FIRST COMMITTEE APPROVES 14 DRAFT RESOLUTIONS ON WIDE RANGE OF DISARMAMENT, SECURITY ISSUES

Press Release
GA/DIS/3189

FIRST COMMITTEE APPROVES 14 DRAFT RESOLUTIONS ON WIDE RANGE OF DISARMAMENT, SECURITY ISSUES

Regional Conventional Arms Control, Landmine Convention, Middle East Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Among Issues Addressed

The First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) took action this morning on fourteen draft resolutions on a wide variety of disarmament and security issues, among them conventional arms control at the regional level, the Ottawa Convention prohibiting anti-personnel landmines, a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East and others on international disarmament machinery.

The Assembly would decide to give urgent consideration to conventional arms control at regional and subregional levels, according to a draft text approved by a recorded vote of 145 in favour to 1 against (India), with 1 abstention (Bhutan). (For details of the vote, see Annex II.)

Also in the conventional weapons field, the Committee approved a draft by a recorded vote of 127 in favour to none against, with 22 abstentions on implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on Their Destruction (Ottawa Convention). Among its terms, the Assembly would urge all States that had not yet done so to ratify the Convention without delay. It would also renew its call upon all States to support and advance the care, rehabilitation and social and economic reintegration of mine victims, mine awareness programmes, and the removal of anti-personnel mines placed throughout the world (See Annex I).

Acting without a vote, the Committee approved a draft resolution by which the Assembly would urge all parties directly concerned with the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East to seriously consider taking the practical and urgent steps required for the implementation of that proposal, and as a means of promoting that objective, invite the countries concerned to adhere to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). It would call upon all countries of the region that had not done so, pending the establishment of the zone, to agree to place all their nuclear activities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards.

First Committee - 1a - Press Release GA/DIS/3189 23rd Meeting (AM) 26 October 2000

Under a draft resolution on the activities of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa, also approved without a vote, the Assembly would reaffirm its support for efforts aimed at promoting confidence-building measures at regional and subregional levels in order to ease tensions and conflicts in the subregion and to further peace, stability and sustainable development.

Also acting without a vote, the Committee approved draft resolutions by which the Assembly would: decide, subject to the emergence of a consensus on its objectives and agenda, to convene the fourth special session of the Assembly devoted to disarmament; urge the Conference on Disarmament to fulfil its role as the single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum of the international community; reaffirm the role of the Disarmament Commission; stress the importance of the United Nations Disarmament Information Programme; and recognize the importance of the work of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research.

By other texts, the Assembly would: express its appreciation to the IAEA, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Organization and the Monterey Institute of International Studies for organizing disarmament study programmes; and reiterate the importance of United Nations activities at the regional level to increase stability and security of Member States.

By further texts, the Assembly would reaffirm its strong support for: the revitalization of the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa; the role of the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean in promoting United Nations activities regionally; and the forthcoming operation and further strengthening of the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific.

Before taking action, Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs, Jayantha Dhanapala, informed the Committee of the numerous public appeals addressed to the United Nations for international peace, security and disarmament. Within the framework of observing the United Nations Disarmament Week, more than 50 members of the Japan Council Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs (Japan Gensuikyo) crossed the Pacific Ocean to New York to present to the United nations the "Appeal from Hiroshima and Nagasaki for a Total Ban and Elimination of Nuclear Weapons" together with more than 100 million signatures they collected for the Appeal, he said.

The representative of Cameroon introduced an amendment the to a draft resolution on regional disarmament. Statements were made by the representatives of Israel, Egypt, Republic of Korea, Libya, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Myanmar, Singapore, Cuba, India, Pakistan, Iran, Syria, Gabon, Nepal, Peru and Oman.

The Committee will meet again at 10 a.m. Friday, 27 October to continue taking action on all disarmament and security-related draft resolutions.

First Committee - 3 - Press Release GA/DIS/3189 23rd Meeting (AM) 26 October 2000

Committee Work Programme

The First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) met this morning to continue the third stage of its work, namely action on disarmament and security-related draft resolutions. It had before it one draft each on nuclear disarmament, conventional weapons, regional disarmament and security, and confidence-building measures, including transparency in armaments. It also had before it 10 drafts on disarmament machinery.

According to its programme of work, the Committee will act on a total of 50 draft resolutions during its current session. The drafts have been grouped into 10 clusters. They include 18 drafts under nuclear weapons, three under other weapons of mass destruction, one under outer space (disarmament aspects), five under conventional weapons, and three under regional disarmament and security. It will act on two drafts under confidence building measures, including transparency in armaments, 11 under disarmament machinery, four under other disarmament measures, one under related matters of disarmament and international security and two under international security.

By the terms of a draft resolution on the establishment of a nuclear- weapon-free zone in the region of the Middle East (document A/C.1/55/L.16), the General Assembly would urge all parties directly concerned to consider seriously taking the practical and urgent steps required for the implementation of the proposal to establish a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East and, as a means of promoting that objective, invite the countries concerned to adhere to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

By further terms of the resolution, the Assembly would call upon all countries of the region that had not done so, pending the establishment of the zone, to agree to place all their nuclear activities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. It would also invite all countries of the region to declare their support for establishing such a zone and not to develop, produce, test or otherwise acquire nuclear weapons or permit the stationing on their territories, or territories under their control, of nuclear weapons or nuclear explosive devices.

According to a draft text on the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines an on Their Destruction (Ottawa Convention) (document A/C.1/55/L.44), the Assembly would urge all States that had signed but not ratified the Convention to do so without delay. The Assembly would urge all States parties to provide the Secretary- General with complete and timely information, as required in article 7 of the Convention, in order to promote transparency and compliance.

In a further provision, the Assembly would renew its call upon all States and other relevant parties to work together to promote, support and advance the care, rehabilitation and social and economic reintegration of mine victims, mine awareness programmes, and the removal of anti-personnel mines placed throughout the world and the assurance of their destruction.

The draft resolution is sponsored by Albania, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, and Hungary.

Others are Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Moldova, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Samoa, San Marino, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

A draft resolution on conventional arms control at the regional and subregional levels (document A/C.1/55/L.35) would have the Assembly decide to give urgent consideration to the issues involved. It would request the Conference on Disarmament, as a first step, to consider the formulation of principles that could serve as a framework for regional agreements on conventional arms control, and looked forward to a report of the Conference on that subject. It would decide to include the item in the provisional agenda of the next Assembly session.

The draft resolution is sponsored by Bangladesh, Belarus, Fiji, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, Spain and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

By the terms of a draft resolution on regional confidence-building measures: activities of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa (document A/C.1/55/L.12) the General Assembly would reaffirm its support for efforts aimed at promoting confidence- building measures at regional and subregional levels in order to ease tensions and conflicts in the subregion and to further peace, stability and sustainable development.

By further terms of the draft resolution, the Assembly would welcome the creation of a mechanism for the promotion, maintenance and consolidation of peace and security in Central Africa, to be known as the Council for Peace and Security in Central Africa, by the Summit Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Central African Countries, held at Yaoundé on 25 February 1999, and would request the Secretary-General to give his full support to the effective realization of that mechanism. It would also emphasize the need to make the early-warning mechanism in Central Africa operational and request the Secretary-General to provide it with the assistance necessary for it to function properly.

The Assembly would further request the Secretary-General and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to continue to lend all their support to the effective establishment and smooth functioning of the Subregional Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa. It would also request the Secretary-General to support the establishment of a network of parliamentarians with a view to the creation of a subregional parliament in Central Africa.

The draft resolution is sponsored by Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

A draft on the twentieth anniversary of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (document A/C.1/55/L.3/ Rev.1) would have the Assembly recognize the importance and high quality of the Institute’s work, and reiterate its conviction that it should continue to conduct independent research on problems relating to disarmament and security and to undertake specialized research requiring a high degree of expertise.

The Assembly would request all Member States to consider making financial contributions to the Institute in order to ensure its viability and the quality of its work over the long term. It would recommend that the Secretary-General seek ways to increase the funding of the Institute within existing resources.

The draft resolution is sponsored by Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, and Hungary.

Also, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mali, Monaco, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States.

The draft on the report of the Conference on Disarmament (document A/C.1/55.L.5), sponsored by Bulgaria, would have the Assembly urge the Conference to fulfil its role as the single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum of the international community, in light of the evolving international situation, with a view to making early substantive progress on priority items on its agenda. In that connection, it would welcome the strong collective interest of the Conference in commencing substantive work as soon as possible during its 2001 session. It would also welcome the decision of the Conference to request its President to conduct, jointly with the incoming President, intensive consultations during the inter-sessional period in order to try to achieve that goal. The Conference would be encouraged to continue the ongoing review of its membership, agenda and methods of work.

By the terms of a draft resolution on the United Nations Disarmament Information Programme (document A/C.1/55/L.9), the General Assembly would commend the Secretary-General for his efforts to make effective use of the limited resources available to him in disseminating as widely as possible, including by electronic means, information on arms limitation and disarmament to governments, the media, non-governmental organizations, educational communities and research institutes, and in carrying out a seminar and conference programme.

By further terms of the draft resolution, the Assembly would stress the importance of the Programme, as a significant instrument in enabling all Member States to participate fully in the deliberations and negotiations on disarmament in the various United Nations bodies, and in assisting them in complying with treaties and in contributing to agreed mechanisms for transparency. It would note with appreciation the cooperation of the United Nations Department of Public Information and its information centres in pursuit of the Programme's objectives.

It would further recommend that the Programme focus its efforts to inform, to educate and to generate public understanding of the importance of multilateral action and support for it, including action by the United Nations and the Conference on Disarmament, in the field of arms limitation and disarmament. It would also emphasize the importance of contributions to the Voluntary Trust Fund for the United Nations Disarmament Information Programme to sustain a strong outreach programme, and invite all Member States to make contributions to the Fund.

The draft resolution is sponsored by Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, South Africa and Togo.

By the terms of a draft resolution on the United Nations disarmament fellowship, training and advisory services (document A/C.1/55/L.13) the General Assembly would express its appreciation to the Governments of Germany and Japan for inviting the 1999 and 2000 fellows to study selected activities in the field of disarmament, and to the Government of the United States for organizing specific study programmes in the field of disarmament, thereby contributing to the fulfilment of the overall objectives of the programme.

It would also have the Assembly express its appreciation to the IAEA, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Organization and the Monterey Institute of International Studies for organizing specific study programmes in the field of disarmament in their respective areas of competence, thereby contributing to the objectives of the programme.

The draft resolution is sponsored by Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Ethiopia, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Japan, Liberia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Romania, Russian Federation, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Tunisia, United States of America, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

By the terms of a draft resolution on the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (document A/C.1/55/L.14/Rev.2), sponsored by Lesotho and Togo, on behalf of the African Group, the General Assembly would reaffirm its strong support for the revitalization of the Regional Centre, and emphasize the need to provide it with resources to enable it to strengthen its activities and carry out its programmes. It would appeal to all States and international governmental and non-governmental organizations and foundations, to make voluntary contributions to in order to strengthen the programmes and activities of the Centre and facilitate their implementation.

The Assembly would also request the Secretary-General to continue to provide all necessary support, within existing resources, to the Centre. It would also request the Secretary-General to facilitate the establishment of close cooperation between the Centre and the Organization of African Unity (OAU), particularly in the area of peace, security and development, and to continue to assist the Director of the Centre in his efforts to stabilize the financial situation of the Centre and revitalize its activities.

A draft resolution sponsored by Belize and Peru on the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (document A/C.1/55/L.17) would have the Assembly reiterate its strong support for the role of the Regional Centre in the promotion of United Nations activities at the regional level to strengthen peace, stability, security and development among its Member States. The Assembly would express its satisfaction with the vast range of activities carried out by the Regional Centre in its last year of work.

By further terms, the Assembly would express its appreciation for the political support and financial contributions to the Regional Centre, which were essential for its continued operation. In that respect, it would appeal to Member States, in particular the States of the Latin American and Caribbean region, and to international governmental and non-governmental organizations and to foundations, to make voluntary contributions to strengthen the Centre, its programme of activities and their implementation.

A draft resolution sponsored by South Africa, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), on the convening of the fourth special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament (document A/C.1/55/L.23) would have the General Assembly decide, subject to the emergence of a consensus on its objectives and agenda, to convene the fourth special session of the Assembly devoted to disarmament. It would request the Secretary-General to seek the views of Member States on the objectives, agenda and timing of the special session and to report to the Assembly at its fifty-sixth session.

By the terms of a draft resolution on the United Nations regional centres for peace and disarmament (document A/C.1/55/L.24) the General Assembly would reiterate the importance of United Nations activities at the regional level to increase stability and security of Member States, which could be promoted in a substantive manner by the maintenance and revitalisation of the three regional centres for peace and disarmament. It would also reaffirm that, in order to achieve positive results, the centres should carry out dissemination and educational programmes that promote regional peace and security aimed at changing basic attitudes with respect to peace and security and disarmament.

By further terms of the draft, the Assembly would appeal to Member States in each region, international governmental and non-governmental organisations and foundations to make voluntary contributions to the centres in their regions to strengthen their programmes of activities and implementation. It would also request the Secretary-General to provide all necessary support, within existing resources, to the centres in carrying out their programmes of activities.

The draft resolution is sponsored by South Africa, on behalf of the NAM.

A draft on the report of the Disarmament Commission (document A/C.1/55/L.26) would have the Assembly reaffirm the importance of further enhancing the dialogue and cooperation among the First Committee, the Disarmament Commission and the Conference on Disarmament. It would also reaffirm the role of the Commission as the specialized, deliberative body within the United Nations multilateral disarmament machinery that allowed for in-depth deliberations on specific disarmament issues, leading to the submission of concrete recommendations on those issues.

The Assembly would recommend that the Commission, at its 2000 organizational session, adopt the following items for consideration at its 2001 session: ways and means to achieve nuclear disarmament; and practical confidence-building measures in the field of conventional arms. It would request the Commission to meet for a period not exceeding three weeks during 2001 and to submit a substantive report to the Assembly at its fifty-sixth session.

The draft resolution is sponsored by Argentina, Armenia, Benin, Ghana, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iran, Luxembourg, Monaco, Sierra Leone and Venezuela.

A draft on the United Nations regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (document A/C.1/55/L.33) would have the Assembly reaffirm its strong support for the forthcoming operation and further strengthening of the Regional Centre, and underscore the importance of the Kathmandu process as a powerful vehicle for the development of the practice of region-wide security and disarmament dialogue.

The Assembly would express its appreciation for the continuing political support and financial contributions to the Regional Centre, which were essential for its continued operation. In that connection, it would appeal to Member States, in particular those within the Asia-Pacific region, as well as to international government and non-government organizations and foundations, to make voluntary contributions, the only resources of the Regional Centre, to strengthen its programme of activities and their implementation.

The draft resolution is sponsored by Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Viet Nam.

The Committee also had before it an amendment (document A/C.1/55/L.53) to the draft resolution on regional disarmament (document A/C.1/55/L.34). By terms of the amendment, the following paragraphs would read as follows:

Paragraph 6: “Requests all states to communicate to the Secretary-General information on disarmament efforts and initiatives as well as establishment of confidence-building measures carried out at regional and subregional levels."

Paragraph 7: “Invites the Secretary-General to assist the subregional and regional organizations in the implementation and the strengthening of regional disarmament initiatives as well as the establishment of confidence-building measures.”

Paragraph 8: "Requests the Secretary-General to report at its fifty-sixth session on the implementation of the present resolution.”

Statement by Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs

JAYANTHA DHANAPALA, Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs, said that since its inception, the Department had been receiving from the public numerous petitions addressed to the United Nations appealing for international peace, security and disarmament. As no reporting mechanism existed in the United Nations disarmament machinery, he felt it was his responsibility to inform the members of the First Committee of appeals addressed to them from the world community of civil society.

He said that within the framework of observing the United Nations Disarmament Week, more than 50 members of the Japan Council Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs (Japan Gensuikyo) traveled all the way across the Pacific Ocean to New York to present to the United nations the "Appeal from Hiroshima and Nagasaki for a Total Ban and Elimination of Nuclear Weapons" together with more than 100 million signatures they collected for the Appeal. Copies of the Appeal were available in the room, he said.

Introduction of Revised Texts

NGOH NGOH (Cameroon) introduced the draft amendment (document A/C.1/55/L.53) to the draft text on regional disarmament (A/C.1/55/L.34). He said the idea was for the text to better inform about regional and subregional efforts and allow the Secretary-General to take appropriate action. He wished to ensure that those initiatives, undertaken by regional and subregional organizations, received proper assistance. Regional and global disarmament were complementary. Any new impetus providing regional disarmament could only benefit global disarmament, and international peace, stability and security. Regional organizations, thus, deserved increased attention by the international community.

Action on Texts

Acting without a vote, the Committee approved the draft resolution on the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East (document A/C.1/55/L.16).

The representative of Israel said he had joined consensus on the draft, as it had done for the last 20 years, notwithstanding substantive and important reservations regarding certain elements of the text. His Government had always maintained that the nuclear issue, as well as all regional security issues, should be dealt with in the full context of the peace process. He supported the eventual establishment of a mutually supported and verifiable Middle East zone free from nuclear and all other weapons of mass destruction. The political realities, however, had mandated a practical step-by-step approach that should begin with modest confidence-building measures and recognition and good relations, possibly complemented by arms control measures. That could lead to the zone's establishment, which should be based on arrangements freely arrived at by all States of the region concerned.

Continuing, he said that such a zone could only be established through direct negotiations among the States of the region after they had recognized each other and had established full diplomatic and peaceful relations. Such a zone could not be established with some countries maintaining that they were in a state of war with each other. In the Middle East, there was a continuing threat against one State in the region -– Israel -- which had critically affected the establishment such a zone. The draft resolution had reflected a delicate compromise. Nevertheless, attempts had been made this year to introduce new agreed language. It was then agreed to present the same language as in previous years. His delegation had demonstrated a constructive approach during those deliberations, which was an example of how confidence could be built -- a key element in preserving future consensus.

The Committee then took up the draft resolution on the Ottawa Convention (document A/C.1/55/L.44).

Speaking in explanation before the vote, the representative of Egypt said that the continued existence of land mines was a cause of strong concern to his Government, but the Convention failed to address certain concerns. It did not provide a binding legal framework that committed countries responsible for laying such mines to clear them. It also did not allow for the legal rights of States to use landmines for self-defence when no other means was available. Egypt would abstain from the resolution.

The representative of the Republic of Korea said that his country shared the humanitarian concern about the indiscriminate use of landmines. However, the issue also had security aspects. Landmines remained a minimum national defence requirement for many countries. His country used landmines only in specific areas of the demilitarized zone and, as such, those mines posed little concern to the population, as might be the case in other areas. The draft failed to address the concerns raised by his country and, as such, he would abstain in the vote.

The representative of Israel said that his country supported the ultimate goal of the Convention. It had begun concrete steps to lessen the use of such landmines in the Middle East and beyond. It recently ratified the protocol to the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects. It had also joined the sponsors of a draft resolution on that Convention. His country was participating in the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) mine awareness programme in Angola. In July 1994, Israel had enacted a moratorium on the export of anti-personnel landmines and it was working to extend that moratorium indefinitely. It supported a gradual process in which each state in the Middle East would end the indiscriminate use of landmines, but it remained unable to support a total ban, because such landmines were necessary to protect children and civilians. Israel could, therefore, not lend its support to the draft resolution and would abstain in the vote.

The representative of Libya said that the draft resolution did not actually require the elimination of landmines and, as such, his country would abstain in the vote.

The Secretary of the Committee announced that Mauritius and Turkmenistan had joined as co-sponsors of the draft resolution.

The draft resolution on the Ottawa Convention (document A/C.1/55/L.44) was approved by a vote of 127 in favour to none against, with 22 abstentions. (For details of the vote, see Annex I.)

The representative of Sri Lanka, speaking after the vote on the Ottawa Convention text, said she had voted in favour of the draft, but her Government was not yet in position to accede to the Convention owing to national security considerations.

The representative of Turkey said he had supported the draft. His country was fully conscious of the human suffering caused by the irresponsible and indiscriminate use of mines. The Ottawa Convention had been a major achievement. Turkey's unique security situation had prevented it from joining the Convention so far, but its support was made known through its participation as an observer in the first and second meetings of States parties. In addition, Turkey had banned the sale and transfer of anti-personnel landmines through 2002, and had established special regimes to keep common borders free from those weapons. Demining activities would start soon.

The representative of Myanmar said that his country was neither a State party to the Ottawa Convention, nor a participant in the Ottawa process, but it respected the decision of those countries that had signed and ratified the instrument. In principle, he favoured banning the export, transfer and indiscriminate use of anti-personnel landmines. At the same time, every State had the right to self- defence. It was essential that every State should be able to exercise that right when its national security and supreme interests were at stake. Recognizing, however, that the indiscriminate use of landmines was injuring innocent civilians, the international community should explore ways to eradicate the cause of those tragedies -- the availability of those weapons. For example, injuries could be prevented by addressing the trafficking of landmines by non-State actors. A sweeping total ban of those weapons was not yet practical. The proper place for such a discussion was in the Conference on Disarmament. He had, thus, abstained in the vote.

The representative of Singapore said his country's position had been clear and open. It would continue to support all initiatives against landmines. In May 1996, the Government had declared a two-year moratorium on the export of those mines that did not contain self-neutralizing mechanisms. In February 1998, it had expanded that moratorium to include all kinds of anti-personnel landmines and had extended the moratorium indefinitely. At the same time, legitimate security concerns and the right to self-defence could not be disregarded. A blanket ban on all types might be counterproductive. He supported global efforts to resolve the humanitarian crisis and would continue to work towards a truly durable and global solution.

The representative of Cuba said he had abstained in the vote, as in past years. He fully shared the humanitarian concerns about the damage done by those weapons against innocent civilians and in internal conflicts. All international transfers of those arms should be banned. They continued, however, to be a necessary legitimate means of defence for some countries, including some developing countries that did not have sufficient resources to obtain other means of self-defence. The current draft did not reflect an adequate balance between humanitarian issues and those of national security. For 40 years, Cuba had suffered from a constant policy of aggression and hostility by another country, the largest economic power in the world. It could not, therefore, abandon the use of mines. Nonetheless, it had supported all efforts aimed at eliminating the horrors resulting from their indiscriminate and irresponsible use.

The representative of India said he had abstained in the vote on the landmines draft. He had remained committed to the objective of a non- discriminatory universal and global ban on anti-personnel landmines through a phased process that addressed the legitimate defence requirements of States, while ameliorating the humanitarian crises that had resulted from the indiscriminate use and transfer of those weapons. A phased approach built confidence and enabled States, especially those with long borders, to safeguard their legitimate security needs. The process would be facilitated by addressing the legitimate role of anti-personnel landmines for operational requirements under the defence doctrines of the countries concerned. Alternative effective and non-lethal technologies were being explored.

Meanwhile, he said he would support negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament for a ban on the transfer of landmines, on the basis of a mandate that reflected the interests of all delegations. He had actively participated in the process of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and had ratified all of its Protocols, including Protocol II on landmines.

The representative of Pakistan said his country was one of the earliest adherents to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, which included a Protocol on restrictions governing the use of anti-personnel landmines. Even before the Convention came into existence, Pakistan had a record of strict observance of humanitarian laws during armed conflicts. Those rules were later embodied in the Convention and its Protocols. His country's adherence, therefore, was without hesitation or delay. Unfortunately, Pakistan had a long border and lived under the constant threat of the use of force, particularly by a sizeable land force deployed against it. Thus, it was constrained to use landmines for its self-defence. The international community could focus on universal adherence to Protocol II, which would lead to a resolution of all humanitarian problems resulting from the widespread and indiscriminate use of landmines.

He said that the international community, and especially those in a financial situation to do so, must support a reinvigorated programme of demining. He regretted the inadequate and financial and other resources devoted to mine clearance. The Conference could also take some steps to promote progress towards the ultimate elimination of landmines, without jeopardizing the national security of States, such as through banning their export. He was constrained to abstain in the vote on the text, although he appreciated the noble motives and objectives that had inspired it.

The representative of Iran shared the sentiments of the States adhering to the Convention. The great number of landmines used irresponsibility by the military and armed factions during the civil wars had claimed a great number of innocent lives, particularly women and children. That was unacceptable and he would, therefore, welcome all efforts to stop that trend. The landmines Convention, though far from being a conclusive and comprehensive response to that tragedy, was a step forward. Yet, for understandable security reasons, the Convention had not received enthusiastic support in certain regions of the world. Countries with a long border like Iran, with no possibility of monitoring them with effective warning systems and other measures, still depended on landmines.

Thus, he said, he had abstained in the vote. Nevertheless, the landmines process was evolving and complementary efforts should be pursued. Efforts by his country, however limited, were also being made. Meanwhile, standards limiting the use of landmines should be observed and strengthened. Moreover, international mine clearance efforts should be accelerated within the United Nations system. Faced with millions of landmines laid in its territory, his country was particularly interested in demining activities. In that respect, recent initiatives to increase awareness and international cooperation in the mine clearance field were encouraging. More tangible and practical endeavours should be undertaken to tackle the problem.

The Committee then took up the draft resolution on Conventional Arms Control at the regional and subregional levels (document A/C.1/55/L.35).

Speaking before the vote, the representative of India said that his country was not convinced that the draft resolution would have any productive value. It referred to conventional arms control in South Asia. India had security concerns that transcended that narrow definition of South Asia. That definition was too restrictive. India would, therefore, be casting a negative vote on the draft resolution.

The Secretary of the Committee announced that Ukraine had joined as a co-sponsor of the draft resolution.

The draft resolution on conventional arms control at the regional and subregional levels (document A/C.1/55/L.35) was approved by a vote of 145 in favour to 1 against (India), with 1 abstention (Bhutan)(See Annex II).

The Committee then approved the draft resolution on regional confidence- building measures: activities of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa (document A/C.1/55/L.12), without a vote.

Speaking before the vote on the cluster of resolutions dealing with disarmament machinery, the representative of Nepal addressed the draft resolution on the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (document A/C.1/55/L.33). He said the text was the result of consultations between the co-sponsors and interested delegations. It contained a few new elements when compared to the text from last year, in view of the realities that the Member States wanted reflected this year. One of the paragraphs expressed appreciation to the offer of the Government of Nepal to bear the cost of the operation of the Centre in Kathmandu. That offer was evidence of the commitment of the Government of Nepal to have the Centre begin operating from there as soon as possible. Nepal hoped that the draft resolution would be adopted by consensus, as had been the case every year.

The representative of Peru, speaking on the draft resolution on the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (document A/C.1/55/L.17), said that the mandate of the Centre had been beneficial to the region. One of its activities was the transfer of information on military affairs. It was also fostering disarmament, including in the nuclear area. The draft resolution referred to the activities carried out by the Centre. The work of the Centre would respond to the needs of the States of the region. Peru welcomed the interest expressed by some countries to support the activities of the Centre.

The Secretary of the Committee announced that Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Malta had joined as new sponsors of the draft resolution on the twentieth anniversary of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research.

The Committee then approved the draft resolution on the twentieth anniversary of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (document A/C.1/55/L.3/Rev.1) without a vote.

The Committee also approved the draft resolution on the report of the Conference on Disarmament (document A/C.1/55/L.5) without a vote.

The Secretary of the Committee announced that Malaysia and New Zealand had joined as co-sponsors of the draft resolution on the United Nations Disarmament Information Programme (document A/C.1/55/L.9).

The Committee approved the draft without a vote.

The Committee then took up the draft resolution on the United Nations disarmament fellowship, training and advisory services (document A/C.1/55/L.13).

The representative of Cuba said that he would join the consensus on the draft resolution. There were few fellowship programmes that set such an example of what could be achieved when resources were used properly. Cuba, however, was concerned about a regrettable event that occurred this year. On the basis of the original plan for the year, the fellows were supposed to visit New Mexico and Washington, D.C., but the United States took a decision not to allow the Cuban participant and the fellows from two other countries to take part in such visits. That meant that the group could not carry out its programme as planned, forcing the programme to be reduced to one week. The United States had continued those discriminatory practices. That ran counter to the excellent attention offered by the other countries to all the fellows when they visited them. Such unilateral practices by the United States had not been limited to the programme. There had also been a delay in issuing visas to two Cubans to attend a United Nations meeting. The United States should meet its obligation as host country.

The representative of Syria also expressed support for the disarmament fellowship and advisory services and said that it was an important programme that had enabled many fellows to benefit from the experience and expertise available in many developed countries. It was the duty of all countries to apply total transparency in providing those services irrespective of the countries from which the fellows came. This year, the host country did not authorize the delegate from Syria and two others to carry out visits that had been planned within the context of the programme. There was no justification for that kind of discriminatory position. Syria hoped that the host country would take the necessary steps to ensure that there was no recurrence of such in the future.

The representative of Benin said he would have voted in favour of the draft text on conventional arms control at the regional and subregional levels (document A/C.1/55/L.35).

Turning to the draft resolution on the United Nations disarmament fellowship, training and advisory services (document A/C.1/55/L.13), the Committee Secretary announced that the following countries had joined as co- sponsors of the text: India, Myanmar and Indonesia.

The Committee approved the draft resolution without a vote.

Concerning the draft resolution on the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (document A/C.1/55/L.14/Rev.2), the representative of Cameroon said that the Centre had done significant work despite insufficient resources, particularly in assisting the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the moratorium on small arms and light weapons. He had endorsed the draft, particularly the provision appealing for the necessary resources for the Centre. As in past years, he would happily join consensus on the text.

The representative of Gabon agreed that the Regional Centre was a very useful body for Africa, as it had encouraged confidence-building measures and arms limitation at the regional level. Also, it had promoted sustainable harmonious development. He particularly supported operative paragraphs 2 and 3 of the text, which addressed the need for financial support. He would join the consensus on the text.

The Committee then approved the draft resolution without a vote.

The following draft texts were then also approved without a vote: the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (document A/C.1/55/L.17); convening of the fourth special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament (document A/C.1/55/L.23); United Nations Regional Centres for Peace and Disarmament (document A/C.1/55/L.24); and on the Report of the Disarmament Commission (document A/C.1/55/L.26).

Before taking action on the draft on the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (document A/C.1/55/L.33), it was announced that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea had joined as a co- sponsor. The draft resolution was approved without a vote.

The representative of Oman said he had joined the consensus on the previous text. His country was in the region and had approved the last steps taken to continue the Centre's operation. He appreciated the Government of Nepal for hosting the Regional Centre and would pay tribute to the efforts by the King of Nepal to offset the Centre's costs. At the Committee's last meeting, his delegation had expressed the hope that the Centre could begin functioning as soon as possible. The Centre did not focus on only one part of the region, but covered the entire region and dealt with all of the issues therein. He would reiterate his full support of the text just approved and for swift action to trigger the Centre's operation.

(annexes follow)

First Committee Press Release GA/DIS/3189 23rd Meeting (AM) 26 October 2000

ANNEX I

Vote on Ottawa Convention

The draft resolution on the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on Their Destruction (Ottawa Convention) (document A/C.1/55/L.44) was approved by a recorded vote of 127 in favour to none against, with 22 abstentions, as follows:

In favour: Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, 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, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against: None.

Abstain: Azerbaijan, China, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Federated States of Micronesia, India, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Myanmar, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Syria, United States, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam.

Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Belize, Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Georgia, Honduras, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Tuvalu, Uganda and Vanuatu.

(END OF ANNEX I)

ANNEX II

Vote on Regional Conventional Arms Control

The draft resolution on Conventional Arms Control at the regional and subregional levels (document A/C.1/55/L.35) was approved by a recorded vote of 145 in favour to 1 against, with 1 abstention, as follows:

In favour: Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Samoa, 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, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against: India.

Abstain: Bhutan.

Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Belize, Benin, Burundi, Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Georgia, Honduras, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu and Viet Nam.

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