Fifty-fifth General Assembly

Plenary

83^rd Meeting (AM)

GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMEMORATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF DECOLONIZATION DECLARATION,

DECLARES 2001 – 2010 SECOND DECADE FOR ELIMINATION OF COLONIALISM

Adopts 19 Texts Recommended by Fourth Committee on Atomic Radiation,

Outer Space, Palestine Relief and Works Agency, Information, Decolonization

As the General Assembly observed the fortieth anniversary of its adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples this morning, it adopted a resolution on the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism.

Acting directly, following its adoption of 28 draft resolutions and 3 draft decisions submitted by its Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization), the Assembly adopted the resolution declaring the period 2001-2010 the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism.  It adopted that text by a recorded vote of 125 votes in favour to 2 against (United Kingdom, United States) with 30 abstentions.  (See Annex XVII for details.)

In another direct action, the Assembly adopted a resolution on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by a recorded 138 votes in favour to 2 against (United Kingdom, United States) with 18 abstentions.  (See Annex XVIII.)

By that text, the Assembly reaffirmed once again that that the existence of any form or manifestation of colonialism is incompatible with the United Nations Charter, the Decolonization Declaration and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  It affirmed once again its support for the peoples under colonial rule to exercise their right to self-determination, including independence, in accordance with the relevant resolutions on decolonization.

In a third direct action this morning, the Assembly adopted a resolution on dissemination of information on decolonization approving the activities of the Department of Public Information and the Department of Political Affairs in disseminating decolonization.  It requested the two departments to continue taking measures through all media available, including publications, radio and television, and the Internet, to give publicity to the work of the United Nations in the field of decolonization.  That draft was adopted by a recorded vote of 153 in favour to 2 against (United Kingdom, United States) with 3 abstentions (Federated States of Micronesia, France, Israel).  (See Annex XVI.)

Taking up Fourth Committee reports on decolonization, the Assembly adopted, by a recorded 153 votes in favour, none against and 5 abstentions (Federated States of Micronesia, France, Israel, United Kingdom, United States), a resolution on information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73(e) of the United Nations Charter.  (See Annex XII.)

By the terms of that text, the Assembly reaffirmed that, in the absence of its decision that a Non-Self-Governing Territory has attained a measure of self-government, the administering Power concerned should continue to transmit such information.  It requested the administering Powers to transmit to the Secretary-General the information prescribed in Article 73(e), as well as the fullest possible information on the political and constitutional developments in the Territories concerned, within six months following the expiration of the administrative year.

The Assembly also adopted a text on economic and other activities affecting the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories, reaffirming its concern about activities aimed at exploiting the natural resources that are the heritage of those peoples, including the indigenous populations in the Caribbean, Pacific and other regions.  It affirmed the value of foreign economic investment undertaken in collaboration with the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories and in accordance with their wishes, in order to make a valid contribution to the socio-economic development of the Territories.  That resolution was adopted by a recorded vote of 151 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with five abstentions (Croatia, Federated States of Micronesia, France, Georgia, United Kingdom).  (See Annex XIII.)

Adopting a draft decision on military activities and arrangements by colonial Powers, the General Assembly deplored the continued alienation of land in colonial and Non-Self-Governing Territories, particularly in the small island Territories of the Pacific and Caribbean regions, for military installations.  The Assembly reiterated that the colonial and Non-Self-Governing Territories and adjacent areas should not be used for nuclear testing, dumping of nuclear wastes or deployment of nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction.  It adopted that text by a recorded vote of 100 in favour to 47 against with 5 abstentions (Cyprus, Federated States of Micronesia, Georgia, Samoa, Tonga).  (See Annex XIV.)

By a recorded vote of 109 in favour to none against with 5 abstentions, the Assembly adopted a resolution on implementation of the Decolonization Declaration by the United Nations specialized agencies.  That text requested United Nations agencies and associated institutions to provide information on environmental problems facing the Non-Self-Governing Territories, on the impact of natural disasters and other environmental problems, as well as to assist them in fighting drug trafficking, money laundering and other illegal offences.  The Assembly encouraged the Non-Self-Governing Territories to establish and/or strengthen disaster-preparedness and management institutions and polices.  (See Annex XV.)

Acting without a vote, the Assembly adopted three separate draft resolutions on the questions of Western Sahara, New Caledonia and Tokelau respectively, as well as a draft decision on the question of Gibraltar.

Again without a vote, the Assembly adopted a consolidated resolution whose first part called upon the administering Powers, in cooperation with the territorial governments, to facilitate political education programmes to foster awareness of the right to self-determination.  The Assembly also reaffirmed the responsibility of the administering Powers to promote the Territories’ economic and social development, preserve their cultural identity and give priority, in consultation with the territorial governments, to strengthening and diversifying their economies.

Further, the Assembly took note of statements by the elected territorial representatives that their respective Territories have repeatedly shown their willingness to cooperate with all international efforts aimed at preventing abuse of the international financial system. 

The second part of the consolidated text deals with the specific conditions in the individual small island Non-Self-Governing Territories of American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.

The Assembly adopted, again without a vote, a resolution on offers by Member States of study and training facilities, by which it expressed its appreciation to those Member States that have made scholarships available to the inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories.

Taking up a resolution on the work of Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories, the Assembly adopted that text by a recorded vote of 91 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 61 abstentions.  The text condemned the excessive use of force resulting in the last few weeks in more than 160 Palestinian deaths and thousands of injuries.  (See Annex VII.)

Adopting a text on the applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilian persons during time of war, the Assembly reaffirmed that the Convention is applicable to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967.  It reiterated the need for speedy implementation of the recommendations contained in resolutions ES-10/3 of 15 July 1997, ES-10/4 of 13 November 1997, ES-10/5 of 17 March 1998 and ES-10/6 of 9 February 1999 with regard to ensuring respect by Israel for the Convention.  That resolution was adopted by a recorded 152 votes in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 2 abstentions (Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands).  (See Annex VIII.)

By a recorded vote of 152 in favour to 4 against (Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, United States) and no abstentions, the Assembly adopted a resolution reaffirming that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory and the occupied Syrian Golan are illegal and an obstacle to peace and socio-economic development.  The Assembly demanded complete cessation of the construction of the new settlement in Jabal Abu-Ghneim and of all Israeli settlement activities.  (See Annex IX.)

Adopting a text on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, the Assembly condemned all acts of violence, especially the excessive use of force against Palestinian civilians, resulting in injury and loss of human life.  It called for the accelerated release of all arbitrarily detained or imprisoned Palestinians, and for complete respect of all fundamental freedoms of the Palestinian people.  The recorded vote was 150 in favour to 3 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, United States) with 1 abstention (Federated States of Micronesia).  (See Annex X.)

In a resolution adopted by a recorded 150 votes in favour to 1 against (Israel) with 4 abstentions (Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, United States), the Assembly called upon Israel to desist from imposing Israeli citizenship and identity cards on the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan.  It deplored the violations by Israel of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilians in Time of War.  (See Annex XI.)

On the related issue of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the Assembly adopted a draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees by a recorded vote of 156 in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 3 abstentions (Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, United States).  It reiterated its deep concern regarding the Agency's persisting critical financial situation and noted with profound concern that the continuing shortfall in the Agency's finances has a significant negative influence on the living conditions of the Palestine refugees most in need, with possible consequences for the Middle East peace process.  (See Annex I.)

By a further text the Assembly reaffirmed the right of all persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities to return to the territories occupied by Israel since 1967.  It endorsed, in the meanwhile, the efforts of the Agency’s Commissioner-General to continue to provide emergency humanitarian assistance, as a temporary measure, to persons in the area who are currently displaced and in serious need of continued assistance, as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities.  That text was adopted by a recorded vote of 156 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 2 abstentions (Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands).  (See Annex V.)

The Assembly adopted a text on operations of UNRWA, by a recorded vote of 157 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 2 abstentions (Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands).  It called upon Israel to accept the de jure applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilians in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, and to compensate the Agency for damages to its property and facilities resulting from actions by the Israeli side.  It requested the Commissioner-General to proceed with the issuance of identification cards for Palestine refugees and their descendants in the occupied Palestinian territory.  (See Annex IV.)

A resolution on offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees strongly appealed to all States, specialized agencies and non-governmental organizations to augment their special allocations for grants and scholarships in addition to their contributions to UNRWA’s regular budget.  The recorded vote was 160 in favour to none against with 1 abstention (Israel).  (See Annex III.)

By a recorded vote of 156 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 2 abstentions (Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru), the Assembly adopted a text on the University of Jerusalem “Al Quds” for Palestine refugees.  It emphasized the need to strengthen the educational system in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 5 June 1967, including Jerusalem, and specifically the need for the establishment of the proposed university.  The Assembly called once more upon Israel to remove the hindrances that it has put in the way of establishing the University of Jerusalem “Al Quds”.  (See Annex VI.)

Without a vote, the Assembly adopted a resolution on the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA and requested the Working Group to continue its efforts, in cooperation with the Secretary-General and the Commissioner-General, to find a solution to the Agency's financial situation.

Also without a vote, the Assembly adopted resolutions relating to the effects of atomic radiation;  international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space;  and the comprehensive review of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects.  It adopted two resolutions on questions relating to information, the first entitled “Information in the service of humanity”, and the second “United Nations public information policies and activities”.  Also without a vote, it adopted a draft decision increasing the membership of the Committee on Information.

The President of the Assembly, Harri Holkeri (Finland) spoke during the observance of the fortieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.  A statement on behalf of the Secretary-General was read by Yongjian Jin, Under-Secretary-General of the Department of General Assembly Affairs and Conference Services.  Also speaking were the representatives of Papua New Guinea, Madagascar, Mongolia, Ukraine, Chile and Andorra.

Fayssal Mekdad (Syria), Rapporteur of the Special Committee on Decolonization, introduced the Committee’s report, and its Chairman, Peter Donigi (Papua New Guinea), introduced the draft resolution on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (document A/55/L.58).

The representatives of Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba and Vanuatu made statements on that resolution.

Shingo Miyamoto (Japan), Rapporteur of the Fourth Committee, introduced its reports.

The representative of United Kingdom spoke in explanation of vote after the Assembly had taken action on the resolutions.

Assembly Work Programme

When the General Assembly met this morning, it was expected to take action on the draft resolutions and draft decisions relating to reports submitted by its Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization).

Also before the Assembly were reports of the Secretary-General, as well as the report of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.  They relate to the observance of the fortieth anniversary of the Assembly's adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, and the application of the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism.

The Assembly was expected to adopt a draft decision, sponsored by Papua New Guinea, on the observance of the fortieth anniversary (document A/55/L.4), and a draft resolution relating to the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism (document A/55/L.58).  That text is sponsored by Cambodia, Côte d’Ivoire, Fiji, Kenya, Madagascar, Papua New Guinea and Saint Lucia.

Topics addressed in the Fourth Committee reports include the effects of atomic radiation (agenda item 82); international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space (item 83); the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) (item 84); Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories (item 85); comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects (item 86); and questions relating to information (item 87).

The decolonization issues before the Assembly include:  information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73(e) of the United Nations Charter (agenda item 88); economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories (item 89); implementation of the Decolonization Declaration by the United Nations specialized agencies and associated international institutions (item 90), as well as the report of the Economic and Social Council; offers by Member States of study and training facilities for inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories (item 91); and implementation of the Decolonization Declaration.

Decolonization Text

The text on the implementation of the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism (document A/55/L.58), would have the General Assembly reaffirm that its resolution 1514 (XV) and all other resolutions and decisions on decolonization, including its resolution 55/147, in which it declares the period 2001-2010 the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, and calls upon the administering Powers, in accordance with those resolutions, to take all necessary steps to enable the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories concerned to exercise fully, as soon as possible, their right to self-determination, including independence.

It would reaffirm, once again, that the existence of colonialism in any form or manifestation, including economic exploitation, is incompatible with the Charter of the United Nations, the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.   Further, it would reaffirm its determination to continue to take all steps necessary to bring about the complete and speedy eradication of colonialism and the faithful observance by all States of the relevant provisions of the United Nations Charter, the Decolonization Declaration and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Also by the text, the Assembly would affirm, once again, its support for the aspirations of the peoples under colonial rule to exercise their right to self-determination, including independence.  It would call upon the administering Powers to cooperate fully with the Special Committee to finalize before the end of 2001 a constructive programme of work to facilitate the implementation of that body's mandate and the relevant resolutions on decolonization, including resolutions on specific territories.

By further terms, the Assembly would reiterate that military activities and arrangements by administering Powers should not run counter to the rights and interests of the peoples of the Territories concerned, especially their right to self-determination, and call upon the administering Powers concerned to terminate such activities and to eliminate the remaining military bases.  It would further call upon the administering Powers to promote alternative sources of livelihood for the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories concerned.

According to a draft decision on the fortieth anniversary of the Decolonization Declaration's adoption (document A/55/L.4), the Assembly would decide to hold a plenary meeting during the main part of its fifty-fifth session in observance of the anniversary.

Fourth Committee Reports

By the terms of the draft resolution on effects of atomic radiation (document A/55/568), the General Assembly would note with satisfaction the completion in 2000 of the Scientific Committee’s thirteenth comprehensive report on “Sources and Effects of Ionizing Radiation”.  The Assembly would also reaffirm the decision to maintain the Scientific Committee’s present functions and independent role, including its present reporting arrangements.  Also, the Assembly would endorse the Committee's intentions and plans for its future activities of scientific review and assessment on behalf of the General Assembly.

The Assembly would also, by other terms, request the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to continue providing support for the effective conduct of the Scientific Committee’s work and for the dissemination of its findings to the Assembly, the scientific community and the public.  Further, the Assembly would express its appreciation for assistance to the Scientific Committee by Member States, the specialized agencies, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).  It would welcome the readiness of Member States to provide the Committee with relevant information on the effects of ionizing radiation in affected areas and invite the Committee to give due consideration to such information, particularly in light of its own findings.

The Committee approved the draft resolution on 30 October without a vote.

According to the draft on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space (document A/ 55/569), the General Assembly would endorse the recommendation by the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space that its Legal Subcommittee consider as regular agenda items, among others:  the status and application of the five United Nations treaties on outer space; matters relating to the definition and delimitation of outer space; and the character and utilization of the geostationary orbit.

Also by the text, the Assembly would endorse the Outer Space Committee's recommendation that its Scientific and Technical Subcommittee consider, among other items:  the United Nations Programme on Space Applications, following the Third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE III); matters relating to remote-sensing of the Earth by satellites, including applications for developing countries and monitoring of the Earth's environment; use of nuclear power sources in outer space; implementation of an integrated, space-based global natural disaster management system; and examination of the physical nature and technical attributes of the geostationary orbit.

The draft resolution was approved by the Committee on 6 November without a vote.

UNRWA Drafts

The Assembly also had before it seven draft resolutions on the work of UNRWA (document A/55/570).

A text on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/55/570-I) recommends that the General Assembly reiterate its deep concern regarding the Agency's persisting critical financial situation as outlined in the report of UNRWA's Commissioner-General.  The Assembly would note with profound concern that the continuing shortfall in the Agency's finances has a significant negative influence on the living conditions of the Palestine refugees most in need, with possible consequences for the peace process.

By other terms, the Assembly would note with regret that repatriation or compensation of the refugees, as provided for in its resolution 194 (III), has not yet been effected, and also that the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine has been unable to achieve progress in the matter.  It would urge all Member States to expedite aid and assistance with a view to the economic and social development of the Palestinian people and the occupied territory.  Further, the Assembly would note the significant success of the Agency's Peace Implementation Programme since the signing of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, and stress the importance that contributions to this Programme not be at the expense of the General Fund.

The draft resolution was approved by the Committee on 10 November by a recorded vote of 123 in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 1 abstention (United States).

A draft on the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA (document

A/55/570-II) recommends that the Assembly request the Working Group to continue its efforts, in cooperation with the Secretary-General and the Commissioner-General, to find a solution to the Agency’s financial situation.  It would welcome the new, unified budget structure for the 2000-2001 biennium, which can contribute significantly to improved budgetary transparency.  Also by that draft, the Assembly would request the Secretary-General to provide the necessary services and assistance to the Working Group for the conduct of its work.

The Committee approved the draft text on 10 November without a vote.

Under the provisions of a text on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/ 55/570-III), the Assembly would reaffirm the right of all persons displaced as a result of those hostilities to return to their homes or former places of residence in the territories occupied by Israel since 1967.  It would endorse, in the meanwhile, the Commissioner-General's efforts to continue to provide emergency humanitarian assistance, as a temporary measure, to persons in the area who are currently displaced and in serious need of continued assistance as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities.

The Committee approved the text on 10 November by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions.

By a draft on offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees (document A/55/570-IV) would have the Assembly strongly appeal to all States, specialized agencies and NGOs to augment the special allocations for grants and scholarships to Palestine refugees, in addition to their contributions to UNRWA's regular budget.  It would also request the Agency to act as the recipient and trustee for those special allocations and to award them to qualified Palestine refugee candidates.  Further, the Assembly would appeal to all States, specialized agencies and other international bodies to contribute generously towards the establishment of vocational training centres for Palestine refugees.

The text was approved by the Committee on 10 November by a recorded vote of 123 in favour to none against, with 1 abstention (Israel).

The General Assembly would, by a text on operations of UNRWA (document A/55/570-V), call upon Israel to accept the de jure applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, and to abide scrupulously by its provisions.  It would call, once again, upon the Government of Israel to compensate the Agency for damages to its property and facilities resulting from actions by the Israeli side.  It would request the Commissioner-General to proceed with the issuance of identification cards for Palestine refugees and their descendants in the occupied Palestinian territory.

The text was approved by the Committee on 10 November by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions.

According to a draft on Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues (document A/55/570-VI), the Assembly would reaffirm that the Palestine refugees are entitled to their property and to income derived therefrom, in conformity with the principles of justice and equity.  The Assembly would urge the Palestinian and Israeli sides, as agreed between them, to deal with the important issue of the refugees' properties and their revenues in the framework of the final status negotiations of the Middle East peace process.

The Committee approved the draft text on 10 November by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions.

Under the provisions of a draft relating to the University of Jerusalem “Al Quds” for Palestine refugees (document A/55/570-VII), the General Assembly would emphasize the need to strengthen the educational system in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 5 June 1967, including Jerusalem, and, specifically, the need for the establishment of the proposed university.  The Assembly would, by further terms of the text, call once more upon Israel to remove the hindrances that it has put in the way of establishing the University of Jerusalem “Al Quds”.

The Committee approved the draft by recorded vote on 10 November by 122 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions.

Israeli Practices

By a text on the work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories (document A/55/571-I), the General Assembly would deplore those policies and practices of Israel which violate the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories.  It would especially condemn the excessive use of force resulting in the last few weeks in more than 160 Palestinian deaths and thousands of injuries.

The draft text was approved by the Committee on 10 November by a recorded vote of 68 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 53 abstentions.

According to a draft on applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilian persons during time of war (document A/55/571-II), the Assembly would reaffirm that the Convention is applicable to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967.  It would reiterate the need for speedy implementation of the recommendations contained in resolutions ES-10/3 of 15 July 1997, ES-10/4 of 13 November 1997, ES-10/5 of 17 March 1998 and ES-10/6 of 9 February 1999 with regard to ensuring respect by Israel for the Convention.

The Committee approved the draft on 10 November by a recorded vote of 124 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions.

Another draft, on Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/ 55/571-III), would have the Assembly reaffirm that those settlements are illegal and an obstacle to peace and socio-economic development.  The Assembly would, by other terms, demand complete cessation of the construction of the new settlement in Jabal Abu-Ghneim and of all Israeli settlement activities.  It would stress the need for full implementation of Security Council resolution 904 (1994), which called upon Israel to implement measures aimed at preventing illegal acts of violence by Israeli settlers, and for measures to guarantee the safety and protection of Palestinian civilians.  Further, the Assembly would reiterate its call for the prevention of those illegal acts of violence by the settlers, particularly in light of recent developments.

The Committee approved the text on 10 November by a recorded vote of 124 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions.

By a text on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem (document A/55/571-IV), the Assembly would condemn all acts of violence, especially the excessive use of force against Palestinian civilians, resulting in injury and loss of human life.  The Assembly would, by other terms, call upon Israel to accelerate the release of all remaining Palestinians arbitrarily detained or imprisoned, and call for complete respect by Israel of all fundamental freedoms of the Palestinian people.  Also, the Assembly would stress the need to preserve the territorial integrity of all the occupied Palestinian territory and to guarantee the freedom of movement of persons and goods within the Palestinian territory, into and from East Jerusalem, and to and from the outside world.

The Committee approved the text by a recorded vote of 123 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions.

A draft on the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/55/571-V), recommends that the Assembly call upon Israel to desist from imposing Israeli citizenship and identity cards on the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan, and to desist from its repressive measures against the local population.  It would also deplore the violations by Israel of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilians in Time of War.

By further terms, the Assembly would call upon Israel to comply with Security Council resolution 497 (1981) in which the Council decided that the Israeli decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the occupied Syrian Golan was null and void and without international legal effect.  The Assembly would also call upon Israel to desist from changing the physical character, demographic composition, institutional structure and legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan, and, in particular, to desist from the establishment of settlements.  The Assembly would determine that all legislative and administrative actions purporting to alter the character and legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan constitute a flagrant violation of international law.

The Committee approved the text on 10 November by a vote of 124 in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 1 abstention (United States).

Peacekeeping Draft

According to a draft on the comprehensive review of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects (document A/55/572), the General Assembly would endorse the proposals, recommendations and conclusions of the report by the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations.  It would urge Member States and relevant parts of the United Nations system to implement those recommendations and conclusions.

The Assembly would, by further terms, decide that the Special Committee should continue its effort for a comprehensive review of peacekeeping operations according to its mandate, and review implementation of previous proposals.  It would also request the Special Committee to submit a report to the General Assembly’s fifty-fifth session.  Finally, it would decide to keep the matter open during that session.

The Committee approved the text without a vote on 6 December.

Information Questions

Also before the Assembly were two draft resolutions on questions relating to information (document A/55/573).  Draft resolution A -- Information in the service of humanity -– would have the General Assembly urge all countries, the United Nations system and all others concerned to help reduce disparities in information flows at all levels by increasing assistance for the development of communication infrastructures and capabilities in developing countries.

The Assembly would also urge all concerned to:  ensure that journalists were able to perform their professional tasks freely and effectively and to condemn resolutely all attacks against them; support the strengthening of practical training programmes for broadcasters and journalists from all media in developing countries; and enhance regional efforts and cooperation among developing countries, as well as cooperation between developed and developing countries, strengthen communication capacities and to improve the media infrastructure and communication technology in the developing countries, especially in training and dissemination of information.

Also by the draft, the Assembly would urge all those concerned to aim at providing all possible support and assistance to the developing countries and their media, with due regard to their interests and needs in the information field and to action already adopted within the United Nations system, including:

-- the development of the human and technical resources that are indispensable for the improvement of information and communications systems in developing countries;

-- the creation of conditions that will enable the developing countries and all their media to have, by using their national and regional resources, the communication technology suited to their national needs, as well as the necessary programme material, especially for radio and television broadcasting;

-- assistance in establishing and promoting telecommunication links at the subregional, regional and interregional levels, especially among developing countries;

-- and the facilitation of access by the developing countries to advanced communication technology available on the open market.

By the terms of draft resolution B -- United Nations public information policies and activities –- the General Assembly would express its concern that the gap in the information and communications technologies between the developed and developing nations has continued to widen, and that most developing countries are not benefiting from the present inequitable information and technology order.  The Assembly would underline the necessity to achieve a more equitable and effective global information and technology order which rectified these imbalances.

While taking note of the Secretary-General's report on the reorientation of United Nations activities in the field of public information and communications, the Assembly would encourage him to continue the exercise, while stressing the need to take into account the views of Member States.  It would emphasize that, through its reorientation, the Department of Public Information (DPI) should improve its activities in the areas of special interest to developing countries and other countries with special needs, including those in transition.

Also by the text, the Assembly would underline the continuing importance of traditional mass media channels to disseminate information on the United Nations, and encourage the Secretary-General to continue to take full advantage of recent developments in information technologies, including the Internet, to improve, in a cost-effective manner, the dissemination of information about the Organization, taking into account its linguistic diversity.

By further terms, the General Assembly would welcome the Secretary- General's progress report on the implementation of the pilot project for the development of an international radio broadcasting capacity for the United Nations and the redeployment of the necessary resources for this purpose.  It would request the Secretary-General to submit to the twenty-third session of the Committee on Information a progress report on the results of the project's implementation, and declare its intention to examine, before the end of 2001, the final report on the results of the project with a view to taking a decision on the matter during its fifty-sixth session.

Also by the draft, the Assembly would stress that radio is one of the most cost-effective and far-reaching media available to the DPI and an important instrument in United Nations activities, such as development and peacekeeping.  It would encourage an increase in the number of programmes on United Nations Radio in all available languages, on the United Nations Internet site.  The Assembly would also take note of the Department's efforts to disseminate programmes directly to broadcasting stations all over the world in the six official languages and stress the need for impartiality and objectivity concerning United Nations information activities.

While encouraging the Secretary-General to strengthen the Department's public information capacity with a view to drawing international attention to the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations, the Assembly would welcome the Department's decision to launch a new web site to publicize the Year.  It would request the Secretary-General to continue to implement a promotional campaign to ensure that it will enjoy the broadest international support.  The Assembly would also take note of the Secretary-General's report on the Millennium promotional campaign and encourage him to continue to implement effective public information programmes in that regard, so as to ensure that the Millennium Summit's outcome was widely disseminated and enjoyed broad international support.

The Assembly would, by further terms, welcome the development of the United Nations News Service and request the Secretary-General to ensure that the Secretariat's publications and other information services, including the web site and the News Service, contain comprehensive, objective and equitable information about the issues before the Organization and that they maintain editorial independence, impartiality, accuracy and full consistency with General Assembly resolutions and decisions.

Recalling its resolution 54/82 B of 6 December 1999, requesting the Secretary-General to continue to study ways of rationalizing and effecting equitable disbursement of valuable resources to United Nations information centres, the Assembly would note with great concern the existing imbalance in the resources available to the centres in developing and developed countries.  It would request the Secretary-General to examine the situation thoroughly and stress the need to revitalize centres that were currently not operational.  It would also request the Secretary-General to look into the possibility of appointing directors to centres under temporary management of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to ensure their autonomous status.

While emphasizing that resources should be commensurate with the mandated programmes and activities of the United Nations information centres, the Assembly would express deep concern over the reduction of more than 40 per cent in their staffing between the early and closing years of the last decade, and acknowledge the generous contributions by several host governments, as well as the partnership with the UNDP and other United Nations system and local partners.  The Secretary-General would be requested to continue the policy of cost-effectively integrating the centres with the UNDP field offices and, whenever feasible, on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the views of the host country.

Further, the Assembly would encourage the Department, in cooperation with the countries concerned and the relevant bodies of the United Nations system, to continue to take appropriate measures to enhance world public awareness of the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster; and the problems and needs of the Semipalatinsk region of Kazakhstan, which has been affected by nuclear tests.  It would also urge the Department to take the necessary measures to achieve the major objectives set forth in the Secretary-General's report on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa.

By other terms of the draft, the General Assembly would express its full support for wide, accurate, equal and prompt coverage of United Nations activities through the improvement of press releases, which should bring out the intergovernmental aspect of the Organization's work and deliberations. It would stress the importance of issuing press releases in all official languages of the United Nations.

According to a draft decision on the increase in the membership of the Committee on Information, the General Assembly would decide to increase its membership from 95 to 97, and to appoint Armenia and Libya as members.

On 14 November, the Committee approved all three texts without a vote.

Decolonization Drafts

A draft resolution on information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73(e) of the United Nations Charter (document A/C.4/55/574) recommends that the Assembly reaffirm that, in the absence of its decision that a Non-Self-Governing Territory has attained a measure of self-government, the administering Power concerned should continue to transmit such information.  It also recommends that the Assembly request the administering Powers to transmit to the Secretary-General the information prescribed in Article 73(e), as well as the fullest possible information on the political and constitutional developments in the Territories concerned, within six months following the expiration of the administrative year.

The text was approved by the Committee on 3 October by a recorded vote of 103 in favour to none against, with 5 abstentions (Estonia, France, Israel, United Kingdom, United States).

By a draft on economic and other activities affecting the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories (document A/55/575), the Assembly would reaffirm its concern about activities aimed at exploiting the natural resources that are the heritage of those peoples, including the indigenous populations in the Caribbean, Pacific and other regions, as well as their human resources, to the detriment of their interests, and in such a way as to deprive them of their right to dispose of those resources.  It would affirm the value of foreign economic investment undertaken in collaboration with the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories and in accordance with their wishes in order to make a valid contribution to the socio-economic development of the Territories.

The Committee approved the text by a recorded vote of 110 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 2 abstentions (France, United Kingdom).

A draft decision on military activities and arrangements (document A/55/575) would require the General Assembly to deplore the continued alienation of land in colonial and Non-Self-Governing Territories, particularly in the small island Territories of the Pacific and Caribbean regions, for military installations.  The Assembly would reiterate that the colonial and Non-Self-Governing Territories and adjacent areas should not be used for nuclear testing, dumping of nuclear wastes or deployment of nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction.  It would take note of the decision by some administering Powers to close or downsize some of the military bases in the Non-Self-Governing Territories.

According to a draft on implementation of the Decolonization Declaration by the specialized agencies (A/55/576), the General Assembly would request United Nations agencies and associated institutions to provide information on environmental problems facing the Non-Self-Governing Territories; on the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes and volcanoes, and other environmental problems, such as beach and coastal erosion, on those Territories; on ways to assist them to fight drug trafficking, money laundering and other illegal offences; and on the illegal exploitation of the Territories’ marine resources and the need to utilize those resources for the benefit of their peoples.

Also by that text, the Assembly would encourage the Non-Self-Governing Territories to establish and/or strengthen disaster-preparedness and management institutions and polices.  It would welcome the continuing UNDP initiative in maintaining close liaison among the specialized agencies and other United Nations organizations, and in providing assistance to the peoples of the Territories.  Further, it would request the Economic and Social Council to continue to consider measures for coordination of the policies and activities of the specialized agencies in implementing the relevant Assembly resolutions.

The text was approved by the Committee by a recorded vote of 74 in favour to none against, with 40 abstentions.

Under the provisions of a draft on offers by Member States of study and training facilities (document A/55/577), the General Assembly would express its appreciation to those Member States that have made scholarships available to the inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories.

The text was approved without a vote on 3 October.

The Assembly also had before it a draft resolution on the question of Western Sahara (document A/55/578-I) by which it would urge Morocco and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el-Hamra and Rio de Oro (POLISARIO) to implement the agreements reached during direct talks under the auspices of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on implementing the Settlement Plan for Western Sahara.

Under that draft's provisions, the Assembly would call upon the two parties to cooperate in overcoming difficulties hampering the implementation of the Plan's various phases.  It would, further, urge the parties to implement the Secretary-General’s package of measures relating to the identification of voters and the appeals process.  Also, the Assembly would reiterate its support for the self-determination referendum for Western Sahara in conformity with Security Council resolutions 658 (1990) and 690 (1991), by which the Council approved the Settlement Plan.

The text was approved by the Committee on 3 October without a vote.

A text on the question of New Caledonia (document A/55/578-II) would have the Assembly urge all parties involved, in the interest of all the people of that Territory and building on the positive outcome of the review of the Matignon and Noumea Accords, to maintain their dialogue in a spirit of harmony.  All the parties involved would, in addition, be invited to continue promoting a framework for the peaceful progress of the Territory towards an act of self-determination in which all options are open and which would safeguard the rights of all New Caledonians according to the letter and spirit of the Matignon and Noumea Accords, which are based on the principle that it is for the populations of New Caledonia to choose how to control their destiny.

The Committee approved the text on 3 October without a vote.

By a draft on the question of Tokelau (document A/55/578-III), the Assembly would acknowledge the Ulu-o-Tokelau’s account of how the Modern House of Tokelau project, in its dimensions of governance and economic development, was seen by Tokelauans as the means to achieving its act of self-determination.  It would also note the confirmation by the Council of Faipule that, in twelve months from July 2000, there would be significant movement in implementing that project, in conjunction with New Zealand, which has committed substantial additional funding to the project in 2000-2001 and has evidenced an intention to collaborate with Tokelau in ways that can produce significant momentum.

Also by that text, the Assembly would acknowledge Tokelau’s need for reassurance, given that local resources cannot adequately cover the material side of self-determination, and the ongoing responsibility of Tokelau’s external partners to assist in balancing Tokelau's desire for self-reliance with its need for external assistance.  The Assembly would welcome New Zealand’s assurances that it will meet its obligations to the United Nations with respect to Tokelau and abide by the freely expressed wishes of its people with regard to their future status.

The text was approved on 3 October without a vote.

By a draft decision on the question of Gibraltar (document A/55/578), the General Assembly would take note of the fact that the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Spain and the United Kingdom hold annual meetings, alternately in each capital, the most recent of which took place in London on 10 December 1997.  It would urge both Governments to continue their negotiations with the object of reaching a definitive solution to the problem of Gibraltar in light of the relevant General Assembly resolutions and in the spirit of the United Nations Charter.

Also before the Assembly was a consolidated draft resolution (document A/55/578-IV) concerning the small island Non-Self-Governing Territories of American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.

Part A of that text would have the Assembly reaffirm the inalienable right of the peoples of those Territories to self-determination, including independence if they so wish.  It would reaffirm also that it is ultimately for those peoples to determine freely their future political status, and call upon the administering Powers, in cooperation with the territorial governments, to facilitate political education programmes to foster awareness of the right to self-determination.  The Assembly would also reaffirm the administering Powers’ responsibility to promote the Territories’ economic and social development, preserve their cultural identity and give priority, in consultation with the territorial governments, to strengthening and diversifying their economies.

Further, the Assembly would note with concern that the Plan of Action of the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism cannot be concluded by the year 2000.  It would call upon the administering Powers to enter into constructive dialogue with the Special Committee on Decolonization before the fifty-sixth session of the General Assembly to develop a framework to implement provisions of Article 73(e) of the Charter and the Decolonization Declaration, for the period beyond 2000.

By other terms, the General Assembly would take note of statements by the elected territorial representatives that their respective Territories have repeatedly shown their willingness to cooperate with all international efforts aimed at preventing abuse of the international financial system.  The classification of the Territories by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering were not based on objective assessments and seemed to ignore the high standards of the Territories’ regulatory environments with their highly selective licensing procedures, robust supervisory practices and well-established anti-money-laundering regimes.

Also by the text, the Assembly would call upon the OECD to engage the concerned territorial governments in a constructive dialogue, with a view to removing them from the list of harmful tax jurisdictions, and request the administering Power concerned to assist those Non-Self-Governing Territories in resolving the matter.

Part B of the consolidated text deals with each small island Non-Self-Governing Territory.  Regarding American Samoa, the Assembly would call upon the administering Power to continue to assist the territorial government in the economic and social development of American Samoa, including measures to rebuild financial management capabilities and strengthen other functions of the territorial government.  Also, the Assembly would welcome the invitation from the territorial governor to the Special Committee to send a visiting mission to the Territory.

By the draft on Anguilla, the Assembly would request the administering Power, bearing in mind the views of the people of the Territory ascertained through a democratic process, to keep the Secretary-General informed of the wishes and aspirations of the people regarding their future political status.  It would call upon the administering Power and all States, organizations and United Nations agencies to continue to assist the Territory in social and economic development.

The draft on Bermuda would have the Assembly call upon the administering Power to continue to work with the Territory for its socio-economic development.  It would also request the administering Power to elaborate, in consultation with the territorial government, programmes specifically intended to alleviate the economic, social and environmental consequences of the closure of United States military bases and installations in the Territory.

According to the text on the British Virgin Islands, the General Assembly would request the administering Power, the specialized agencies and other United Nations bodies, and all financial institutions to continue to assist the Territory’s socio-economic and human resources development, bearing in mind its vulnerability to external factors.

By the draft on the Cayman Islands, the Assembly would call upon the administering Power and the territorial government to cooperate in countering problems related to money-laundering, and smuggling of funds and other related crimes, as well as drug trafficking.  It would request the administering Power, in consultation with the territorial government, to continue to facilitate the expansion of the current programme of securing employment for the local population, in particular, at the decision-making level.

The provisions of the text on Guam, the Assembly would call upon the administering Power to take into consideration the expressed will of the Chamorro people as supported by Guam voters in the 1987 plebiscite and as provided for in Guam law, and encourage the administering Power and the territorial government to enter into negotiations on the matter.  It would request the administering Power to cooperate with Guam's Commission on Decolonization for the Implementation and Exercise of Chamorro Self-Determination, with a view to facilitating Guam’s decolonization and to keep the Secretary-General informed of progress to that end.

Also by the text, the Assembly would further request the administering Power to continue to recognize and respect the political rights -- and the cultural and ethnic identity -- of the Chamorro people of Guam, and take all necessary measures to respond to the concerns of the territorial government with regard to the immigration issue.  The administering Power would be requested to continue to transfer land to the people of the Territory and to cooperate in establishing programmes specifically intended to promote the sustainable development of economic activities and enterprises, noting the special role of the Chamorro people in Guam's development.

According to the draft on Montserrat, the General Assembly would call upon the administering Power, the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system, as well as regional and other organizations, to continue to provide urgent emergency assistance to the Territory to alleviate the consequences of the 1996 volcanic eruption.  It would welcome the support of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in the construction of housing in the safe zone, to alleviate a shortage caused by the eruption of Montsoufriere volcano, as well as material and financial support from the international community.

By terms of the draft on Pitcairn, the Assembly would request the administering Power to continue its assistance for the improvement of the economic, social, educational and other conditions of the Territory’s population.  It would call upon the administering Power to continue its discussion with the representatives of Pitcairn Island on how best to support their economic security.

With respect to Saint Helena, the Assembly would request the administering Power, and relevant regional and international organizations, to continue to support the territorial Government's efforts to address socio-economic development.  It would note that the administering Power had taken note of statements by members of the Territory's Legislative Council about the constitution and is prepared to discuss them further with the people of Saint Helena.  It would request the administering Power, and relevant regional and international organizations, to continue to support the efforts of the territorial government to address the Territory’s high unemployment, limited transport, communications and other socio-economic development problems.

Regarding the Turks and Caicos Islands, the General Assembly would invite the administering Power to take fully into account the wishes and interests of the Government and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Territory's governance.  It would welcome the assessment of the Caribbean Development Bank, in its 1998 report, that the economy continued to expand with considerable output and low inflation.

By the text on the United States Virgin Islands, the Assembly would Assembly express concern that the Territory, which is already heavily indebted, had to borrow $21 million from a commercial bank to carry out its year 2000 computer compliance programme, and call for the United Nations year 2000 programme to be made available to the Non-Self-Governing Territories.  Further, the Assembly would express concern that the territorial government is facing severe fiscal problems, which has resulted in an accumulated debt of more than $1 billion.  It would call upon the administering Power to provide every assistance required to alleviate the financial crisis, including the provision of debt relief and loans.

The Committee approved the consolidated text on 12 October without a vote.

By the terms of the draft resolution on dissemination of information on decolonization (document A/55/23, part III, chapter XIII), the General Assembly would approve the activities in the field of dissemination of information on decolonization undertaken by the Department of Public Information and the Department of Political Affairs.  It would further request the two departments to take into account the suggestions of the Special Committee on the Situation with Regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples to continue their efforts to take measures through all media available, including publications, radio and television, as well as the Internet, to give publicity to the work of the United Nations in the field of decolonization.

Under the terms of the draft resolution on the Second Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism (document A/55/23, part III, chapter XIII), the General Assembly would declare the period 2001 to 2010 the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism.

Statements on Decolonization

HARRI HOLKERI (Finland) the President of the General Assembly, said that today the Assembly was observing the fortieth anniversary of the adoption the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.  The Declaration, together with the Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, had laid the basis for the role and responsibility of the United Nations in upholding the principle of the right to self-determination.  The Declaration proclaimed the necessity of bringing colonialism in all its forms and manifestations to a speedy and unconditional end.  All peoples had the right to self-determination and by virtue of that right they may freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. 

Year after year, he continued, the Assembly had reaffirmed the principles enshrined in the Charter and had reiterated that the administering Powers had a special responsibility to promote to the utmost, within the system of international peace and security, the well-being of the inhabitants of the Non-Self-Governing Territories under their responsibility.

Today there were still seventeen Non Self-Governing Territories to which the Declaration applied and to which the Assembly would continue to give its full attention.  Among these, however, East Timor had exercised its right to self-determination and chosen the path to independence.  Just over a year ago the people of East Timor, in a free and fair referendum, had voted for independence.  Since then, the process towards national reconciliation and nation-building had been carried out with the support of the United Nations.  The Territory was currently under the administration of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), and it was making strides in preparing the necessary conditions for independence.  The Assembly President said that, at the invitation of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Sergio Vieira de Mello of UNTAET, he would be visiting East Timor early next year.  He wished to familiarize himself with the situation in East Timor and with the work of the United Nations mission.  In the light of the Millennium Summit, and the current discussions on the reform of peacekeeping, he felt the visit would also be timely, given the complex and multi-dimensional nature of the role of UNTAET.

YONGJIAN JIN, Under-Secretary-General of the Department of General Assembly Affairs and Conference Services, in a message read to the Assembly on behalf of the Secretary-General, said the Declaration on Decolonization represented a universal reaffirmation of an historic process of emancipation, freedom, and self-rule.  It not only expressed the support of Member States for the liberation struggles of colonial territories, but also gave impetus to the implementation of the Charter’s provisions on Non-Self-Governing Territories.

The success of the United Nations in this area, he said, could be measured by the fact that more than 60 nations represented in the Hall had achieved independence since the Declaration was adopted.  But there were challenges ahead, in the implementation of related resolutions.  During the past decade, the Special Committee had helped keep the spotlight on the remaining 17 territories, including the provisions of a forum for the voices of their people.

At the dawn of the new Millennium, the message continued, the principles of the Declaration resonated with force.  The Secretary-General said he reiterated the appeal to the administering Powers to assist the Special Committee in the discharge of the mandate entrusted to it by the General Assembly.

PETER DONIGI (Papua New Guinea), Chairman of the Special Committee on the Situation with Regard to the Implementation of the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, said that the Declaration expressed the conviction of the international community that the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories should enjoy the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Charter, and that colonialism contradicted the ideals of the United Nations.

He said the General Assembly, since the Declaration was issued, had kept the subject under its constant attention and had adopted concrete proposals to further its implementation.  Despite much success, however, colonialism persisted.  With the cooperation of the administering Powers, progress towards implementing the Declaration could be achieved; efforts for a sustained, purposeful dialogue should continue and intensify. 

He said the Special Committee, with overwhelming support, would continue to work to carry out the mandate entrusted to it by the Assembly until the objectives of the Declaration had been attained.

JEAN DELACROIX BAKONIARIVO (Madagascar), speaking as Chairman of the African Group, said the anniversary of the Declaration was of particular importance to Africa, where the highest price for colonialism had been paid.  He noted that when the United Nations was established, two-thirds of the present Member States had yet to achieve independence.  There were still 17 territories that were not independent, so much remained to be done.  He said it was necessary to ensure the speedy and unconditional end to colonialism in all its forms, in accordance with the Charter and the Declaration.  He said he wished to pay tribute to the many freedom fighters who had written the history of the struggle against colonialism in letters of blood.  Many problems of the last century would still exist in the new century, he said.  And even though progress had been made, it was crucial to ensure the complete elimination of this scourge.  The main challenge was to complete the efforts of the last decade, to ensure that the new century would be free from colonialism.

JARGALSAIKHAN ENKHSAIKHAN (Mongolia), as Chairman of the Asian Group, said that since the adoption by the Assembly of the Declaration, the process of decolonization had greatly accelerated across the world.  The presence of so many former colonized nations in the General Assembly was positive testimony to this.  Enormous efforts had been made by the Special Committee over the past decades.  But the process of decolonization was not entirely complete.  The 17 cases of Non-Self-Governing Territories that were still under review by the Special Committee could not be ignored.  The United Nations and the international community were duty bound to bring colonialism to its full end.  He noted that many of the remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories were the small islands that confronted unique problems arising from their small size and population, their limited natural resources and their vulnerability to natural disaster.

VALERY KUCHINSKY (Ukraine), for the Eastern European Group, said that due to the decolonization process, the United Nations had been replenished with an essential number of new Members and had become a unique global organization.  However, the more encouraging the outcome of that process, the more obvious was the need to intensify common efforts to bring it to its logical conclusion.

He expressed the hope of the Group that today’s decision by the General Assembly to declare the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism would contribute to the final elimination of all forms and manifestations of colonialism.  It was important that, in the years to come, all Member States redouble their efforts and work together towards bringing about the complete and speedy eradication of colonialism.

GABRIEL VALDES (Chile), on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean States, expressed regret that 17 Territories remained on the United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories.  Also on the list, he said, were special cases such as the sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) in South America, which was a matter to be resolved through negotiations between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom.

He noted that, for the first time, the Special Committee on Decolonization had this year finally achieved consensus on the resolution on Puerto Rico which, among other aspects, reiterated that the Puerto Rican people constituted a Latin American and Caribbean nation with an unequivocal national identity.  He said the Latin American and Caribbean Group supported the declaration of the period from 2001 to 2010 as the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism.

ROSER SUNE PASCUET (Andorra), on behalf of the Western European and Other States Group, said that some positive developments relating to decolonization had taken place during the past decade, most recently in 1999, when the people of East Timor had chosen the path to independence.  However, the progress had been limited and it was still hoped that more could be done in the coming years.

She stressed the need to seize the moment and find in the spirit of freedom that had engulfed the world 40 years ago, the inspiration and hope to build a world where nations were equal in rights, responsibilities and development.  It was necessary to go beyond political independence and towards equal and fair interdependence –- a goal dear to the Western European and Other States Group.

The Assembly then took up the report of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (document a/55/23, parts I-III).

FAYSSAL MEKDAD, Rapporteur of the Special Committee, introducing that report, drew the Assembly’s attention to section J of part I, which outlined the Special Committee’s proposed future programme of work, to be carried out during the year 2001.  Subject to a decision by the General Assembly, that would be the first year of the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism.  Part I also included the report of the Pacific Regional Summit held in Majuro, Marshall Islands, to review the political, economic and social conditions in the small island Non-Self-Governing Territories.

He said that the Special Committee had formulated specific proposals for the elimination of the remaining manifestations of colonialism.  During the reporting period, it had examined the implementation by Member States of resolution 1514 (XV) and other relevant resolutions on decolonization.  It had continued to pay special attention to the situation in the small Territories and recommend the most suitable measures that would enable the people of those Territories to exercise their right to self-determination.

PETER DONIGI (Papua New Guinea), introducing the draft resolution on the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, said that it had been an eventful year for the Special Committee as it carried out its responsibilities, including work on the end of the decade for the eradication of colonialism.  The Committee had also prepared a work programme, as a basis for discussion with administering countries.  He said that, despite the political framework that the Decade had provided, the decolonization process was not over.  The persistence of colonialism had to be met with determined action, including the adoption of the draft resolution on a second decade to ensure the end of colonialism.  He added that since the release of the draft resolution, Cuba, Syria, Nauru, and the Solomon Islands had joined the list of co-sponsors.

PATRICK LEWIS (Antigua and Barbuda), speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community, said that community continued to have a special interest in the inter-related issues of self-determination and decolonization.  This was especially so since seven remaining small island Non-Self-Governing Territories in the Atlantic/Caribbean region, namely Bermuda, Turks and Caicos Islands, Cayman Islands, British and United States Virgin Islands, Anguilla and Montserrat.

He said it was necessary to reinvigorate the decolonization process for such Territories, through a comprehensive plan of action for the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, to complete the work left undone in the plan of action of the first decade.  This was an achievable goal, he contended, if the requisite human and financial resources of the United Nations system were utilized to address this unfinished business.

Member States could build on the foundation created by the recommendations of the regional seminars convened annually since 1990, alternately in the Caribbean and Pacific.  Among the recommendations were:  fair and unbiased political education programmes for the people of the territories regarding their legitimate political options of equality; increased cooperation between the United Nations and regional institutions in furtherance of the self-determination process; the establishment of an expert group comprising representatives of the territories to articulate their concerns and interests; the annual preparation of a status report of the implementation of decolonization resolutions; and the implementation of the studies and analyses called for in the first plan of action.

RAFAEL DAUSA CESPEDES (Cuba) said the inalienable right to self-determination and independence of the peoples under colonial domination must be respected by all, regardless of the size of a given Territory, its geographical location, the number of its citizens or the volume of its natural resources.  It was also unacceptable that some Powers strove to deprive those peoples of their right to independence, and attempted to mention only the right to self-determination, as if that right could be divorced from the exercise of independence.

He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the independence and self-determination of Puerto Rico, which had not lost even an iota of its identity as a Latin American and Caribbean nation, in spite of having suffered the colonial yoke for more than 100 years.  The colonial Power, he said, resorted to any kind of manoeuvre to confuse international public opinion and distort the Puerto Rican political, economic and social reality.  Yet there was only one reality:  Puerto Rico continued to be deprived of its legitimate right to self-determination and to be a sovereign and independent nation.

ALFRED CARLOT (Vanuatu) expressed deep concern at escalating violations of human rights against the indigenous people of West Papua, which had taken place while the international community had stood by helplessly.  He said illegal crossing of the border between West Papua and Papua New Guinea would only intensify with the escalation of tension and violence.  Vanuatu reiterated the deep concerns about the situation expressed by leaders of the Pacific Island Forum who urged a peaceful resolution and respect for human rights.

The United Nations, he said, played a direct role in the 1962 agreement and the 1969 referendum in the region which led up to the current volatile situation.  It had a moral and legal duty to review those earlier undertakings.  He said Vanuatu also implored Indonesia, mandated as the sovereign authority, to consider placing West Papua on the decolonization list for future action of the Special Committee.  Vanuatu stood ready to assist in negotiations with all interested Member States.  It called for a human rights mission, or envoy, to be sent to West Papua, given the lack of reliable information on the ongoing atrocities and other aspects of the situation.  He said “another East Timor” must not be allowed to occur in West Papua.

Introduction of Fourth Committee Reports

SHINGO MIYAMOTO (Japan), Rapporteur of the Committee, introduced its reports.  He said the reports referred to each of the 12 items allocated to the Fourth Committee by the General Assembly.  The Committee had considered the items on its agenda separately, with the exception of matters pertaining to the Non-Self-Governing Territories and related issues, on which it had held a single general debate. 

Throughout its session, he added, the Committee had held a total of

28 meetings and had made every effort to conclude its business within the allocated time frame, while utilizing the resources made available to it as efficiently as possible.  However, it had been necessary to extend the session of the Committee and frequently reschedule meetings, due chiefly to the unavailability of a document, as well as the special need arising from the consideration of the Report of the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations by the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations.

The Fourth Committee adopted 26 draft resolutions and 3 draft decisions; of those, 14 draft resolutions and 2 draft decisions were adopted by consensus.  He stressed the high level of cooperation prevailing in the Committee, which enabled it to achieve satisfactory results and complete its work effectively and constructively.

      Action on Draft Resolutions

The Assembly then adopted, without a vote, a draft resolution contained in the Fourth Committee’s report on effects of atomic radiation (document A/55/568).

Also without a vote, it adopted a draft resolution contained in the Committee’s report on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space (document A/55/569).

The Assembly then took up the Committee’s report on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) (document A/55/570) which contained seven draft resolutions.

It adopted draft resolution I, on assistance to Palestine refugees, by a recorded vote of 156 in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 3 abstentions (Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States) (Annex I).

Acting without a vote, the Assembly adopted draft resolution II on the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA .

It adopted draft resolution III, on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities by a recorded vote of 156 in favour to

2 against (Israel, United States), with 2 abstentions (Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia) (Annex II).

Draft resolution IV, on offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees, was adopted by a recorded vote of 160 in favour to none against, with 1 abstention (Israel) (Annex III).

The Assembly adopted draft resolution V, on operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East by a vote of 157 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 2 abstentions (Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia) (Annex IV).

By a recorded vote of 156 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 2 abstentions (Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia), the Assembly adopted draft resolution VI on Palestine refugees' properties and their revenues (Annex V).

The Assembly concluded its action on UNRWA-related draft resolutions by adopting a text on the University of Jerusalem "Al Quds" for Palestine refugees by a recorded vote of 156 in favour, to 2 against (Israel, United States) and

2 abstentions (Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru) (Annex VI).

The Assembly then took up the Fourth Committee's report on agenda item

85, "Report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories" (document A/55/571), which contained five draft resolutions.

By a recorded vote of 91 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 61 abstentions, the Assembly adopted draft resolution I, on the work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices (Annex VII).

It adopted draft resolution II, on applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilian persons during time of war, by a recorded vote of 152 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 2 abstentions (Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia) (Annex VIII).

Draft III, on Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan, was adopted by a recorded vote of 152 in favour to 4 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States), with no abstentions (Annex IX).

The Assembly adopted draft resolution IV, on Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories, by a recorded vote of 150 in favour to 3 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, United States), with 1 abstention (Federated States of Micronesia) (Annex X).

By a recorded vote of 150 in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 4 abstentions (Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), the Assembly adopted draft resolution V, on the occupied Syrian Golan (Annex XI).

It then took up the Fourth Committee's report on the comprehensive review of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects (A/55/572) adopting that text without a vote.

Taking up the Fourth Committee's report on questions relating to information (A/55/573) the Assembly adopted two draft resolutions, the first entitled "Information in the service of humanity", and the second "United Nations public information policies and activities".  It also adopted, without a vote, a draft decision on an increase in the membership of the Committee on Information.

The Assembly then turned to the Fourth Committee's report on information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73(e) of the United Nations Charter (document A/55/574), adopting a related draft resolution by a recorded vote of 153 in favour to none against, with 5 abstentions (France, Israel, Federated States of Micronesia, United Kingdom, United States) (Annex XII).

By a recorded vote of 151 in favour, to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 5 abstentions (Croatia, France, Georgia, Federated States of Micronesia, United Kingdom), the Assembly adopted a draft resolution contained in the Fourth Committee's report on economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories (document A/55/575) (Annex XIII).

It adopted a draft decision on military activities and arrangements by colonial Powers (document A/55/576) by a recorded 100 votes in favour to 47 against with 5 abstentions (Cyprus, Georgia, Federated States of Micronesia, Samoa, Tonga) (Annex XIV).

The Assembly then took up the Fourth Committee's report on implementation of the Decolonization Declaration by the specialized agencies (A/55/576) and adopted the relevant draft resolution by a recorded vote of 109, to none against and 50 abstentions (Annex XV).

Acting without a vote, the Assembly adopted a draft on offers by Member States of study and training facilities (document A/55/577).

The Assembly then took up the Fourth Committee's report on implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Colonial Countries and Peoples (A/55/578).  Without a vote, it adopted three separate draft resolutions on the questions of Western Sahara, New Caledonia and Tokelau respectively, as well as a draft decision on the question of Gibraltar.

Having concluded its consideration of the Fourth Committee's reports, the Assembly then took direct action on two draft resolutions relating to the implementation of the Declaration of the Granting to Colonial Countries and Peoples (contained in document A/55/23, Part III), as well as on draft resolution A/55/L.58.

By a recorded vote of 153 in favour, to 2 against (United Kingdom, United States), with 3 abstentions (France, Israel, Federated States of Micronesia), the Assembly adopted a draft resolution on dissemination of information on decolonization (Annex XVI).

It then adopted a text on the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism by a recorded 125 in favour to 2 against (United Kingdom, United States) and 30 abstentions (Annex XVII).

Finally, by a recorded vote of 138 in favour, to 2 against (United Kingdom, United States) and 18 abstentions, the Assembly adopted draft resolution A/55/L.58 entitled "Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples".

Explanation of Vote

STUART ELDON (United Kingdom), speaking in explanation of a negative vote on the resolution on the Implementation the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (A/55/L.58), said that the United Kingdom found some sections unacceptable, including the call for administering Powers to eliminate the remaining military bases in the Territories.

Concerning a negative vote on the Dissemination of Information on Decolonization (A/55/23, part III), he said the obligations placed on the Secretariat by that text represented an unwarranted drain on the scarce resources of the United Nations.

On a vote against the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism (A/55/23, part III), he said that, after reading the Secretary-General’s report on the first such Decade, there was scant evidence that it was of any great benefit to the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories.  Neither did it seem to be an efficient use of United Nations resources.  The United Kingdom would rather work with the Special Committee on decolonization on the questions related to specific territories administered by the United Kingdom, with a view toward their eventual removal from the Committee’s agenda.

Finally, replying to comments by the representative of Chile on the Falkland Islands, he said that the United Kingdom’s position on the issue was well known and contained in recent statements made to the General Assembly.

ANNEX I

Vote on Assistance to Palestine Refugees

The draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees (document

A/55/570-I) was adopted by a recorded vote of 156 in favour to 1 against, with

3 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, 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, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, 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, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel.

Abstain:  Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, United States.

Absent:  Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Palau, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Suriname, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan.

ANNEX II

Vote on Persons Displaced in June 1967

The draft resolution on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/55/570-III) was adopted by a recorded vote of 156 in favour to 2 against, with 2 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, 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, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, 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, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstain:  Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Suriname, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan.

ANNEX III

Vote on Grants and Scholarships for Palestine Refugees

The draft resolution on offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees (document A/55/570-IV) was adopted by a recorded vote of 160 in favour to none against, with 1 abstention, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, 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, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, 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, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  None.

Abstain:  Israel.

Absent:  Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Suriname, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan.

ANNEX IV

Vote on UNRWA Operations

The draft resolution on the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) (document

A/55/570-V) was adopted by a recorded vote of 157 in favour to 2 against, with

2 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, 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, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, 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, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstain:  Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands.

Absent:  Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Suriname, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan.

ANNEX V

Vote on Palestine Refugees' Properties

The draft resolution on Palestine refugees' properties and their revenues (document A/55/570-VI) was adopted by a recorded vote of 156 in favour to

2 against, with 2 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, 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, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, 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, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstain:  Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands.

Absent:  Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan.

ANNEX VI

Vote on University of Jerusalem ‘Al Quds’

The draft resolution on the University of Jerusalem ‘Al Quds’ for Palestine Refugees (document A/55/570-VII) was adopted by a recorded vote of

156 in favour to 2 against, with 2 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, 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, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, 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, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstain:  Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru.

Absent:  Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Congo, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Suriname, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan.

ANNEX VII

Vote on Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices

The draft resolution on the work of the Special Committee to investigate Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories (document A/55/571-I) was adopted by a recorded vote of 91 in favour to 2 against, with 61 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstain:  Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Samoa, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tonga, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Yugoslavia.

Absent:  Albania, Angola, Bahamas, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroon, Congo, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mongolia, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan.

ANNEX VIII

Vote on 1949 Geneva Convention

The draft resolution on the applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem and the other occupied territories (document A/55/571-II) was adopted by a recorded vote of 152 in favour to 2 against, with 2 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, 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, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstain:  Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands.

Absent:  Albania, Angola, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroon, Congo, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan.

ANNEX IX

Vote on Israeli Settlements

The draft resolution on Israeli Settlement in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem and the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/55/571-III) was adopted by a recorded vote of 152 in favour to 4 against, with no abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, 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, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, 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, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, United States.

Abstain:  None.

Absent:  Albania, Angola, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Nauru, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan.

ANNEX X

Vote on Israeli Practices

The draft resolution on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem (document A/55/571-IV) was adopted by a recorded vote of 152 in favour to 3 against, with 1 abstention, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, 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, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel, Marshall Islands, United States.

Abstain:  Federated States of Micronesia.

Absent:  Albania, Angola, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroon, Congo, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Nauru, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan.

ANNEX XI

Vote on Syrian Golan

The draft resolution on the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/55/571-V) was adopted by a recorded vote of 150 in favour to 1 against, with

4 abstentions, as follows:

In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, 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, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel.

Abstain:  Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, United States.

Absent:  Albania, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan.

ANNEX XII

Vote on Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories

      The draft resolution on information from Non-Self-Governing Territories (document A/55/574) was adopted by a recorded vote of 153 in favour to none against, with 5 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, 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, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, 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, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  None.

Abstain:  Federated States of Micronesia, France, Israel, United Kingdom, United States.

Absent:  Albania, Angola, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Monaco, Morocco, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Suriname, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan.

ANNEX XIII

Vote on Economic Activities Affecting Non-Self-Governing Territories

      The draft resolution on economic and other activities affecting the interests of the people of Non-Self-Governing Territories (document A/55/575) was adopted by a recorded vote of 151 in favour to 2 against, with

5 abstentions, as follows:

In favour: Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, 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, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, 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, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against: Israel, United States.

Abstain:  Croatia, Federated States of Micronesia, France, Georgia, United Kingdom.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Morocco, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Suriname, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan.

ANNEX XIV

Vote on Military Activities by Colonial Powers

The draft decision on military activities and arrangements by colonial powers in territories under their administration (document A/55/575) was adopted by a recorded vote of 100 in favour to 47 against, with 5 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States.

Abstain:  Cyprus, Federated States of Micronesia, Georgia, Samoa, Tonga.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Azerbaijan, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Malawi, Morocco, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Yugoslavia.

ANNEX XV

Vote on Agency Implementation of Decolonization Declaration

The draft resolution on the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies (document A/55/576) adopted by a recorded vote of 109 in favour to none against, with 50 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  None.

Abstain:  Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Yugoslavia.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Suriname, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan.

ANNEX XVI

Vote on Dissemination of Information on Decolonization

The draft resolution on the dissemination of information on decolonization (document A/55/23, part III, chapter XIII, G, para 7) was adopted by a recorded vote of 153 in favour to 2 against, with 3 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, 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, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, 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, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  United Kingdom, United States.

Abstain:  Federated States of Micronesia, France, Israel.

Absent:  Albania, Angola, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Morocco, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Suriname, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Yugoslavia.

ANNEX XVII

Vote on Second Decade for Eradication of Colonialism

The draft resolution on the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism (document A/55/23, part III, chapter XIII, H, paragraph 8) was adopted by a recorded vote of 125 in favour to 2 against, with 30 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  United Kingdom, United States.

Abstain:  Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Suriname, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Yugoslavia.

ANNEX XVIII

      Vote on Implementation of Decolonization Declaration

The (document A/55/L.58) was adopted by a recorded vote of 138 in favour to 2 against, with 18 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, 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, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  United Kingdom, United States.

Abstain:  Belgium, Croatia, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Turkey.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Suriname, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Yugoslavia.

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