MEASURES TO PREVENT VIOLENT DISINTEGRATION OF STATES CALLED FOR IN FIRST COMMITTEE TEXT
Press Release
GA/DIS/3129
MEASURES TO PREVENT VIOLENT DISINTEGRATION OF STATES CALLED FOR IN FIRST COMMITTEE TEXT
19981105 Fourteen Draft Resolutions Approved, Five by Recorded Vote; Transparency, Science and Technology, Outer Space among Issues AddressedThe Assembly would call upon all States and relevant international organizations and competent organs of the United Nations to continue to undertake measures to help prevent conflicts that could cause the violent disintegration of States, by the terms of one of 14 draft resolutions approved this morning by the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security).
By further terms of the text, approved by a recorded vote of 136 in favour to none against, with 7 abstentions (Armenia, Chile, China, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Pakistan), the Assembly would stress the importance of good-neighbourliness and affirm the need for strict compliance with the principles of the inviolability of international borders and the territorial integrity of any State. (For details of the vote see Annex VIII).
Prior to approval of the draft, the Committee took separate recorded votes on operative paragraphs 3 and 4. Operative paragraph 3, which would have the Assembly call upon all States to solve their disputes by peaceful means, was approved by a vote of 144 in favour to none against, with no abstentions (Annex VI). The fourth operative paragraph, by which the Assembly would affirm the need for strict compliance with the principle of the inviolability of international borders, was approved by a vote of 143 in favour to none against, with no abstentions (Annex VII).
By the terms of a text on transparency in armaments, the Assembly would call on Member States to provide the Secretary-General annually the requested data for the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, and invite them, pending the Register's further development, to provide additional information on procurement from national production and military holdings. The draft was approved by a recorded vote of 112 in favour to none against, with 12 abstentions (Annex III).
The Committee took separate votes on operative paragraphs 4(b) and 6, prior to approving that text. According to operative paragraph 4(b), the
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Assembly would recall its request to the Secretary-General to prepare a report on the Register's continuing and further development. It was approved by a recorded vote of 100 in favour to none against, with 11 abstentions (Annex I). By the terms of operative paragraph 6, approved by a vote of 102 in favour to none against, with 12 abstentions, the Assembly would invite the Conference on Disarmament to continue its work in the field of transparency in armaments (Annex II).
By a recorded vote of 77 in favour to 43 against, with 16 abstentions, the Committee approved a draft text on the role of science and technology in the context of international security. By its terms, the Assembly would urge Member States to undertake multilateral negotiations aimed at establishing universally acceptable and non-discriminatory guidelines for international transfers of dual-use goods and technologies with military applications (Annex IV).
The Assembly would call upon all States, in particular those with major space capabilities, to contribute actively to the peaceful use of outer space and to the prevention of an outer space arms race, according to a draft resolution approved by a recorded vote of 140 in favour to none against, with 5 abstentions (Argentina, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, United States) (Annex IX).
By the terms of a draft text on disarmament measures, the Assembly would call upon States to adopt unilateral, bilateral, regional and multilateral measures to ensure that scientific progress was applied to international security and disarmament without detriment to the environment. The draft was approved by a recorded vote of 138 in favour to none against, with four abstentions (France, Israel, United Kingdom, United States) (Annex V).
Under the terms of a text on strengthening security and cooperation in the Mediterranean, approved without a vote, the Assembly would call on all States of the region to adhere to all the multilaterally negotiated instruments related to disarmament and non-proliferation, thus creating the necessary conditions for strengthening peace and cooperation in the region.
The Assembly would call upon Member States to promote, at multilateral levels, the consideration of existing and potential threats in the field of information security, according to another draft resolution approved without a vote. It would invite them to inform the Secretary-General of their views on such questions as the advisability of developing international legal regimes to secure global information and telecommunications systems and combat information criminality.
The international community would be urged to devote part of the resources gained from disarmament and arms limitation agreements to economic and social development, with a view to reducing the ever-widening gap between
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developed and developing countries, by the terms of another text approved without a vote.
According to a draft on consolidating peace through practical disarmament, also approved without a vote, the Assembly would stress the particular relevance of the deliberations in the 1998 substantive session of the United Nations Disarmament Commission concerning guidelines on conventional arms control/limitation and disarmament as a useful basis for further deliberations and encourage the Disarmament Commission to continue its efforts aimed at the adoption of such guidelines in 1999.
The Committee also approved, without a vote, five draft resolutions concerning United Nations disarmament machinery. By their terms, the Assembly would:
-- Recommend that the Disarmament Commission consider items on the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones, guidelines on conventional arms control/limitation and disarmament, and a possible third item at its 1999 session;
-- Reaffirm the need to revitalize and strengthen the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa;
-- Stress the importance of the United Nations Disarmament Information Programme as a significant instrument in enabling all Member States to participate fully in disarmament negotiations;
-- Reiterate the importance of United Nations activities at the regional level to increase the stability and security of its Member States, which could be promoted substantially by the maintenance and revitalization of the three United Nations Regional Centres for Peace and Disarmament; and
-- Reaffirm its decision to continue the programme of disarmament fellowships and express its appreciation to Germany and Japan for inviting the 1997 and 1998 fellows to study selected activities in the field of disarmament.
Statements were made by the representatives of Egypt, Iran, China, Myanmar, Republic of Korea, Argentina, United States, Austria, Israel, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Iran, Pakistan, Mexico, Jordan, Armenia, Liechtenstein, Chile and Germany.
The Committee will meet again at 10 a.m. Friday, 6 November, to continue taking action on disarmament and security-related draft resolutions.
Committee Work Programme
The First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) met this morning to continue taking action on all disarmament and security-related draft resolutions. It had before it draft texts on the Disarmament Commission, the Africa regional centre, the role of science and technology in disarmament, telecommunications, disarmament information, regional centres for disarmament environmental norms, disarmament and development, disarmament fellowships, consolidation of peace, Mediterranean security, outer space, transparency in armaments, and preventing the disintegration of States.
By the terms of a draft resolution on the Disarmament Commission (document A/C.1/53/L.1), the General Assembly would recommend the adoption of the following items for consideration at the Commission's 1999 substantive session: the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones; guidelines on conventional arms control/limitation and disarmament; and a possible third item. The Assembly would also encourage the Commission, bearing in mind the decision to move its agenda towards a two-item phased approach, to give focused consideration to a limited number of priority issues.
The Assembly would also request it to make every effort to achieve specific recommendations on those items, and meet for a period not exceeding three weeks during 1999. It would reaffirm the role of the Commission as the specialized, deliberative body within the United Nations multilateral machinery that allowed for in-depth deliberations on specific disarmament issues, leading to the submission of concrete recommendations on those issues.
The draft resolution is sponsored by Algeria, Belarus, Croatia, Ecuador, Fiji, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Luxembourg, Peru, South Africa, Spain, Syria and Uganda.
By the terms of a text sponsored by Mali and Nigeria on behalf of the Group of African States on the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (document A/C.1/53/L.8), the Assembly would reaffirm the need to revitalize and strengthen the Centre. It would therefore appeal urgently to Member States, in particular to African States, and to international governmental organizations to contribute to the Centre. The Assembly would request the Secretary-General to provide the Centre with all necessary support, within existing resources, and to assist the Centre's new director in stabilizing its financial situation and revitalizing its activities. It would further request the Secretary-General to report to the Assembly at its fifty-fourth session on the implementation of the resolution.
Under the terms of a draft resolution on the role of science and technology in the context of international security (document A/C.1/53/L.15),
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the Assembly would urge Member States to undertake multilateral negotiations aimed at establishing universally acceptable and non-discriminatory guidelines for international transfers of dual-use goods and technologies with military applications. It would invite Member States to undertake additional efforts to apply science and technology for disarmament-related purposes and to make disarmament-related technologies available to interested States.
The Assembly would affirm that scientific and technological progress should be used to promote the sustainable economic development of all States and to safeguard international security, and that international cooperation in the use of science and technology through the transfer and exchange of technological know-how for peaceful purposes should be promoted.
The Assembly would also request the Secretary-General to seek the view of Member States on his most recent report on the subject and make recommendations on the possible approaches to multilaterally negotiated, universally acceptable, non-discriminatory guidelines for international transfers of dual-use goods and technologies and high technologies with military applications, in a report to the Assembly no later than its fifty- fourth session.
The draft resolution is sponsored by Bangladesh, Bhutan, Costa Rica, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Libya, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Viet Nam.
Under a draft resolution sponsored by the Russian Federation on information and telecommunications developments in the context of international security (document A/C.1/53/L.17/Rev.1), the Assembly would call upon Member States to promote, at multilateral levels, the consideration of existing and potential threats in the field of information security.
By further terms of the text, the Assembly would invite them to inform the Secretary-General of their views on the following questions: general appreciation of the information security issues; the definition of basic notions related to information security, including the unauthorized interference with or misuse of information and telecommunications systems and information resources; and the advisability of developing international legal regimes to secure global information and telecommunications systems and combat information terrorism and criminality.
A draft resolution on implementing the United Nations Disarmament Information Programme (document A/C.1/53/L.18) would have the Assembly stress the importance of the Programme as a significant instrument in enabling all Member States to participate fully in disarmament negotiations, and assisting them in complying with treaties and contributing to agreed transparency
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mechanisms.
The Assembly would recommend that the Programme focus its efforts on, among other things, generating public understanding of the importance of and support for multilateral action in arms limitation and disarmament, including action by the United Nations and the Conference on Disarmament, in a factual, balanced and objective manner. That could be attained in particular through the publication in all official languages of the United Nations Disarmament Yearbook and updates of the Status of Multilateral Arms Regulation and Disarmament Agreements, as well as through ad hoc publications and the Internet and other outreach activities, such as the Messenger of Peace. It would commend the Secretary-General for making effective use of the limited available resources in disseminating information on arms limitation and disarmament.
The draft resolution is sponsored by Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Fiji, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Peru, Philippines and South Africa.
A draft resolution sponsored by Fiji and South Africa, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, on the United Nations Regional Centres for Peace and Disarmament (document A/C.1/53/L.25) would have the Assembly reiterate the importance of United Nations activities at the regional level to increase the stability and security of its Member States, which could be promoted substantially by the maintenance and revitalization of the three regional centres.
The Assembly would reaffirm that it was useful for the three regional centres to carry out dissemination and educational programmes aimed at changing basic attitudes with respect to peace and security and disarmament, and appeal to Member States, as well as to international and non-governmental organizations and foundations, to voluntarily contribute to the regional centres. It would request the Secretary-General to provide all necessary support, within existing resources, to the regional centres and to report to the Assembly at its fifty-fourth session on the implementation of the present text.
By the terms of another draft text sponsored by Fiji and South Africa, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, on observance of environmental norms in disarmament and arms control agreements (document A/C.1/53/L.26), the Assembly would call upon States to adopt unilateral, bilateral, regional and multilateral measures to contribute to ensure that scientific progress was applied to international security and disarmament without detriment to the environment.
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The Assembly would further reaffirm that international disarmament forums take fully into account the relevant environmental norms in negotiating disarmament and arms limitations agreements and that all States fully contribute to ensuring compliance with those norms in the implementation of treaties to which they were parties. All Member States would be invited to communicate to the Secretary-General the measures they had adopted to promote those objectives. The Secretary-General would be requested to report on the issue to the Assembly at its fifty-fourth session.
Another draft resolution sponsored by Fiji and South Africa, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, on the relationship between disarmament and development (document A/C.1/53/L.27) would have the Assembly urge the international community to devote part of the resources gained from disarmament and arms limitation agreements to economic and social development, with a view to reducing the ever-widening gap between developed and developing countries.
The Assembly would invite all Member States to communicate to the Secretary-General, by 15 April 1999, their views and proposals for the implementation of the Action Programme adopted at the International Conference on the Relationship between Disarmament and Development. It would also request the Secretary-General to continue to take action, through appropriate organs and within available resources, for the implementation of the Action Programme.
According to a draft resolution on United Nations disarmament fellowship training and advisory services (document A/C.1/53/L.29), the Assembly would reaffirm its decision contained in the concluding document of the twelfth special session of the General Assembly to continue the programme of disarmament fellowships. The Assembly would express its appreciation to Germany and Japan for inviting the 1997 and 1998 fellows to study selected activities in the field of disarmament, thereby contributing to the fulfilment of the overall objectives of the programme.
The Assembly would commend the Secretary-General for the diligence with which the programme had been carried out and request him to continue to implement annually the Geneva-based programme within existing resources and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its fifty-fifth session.
The draft resolution is sponsored by Algeria, Argentina, Benin, Brazil, China, Cuba, Ecuador, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Mali, Myanmar, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Romania, South Africa, Togo and the United States.
By the terms of a draft resolution on the consolidation of peace through
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practical disarmament measures (document A/C.1/53/L.31/Rev.1) the Assembly would stress the particular relevance of the deliberations in the 1998 substantive session of the United Nations Disarmament Commission concerning guidelines on conventional arms control/limitation and disarmament as a useful basis for further deliberations, and encourage the Disarmament Commission to continue its efforts aimed at the adoption of such guidelines in 1999.
The Assembly would take note of the report of the Secretary-General of 19 August 1997 on consolidation of peace through practical disarmament and encourage, once again, Member States, as well as regional arrangements and agencies, to lend their support to the implementation of the recommendations contained therein.
The Assembly would invite the group of interested States, which was formed in New York in March, to analyse lessons learned from previous disarmament and peace-building projects, as well as to promote new practical disarmament measures to consolidate peace, especially as undertaken or designed by affected States themselves. It would encourage Member States, including the group of interested States, to support the Secretary-General in responding to requests by Member States to collect and destroy small arms and light weapons in post-conflict situations.
The draft resolution is sponsored by Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mali, Malta, Monaco, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay.
Under a text on strengthening security and cooperation in the Mediterranean region (document A/C.1/53/L.32/Rev.2), the Assembly would reaffirm that security in the Mediterranean was closely linked to European security, as well as to international peace and security. It would call on all States of the region to adhere to all the multilaterally negotiated instruments related to disarmament and non-proliferation, thus creating the necessary conditions for strengthening peace and cooperation in the region. It would encourage those States to build confidence by promoting genuine openness and transparency on all military matters by participating in, among other things, the United Nations system for standardized reporting of military expenditures and by providing accurate data and information to the United
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Nations Register of Conventional Arms.
The Assembly would also encourage those countries to strengthen their cooperation in combating terrorism, which seriously threatened regional peace, security and stability, in order to improve the current political, economic and social situation. It would commend their efforts in meeting common challenges and encourage them to strengthen such efforts through a lasting multilateral and action-oriented cooperative dialogue among States of the region.
The Assembly would express its satisfaction at the continuing efforts by those countries to eliminate the causes of regional tension and promote just and lasting solutions to the persistent regional problems through peaceful means, thus ensuring the withdrawal of foreign forces of occupation and respecting the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all Mediterranean countries and the right of peoples to self-determination. It would call for full adherence to the principles of non-interference, non-intervention, non-use of force or threat of use of force and the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and the relevant United Nations resolutions.
The draft resolution is sponsored by Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritania, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tunisia, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
A draft resolution on prevention of an arms race in outer space (document A/C.1/53/L.40) would have the Assembly call upon all States, in particular those with major space capabilities, to contribute actively to the peaceful use of outer space and to the prevention of an outer space arms race, and to refrain from actions contrary to that objective and to the relevant existing treaties in the interest of maintaining international peace and security and promoting international cooperation.
The Assembly would reaffirm the importance and urgency of preventing such an arms race, and the readiness of all States to contribute to that common objective, in conformity with the provisions of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. The Assembly would emphasize the necessity of further measures with effective verification provisions to prevent an arms race in outer space.
It would also reaffirm its recognition of the following: that the legal
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regime applicable to outer space by itself did not guarantee the prevention of an arms race in outer space; that it played a significant role in the prevention of an outer space arms race; that there was a need to consolidate and reinforce that regime and enhance its effectiveness; and that it was important to strictly comply with existing agreements, both bilateral and multilateral.
By further terms, the Assembly would reiterate the primary role of the Conference on Disarmament in negotiating a multilateral agreement or agreements on the prevention of an outer space arms race, and urge States conducting activities in outer space, as well as States interested in conducting such activities, to inform the Conference of the progress of bilateral or multilateral negotiations on the matter, so as to facilitate its work. The Conference would be invited to re-establish the relevant ad hoc committee during its 1999 session.
The draft resolution is sponsored by Algeria, Brunei Darussalam, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Chile, China, Cuba, Egypt, Fiji, India,
Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Monaco, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Sudan.
Under the terms of another draft resolution on transparency in armaments (document A/C.1/53/L.43), the Assembly would call upon Member States, with a view to achieving universal participation, to provide the Secretary-General by 31 May annually the requested data for the Register of Conventional Arms, including nil reports if appropriate. It would also invite Member States in a position to do so, pending further development of the Register, to provide additional information on procurement from national production and military holdings.
The Assembly would reaffirm its decision to keep the scope and participation of the Register under review. Towards that end, the Assembly would recall its request that the Secretary-General prepare a report, with the assistance of a group of governmental experts to be convened in the year 2000, on the Register's continuing operation and further development, with a view to a decision at the fifty-fifth session. It would also request the Secretary- General to ensure that sufficient resources were made available for the operation and maintenance of the Register.
The draft resolution is sponsored by Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana,
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Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Mongolia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Samoa, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.
According to a text on the prevention of the violent disintegration of States (document A/C.1/53/L.44/Rev.1), the Assembly would call upon all States, the relevant international organizations and competent organs of the United Nations to continue to undertake measures, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, to eliminate threats to international peace and security and to help prevent conflicts which could cause the violent disintegration of States. It would also call upon all States to solve their disputes with other States by peaceful means.
The Assembly would stress the importance of good-neighbourliness and the development of friendly relations among States in preventing the violent disintegration of States, as well as the importance of regional efforts aimed at preventing bilateral conflicts from endangering international peace and security.
It would affirm the need for strict compliance with the principle of the inviolability of international borders and the principle of the territorial integrity of any State. It would also request all States and relevant international organizations to communicate to the Secretary-General their views on the prevention of the violent disintegration of States. The Assembly would decide to include that item in its fifty-fifth session.
The draft resolution is sponsored by Andorra, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Congo, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Russian Federation, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom and the United States.
Action on Texts
The Committee began by taking up the draft text on transparency in armaments (document A/C.1/53/L.43).
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The CHAIRMAN announced that, before acting on the draft resolution as a whole, separate votes would be taken on operative paragraphs 4(b) and 6.
By the terms of operative paragraph 4(b) the Assembly would recall its request to the Secretary-General, with the assist of a group of governmental experts to be convened in 2000, on the basis of equitable geographical representation, to prepare a report on the continuing operation of the Register of Conventional Arms and its further development, with a view to a decision at its fifty-fifth session.
According to operative paragraph 6, the Assembly would invite the Conference on Disarmament to consider continuing its work in the field of transparency in armaments.
The representative of Egypt, speaking in explanation before the votes, said that since the establishment in 1991 of the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, his country had faithfully contributed to it and advocated transparency in armaments. It changed its vote in favour of the related texts to abstention in 1994, however, when the group of experts failed to reach agreement on the Register's further development.
He said that in order for the Register to truly eliminate suspicion and misperception and contribute to enhancing security and stability, it must be universal, comprehensive and non-discriminatory. It must also ensure equal rights and obligations for all States and address their legitimate concerns in a non-selective manner. The Register might be able to meet the security concerns of some States, but not of Egypt. Only an expanded Register could serve the cause of transparency in armaments. Limiting transparency to conventional weapons was inconsistent with agreements reached by the General Assembly in 1991 concerning expanding its scope.
Those States that possessed more than the seven conventional weapon categories handled by the Register were not required to record that information, especially as it regarded nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. He remained unimpressed by the prospects of the Register's eventual development in terms of an expanded scope. In view of the apparent lack of commitment by the international community to faithfully embrace the transparency issue in a non-discriminatory and equitable manner, his delegation would abstain on the vote.
The Committee then approved operative paragraph 4(b), concerning the Secretary-General's report, by a recorded vote of 100 in favour to none against, with 11 abstentions. (For details of the vote see Annex I.)
The Committee approved operative paragraph 6 concerning the Conference
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on Disarmament by a recorded vote of 102 in favour to none against, with 12 abstentions (Annex II).
The Committee then approved the draft resolution on transparency in armaments (document A/C.1/53/L.43) by a recorded vote of 112 in favour to none against, with 12 abstentions (Anne III).
The representative of Iran, speaking in explanation of vote, said his delegation had abstained in the vote because it supported transparency as a confidence-building measure and because of its awareness of the role that an enhanced level of transparency could play. His country had participated in the Register since its establishment and it would continue to do so. Contrary to the understanding reached in 1991 that the Register would also contain nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, high technologies, as well as conventional arms, no concrete efforts had been made so far to include data on those weapon categories.
He said that expanding transparency to other weapon categories would facilitate negotiations on fissile material and lead to further nuclear disarmament progress. The failure of the governmental experts to provide substantive recommendations to the General Assembly and the relatively complacent efforts made by the international community had perpetuated an instrument that had not won equitable regional support, especially in regions that accounted for most conventional arms transfers, such as the Middle East. His delegation was ready to start negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament on transparency, provided that such a proposal promoted transparency in nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, high technologies and conventional arms in a non-discriminatory manner. The representative of China, speaking in explanation of vote, said that the Register was originally intended to build confidence through enhanced transparency. Since 1993, his delegation had participated in the Register. Regrettably, however, a certain country, in defiance of the relevant provisions of the resolution, for three consecutive years since 1996 had contributed to the Register by recording its arms sales to Taiwan in the form of so-called footnotes. That had not only violated China's sovereignty and interfered in its internal affairs, but was not an arms transfer between sovereign States.
The participation of Taiwan in the Register had politicized it. China, therefore, would suspend its participation in the Register. Since the draft resolution called on Member States to provide data to the Register, under the current circumstances his country could not support the draft. In that connection, his Government demanded that the parties concerned take immediate action to correct those incorrect practices, in order to maintain the Register's intent. Also, the draft once again requested the Secretary-General
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to establish a group of experts to explore the Register's further development and requested the Conference on Disarmament to take up its work in that regard. His delegation held a different view on those points. In view of the above reasons, he had abstained.
The representative of Myanmar, also speaking in explanation of vote, said that transparency in armaments could be a useful confidence-building measure, provided it was non-discriminatory, universal and voluntary. The draft resolution contained shortcomings, which were also present in the previous draft on the subject. He had reservations on operative paragraph 4(b) and misgivings about the usefulness of holding another meeting of governmental experts. Moreover, he did not see the urgent need for the Conference on Disarmament to take up that issue, as called for in operative paragraph 6, at a time when it should be concentrating on banning fissile material for nuclear weapons, nuclear disarmament and other urgent issues. Accordingly, his delegation had abstained in the votes on the operative paragraphs and on the draft as a whole.
The representative of Algeria, also speaking in explanation of vote on the transparency text, said his delegation attached great importance to the question of transparency and endorsed it as a confidence-building measure. It, therefore, regretted, once again, its inability to support a draft that continued to deal with the matter through the same framework, thereby demonstrating its inability to meet States' expectations. It could not support initiatives unable to establish a truly viable, effective and comprehensive transparency system.
Perhaps the transparency question should be further defined and extended, he said. It should no longer be based exclusively on conventional weapons, but should also include nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. It might also evolve a position on the transfers of high technology and on national production and military holdings. His delegation, therefore, had abstained in the vote on the draft.
The representative of Cuba, speaking in explanation of vote, said that its positive vote was due to the positive nature of the text. His country had participated for seven years in the Register and had actively contributed to two working groups of governmental experts to consider the matter. It retained reservations, however, on operative paragraph 6, calling for further work in the Conference on Disarmament, which explained his abstention. The Conference had done its work on transparency, and any decision to take up that question once again should take into account disarmament priorities, as established clearly by the General Assembly.
The representative of Malawi said that if his delegation had been
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present for the three votes related to the transparency text (document A/C.1/53/L.43), it would have voted favourably. Similarly, the representatives of El Salvador, Philippines, Bolivia and Jamaica said that, if they had been present, they would have voted in favour of the two operative paragraphs and of the draft text as a whole.
The representative of the Republic of Moldova said that if his delegation had been present for the first separate vote on operative paragraph 4(b), it would have voted in favour of it.
The representative of Egypt said his delegation would have participated in the vote on operative paragraph 4(b) of the transparency text, if it had been present.
The representative of Syria said that if he had been present, he would have abstained in the vote on the two operative paragraphs. His abstention in the vote on the draft as a whole had been correctly recorded.
The representative of the Republic of Korea made general comments on the group of resolutions on disarmament machinery -- concerning the Disarmament Commission (document A/C.1/53/L.1), the Africa regional centre (A/C.1/53/L.8), disarmament information programme (A/C.1/53/L.18), regional centres (A/C.1/53/L.25) and disarmament fellowships (A/C.1/53/L.29).
He said he welcomed the successful conclusion of the rationalization of the United Nations Disarmament Commission and the steady progress on the concept of nuclear-weapon-free zones. The Commission had a unique role in disarmament as a specialized body with universal membership. In order to enhance its role, however, it should focus on guidelines on practical disarmament measures and transparency in armaments.
He said he hoped that the Commission would make available its long-term agenda to enable Member States prepare properly for its deliberations. He hoped that a final decision would be reached on the issue of convening a special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament at the Commission's next session. Since the end of the cold war, some notable progress had been made in the sphere of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament in general. The time had now come to review matters regarding the most critical issue in that context -- the future of disarmament and arms control.
Concerning the draft text on the Conference on Disarmament (document A/C.1/53/L.12), he said his delegation appreciated the role of the Conference as the sole multilateral negotiating body on disarmament in the international community. In that connection, he welcomed the decision of the Conference to
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establish an ad hoc committee to negotiate a fissile material cut-off treaty. That was a remarkable achievement and he looked forward to concrete progress on the issue. That required the full participation of all nuclear-weapon- capable States.
Continuing, he said it was worth noting that the United Nations Regional Centre in Asia and the Pacific had made a large contribution to disarmament in the region, through a number of programmes known as the "Kathmandu process". His Government welcomed plans in that regard for a future conference on nuclear non-proliferation, among other things, and had resolved to pay all its financial contributions towards the activities of the Centre.
In turn, the Committee took up and approved without a vote, the following draft texts: Disarmament Commission (document A/C.1/53/L.1); United Nations Regional Centres in Africa (document A/C.1/53/L.8); United Nations disarmament information programme (document A/C.1/53/L.18); United Nations regional centres for peace and disarmament (document A/C.1/53/L.25); and United Nations disarmament fellowship training and advisory services (document A/C.1/53/L.29).
Next, the Committee took up its draft resolution on the role of science and technology in the context of international security (document A/C.1/53/L.15) and approved it by a recorded vote of 77 in favour to 43 against, with 16 abstentions (Annex IV).
In explanation of vote after the vote, the representative of Argentina said his country cooperated with many others on technological materials and also supplied the same to numerous Member States. His country was convinced that the exchange of technology was beneficial and also tended to increase when it was used responsibly. His Government's policy was governed by the principle of transparency. He was convinced that the makers and users of all relevant technology must provide adequate safeguards for others. His country abstained in the vote, because the draft text did not recommend any control mechanisms.
The representative of Jordan said his country had intended to vote in favour.
The draft text on developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security (document A/C.1/53/L.17/Rev.1) was approved without a vote.
In explanation following action on the text, the representative of the United States said his delegation joined in the consensus on the draft text and commended the flexibility of the main sponsor. The text outlined a
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balanced approach that would enable the international community to begin thoughtful and reflective consideration of "this new and complicated topic".
Continuing, he said the General Assembly's adoption of the resolution in plenary would launch the international community on a complex enterprise that encompassed many interrelated factors that the Committee's delegates did not ordinarily address. For example, the topic included technical aspects that related to global communications. It also touched on non-technical issues associated with economic cooperation and trade, intellectual property rights, law enforcement, anti-terrorist cooperation, and other issues considered in the Second Committee (Economic and Social) and the Sixth Committee (Legal). The initiative also involved important concerns of individuals, associations, enterprises, and other organizations that were active in the private sector.
The international community's future consideration of the topic should draw on the experiences of the Second and Sixth Committees, he said. His delegation believed it would be equally important to seek ideas and insights from experts in respective governments and societies.
The representative of Australia said that, although he had joined the consensus on the draft text, he had some reservations because of ambiguous language. Thus, the implications of the draft were not clear. He looked forward to further clarification.
The representative of Egypt said that, despite the broad issues covered by the draft text, his delegation had joined in the consensus. However, he agreed with Australia regarding the ambiguity of the language of the draft, in some respects. For example, how could one define telecommunications in the context of international security? He hoped unanswered questions would be clarified.
The draft text on observance of environmental norms in the drafting and implementation of agreements on disarmament and arms control (document A/C.1/53/L.26) was approved by a recorded vote of 138 in favour to none against, with four abstentions (France, Israel, United Kingdom, United States) (Annex V).
In explanation of vote after the vote, the representative of the United States said, as had been the case in the past several years, his Government was confused about the purpose and objectives of the draft and strongly questioned its relevance to the work of the Committee. His Government saw no direct connection between general environmental standards and multilateral arms control agreements. Those kinds of agreements were intricate and difficult enough to negotiate, without having to consider how to focus on vague environmental norms.
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No one could oppose the idea of preserving the environment, he said. Member States negotiating any bilateral, regional or multilateral arms control and disarmament agreements should take relevant environmental concerns into account in carrying out such agreements. His Government operated under stringent domestic environmental legislation. While this year's draft on the subject did not include the overtly objectionable language used in previous years, his Government would continue to question its relevance, purpose and utility. For that reason, he had abstained in the vote.
The Committee then approved, without a vote, the draft text on the relationship between disarmament and development (document A/C.1/53/L.27).
Speaking after action on the text, the representative of the United States said his country had not participated in the consensus on the draft. His Government believed that disarmament and development were two distinct issues that simply did not lend themselves to being linked. That was the reason why the United States did not participate in the 1987 conference on the matter. Accordingly, his Government did not and would not consider itself bound by the declarations in the final document of that conference.
The representative of Austria spoke on behalf of the European Union and the associated countries of Cyprus, Iceland and Norway. He said the countries he spoke for had joined in the consensus on the draft text. That notwithstanding, he needed to clarify that they recognized no automatic link between their commitment in socio-economic development and the subject of disarmament. There was simply no linkage between savings on disarmament and savings elsewhere. Still, he wished to reassure Member States that they attached a great importance to international cooperation for development. In that context, it should be stressed that their economic assistance to developing countries amounted to two thirds of the global total.
The representative of Israel said his delegation, too, had joined the consensus on the draft, but wished to dissociate themselves from the fourth preambular paragraph of the text, which had referred to the Final Document of the Twelfth Conference of Heads of State or Government of the Non-Aligned countries. That document made unacceptable references to his country and the Middle East situation.
The Committee next took up the draft on consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures (document A/C.1/53/L.31/Rev.1).
The representative of Syria said that Germany was not mentioned in the Arabic text.
The Committee then approved the draft resolution on consolidation of
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peace through practical disarmament measures (document A/C.1/53/L.31/Rev.1) without a vote.
The Committee proceeded to take action on the international security category of its draft texts.
The representative of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, speaking on behalf of the co-sponsors of the draft on the prevention of the violent disintegration of States (document A/C.1/53/L.44/Rev.1), said that the text was the second such draft to address one of the most urgent issues on present international relations. The United Nations must institute measures to help prevent the violent disintegration of States, thereby enhancing international peace and security, as well as the economic and social advancement of all people.
He said that the draft sought to address that issue positively by underlining the emergence of new opportunities for peace. At present, the globalization of international relations could not avoid the globalization of efforts to prevent new conflicts, solve present ongoing ones, strengthen international peace and security, and promote international cooperation.
The text stressed the importance of regional efforts and the activities of such international organizations as the Organization of American Unity (OAU) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and stressed good-neighbourly and friendly relations among States, he went on. It also called on States to peacefully resolve disputes. Moreover, it affirmed strict compliance of the inviolability of international borders, as well as the territorial integrity of States. It was not controversial and should be viewed as an important Assembly effort to maintain international peace and security.
Before taking action on that text, the Committee turned to its resolution on strengthening security and cooperation in the Mediterranean region (document A/C.1/53/L.32/Rev.2), and approved it without a vote.
The representative of Israel, speaking in explanation of vote, said that his country was satisfied that such an important text was approved without a vote. The draft had been tabled for some years and sought to set down some major principles aimed at strengthening cooperation and dialogue among the States of the region. It could continue to achieve consensus, as long as it did not contain short-sighted objectives.
The text must continue to reflect the spirit in which it was first conceived and adopted. All security matters concerning the Middle East were linked to the peace process as a whole. Operative paragraph 5, concerning
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adherence to multilateral disarmament treaties, did not take into account that priority should be given to achieving global agreement.
The representative of Iran, also speaking in explanation of vote, said his delegation had joined consensus on the text, but it would record its reservations concerning the eighth preambular paragraph, which stated that the peace negotiations in the Middle East should be of a comprehensive nature and represent an appropriate framework for the peaceful settlement of contentious issues in the region -- given the situation there.
The Committee again turned to the draft resolution on preventing the violent disintegration of States (document A/C.1/53/L.44/Rev.1).
The representative of China requested a recorded vote on the draft.
The representative of Pakistan, speaking in explanation before the vote, expressed his appreciation for efforts undertaken to promote the objectives of the draft. Although his delegation fully shared that objective, it would abstain in the vote for two reasons. First, the draft did not affirm the fundamental right of self-determination. Second, the new draft included certain concepts in its preambular part which were not relevant to its objectives.
The representative of Mexico, speaking in explanation of vote before the vote, said his delegation, as in the past, would have to abstain. It was not entirely convinced that the topic covered by the draft was under the purview of the First Committee, whose mandate was essentially disarmament. There was also an imbalance in the operative paragraphs of the text. The principle of territorial integrity prevailed, while the principles of self-determination and non-interference in the domestic affairs of States, equally important, were omitted. Finally, the text appealed to a number of regional bodies to undertake preventive action, which might not be part of their mandates.
The representative of Jordan requested recorded votes on operative paragraphs 3 and 4. Those concerned, respectively: the peaceful resolution of disputes; and an affirmation of the need for strict compliance with the principle of the inviolability of international borders.
Before voting on operative paragraph 3, the representative of Mexico said that he would vote in favour of the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes, and he could not understand any vote by a United Nations Member in abstention or against that principle.
The Committee approved operative paragraph 3, concerning the peaceful resolution of disputes, by a recorded vote of 144 in favour to none against,
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with no abstentions (Annex VI).
Before taking acting on operative paragraph 4, the representative of Mexico said that an isolated vote on a principle of international law could only be a positive vote. It would be impossible to vote against it.
The Committee then approved operative paragraph 4, concerning international borders, by a recorded vote of 143 in favour to none against, with no abstentions (Annex VII).
The Committee then approved the draft resolution on the violent disintegration of States (document A/C.1/53/L.44/Rev.1) by a recorded vote of 136 in favour to none against, with 7 abstentions (Armenia, Chile, China, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Pakistan) (Annex VIII).
The representative of Armenia, speaking in explanation of vote, said her delegation had abstained because the text did not sufficiently reflect the problem. She agreed with the comments made by the representative of Liechtenstein that, although the draft focused on an important issue, it did not properly address it. That constituted a lost opportunity. While invoking the United Nations Charter as an essential component for dealing with those issues, it failed to affirm the full complement of those principles.
She said that the text, while focusing on territorial integrity issues, should also have incorporated the principle of self-determination. Indeed, those principles were not contradictory and were mutually reinforcing.
The representative of China said that he agreed with the main thrust of the text and with most of its main elements, which had led to his acceptance of the draft as a whole. A certain preambular paragraph, however, contained some elements that did not fall within the Committee's mandate. As such, his delegation had proposed amendments, which had not been incorporated into the final text. For those reasons, he had abstained.
The representative of Liechtenstein said he had first presented his view on the text on 2 November, during the Committee's thematic debate. The draft dealt with a highly topical issue and could have made an important contribution. It failed to do so, because of its strong emphasis on the principle of territorial integrity. As a Member State of the United Nations, his country was deeply committed to that principle. At the same time, however, it should be considered in a certain framework and upholding it was not a goal in itself.
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Overall, the text did not live up to the expectations created by its title, he said. The issue it reflected was gaining increasing attention and should be further developed, yet the text did not properly address the concrete efforts required to deal with that issue. He was grateful for its acknowledgement that the vast majority of present conflicts were within States. Its preventive approach, however, did not address the root causes of conflict, which was key in preventive efforts. The intentions behind the text were sound, but its sponsor could have conducted an open discussion of the draft, so that some additional proposals could have been incorporated.
The representative of Chile said that he agreed with the statements made by the representatives of Mexico and Pakistan. The text did not fully recognize a balance between international law and the United Nations Charter, particularly in its operative part. The door was left open to a misinterpretation or a tacit authorization for the right to interfere in internal conflicts, which was not yet an established principle and differed from humanitarian law. In order to remain consistent, from the legal aspect, his delegation had abstained.
The Committee next turned to the draft resolution on preventing an arms race in outer space (document A/C.1/53/L.40) and approved it by a recorded vote of 140 in favour to none against, with 5 abstentions (Argentina, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, United States) (Annex IX).
The representative of the United States, speaking in explanation of vote, said that her country had abstained from the vote on that text in previous years because, for almost a decade, there had been unprecedented cooperation in outer space and certainly no arms race. The outer space treaty of 1967 had forbidden the emplacement of weapons of mass destruction in outer space, in a necessary and sufficient instrument. Her country saw no prospect of an arms race and did not believe it worthwhile for the Conference on Disarmament to establish an ad hoc committee to deliberate on outer space topics.
She said that the Conference should instead concentrate on negotiating a fissile material cut-off treaty, as it finally agreed to do last August. In addition, the United States and many other countries felt that the Conference should negotiate a treaty that would ban the transfer or export of anti- personnel mines. Those two efforts would undoubtedly absorb a major share of time available to delegations in Geneva. The United States had already carried out significant transparency and confidence-building measures in outer space activities and remained willing to discuss other specific proposals in that regard.
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The representative of Germany, speaking in explanation of vote also on behalf of the United Kingdom, said that their support of the draft should not be misconstrued when the subject was addressed in the 1999 session of the Conference on Disarmament. In the past, both countries had contributed to the ad hoc committee on outer space and had submitted a number of proposals. Unfortunately, those had not achieved consensus. They recognized the continued validity of the subject and would support the reappointment of a Special Coordinator in the Conference to re-examine that issue with an open mind and in a constructive manner.
He said that the decision to establish an ad hoc committee should depend on the possibility of identifying the substantive issues in which useful work could be done. The Conference had other important priorities for 1999, including, first and foremost, an early start on negotiations on a fissile material cut-off treaty. Their positive vote on the draft should not be understood as an automatic approval of the establishment of an ad hoc committee, but rather as a demonstration of flexibility on the matter.
The representative of Ghana said that his delegation would have voted in favour of the transparency text (document A/C.1/53/L.43).
(Annexes follow)
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First Committee Press Release GA/DIS/3129 24th Meeting (AM) 5 November 1998
ANNEX I
Vote on Operative Paragraph 4(b) of Transparency in Armaments
Operative paragraph 4(b), concerning the report of the Secretary-General on the Register of Conventional Arms, in the draft resolution on transparency in armaments (document A/C.1/53/L.43) was approved by a recorded vote of 100 in favour to none against, with 11 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Central African Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lesotho, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Against: None.
Abstain: Algeria, China, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Libya, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia.
Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Colombia, Comoros, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Moldova, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Slovenia, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
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(END OF ANNEX I)
First Committee Press Release GA/DIS/3129 24th Meeting (AM) 5 November 1998
ANNEX II
Vote on Operative Paragraph 6 of Transparency in Armaments
Operative paragraph 6, concerning the Conference on Disarmament, in the draft resolution on transparency in armaments (document A/C.1/53/L.43) was approved by a recorded vote of 102 in favour to none against, with 12 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Canada, Central African Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Eritrea, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lesotho, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Monaco, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Against: None.
Abstain: Algeria, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Libya, Mexico, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, Yemen.
Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Colombia, Comoros, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan,
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Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
(END OF ANNEX II)
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First Committee Press Release GA/DIS/3129 24th Meeting (AM) 5 November 1998
ANNEX III
Vote on Transparency in Armaments
The draft resolution on transparency in armaments (document A/C.1/53/L.43) was approved by a recorded vote of 112 in favour to none against, with 12 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lesotho, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Against: None.
Abstain: Algeria, China, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, Libya, Mexico, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen.
Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Nicaragua, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Suriname, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
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(END OF ANNEX III)
First Committee Press Release GA/DIS/3129 24th Meeting (AM) 5 November 1998
ANNEX IV
Vote on Science and Technology in International Security
The draft resolution on the role of science and technology in the context of international security (document A/C.1/53/L.15) was approved by a recorded vote of 77 in favour to 43 against, with 16 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen.
Against: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States.
Abstain: Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil, Georgia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Marshall Islands, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Ukraine, Uruguay.
Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Belize, Benin, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Jordan, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zambia,
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Zimbabwe.
(END OF ANNEX IV)
First Committee Press Release GA/DIS/3129 24th Meeting (AM) 5 November 1998
ANNEX V
Vote on Environmental Norms in Disarmament
The draft resolution on the observance of environmental norms in drafting disarmament agreements (document A/C.1/53/L.26) was approved by a recorded vote of 138 in favour to none against, with 4 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
Against: None.
Abstain: France, Israel, United Kingdom, United States.
Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Belize, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint
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Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zambia.
(END OF ANNEX V)
First Committee Press Release GA/DIS/3129 24th Meeting (AM) 5 November 1998
ANNEX VI
Vote on Operative Paragraph 3 of Disintegration of States
Operative paragraph 3, concerning the peaceful settlement of disputes, in the draft resolution on the prevention of the violent disintegration of States (document A/C.1/53/L.44/Rev.1) was adopted by a recorded vote of 144 in favour to none against, with no abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
Against: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Belize, Cape Verde, Comoros, Democratic
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Republic of Congo, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea- Bissau, Honduras, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Nigeria, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Zambia.
(END OF ANNEX VI)
First Committee Press Release GA/DIS/3129 24th Meeting (AM) 5 November 1998
ANNEX VII
Vote on Operative Paragraph 4 of Disintegration of States
Operative paragraph 4, concerning international borders, of the draft resolution on the prevention of the violent disintegration of States (document A/C.1/53/L.44/Rev.1) was approved by a recorded vote of 143 in favour to none against, with no abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
Against: None.
Abstain: None.
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Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Belize, Cape Verde, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Madagascar, Mauritius, Nigeria, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Zambia. (END OF ANNEX VII)
First Committee Press Release GA/DIS/3129 24th Meeting (AM) 5 November 1998
ANNEX VIII
Vote on Prevention of Violent Disintegration of States
The draft resolution on the prevention of the violent disintegration of States (document A/C.1/53/L.44/Rev.1) was approved by a recorded vote of 136 in favour to none against, with 7 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
Against: None.
Abstain: Armenia, Chile, China, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Pakistan.
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Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Belize, Cape Verde, Comoros, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Mauritius, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Syria, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Zambia.
(END OF ANNEX VIII)
First Committee Press Release GA/DIS/3129 24th Meeting (AM) 5 November 1998
ANNEX IX
Vote on Preventing Arms Race in Outer Space
The draft resolution on the prevention of an arms race in outer space (document A/C.1/53/L.40) was approved by a recorded vote of 140 in favour to none against, with 5 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
Against: None.
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Abstain: Argentina, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, United States.
Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Belize, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zambia.
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