapons Convention had entered into force with the absence of one of the major declared possessors of chemical weapons. Equally disappointing was the announcement of sub-critical testing by a key State party to the CTBT, which "burst the euphoric bubble" following the Treaty's signing last September. And, after twenty-five years, the NPT had not achieved universality.

She said Kenya therefore supported the convening of the fourth special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament. It would help map out the disarmament priorities and propel States into the next millennium. In the meantime, the priorities agreed upon in the first special session on disarmament should remain the mainstay of the members' work.

She said she also looked forward to the start of negotiations on a convention on a fissile material cut-off, and reaffirmed her support of the agreed mandate calling for the establishment of an ad hoc committee to

First Committee - 8 - Press Release GA/DIS/3089 12th Meeting (AM) 24 October 1997

negotiate a non-discriminatory, multilateral, internationally and effectively verifiable treaty in that regard.

In the area of conventional weapons, she said Kenya supported all measures to curb their illicit transfer and efforts aimed at building confidence at the regional and subregional levels. Kenya deplored the adverse consequences caused by the failure to remove landmines and other unexploded devices from territories after conflicts had ended, and therefore supported the inclusion of mine clearance in the mandates of peace-keeping operations.

In that context, she said, Kenya had joined the African consensus on the African Plan of Action to eliminate landmines, drawn up at the First Conference of Anti-Personnel Landmines in Africa under the auspices of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

MOHAMED AL-HASSAN (Oman) said there had been remarkable progress in the field of disarmament, and cited the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention, the conclusion of the CTBT, the International Court of Justice opinion on the illegality of the threat or use of nuclear weapons, and the treaty agreed upon in Oslo banning landmines.

There had been a shift in interests and priorities of the international community away from efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons to a focus on less ambitious fields, such as controls on conventional weapons, in particular small arms, and efforts to improve transparency in armaments. However, nuclear disarmament remained the central issue, because nuclear weapons presented the greatest threat to humanity at large. He supported all efforts leading to the eradication of such weapons.

He said the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones was an example, and he supported all efforts in that direction, especially those aimed at establishing such a zone in the Middle East. It was important also to free the region of other weapons of mass destruction. He said the translation of such aims into reality was opposed by one country -- Israel. The establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones must be based on the acceptance of all countries within a region, but the persistent effective veto of one country must be called into question.

Noting that Oman had supported the Biological Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention, as well as the NPT, he said his country did not consider that the nuclear file in the Middle East was closed. There was one single country with nuclear capability that remained outside the NPT. By acceding to the treaty, Oman was sending a peaceful message to all countries which had not done so, especially Israel, to accede as quickly as possible.

He said the only way to deal with the problem of anti-personnel landmines, which were very dangerous and killed many innocent civilians, was through concerted international steps towards a comprehensive solution. He

First Committee - 9 - Press Release GA/DIS/3089 12th Meeting (AM) 24 October 1997

supported the unified position of the Arab countries which supported transparency in armaments as a means of enhancing international security. Transparency guidelines must be comprehensive, non-discriminatory, and governed by norms of international law. The Register of Conventional Arms must be expanded to include other types of weapons -- nuclear, chemical and biological -- as well as technology that could be used militarily.

M. RAJERISONINA BAKO (Madagascar) said that since the first special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament in 1978 and since the end of the cold war, disarmament progress had taken an encouraging turn. Remarkable progress had been made by the creation of nuclear-weapon-free zones. Negotiations for the limitation of strategic arms were positive. But much remained to be done to achieve general and complete disarmament under effective international control.

He said the inability of the Conference on Disarmament to reach consensus on its agenda demonstrated the contradictory views of the nuclear-weapon States and the non-nuclear-weapon States. How could security be envisaged while nuclear-weapon States persisted in maintaining their nuclear arsenals? The opinion of the International Court of Justice was welcome, as well as the proposal by the countries of the Non-Aligned Movement for an ad hoc committee to initiate such negotiations in the Conference.

Negotiations should begin in the Conference on the prohibition of the production of fissile material for the manufacture of nuclear weapons. The creation of nuclear-weapon-free zones was one of the best ways to prevent proliferation and to ensure regional security, and he hoped that progress towards stabilizing the situation in the Indian Ocean would progress.

He said the impact of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons was enormous. Measures to deal with the problem would be welcome. The Register of Conventional Arms, that sought to enhance transparency and build confidence and international security, should be further supported. Progress in the transfer of science and technology for peaceful purposes was important, as was progress on the international transfer of military technology for peaceful purposes. A fourth special Assembly session on disarmament was a way to take stock of disarmament issues and determine the future course of action.

NIZAR HAMDOON (Iraq) said he eagerly awaited the conclusion of the second preparatory session of the NPT conference to be held next April, because it had been agreed at the first session that time would be allocated to the security situation in the Middle East. He said efforts to establish a nuclear-weapon- free zone in the region had not succeeded because of Israel's refusal to renounce nuclear weapons, to adhere to the NPT and to submit its nuclear facilities to the safeguards system of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The United Nations must take the necessary measures to prompt Israel to change its position on these matters.

First Committee - 10 - Press Release GA/DIS/3089 12th Meeting (AM) 24 October 1997

He said Iraq had discharged all its obligations under Security Council resolution 687. Yet, the international community focused only on Iraq while it closed its eyes to Israel's activities. Israel was the pivotal regional party with nuclear and biological weapons, and had showed duplicity towards the Security Council on that important question. The success of the mechanism envisaged by the Council depended on its balanced and non-discriminatory approach. The resolution called on all States in the Middle East to be free of methods of mass destruction.

While the Register of Conventional Arms was a long-awaited initiative, it had encountered various problems, he said. Half the United Nations members were not providing the necessary information. The Register must be expanded to include the procurement of sophisticated technology with military applications.

He said progress towards the elimination of landmines must take into account the needs of national defence. Furthermore, technical assistance must be provided to countries that could not cope with the problem on their own.

ANDELFO J. GARCIA (Colombia), Chairman of the United Nations Disarmament Commission, said the Commission had included three substantive items on its work agenda for 1997, i.e. the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones, the convening of a fourth special session of the General Assembly on disarmament, and guidelines on conventional arms control and limitation.

He said the intensity of debate in the nuclear-weapon-free zone working group was a clear indication of the growing worldwide support for such zones. Although deep differences rooted in national security concerns remained, considerable progress had been made. At its 1998 substantive session, the Commission would consider the establishment of such zones as an instrument for enhancing peace, security and stability, taking account of nuclear-weapon-free zone characteristics, and including geographical definition, treaties or agreements to establish them, and the role of verification.

On the convening of a fourth special Assembly session, he said consensus had not yet been achieved, but progress had been made. He hoped a draft

resolution on the special session would soon be put before the Committee for approval and adoption.

He said that, during the first year of its consideration of guidelines, the working group concerning conventional arms had laid a solid foundation for future discussions. There remained some basic differences. Some had wanted guidelines within a broad scope, while others wanted a different approach. He was confident that further progress would be made in the next year.

Despite divergent views within the Commission, consideration had been extensive and serious, he said. Most meetings had gone well and with good

First Committee - 11 - Press Release GA/DIS/3089 12th Meeting (AM) 24 October 1997

attendance. It was clear that member States continued to view the Commission as having an important role to play in the field of arms limitation and disarmament.

LIDIJA TOPIC (Bosnia and Herzegovina) said she was keenly aware of the significance of arms control, and imbalances of military assets, on international peace and security. Her country had first-hand experience of the results of the massive use of conventional weapons against non-military targets.

She reported to the Committee on progress on arms control in her area, in particular within the peace agreement, by which the parties agreed to a regional stabilization arms control regime. She said she was convinced that transparency in arms would benefit all in her country and the region. Supporting the Register of Conventional Arms, she said there could be no arms control without transparency and verification. In her country, that transparency translated into confidence-building, both within the country and between neighbouring states. She said her country's neighbours should approach military issues in a transparent manner, in order to diminish and eliminate mistrust, misperception and potentially deadly mistakes.

She said the issue of anti-personnel landmines was of vital importance. More than three million such devices littered her homeland, and their continued presence impeded the return of refugees, freedom of movement and economic reconstruction. She welcomed the agreement reached in Oslo, which promised future generations an end to the suffering caused by such devices.

Equally important, she continued, were efforts to locate, remove and destroy landmines already in place. Developing and economically poor countries could not afford the mechanisms necessary for such work. Consideration should be given to the establishment of an international data-base and an assistance mobilization group on mine-clearing technology and techniques.

* *** *