ASSEMBLY WOULD EXPRESS SATISFACTION AT AGREEMENTS REACHED ON WESTERN SAHARA, BY ONE OF EIGHT DECOLONIZATION TEXTS APPROVED IN FOURTH COMMITTEE
Press Release
GA/SPD/113
ASSEMBLY WOULD EXPRESS SATISFACTION AT AGREEMENTS REACHED ON WESTERN SAHARA, BY ONE OF EIGHT DECOLONIZATION TEXTS APPROVED IN FOURTH COMMITTEE
19971027 Drafts Address Economic Interests, Military Activities Affecting Non-Self-Governing Territories; Questions of Gibraltar, New CaledoniaThe Assembly would note with satisfaction the agreements reached by Morocco and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el-Hamra and Rio de Oro (POLISARIO) for implementation of the settlement plan in Western Sahara during private direct talks, under the auspices of Secretary-General's Personal Envoy James Baker, by a draft resolution approved this afternoon by the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization). By other terms of the text, which was approved without a vote, the Assembly would urge the two parties to implement those agreements fully and faithfully, to continue their cooperation with the Secretary-General and his Envoy, and to refrain from undertaking anything that would undermine the settlement plan and the agreements reached for its implementation. The draft on Western Sahara was one of several texts on decolonization issues approved today by the Committee, which also heard a petitioner on the question of New Caledonia. In addition, a draft resolution by which the Assembly would have urged the Secretary-General to maintain the United Nations decolonization unit within the Department of Political Affairs was withdrawn by its co-sponsors, following what was described an acceptable compromise resulting from consultations with the Secretary-General. A draft resolution on foreign economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories was also approved, by 140 votes in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 4 abstentions (Bulgaria, Federated States of Micronesia, France, United Kingdom). By its terms, the Assembly would reaffirm the responsibility of administering Powers to promote the political, economic, social and educational advancement of the peoples of the Territories, as well as the rights of the peoples over their natural resources. (For details of the voting, see Annex III.) Prior to approval of the text as a whole, a separate vote was held on a proposal to delete its operative paragraph 7, which concerns "the damaging exploitation and plundering of the marine and other natural resources" of the Territories by foreign economic interests. The proposal was defeated by a vote of 5 in favour (Bulgaria, Israel, Mongolia, United Kingdom, United States) to 57 against, with 3 abstentions (Australia, France, Russian Federation). (See Annex II.)
Fourth Committee - 1a - Press Release GA/SPD/113 9th Meeting (PM) 27 October 1997
Under a draft decision approved by 90 votes in favour to 44 against, with 2 abstentions (Republic of Korea, Ukraine), the Assembly would reaffirm that military bases and installations in colonial and Non-Self-Governing Territories could constitute an obstacle to self-determination. It would also reiterate that the Territories and adjacent areas should not be used for nuclear testing, dumping of nuclear wastes, or deployment of nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction. (Annex IV) The Assembly would ask the administering Powers concerned to transmit or continue transmitting to the Secretary-General information on the Non-Self- Governing Territories as prescribed in Article 73 e of the United Nations Charter, by the terms of a draft resolution approved by a vote of 134 in favour to none against, with 4 abstentions (France, Israel, United Kingdom, United States). They would be asked to provide the fullest possible information on political and constitutional developments in the Territories concerned. (Annex I.) By another text, approved by 102 votes in favour to none against, with 44 abstentions, the Assembly would ask that the specialized agencies and other United Nations, international and regional bodies review conditions in the Territories so as take measures to accelerate their economic and social progress. (Annex V) By a draft decision on the question of Gibraltar, approved without a vote, the Assembly would urge the Governments of Spain and the United Kingdom to continue negotiations towards a definitive resolution of the matter. A draft on New Caledonia, also approved without a vote, would have the Assembly urge all parties involved in the question to continue promoting a framework for the progress of the Territory towards an act of self-determination. Also approved without a vote was a draft resolution by which the Assembly would invite Member States to make or continue to make generous offers of study and training facilities to the inhabitants of the Non-Self- Governing Territories. The Committee decided to defer to a later meeting action on an omnibus draft resolution on questions relating to the following 12 Non-Self-Governing Territories: American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn, St. Helena, Tokelau, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands. At the outset of the meeting, it also deferred consideration of the situation in the occupied territories of Croatia. Statements were made by the representatives of the United States, United Kingdom, Cuba, India, Morocco and France. Speaking in explanation of position were the representatives of the United Kingdom, United States and Luxembourg (for the European Union and associated States). The representative of Papua New Guinea, Chairman of the Special Committee on decolonization, also spoke. The Fourth Committee will meet again at 3 p.m. on Monday, 3 November, to begin its consideration of international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
Committee Work Programme
The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) met this afternoon to take action on a series of draft resolutions and decisions on decolonization questions and to begin its consideration of the situation in the occupied territories of Croatia. It was also expected to hear a petitioner on the question of New Caledonia.
By 31-Power draft resolution on the decolonization programme of the United Nations system (document A/C.4/52/L.4/Rev.1) the Assembly would urge the Secretary-General to maintain the United Nations "decolonization branch" and all its functions pertaining to the Fourth Committee and to the Special Committee on decolonization within the Department of Political Affairs.
Reaffirming the political nature and substance of the Special Committee's mandate, the Assembly would express concern that administrative changes proposed by the Secretary-General could jeopardize, downgrade and undermine the United Nations decolonization programme. It would welcome his expressed willingness to take into account the concerns of Member States and urge that he avail the decolonization branch of all necessary and adequate resources until completion of the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism in the year 2000.
The draft resolution was sponsored by Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Bahrain, Chile, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Iran, Iraq, Mali, Marshall Islands, Namibia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Portugal, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Syria, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu and Venezuela.
The Committee also had before it texts contained in the report of the Special Committee on decolonization (document A/52/23, Parts III-VI) concerning information from Non-Self-Governing Territories and activities of foreign economic and other interests impeding implementation of the Declaration on decolonization.
Other texts in the Special Committee's report concern military activities and arrangements by colonial Powers in Territories under their administration, and implementation of the Declaration on decolonization by United Nation specialized agencies and other bodies.
The Fourth Committee was also expected to take action on two draft resolutions approved by the Special Committee on the situation in 12 Non-Self- Governing Territories: American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn, St. Helena, Tokelau, Turks and Caicos Islands and United States Virgin Islands.
Fourth Committee - 3 - Press Release GA/SPD/113 9th Meeting (PM) 27 October 1997
In addition, the Committee was expected to act on draft resolutions submitted by Member States on offers by Governments of study and training facilities for inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories, as well as texts on the situations in Gibraltar, New Caledonia and Western Sahara.
By the draft resolution on information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter (document A/52/23, Part IV, chap. VIII, para. 9) the Assembly would ask the administering Powers concerned to transmit or continue transmitting to the Secretary-General the information prescribed in Article 73 e of the Charter, and the fullest possible information on political and constitutional developments in the Territories concerned. The Secretary-General would be asked to continue to ensure that adequate information was drawn from all available published sources in connection with the preparation of the working papers on those Territories.
The draft resolution on foreign economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories (document A/52/23, Part III, chap. V, para. 12) would have the Assembly reaffirm the right of peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories to self- determination in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and with Assembly resolution 1514 (XV), which contains the Declaration on decolonization. It would also reaffirm the responsibility of the administering Powers under the Charter to promote the political, economic, social and educational advancement of the Territories, as well as the rights of their peoples over their natural resources.
By the terms of a draft decision on military activities and arrangements by colonial Powers in Territories under their administration (document A/52/23, Part III, chap. VI, para. 11), the Assembly would reaffirm its conviction that military bases and installations in colonial and Non-Self- Governing Territories could constitute an obstacle to the right to self- determination. It would reiterate that existing bases and installations which were impeding the implementation of the Declaration on decolonization, should be withdrawn.
The Assembly would also reiterate that the Territories and adjacent areas should not be used for nuclear testing, dumping of nuclear wastes or deployment of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, by the text. Also, the continued alienation of land for military installations in the Territories, particularly in the small island Territories of the Pacific and Caribbean regions, would be deplored. Aware of the presence of military bases and installations in some of the Territories, the Assembly would urge the administering Powers concerned not to involve those Territories in any offensive acts or interference against their States.
Fourth Committee - 4 - Press Release GA/SPD/113 9th Meeting (PM) 27 October 1997
A draft resolution on implementation of the decolonization Declaration by United Nations specialized agencies and other bodies (document A/52/23, Part IV, chap. VII, para. 14) would have the Assembly ask that the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system, as well as international and regional organizations, review conditions in the Non-Self- Governing Territories so as to take measures to accelerate their economic and social progress. The specialized agencies would also be asked to strengthen existing measures of support and assistance to the Territories. Also, the administering Powers would be asked to facilitate the participation of representatives of the Territories in meetings and conferences of the United Nations system.
By a 12-Power draft resolution on offers by Member States of study and training facilities for inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories (document A/C.4/52/L.6), the Assembly would invite all States to make or continue to make generous offers of study and training facilities to the inhabitants of those Territories that have not yet attained self-government or independence and provide travel funds to students wherever possible. It would urge the administering Powers to take effective measures to ensure widespread and continuous dissemination in the Territories of information or study offers and training facilities made by States, and to provide the necessary facilities to enable students to avail themselves of such offers.
The draft resolution was sponsored by Algeria, China, Cuba, Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Philippines, Singapore, Sweden and the United Republic of Tanzania
Under a draft resolution submitted by the Chairman on the question of Western Sahara (document A/C.4/52/L.5), the Assembly would take note with satisfaction of the agreements reached between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el-Hamra and Rio de Oro for implementation of the settlement plan in Western Sahara during their private direct talks under the auspices of the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, James Baker. It would urge them to implement those agreements fully and faithfully, to continue their cooperation with the Secretary General and his Envoy, and to refrain from undertaking anything that would undermine the implementation of the settlement plan and the agreements reached for its implementation. It would commend the Secretary-General and his Envoy, as well as the two parties for the cooperation they have shown.
By other terms of the text, the Assembly would reaffirm the United Nations responsibility towards the people of Western Sahara under the settlement plan. It would reiterate its support for further efforts of the Secretary-General for organization and supervision by the United Nations, in cooperation with the Organization of African Unity (OAU), of a referendum for self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, in conformity with Security Council resolutions 658 (1990) and 690 (1991), by which the Council approved the settlement plan for Western Sahara. The Assembly would also ask
Fourth Committee - 5 - Press Release GA/SPD/113 9th Meeting (PM) 27 October 1997
the Special Committee on decolonization to continue to consider the situation in Western Sahara, bearing in mind the positive ongoing implementation of the settlement plan, and report to the Assembly at its 1998 session.
A draft decision submitted by the Chairman on the question of Gibraltar (document A/C.4/52/L.3), would have the Assembly urge the Governments of Spain and the United Kingdom to continue their negotiations with the aim of reaching a definitive solution to the problem of Gibraltar in the light of relevant General Assembly resolutions and in the spirit of the United Nations Charter.
By the terms of the draft resolution on New Caledonia (document A/52/23, Part V, chap. IX, para. 31), the Assembly would urge all the parties involved, in the interest of all the people of New Caledonia and building on the positive outcome of the mid-term review of the Matignon Accords, to maintain their dialogue in a spirit of harmony.
Also by the draft, the Assembly would invite all parties involved to continue promoting a framework for the peaceful progress of the Territory towards an act of self-determination in which all options would be open and which would safeguard the rights of all New Caledonians according to the letter and spirit of the Matignon Accords, which are based on the principle that it is for the populations of New Caledonia to choose how to control their destiny.
By the first part of an omnibus draft resolution on the 12 Non-Self- Governing Territories (document A/52/23, Part VI and Corr. 1, chap. X, para. 20), the Assembly would call on the administering Powers, in cooperation with the territorial governments, to facilitate political education programmes to foster the people's awareness of their electoral options. The administering Powers would be requested to keep the Secretary-General informed of the wishes of the people regarding their future political status and to invite United Nations visiting missions to monitor the Territories. The administering Powers would also be asked to protect the Territories against environmental degradation and to counter problems related to drug trafficking, money laundering and other crimes. Priority would be given to strengthening and diversifying the Territories' economies. The second part of the draft resolution addresses specific conditions in each Territory.
The second part of the draft resolution addresses specific conditions in each Territory.
By the section of the draft on American Samoa, the administering Power would be called upon to assist the territorial government in the economic and social development of the Territory, including measures to rebuild management capabilities.
Fourth Committee - 6 - Press Release GA/SPD/113 9th Meeting (PM) 27 October 1997
By the section on Anguilla, the administering Power and all States, organizations and United Nations agencies would be called on to continue to assist the Territory in its social and economic development.
Regarding Bermuda, the administering Power would be called on to elaborate, in consultation with the territorial government, development programmes specifically intended to alleviate the economic, social and environmental consequences of the closure of certain military bases and installations in the Territory.
Under the section on the British Virgin Islands, the administering Power, the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system and all financial institutions would be asked to continue providing development assistance, bearing in mind the vulnerability of the Territory to external factors.
With respect to the Cayman Islands, the administering Power and the territorial government would be called upon to continue cooperating to counter problems related to money laundering, smuggling of funds and other related crimes, as well as drug trafficking. Continued facilitation of the expansion of the current programme of securing employment for the population, particularly at the decision-making level, would also be requested.
Regarding Guam, the draft's provisions would ask the administering Power, in cooperation with the territorial government, to continue the orderly transfer of land to the people of the Territory and to take necessary steps to safeguard property rights. The administering Power would be asked to cooperate in establishing programmes intended to promote the sustainable development of economic programmes by the people of Guam, including the Chamorro people. The administering Power would be asked to recognize the political rights, as well as the cultural and ethnic identity, of the Chamorro people, and to respond to concerns about the immigration issue.
By the section on Montserrat, the administering Power, the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system, as well as regional and other organizations, would be called upon to provide urgent emergency assistance to the Territory in order to alleviate the consequences of the recent series of volcanic eruptions.
With respect to Pitcairn, the administering Power and relevant regional and international organizations would be asked to continue to support the efforts of the territorial government to address the socio-economic development of the Territory.
By the section on St. Helena, the administering Power would be asked to conduct a constitutional review of the Territory and to continue, in cooperation with relevant regional and international organizations, to address the socio-economic development of the Territory.
Fourth Committee - 7 - Press Release GA/SPD/113 9th Meeting (PM) 27 October 1997
The Assembly would also welcome the assurances of the Government of New Zealand that it will meet its obligations with respect to Tokelau and abide by the freely expressed wish of its people with regard to their future status.
Also by the draft, the administering Power of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and other relevant regional and international organizations, would be called upon to continue providing assistance for the improvement of social and economic conditions in the Territory. The administering Power would be further called upon to cooperate with the territorial government to counter problems related to money laundering, smuggling of funds and related crimes, including the traffic of illicit drugs.
Regarding the United States Virgin Islands, the administering Power would be asked to continue to assist the territorial government in its political, economic and social goals. It would also be asked to facilitate the Territory's participation in organizations, especially the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and the Caribbean Community.
There is no advance documentation for the item on the occupied territories of Croatia.
Petitioner on New Caledonia
DONNA WINSLOW, speaking on behalf of the Front de liberation nationale kanak socialiste (FLNKS), said that since the reinstatement of New Caledonia to the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories in 1986, the Kanak people had travelled a long and difficult road in search of the best political compromise to achieve their goal. The last such compromise -- the Matignon-Oudinot Accords of 1988 -- had followed the massacre of 19 Kanak nationalists and three French gendarmes on the island of Ouvea. The incident had created a malaise among the people, which was followed by the assassination of FLNKS President Jean-Marie Tjibaou.
In agreeing to sign the agreement, Mr Tjibaou and the Kanak people had been convinced that the plan would help create conditions that would permit the three parties involved -- including the Administering power -- to seize the opportunity for a successful decolonization, she said. However, despite Kanak concerns, they were being turned into a minority in their own country. Between 15,000 and 20,000 people from France and its overseas territories had immigrated to New Caledonia since 1988, an increase of 8,000 voters over the 104,258 who took part in the last provincial and municipal elections.
A decade after the Matignon-Oudinot Accords, the FLNKS reaffirmed that only the institution of a state in association with France, beginning in 1998, would ensure political stability in New Caledonia, she said.
Fourth Committee - 8 - Press Release GA/SPD/113 9th Meeting (PM) 27 October 1997
Action on Decolonization Texts
The draft resolution on information from Non-Self-Governing Territories was approved by a vote of 134 in favour to none against 4 abstentions (France, Israel, United Kingdom, United States). (For details of the voting, see Annex I.)
The representative of the United Kingdom said her country had abstained in the voting as in previous years. It was up to the administering Powers to decide when Territories were ready to exercise their right of self- determination.
The representative of the United States, said his country had abstained for the same reason.
The Committee took up the draft resolution on economic and other activities affecting the Non-Self-Governing Territories.
Mr. Scott United States said operative paragraph 7 of the text said he deleted and called for a separate vote on his proposal. The paragraph added nothing to the draft, he said. Illegal fishing activities were harmful wherever they happened. However, such activities were not endemic to the Non- Self-Governing Territories, as the paragraph seemed to imply. [Note: Operative paragraph 7 concerns "the damaging exploitation and plundering of the marine and other natural resources" of the Territories by foreign economic interests.]
The proposal to delete operative paragraph 7 was defeated by a vote of 5 in favour (Bulgaria, Israel, Mongolia, United Kingdom, United States) to 57 against with 3 abstentions (Australia, France, Russian Federation). (See Annex II.)
The draft was then approved as a whole by 140 votes in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 4 abstentions (Bulgaria, France, Micronesia, United Kingdom). (Annex III.)
The draft decision on military activities and arrangements by colonial Powers in Territories under their administration was approved by 90 votes in favour to 44 against with 2 abstentions (Republic of Korea, Ukraine). (See Annex IV.)
The draft resolution on implementation of the Declaration on decolonization by the specialized agencies was approved by 102 votes in favour to none against with 44 abstentions. (Annex V.)
The representative of Luxembourg spoke in explanation of vote on behalf of the European Union, as well as for Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus, Iceland and
Fourth Committee - 9 - Press Release GA/SPD/113 9th Meeting (PM) 27 October 1997
Norway. She said that while the union had held fruitful talks with the Special Committee on decolonization, it remained opposed to the text on military activities, which fell outside the mandate of the Fourth Committee. The Union countries had also abstained in the voting on implementation of the Declaration on decolonization by the specialized agencies.
The representative of the United States said it was not appropriate to link the work of the specialized agencies with that of the Fourth Committee.
The Committee then turned to the draft resolution on offers of study and training facilities. It was announced that Argentina, Jamaica, Thailand, Sudan and Trinidad and Tobago had joined as co-sponsors of the text. The draft resolution was approved without a vote.
The Committee then turned to omnibus draft resolution on the 12 Non- Self-Governing Territories.
Ms. Smith (United Kingdom) said her delegation wished to propose an amendment to the section concerning the Territory of St. Helena.
Mr. Scott (United States) said his delegation also wished to propose a change to the omnibus draft.
KATE SMITH (United Kingdom) objected to a reference in the sixth preambalar of the draft resolution to rising unemployment on the island of St. Helena, saying the rate was steady at 18 per cent. She asked that the word 'rising' be deleted.
The Committee approved her proposal without a note.
Mr. Scott, (United States) said the first two paragraphs of the section of the draft resolution on American Samoa, as it had appeared in prior years should be reinstated.
UTULA U. SAMANA (Papua New Guinea), Chairman of the Special Committee on decolonization said he opposed reinstatement of the two paragraphs.
Mr. SCOTT (United States) said the United States eagerly awaited a continuation of the dialogue with the Special Committee. However, United States had not been party to the elimination of the language in question.
IVAN RAUL NUNEZ LOPEZ (Cuba) said the representative of the United States was asking for a change in language on which agreement had already been reached. The language had been approved and should not now be changed.
Ms. SMITH (United Kingdom) said neither the United Kingdom nor the United States had been party to the deliberations of the Special Committee and so had to raise their concerns now.
Fourth Committee - 10 - Press Release GA/SPD/113 9th Meeting (PM) 27 October 1997
SYED AKBARUDDIN (India) proposed that if there were concerns concerning the draft resolution, actions on the text should be postponed.
Mr. SAMANA (Papua New Guinea), Chairman of the Special Committee, said he supported that proposal.
The Committee agreed to postpone action on the omnibus draft resolution to a later meeting.
The draft decision on the question of Gibraltar was then approved without a vote, as was the draft resolution on Western Sahara.
The representative of Luxembourg spoke in explanation of position on behalf of the European Union, as well as for Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus, Iceland and Norway. She said that the European Union welcomed the draft resolution and had long supported the holding of a free and fair referendum in Western Sahara. It hoped to see a speedy resumption of the identification process and hoped the referendum would occur within 12 months.
AHMED SNOUSSI (Morocco) expressed his country's enthusiasm on approval of the draft resolution on Western Sahara. However, Morocco continued to feel that the Special Committee on decolonization and the Fourth Committee were not the proper places to discuss the question. The difficulties blocking the settlement plan had been resolved in large part by the intervention of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara, James Baker III. This should be the last time the Fourth Committee would have to debate the issue. It was hoped that the men, women, and children who had been forced from their homes could now return. The Red Cross would be helpful in facilitating this process. A new structure was arising and Morocco would support its emergence.
The Committee then turned to the draft resolution on New Caledonia.
OLIVIER TELLIER (France) said that for several years his delegation had been keeping the Fourth Committee informed on the implementation of the Matignon agreements of 1988. In 1999, the New Caledonians would vote on self- determination. Significant progress had been made on a number of fronts. On the economic level, the French Government had continued to promote job development in the Territory. New Caledonia had become a full partner in the region. It was hoped that the Territory would continue to be visited by United Nations delegations.
He went on to say that France would not object to the draft resolution on New Caledonia and would not request a vote. However, it had reservations about the United Nations jurisdiction. The question of New Caledonia fell under the purview of national jurisdiction, he said.
Fourth Committee - 11 - Press Release GA/SPD/113 9th Meeting (PM) 27 October 1997
Mr. SAMANA (Papua New Guinea), Chairman of the Special Committee, welcomed France's support for visiting missions. However, note should be taken of problems relating to resource development. It was hoped that the authorities would take stock of the peoples' feeling on such issues.
The draft resolution on new Caledonia was approved without a vote.
The Committee then turned to the draft resolution on transfer of the United Nations decolonization unit from the Department of Political Affairs.
Following a brief suspension of the meeting, Mr. SAMANA (Papua New Guinea), Chairman of the Special Committee, spoke on behalf of the co-sponsors of the draft resolution. He thanked the Secretary-General for a 27 October letter in which he had responded to their concerns about the transfer of the unit. The decolonization programmes were extremely important and their political mandate must be upheld. Therefore, the Secretary-General's sincerity was highly welcome. He had considered all the issues, and while his response was not satisfactory to all the co-sponsors, it was deemed a worthy compromise. The draft resolution would, therefore, be withdrawn. It was requested that the Secretary-General's letter be circulated as an official document of the General Assembly.
(annexes follow)
Fourth Committee - 12 - Press Release GA/SPD/113 9th Meeting (PM) 27 October 1997
Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/113 9th Meeting (PM) 27 October 1997
ANNEX I
Vote on Draft on Information
The draft resolution on information on Non-Self-Governing Territories provided by Administering Powers (document A/52/23, Part IV, chap. 8, para. 9) was approved by a recorded vote of 134 in favour to none against, with 4 abstentions
In Favour: Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote D'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua and New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: None
Abstain: France, Israel, United Kingdom, United States.
Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Comoros, Croatia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Guinea-Bissau, Iceland, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Monaco, Niger, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and Grenada, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.
(END OF ANNEX I)
13
Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/113 9th Meeting (PM) 27 October 1997
ANNEX II
Vote on Deleting Operative Paragraph 7
The proposal to delete operative paragraph 7 of the draft resolution on foreign economic interests (document A/52/23, part III, chapter V, paragraph 12) was defeated by a recorded vote of 5 in favour to 57 against, with 3 abstentions:
In favor: Bulgaria, Israel, Mongolia, United Kingdom, United States.
Against: Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Ecuador, Egypt, Fiji, Ghana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Libya, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Abstain: Australia, France, Russian Federation.
Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, Comoros, Congo, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Erithrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Monaco, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Rwanda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Tajikistan, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Yemen.
14
(END OF ANNEX II)
Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/113 9th Meeting (PM) 27 October 1997
ANNEX III
Vote on Foreign Economic Interests
The draft resolution on foreign economic interests (document A/52/23, Part III, chap. V, para. 12) was approved, as a whole, by a recorded vote of 140 in favour 2 against, with 4 abstentions, as follows:
In Favour: Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote D'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Sengal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: Israel, United States
Abstain: Bulgaria, Federated States of Micronesia, France, United Kingdom.
Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Comoros, Croatia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Iceland, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Monaco, Niger, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and Grenada, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Togo,
15
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.
(END OF ANNEX III) Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/113 9th Meeting (PM) 27 October 1997
ANNEX IV
Vote on Military Activities
The draft decision on military activities and arrangements by colonial Powers in Territories under their administration (document A/52/23, Part III, chap. VI, para. 11) was approved by a recorded vote of 90 in favour to 44 against, with 2 abstentions as follows:
In Favour: Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahrain, Barbados, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote D'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua and New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States.
Abstain: Republic of Korea, Ukraine.
Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belize, Bhutan, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Comoros, Croatia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iceland, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi,
16
Mali, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Niger, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and Grenada, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.
(END OF ANNEX IV)
Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/113 9th Meeting (PM) 27 October 1997
ANNEX V
Vote on Implementation by Specialized Agencies
The draft resolution on implementation of the Declaration on decolonization by the specialized agencies (document A/52/23, Part IV, chap. VII, para. 14) was approved by a recorded vote of 102 in favour to none against, with 44 abstentions as follows:
In Favour: Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote D'Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua and New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: None
Abstain: Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States.
17
Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Bhutan, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Comoros, Croatia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Iceland, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Monaco, Morocco, Niger, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and Grenada, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.
* *** *