CONFERENCE ON DISARMAMENT TO CONTINUE DISCUSSIONS TO REACH COMPROMISE ON PROGRAMME OF WORK
Press Release
DCF/329
CONFERENCE ON DISARMAMENT TO CONTINUE DISCUSSIONS TO REACH COMPROMISE ON PROGRAMME OF WORK
19980317 GENEVA, 13 March (UN Information Service) -- The outgoing President of the Conference on Disarmament, Erwin Hofer of Switzerland, said today that despite intense efforts made by all the delegations over the past weeks to begin substantive work, the Conference was not yet able to reach a compromise on its programme of work.Speaking at a brief afternoon session of the Conference, it was able to reach an outline of a political compromise on the programme of work. However further consultations were needed with a view to reaching an agreement.
Mr. Hofer stressed that there was a need for a solid political basis for the programme of work, which must be achieved at any price. The collective efforts of the Conference should continue to preserve what had been achieved and to overcome the final obstacles.
Taher Al-Hussami (Syria), would take over as President of the Conference on Monday, 16 March. The presidency of the Conference rotates alphabetically every four weeks.
Mr. Hofer said that his primary objective had been to preserve the delegation's dynamism over the organization of a programme of work. He had initiated intense negotiations on key issues on the agenda in the form of open-ended informal consultations, contacts with regional groups and interested delegations and bilateral discussions.
On nuclear disarmament, which had been at the centre of consultations, there were positive developments towards overcoming obstacles, he said. However, he could not translate the political will shown in the dialogue into a decision.
On the issue of prevention of an arms race in outer space, Mr. Hofer said that he saw an informal confirmation of an agreement in principle on the appointment of a special coordinator on this item. Discussions were still needed regarding the mandate of that coordinator.
- 2 - Press Release DCF/329 17 March 1998
Concerning negative security assurances, the informal discussions had confirmed the conclusion reached by the previous President on the emergence of a broad agreement to re-establish an ad hoc committee on that item. This gave reason to continue consultations in order to reach a decision.
Mr. Hofer said that opinions were getting closer on the issue of appointing a special coordinator on anti-personnel landmines and transparency in armaments.
Tugay Ulucevik (Turkey), whose tour of duty was ending, addressed the session. He said there was an urgent need for the Conference to bring its agenda in line with the present realities and requirements of the international community.
Mr. Ulucevik said that there was a need for the Conference to stretch its imagination to reach an appropriate understanding that would enable it to consider issues of nuclear disarmament in a focused and balanced manner. This would not only be in keeping with transparency but also enhance confidence and create an overall favourable atmosphere. There was also need for the Conference to find ways to address the worldwide phenomenon of arms smuggling and illicit arms sales in all its aspects.
The Conference on Disarmament will meet again at 10 a.m. on Thursday, 19 March.
* *** *