CHAIRMAN CITES `DAUNTING GLOBAL CHALLENGE' OF DISARMAMENT AS FIRST COMMITTEE CONCLUDES WORK FOR CURRENT SESSION
Press Release
GA/DIS/3136
CHAIRMAN CITES `DAUNTING GLOBAL CHALLENGE' OF DISARMAMENT AS FIRST COMMITTEE CONCLUDES WORK FOR CURRENT SESSION
19981113 Approves Draft Decision on Test-Ban Treaty, Draft Resolution on Banning Production of Fissile MaterialThe First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) this afternoon concluded its work for the current session by approving a draft decision on the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and a draft resolution on a possible treaty banning the production of fissile material for weapon purposes.
The draft decision, by which the General Assembly would decide to include in the provisional agenda of its fifty-fourth session an item entitled "Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty" was approved by a recorded vote of 135 in favour to none against, with 4 abstentions (Bhutan, India, Lebanon, Syria). (For details of the vote, seen Annex.)
Prior to approval of the draft decision, a draft resolution on the CTBT was withdrawn by the co-sponsors, because it had been impossible to achieve consensus on the text. Several amendments to the draft resolution, proposed by India and Pakistan, were also withdrawn.
The draft resolution concerning the production of fissile material was approved without a vote. By its terms, the Assembly would welcome the decision of the Conference on Disarmament to establish an ad hoc committee to negotiate a non-discriminatory, multilateral and internationally and effectively verifiable treaty banning its production for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices. Prior to action on the text, an amendment to the draft resolution submitted by Pakistan was withdrawn.
In a closing statement, André Mernier (Belgium), the Committee Chairman, said that the Committee's work had reflected well on the image of the United Nations as an institution devoted to advancing the common interests of mankind, including on matters relating to sovereign interests and national security. Future historians would surely consider 1998 as the year when the world's consciousness was abruptly raised about the magnitude and persistence of the global nuclear threat. The nuclear tests in South Asia had underscored
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several important lessons of the contemporary age, including a widespread public recognition that new nuclear armament "begets nuclear arms races, not disarmament".
He said those tests reminded the international community that progress on nuclear non-proliferation could not be taken for granted. Indeed, those tests reminded the world once again that the potential horrors of nuclear war transcended national or regional geographic boundaries and, hence, required the urgent attention of all countries. Thus, they were a reminder that nuclear disarmament was a solemn national responsibility and "a daunting global challenge". It was both appropriate and necessary for the United Nations to remain closely engaged in deliberating such issues.
Several delegations expressed their sincere appreciation to the Chairman for leading the Committee through delicate deliberations. Statements were made by the representatives of: South Africa, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement; Sudan, on behalf of the African Group; Oman, on behalf of the Group of Asian States; Romania, on behalf of the Group of Eastern European States; Australia, on behalf of the Group of Western States; Ecuador, on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States; Austria, on behalf of the European Union; and Yemen, on behalf of the Group of Arab States.
Statements were also made by the representatives of the Philippines, Solomon Islands, Norway, Republic of Korea, Japan, Mexico, United States, South Africa, Cuba and Iran.
Committee Work Programme
The First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) met this afternoon to continue taking action on all disarmament and security-related draft resolutions.
The Committee had before it draft texts on the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and on prohibition of the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons. It also had before it amendments to those two drafts.
The draft resolution on the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) (document A/C.1/53/L.11) would have the Assembly call upon all States that had not yet done so to adhere to the Treaty at the earliest possible date, thus contributing to its rapid entry into force and the early achievement of universal adherence. The Assembly would urge States to maintain their moratoriums on nuclear-weapon tests and to refrain from acts which would defeat the object and purpose of the Treaty. It would decide to include the item in the provisional agenda of the fifty-fourth session.
The draft resolution is sponsored by Australia, Fiji, Mexico and New Zealand.
An amendment submitted by Pakistan (document A/C.1/53/L.53) to that draft would add a new fifth preambular paragraph, as follows:
"Recalling that article XIV.I requires the signature and ratification by all the States listed in Annex 2 of the CTBT for the Treaty to enter force."
The amendment would also replace the words "Calls upon" in operative paragraph 1 with the word "Invites", so that the paragraph would now invite all States to sign and to become parties to the CTBT at the earliest possible date.
The amendment would further add the word "concerned" after the words "urges the States" in the first line of operative paragraph 3. In the same paragraph, it would add the words "especially all forms of nuclear testing for the qualitative development of nuclear weapons", after the words "... refrain from acts" in line two and before the words "... which would defeat..." in line three.
Thus, the new operative paragraph 3 would read:
"Urges the States concerned to maintain their moratoria on nuclear- weapon tests and to refrain from acts, especially all forms of nuclear testing for the qualitative development of nuclear weapons, which would defeat the object and purpose of the Treaty pending its entry into force."
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An amendment submitted by India to the CTBT draft (document A/C.1/53/L.64) would add the following to the end of operative paragraph 3:
"and emphasizes that if the objectives of the Treaty were to be fully realized, the continued commitment of all States signatories, especially the nuclear-weapon States, to nuclear disarmament would be essential."
That paragraph would now read:
"3. Urges States to maintain their moratoria on nuclear-weapon tests and to refrain from acts which would defeat the object and purpose of the Treaty pending its entry into force and emphasizes that if the objectives of the Treaty were to be fully realized, the continued commitment of all States signatories, especially the nuclear-weapon States, to nuclear disarmament would be essential."
According to the draft text on the prohibition of the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices (document A/C.1/53/L.24/Rev.1), the Assembly would welcome the decision of the Conference on Disarmament to establish, under item 1 of its agenda on the cessation of the nuclear arms race and nuclear disarmament, an ad hoc committee to negotiate, on the basis of the report of the Special Coordinator, a non-discriminatory, multilateral and internationally and effectively verifiable treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices.
The Assembly would note with satisfaction that the ad hoc committee had already engaged in the first step in the substantive negotiations and would encourage the Conference to re-establish the ad hoc committee at the beginning of the 1999 session.
The draft resolution is sponsored by Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States.
An amendment sponsored by India and Pakistan to the draft on fissile material (document A/C.1/53/L.51) would insert the following as a new first preambular paragraph:
"Recalling paragraph 50 of the Final Document of the First Special Session of the General Assembly devoted to Disarmament (SSOD I) which called for the cessation in the production of fissile material for weapons purposes as part of a comprehensive phased programme leading to the complete elimination of nuclear weapons."
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After the existing second preambular paragraph, the following additional preambular paragraphs would be inserted:
"Noting the continuing differences among Member States regarding the scope and objectives of the Treaty,
"Convinced that any treaty on fissile material must constitute a disarmament measure and not only a non-proliferation measure."
Also, the following would be added at the end of operative paragraph 3:
"to negotiate a fissile material treaty which must form an integral step of a process of nuclear disarmament leading to the total elimination of nuclear weapons within a time-bound framework."
Operative paragraph 3 would now read:
"3. Encourages the Conference on Disarmament to re-establish its ad hoc committee at the beginning of the 1999 session to negotiate a fissile material treaty, which must form an integral step of a process of nuclear disarmament leading to the total elimination of nuclear weapons within a time-bound framework."
Action on Texts
The representative of New Zealand said that the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), adopted just over two years ago, had now been signed by 150 countries. The Treaty's preparatory committee and the provisional secretariat were well established in Vienna, and good progress was being made towards a global verification system. The General Assembly, last year, had made no pronouncement on the CTBT. This year, the delegations of Australia, Fiji, Mexico and New Zealand had tabled a draft resolution because it was important and appropriate that the Committee demonstrate clearly international support for the Treaty and a commitment to see it brought into force.
He said that the draft resolution before the Committee (document A/C.1/53/L.11) was straightforward, single-minded and practically focused on encouraging further signatures and ratification, as well as its early adherence and early entry into force. The draft's co-sponsors had made a genuine effort to consult widely on the text so that it could be adopted by consensus. Unfortunately, other issues were at the forefront and it had not been possible to achieve that goal. The co-sponsors, therefore, proposed to withdraw the draft text.
The representative of Pakistan said that, in light of that statement, he would also withdraw his amendment to the CTBT draft (document A/C.1/53/L.53).
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Several representatives, including from the Philippines, Solomon Islands, Norway, Republic of Korea and Japan voiced their disappointment over the sponsor's intention to withdraw the draft resolution on the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. They said Member States had worked long and hard towards the Treaty's adoption and towards the creation of a provisional technical secretariat in Vienna. They considered it both important and appropriate for the Committee to make a pronouncement on that instrument in order to express the importance that many countries attached to it.
The representative of Mexico, as a co-sponsor of the draft, said they were withdrawing it from consideration because of the maximum importance they attributed to the Treaty, and they sought a vote that was not divided, even consensus. Given the time limitations, as well as the fact that the Committee's attention was focused elsewhere, it had been impossible to reach agreement on a text that would command consensus.
He said that the appeal for the universality of the Treaty should not be questioned, which was why the co-sponsors did not wish to put the draft to a vote. Furthermore, they did not want small differences of opinion regarding minor drafting issues to send the wrong message about the Treaty as a whole. Some delegations felt it was more important to state their views than to preserve the integrity of the Treaty. Let those assume responsibility for what was occurring.
Last year a decision was made by the Committee to place on this year's agenda the item on implementation of the CTBT, he said. Could the Chairman suspend the meeting for 10 minutes to see if it was possible to reach agreement on a decision that would be adopted by consensus and which would place the item on the agenda for next year?
Following a brief suspension, the representative of New Zealand said that agreement had been reached to consider a draft decision on the CTBT. He proposed the following wording for consideration:
"The General Assembly, on the recommendation of the First Committee, recalling its resolution 50/245 of 10 September 1996, decided to include in the provisional agenda of its fifty-fourth session the item entitled `Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty'."
The representative of India said that if the Committee decided to take up the draft decision, she would request a recorded vote.
The Committee then proceeded to take up the draft decision entitled Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (document A/C.1/53/L.65). It was approved by a recorded vote of 135 in favour to none against, with 4 abstentions (Bhutan, India, Lebanon, Syria). (For details of the vote see Annex.)
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The representative of India, speaking in explanation of vote, said that the Committee was aware of the circumstances leading to India "standing aside" from the CTBT in 1996. After concluding a limited series of tests in May, her country had announced a voluntary moratorium on further underground nuclear test explosions and had conveyed its willingness to move forward to a de jure formalization of that obligation. Having harmonized its security requirements and desirous of cooperating with the international community, it was now engaged with key interlocutors on a range of issues, including the CTBT.
She said her country was prepared to bring those discussions to a successful conclusion, so that the entry into force of the CTBT would not be delayed beyond 1999. During negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament, India had sought to place that Treaty in a disarmament framework by proposing its linkage with a time-bound programme for the universal elimination of nuclear weapons. The Treaty that had emerged remained a partial measure. Her delegation had voted against Assembly resolution 50/245 and had, therefore, abstained on the decision just approved.
The representative of the Philippines, speaking in explanation of vote, said he was somewhat disappointed at not having a CTBT draft resolution this year. He hoped the decision not to push the resolution and to act on a draft decision would contribute towards a CTBT text next year, with more welcome results.
The Republic of Korea, speaking in explanation of vote, said he had supported the draft decision, but that did not mean he was satisfied with not having a CTBT resolution this year. If the original draft text had not been withdrawn by the co-sponsors, his delegation would have strongly supported it. The adoption of the CTBT by the General Assembly in 1996 was hailed as another great achievement of the international community in strengthening the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. The cessation of all nuclear tests would constitute a meaningful step conducive towards deterring the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the realization of a systematic nuclear disarmament process.
As evidenced by the nuclear testing in South Asia last May, the task of strengthening that regime required, more urgently than ever, an increased vigilance against future nuclear tests by any other country, he said. It was crucial to achieve the CTBT's early entry into force and universal adherence. He hoped the international community could work closely together towards that common objective.
The representative of India said she would, of course, now formally withdraw the amendment (document A/C.1/53/L.64), since the draft resolution had also been withdrawn.
The representative of the Solomon Islands said he wished to speak on the draft approved this morning concerning a new nuclear disarmament agenda
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(document A/C.1/53/L.48/Rev.1). A number of delegates, particularly the nuclear Powers, had said that the strategy of nuclear deterrence had ended the cold war and kept the peace. That statement had been made with authority and on a number of occasions. His country had long come to doubt the truthfulness of that claim. Serious consideration should be given at the next Assembly session to conduct, in the First Committee, at least a one-day forum, during which the question of nuclear deterrence strategies could be debated.
The Committee then took up the draft resolution on the commencement of negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament for a fissile material cut-off treaty (document A/C.1/53/L.24/Rev.1).
The representative of the United States said he wished to address the proposed amendments to the draft on fissile material. Those were neither necessary or helpful in encouraging the Conference on Disarmament to continue its long awaited negotiations on a non-discriminatory, multilateral and international effectively verifiable treaty. The consensus to establish that ad hoc committee was fragile and future negotiations would be complex and difficult.
He said his Government condemned the nuclear tests by India and the subsequent tests by Pakistan. Following those, the two countries had made some progress in addressing non-proliferation and disarmament interests. The United States wished to put its relations with them on a "better footing" and welcomed the resumption of dialogue, which was crucial to addressing the core issues of the dispute.
The current global economic crisis also threatened Pakistan's stability, he said. In that context, President Clinton would support a lending package for Pakistan, which he would discuss with its Prime Minister next month. Although Pakistan's economy would occupy the agenda, exploring further ways to make progress on non-proliferation and disarmament would also be discussed. The announcement by both India and Pakistan in the General Assembly regarding their intentions to join the CTBT and participate in negotiations for a fissile material cut-off treaty were perfectly consistent with the provisions of the draft resolution. He would appeal to Pakistan to withdraw the amendment to the draft.
The representative of South Africa said his country had long supported negotiations for a fissile material cut-off treaty in the Conference. Those negotiations were extremely important, given that fissile material was one of the most essential elements for the production of nuclear weapons. That treaty must constitute a disarmament measure and not only a non-proliferation measure. Its negotiation should form an integral step in the nuclear disarmament process, leading to the total elimination of nuclear weapons. He would have supported the amendment by Pakistan if the last few words "within a time-bound framework" had been deleted.
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The representative of Pakistan said his country, for more than 30 years, had supported the goal of concluding a treaty banning fissile material for nuclear weapons. That goal had always been perceived by the international community as part of a comprehensive programme for nuclear disarmament, leading to the total elimination of those weapons. In a statement made in the Committee on 30 October, following the introduction of the draft on fissile material, he had explained his rationale for the proposed amendments.
He said those amendments had sought, first, to reflect the fact that a ban on fissile production should be part of a comprehensive, phased programme for nuclear disarmament. Further, the treaty must be a disarmament measure and not only a non-proliferation measure. Second, the amendments sought to note the fact that continuing differences existed on the scope and objectives of such a treaty. His country was able to join consensus for the commencement of the negotiations in the Conference on the basis of certain understandings, which had evolved through bilateral discussions with the United States. Those understanding included that the objectives of South Asia security would be promoted through a cooperative, rather than a coercive approach.
He said he appreciated the spirit of appeal in the statement made by the United States delegation to withdraw the amendments, and also the constructive dialogue between their countries. That dialogue took into account the South Asia security environment. He welcomed the partial steps by the United States to promote a cooperative environment and looked forward to the removal of economic sanctions. A halt in the production of fissile material could only be acceptable to Pakistan if it was implemented within the context of multilateral negotiations, which resulted in an instrument that was universal and non-discriminatory. It was on that understanding, and in response to the appeal made by the United States delegation, that he would withdraw the amendments (document A/C.1/53/L.51).
The representative of Cuba said he would not insist on voting on those amendments in order to facilitate a decision on the important draft. He understood, however, that the draft did not prejudge the final position that Cuba would adopt on the scope and objectives of a future fissile material cut-off treaty, whose scope must be broad and be seen as one more step towards nuclear disarmament and the ultimate elimination of nuclear weapons. His delegation, therefore, reserved the right to promote its substantive positions in the Conference debate.
Before proceeding to take action on the draft, it was announced that Greece and Bulgaria had joined as co-sponsors.
The Committee then approved the draft resolution concerning negotiations for a fissile material cut-off treaty (document A/C.1/53/L.24/Rev.1) without a vote.
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The representative of Iran, speaking in explanation of vote, said he had joined consensus because he attached great importance to a future treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons. Future negotiations, however, should not be limited only to the future production of fissile material. The mandate for the ad hoc committee in the Conference on Disarmament also encompassed negotiations on past fissile material stockpiles. Leaving those out of the discussion would only legitimize the possession and vertical proliferation of nuclear weapons. Moreover, no fissile material cut-off treaty should remain outside international safeguards and its conclusion should also promote international cooperation for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Statement by Chairman
In a closing statement, the Committee Chairman, ANDRÉ MERNIER (Belgium), said the Committee's work reflected well on the image of the United Nations as an institution devoted to advancing the common interests of mankind, "even on matters relating to sovereign interests and national security". He appreciated the contributions of all the delegations to the positive atmosphere, which was conducive to confidence-building, peaceful change and disarmament.
He said he wanted to highlight some notable issues in the deliberations of the Committee during the session. Nuclear disarmament and non- proliferation received considerable attention, as significant issues in international peace and security. The Committee gave due consideration to the progress that had been made in reducing nuclear weapons, at both the unilateral and bilateral levels, and in reducing the risk of nuclear war. Yet, the deliberations reflected the conviction of some Member States that the nuclear disarmament process should continue at a more rapid pace.
The Member States, he continued, also demonstrated their strong support for the early entry into force of the CTBT, for the resumption of the Treaty on the Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (START) process, and for the negotiation of a fissile material treaty. The growing interest in accelerating the pace of nuclear disarmament had also been reflected in the Committee's debate over some new and innovative approaches to the problem. That was the case, specifically, in the deliberations over the resolution entitled "towards a nuclear-weapon-free world", and in the Committee's continuing recognition of the importance of nuclear-weapon-free zones, most recently with respect to their application in Central Asia and in Mongolia.
Continuing, he said future historians would surely consider 1998 as the year when the world's consciousness was abruptly raised about the magnitude and persistence of the global nuclear threat. The nuclear tests in South Asia underscored several important lessons of the contemporary age, including a widespread public recognition that new nuclear armament "begets nuclear arms races, not disarmament", he said.
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Those tests reminded the international community that progress on non-proliferation could not be taken for granted, he added. Indeed, those tests reminded the world once again that the potential horrors of nuclear war transcended national or regional geographic boundaries and, hence, required the urgent attention of all countries. Thus, they were a reminder that nuclear disarmament was a solemn national responsibility and "a daunting global challenge". It was both appropriate and necessary for the United Nations to remain closely engaged in deliberating such issues.
Against that background, he said he hoped that progress would be made in the next session of the Conference on Disarmament on the fissile material treaty, security assurances and prevention of an arms race in outer space, among other issues. There was a strong consensus in the Committee in support of ongoing efforts to strengthen the verification and compliance mechanism of the Biological Weapons Convention, and to bring that Treaty, as well as the Chemical Weapons Convention closer to full universal membership.
Given that many disarmament issues involved profound global interests, he said he hoped that the Disarmament Commission would continue its deliberations over the proposed special session of the General assembly devoted to disarmament and that the Assembly would itself convene such a session at the earliest possible date. The Secretary-General had stressed the central importance of disarmament to the global agenda and all must work together to achieve disarmament objectives, not just to debate them.
He noted with satisfaction that some progress had been made in pursuing those objectives, with respect to the illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons. The Committee accomplished a lot in that field, especially in being able to speak with one voice on the need to curb the problem, a deadly activity that frustrated economic development and jeopardized regional peace and security.
The Committee had also demonstrated its full confidence in the leadership of the Secretary-General, as reflected in resolutions seeking his assessments on the small arms problem. That confidence was also echoed in the respect that the Department for Disarmament Affairs had earned from all countries for its work in the first year after its re-establishment.
He said, as disarmament and its associated security benefits became more institutionalized in international society, he was convinced that success would be accompanied by significant progress in achieving development objectives. On the issue of landmines, he said different approaches with regard to how it should be addressed still existed. In the interest of the numerous victims of those weapons, States should continue to promote the final goal of eliminating them. On the few issues that had caused disagreements within the Committee, he was convinced that, in time, those issues would yield to the patient and dedicated actions of all Member States.
(Annex follows)
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First Committee Press Release GA/DIS/3136 31st Meeting (PM) 13 November 1998
ANNEX
Vote on Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
The draft decision on the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (document A/C.1/53/L.65) was approved by a recorded vote of 135 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, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, 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, 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, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia.
Against: None.
Abstain: Bhutan, India, Lebanon, Syria.
Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Belize, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea- Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Kuwait, Lesotho, Libya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.
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