63RD UNGA/FIRST COMMITTEE (UNFC): DAY ONE AND TWO

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 10 USUN NEW YORK 000965 SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CDG KN PARM PREL UNGA CD SUBJECT: 63RD UNGA/FIRST COMMITTEE (UNFC): DAY ONE AND TWO OF GENERAL DEBATE This is UNFC-1 -------------- C1 Days 1 and 2 (10-6 and 10-7) General Debate Summary -------------- ¶1. (U) Summary: The First Committee on International Security and Nuclear Disarmament conducted its general debate from October 6 to October 14. This summary comprises statements from Days 1 and 2 (October 6 and 7) of the debate. The following spoke on Day 1: Sergio Duarte, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Mexico on behalf of the Rio Group, Indonesia on behalf of the Nonaligned Movement, Nigeria on behalf of the African Group, France on behalf of the European Union, South Africa on behalf of the New Agenda Coalition, Brazil, China, Mexico, Columbia, Jamaica, Australia, and Bangladesh. Syria spoke in a right of reply to address the EU remark stating that Syria was developing an undeclared nuclear reactor. The following states spoke on Day 2: Burma on behalf of ASEAN, Indonesia, Switzerland, Japan, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Nigeria, United Arab Emirates, Canada, and the Holy See. Iran spoke in a right of reply to EU remarks alleging Iran's non-compliance with Security Council resolutions. Georgia and Russia spoke in rights of reply about their respective actions in the Caucuses, each accusing the other of disseminating false information. End Summary. -------------- 10-6, Day 1 - Mexico (Rio Group),Indonesia (Nonaligned Movement),Nigeria (Africa Group),South Africa (New Agenda Coalition),Brazil, China, Mexico, Colombia, Jamaica, Australia, Bangladesh, Syria (Right of Reply) -------------- ¶2. (U) Mexico on behalf of the Rio Group: The Rio Group called for the elimination of nuclear material, military nuclear programs, and chemical and biological weapons. It expressed support for establishing nuclear weapon free zones (NWFZ) and urged states to accede to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT),the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), and the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). The Rio Group remained concerned about an arms race in outer space and the need to reduce trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SA/LW). It encouraged "denuclearizing the Korean peninsula." The Rio Group reaffirmed developing states' rights to participate in the research, production, and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. ¶3. (SBU) Indonesia on behalf of the Non-aligned Movement (NAM): The NAM encouraged states to resolve current impasses in disarmament and deemed "multilateralism" the core principal of their efforts. The NAM underlined concern over the "lack of progress" by nuclear weapons states (NWS) on NPT implementation. The NAM stated its position in support of the non-use of force or the threat of the use of force against the territorial integrity of any state. It supported developing states' rights to engage in research, production, and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. It called on the United States and Russia to reduce their nuclear arsenals under the 2002 Moscow Treaty and for Israel to accede to the NPT. It further requested that the Conference on Disarmament (CD) establish an ad hoc committee on nuclear disarmament and for all parties to work toward a successful 2010 NPT review. Regarding the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC),it reaffirmed the need for states to meet destruction deadlines, stating: "more than 60% of stockpiles still remained to be destroyed." The NAM also asked states responsible for leaving explosive remnants of war outside of their territories to assist in their removal. (Comment: The UK Representative observed that the statement was "very traditional." End Comment) ¶4. (U) Nigeria on behalf of The African Group: The Group stated that multilateralism would expedite achievement of most goals. The Group called on NWS to stop the qualitative improvement, development, production, and stockpiling of nuclear warheads and their delivery systems. (NOTE: This is almost identical to last year's statement. END NOTE.) The Group stated its position on the non-use of force or the threat of the use of force against the territorial integrity of any state. It called for "universal adherence" to the CTBT. The Group argued for the implementation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Code of Practice on the International Transboundary Movement of Radioactive Waste to enhance protection of states from radioactive waste dumping. As with the previous two groups, it reaffirmed developing states' rights to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. ¶5. (U) France on behalf of the European Union: The EU urged international organizations, regime, and treaties to play their role in fostering international security. The EU stated that international security has been compromised by the proliferation of WMD, means of delivery, and access to those by non-state actors. The EU reaffirmed its support for all measures to prevent terrorists from acquiring WMD and the means to deliver it. It also expressed concern about the proliferation of ballistic missiles of increasing range. The EU called for strengthening disarmament and nonproliferation agreements, banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons, strengthening verification measures, and ratifying the CTBT. It urged all states to sign and bring into force all agreements, including the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the NPT, which it deemed "the cornerstone of the global nuclear nonproliferation regime." The EU deplored Iran's refusal to suspend uranium enrichment. It stated its support for the Six Party Talks but expressed concern over the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) decision to restart its reactor in Yongbyon. (Note: This was before the recent U.S.-DPRK Agreement on Denuclearization Verification Measures. End Note) The EU also expressed concern regarding the IAEA Director General's 4/25 remarks on Syria having an undeclared nuclear reactor. The EU also called for further U.S.-Russian discussions on developing a legally binding post-Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) arrangement, and the inclusion of tactical nuclear weapons in states' general arms control and disarmament priorities. The EU said that it is considering contributing to an IAEA fuel bank. It also urged states to restrain from taking action to undermine the prevention of an arms race in outer space. ¶6. (U) South Africa on behalf of the New Agenda Coalition (NAC): The NAC stated that as long as states possess nuclear weapons, others would want to acquire them. It also expressed concern about nuclear weapons falling into the hands of non-state actors. The NAC deemed the NPT "the cornerstone of nuclear disarmament" and therefore, called for a strengthening of the review process of the Treaty, among other things. It called on states to implement all commitments undertaken at the 1995 and 2000 NPT reviews. The NAC urged the DPRK to denuclearize peacefully and to rescind its withdrawal from the NPT. It encouraged India, Israel, and Pakistan, to accede to the NPT as "non-nuclear weapon states" (NNWSs). The NAC also called for taking further steps for de-alerting of nuclear weapons. It requested the granting of legally binding security assurances to the NNWS parties to the NPT, arguing it "would fulfill an undertaking to those states that have voluntarily given up the nuclear weapon option by becoming parties to the Treaty." The NAC expressed support for treaties banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive weapons, and reiterated support for the CTBT to enter into force. ¶7. (U) Brazil: Acknowledged the P5 statement made at the second NPT Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) meeting, which stated that the P5 are renewing their commitment to fulfilling Article VI of the NPT. Brazil welcomed the adoption of the joint ministerial statement on the CTBT, and called on states to ratify the Treaty. Brazil stated that, with New Zealand, it would submit a resolution on the CTBT. It expressed support for the UN Program of Action (PoA) on SA/LW, as well as consultations on an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). Brazil reiterated its commitment to overcoming the deadlock impairing the disarmament machinery. ¶8. (U) China: Stated in particular the need to address the following: reducing nuclear arsenals, prevention of an arms race in outer space (PAROS),and resolving disputes concerning WMD proliferation. China stated that it is the only one of the five NWSs that has committed to no-first-use of nuclear weapons and non-use of nuclear weapons against NNWS or NWFZs. It promoted early entry into force of the CTBT and welcomed progress made toward addressing SA/LW issues. It maintained that the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and a peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue were necessary. ¶9. (U) Mexico: Called on NWS to destroy their nuclear arsenals. It also advocated establishing NWFZs. Mexico urged adopting the Cluster Munitions Convention (CMC) and encouraged collection and destruction of cluster munitions. It called on states that use cluster munitions to participate in the collection and elimination of them. Mexico advocated implementing controls to prevent the illicit trade of SA/LW and stated that it would promote a legally binding instrument on arms trade. ¶10. (U) Colombia: Stated that SA/LW trade creates a serious problem; and called on states to establish controls. It praised the UN PoA on SA/LW, as well as the Third Biennial Meeting of States. Columbia called on CTBT Annex 2 states to ratify the Treaty. It expressed support for the Government Group of Experts (GGE) on ATT but had hoped for a more ambitious result. It highlighted its efforts to negotiate a Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT). ¶11. (U) Jamaica: Called on states to realize a successful 2010 NPT review. Jamaica encouraged denuclearization of the DPRK. It advocated establishing NWFZs, in particular in the Middle East. Jamaica welcomed the CMC. It also expressed support for efforts to curb illicit trade of SA/LW, including the UN PoA on SA/LW and the Third Biennial Meeting of States. ¶12. (U) Australia: Called for FMCT negotiations without preconditions. Australia highlighted its establishment of an international commission on nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament. It praised the CMC, the UN PoA on SA/LW, and states efforts to implement the Mine Ban Convention. It stated it was encouraged by the bipartisan and realistic case for disarmament as set forward by U.S. statesmen Henry Kissinger, Sam Nunn, William Perry and George Shultz. ¶13. (U) Bangladesh: Expressed support for preparations for the 2010 NPT Review Conference and the CTBT, and encouraged Annex 2 states to ratify it. Bangladesh urged states to eliminate land mine use and expressed support for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons's (OPCW) efforts to eliminate chemical weapons. It advocated states' right to peaceful use of nuclear energy and called India, Pakistan, and Israel to disarm. Bangladesh reiterated the need for PAROS, an ATT, and a FMCT. ¶14. (U) Right of Reply: Syria: Replied to the EU statement, which referred to Syria having an undeclared nuclear reactor. Syria highlighted the IAEA Director General's September 28 statement in which he said Syria cooperated with the agency and enabled its inspectors to visit the site and surrounding areas. Syria reiterated its call for a NWFZ in the Middle East. It also accused France of being responsible for the Israeli nuclear dossier, which it alleged destabilized the Middle East. -------------- 10-7, Day 2 - Burma, Indonesia, Switzerland, Japan, Pakistan, Russia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Nigeria, UAE, Canada, Vatican, Iran (Right of Reply), Georgia (Right of Reply) -------------- ¶15. (U) Burma spoke on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): ASEAN expressed support for the September 2007 Final Declaration resulting from the Vienna Conference on Facilitating the EIF of the CTBT. It called on the remaining states needed for entry into force to ratify the Treaty. ASEAN highlighted the tabling in 2007 of the first resolution on the Treaty on the South East Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (SEANWFZ) and called on NWS to accede to the SEANWFZ protocol. It regretted that the 2005 NPT Review Conference did not yield a substantive result and called for improved preparations for the 2010 NPT Review Conference. ASEAN encouraged states to ratify the CWC and the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC),and noted that 156 states had ratified the Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty. ¶16. (U) Indonesia: Stated that the international situation remains uncertain and is worsening due to the financial crisis. It lamented the lack of progress made by the CD and the 2005 NPT Review, and called for productive preparation for the 2010 Review. Indonesia praised the February 2008 Oslo conference on nuclear disarmament as well as the May 2008 adoption of the CMC in Dublin. It regretted the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) decision to grant an unconditional waiver on nuclear export guidelines to a non-NPT state (India). It called for states to start negotiations on the FMCT and criticized the United States for pursuing an FMCT without verification. Indonesia encouraged IAEA involvement in the monitoring and verification of U.S. and Russian destruction of nuclear warheads. It also called on states to work toward an ATT. ¶17. (U) Switzerland: Regretted the impasse in the CD but praised the May 2008 NPT PrepCom meeting and the adoption of the CMC. Switzerland highlighted as a priority de-alerting of nuclear forces. It expressed concern over the NSG decision to no longer demand the application of full-scope safeguards as a condition for nuclear cooperation with India. Switzerland also bemoaned Iran's lack of cooperation with the IAEA as well as the DPRK's decision to resume uranium enrichment. It encouraged states to comply with the CWC. As Mine Ban Treaty President, it will focus on stockpile destruction and mine clearance. It welcomed the substantive document from the Third Biennial Conference on SA/LW and the GGE report on an ATT. ¶18. (U) Japan: Stated that uncertainties in some areas seem to be growing, noting that nuclear issues relating to Iran and the DPRK remain unresolved. As the Group of Eight (G8) President, Japan praised the inclusion of the first ever text on nuclear nonproliferation in the G8 Leaders Declaration at the G8 Summit in July. It also highlighted its decision to chair, with Australia, the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (ICNND). Japan welcomed the BMS III outcome as well as the adoption of the Convention on Cluster Munitions. It encouraged states to ratify the CTBT, start negotiations on a FMCT, discuss further an ATT, and create a legally binding successor framework to START. Japan also called on India to observe its commitments under the recent NSG decision. ¶19. (U) Pakistan: Lamented an erosion of arms control and disarmament, a reversal of non-proliferation policies of key powers, and a weakening of United Nations disarmament institutions. Pakistan criticized the deployment of Anti Ballistic Missile (ABM) systems, stating that it perpetuated tensions. It also argued that "discriminatory and shortsighted policies for access to nuclear technology, for narrow gains" have undermined the nonproliferation regime. Pakistan called for states to start talks on the FMCT and criticized "some attempts" to pursue it without verification. It also urged states to discuss the issue of existing and future fissile material stockpiles. Pakistan announced its March 2007 establishment of the Strategic Export Control Division (SECDIV) as well as the implementation of a National Nuclear Security Action Plan. It conveyed that its energy needs will exceed 8000 MW by 2030 and reiterated that all its civilian nuclear reactors were under IAEA safeguards. ¶20. (U) Russian Federation: Referred to Georgia's actions against South Ossetia as an example of the deficiencies in the European security architecture. Russia further criticized the "reckless enlargement of NATO" and the "establishment of military bases," including ABM systems near Russia. It highlighted the new European security treaty the Russian Federation presented during the UN General Assembly General Debate. Russia noted that it was working with the United States to create an agreement to succeed START. It further criticized plans to deploy a global missile defense, arguing that it "creates conditions for launching a disarming nuclear-missile strike." Russia stated that U.S. plans to deploy "missile defense bases" in the Czech Republic and Poland will have a negative impact. On PAROS, Russia called for progress on its February 2008 draft treaty presented to the CD. It urged states to ratify the CTBT. Russia stated that the IAEA Additional Protocol, which it signed in 2007, should become a universally accepted standard. It supported work on the CWC and BWC. Russia stated that the GGE decision on an ATT could contribute substantially to identify "the main problems and identify how to solve them." However, it added that "that kind of elaborate work" is necessary before it makes any decision on "new arrangements" on arms transfers. ¶21. (U) Bulgaria: Stated that the entry into force of the CTBT is indispensable and underscored the importance of the CCW. Bulgaria highlighted its participation in the GGE on cluster munitions in the CCW and its work on cluster munitions, in particular the co-hosting of a regional conference on that issue. It advocated the implementation of the UN PoA on SA/LW and the adoption of an ATT. ¶22. (U) Ukraine: Called for wider adherence to and more effective implementation of the CWC and BWC. Ukraine stated its support for NPT implementation, NWFZs, and states' right to peaceful use of nuclear energy. It welcomed the outcome of the second session of the 2010 NPT review PrepCom. Ukraine advocated more action on countering SA/LW, negotiating an ATT, and universalizing the CTBT. It stated that it was ready see the entry into force of the CCW. ¶23. (U) Nigeria: Praised the CTBT and Mine Ban Convention negotiations, as well as NPT extension. It lamented the failures of the 2005 NPT review and UN PoA on SA/LW, the impasse at the CD, and ambivalence toward a FMCT. Nigeria urged NWS to accord negative security assurances (NSAs) to NNWS. It highlighted its support for NWFZs and reaffirmed its commitment to the UN PoA on SA/LW. It noted its accession to the UN Protocol against Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition. ¶24. (U) United Arab Emirates: Called for launching international security cooperation based on international law and the UN Charter. The UAE reiterated its support for the 2010 NPT review and urged states to pursue goals based on the rule of law and multilateralism. The UAE called for states to eliminate "military arsenal(s)" and to sign/ratify the CTBT. It asked all parties working to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue to be flexible and called on the international community to pressure Israel to accede to the NPT. ¶25. (U) Canada: Welcomed the CMC and hoped that it would facilitate a new CCW protocol on cluster munitions. It noted the inability of some states to comply with the Mine Ban Conventions Articles 4 and 5. Canada expressed hope for a successful 2010 NPT review and offered to act as a bridge-builder between NWS and NNWS. It praised its efforts to prevent terrorists from acquiring WMD. Canada commended the outcome of the Third Biennial Meeting of States, and Canada expressed support for an ATT. It regretted the DPRK's halting of Yongbyon dismantlement and Iran's failure to comply with international obligations. It complained of "a small handful of countries" that "blocked" a FMCT. ¶26. (U) Vatican: Praised the CMC, called for NPT compliance, and urged the entry into force of the CTBT. The Holy See expressed support for a fourth special session of the General Assembly on disarmament. It complained of the uncertainty regarding the CD's program of work and the possibility of an ATT. Rights of Reply: ¶27. (U) Iran: Addressed the EU statement, which equated Security Council statements with those of the international community. Iran stated that the NAM statement, which expressed support for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, was a more accurate representation of the opinion of the international community. It argued that enrichment suspension was illegal and in contravention of the NPT. Iran said that France had stated that it had not replied to IAEA questions, when it in fact had resolved "all outstanding issues." ¶28. (U) Georgia (followed by Russia): Addressed Russia's remarks, accusing Georgia of implementing a policy of "territorial expansions." Georgia defended its actions in South Ossetia, stating that 150,000 Georgians were displaced and that the remaining residents were vulnerable. It added that ethnic cleansing had occurred and accused Russia of using cluster bombs. Russia responded stating that it was tired of "vilification, fiction and lies about the terrible events that have occurred." Georgia replied a final time, stating that Russia had provided false information and called it out for not responding to Georgia's offer to participate in an "impartial investigation." Khalilzad