63RD UNGA/FIRST COMMITTEE (UNFC):DAY FIVE, SIX AND

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 07 USUN NEW YORK 000994

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CD CDG KN PARM PREL UNGA
SUBJECT: 63RD UNGA/FIRST COMMITTEE (UNFC):DAY FIVE, SIX AND
SEVEN OF GENERAL DEBATE

This is UNFC-4

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C1 Days 5, 6 and 7;
10-10, 10-13 and 10-14 General Debate Summary
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1. (U) Summary: The First Committee on Disarmament and
International Security conducted its general debate from
October 6 to October 14. This summary comprises statements
from Days 5, 6 and 7 (October 10, 13 and 14) of the debate.
The following states spoke on Day 5: Belarus, Philippines,
Israel, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Singapore,
Kenya, India, Senegal, Zambia, South Africa, and Republic of
the Congo. Iran spoke in a right of reply to Israel's
statement, accusing it of stating "baseless allegations."
Syria also spoke in a right of reply to Israel, accusing it
of distracting states from its nuclear program and its
violations of 2006 Security Council Resolution 1701 on
Lebanon. The following states spoke on Day 6: Haiti on
behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM),Nepal, Armenia,
Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK),Papua New
Guinea, Libya, Burkina Faso, Nicaragua, Eritrea, Oman, San
Marino, Jordan, Iran, Morocco, and Benin. The Republic of
Korea (ROK) spoke in a right of reply to the DPRK's
statement, stating that it had not undertaken any military
exercises since 1982. The following states, observer
mission, and organization spoke on Day 7: Georgia, Bahrain,
Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the UN, and the
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The
Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) spoke in a right
of reply to the Republic of Korea's (ROK) October 13
statement, stating that it doubted the ROK's intent to
resolve the nuclear issue. Russia spoke in a right of reply
to Georgia, accusing it of using cluster bombs and increasing
its military budget. Georgia replied, arguing that Russia
withdrew from resolving the crisis on March 6 and stating
that it had not used cluster munitions against civilians.
End Summary.

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10/10, Day 5 - Belarus, Philippines, Israel, Sri Lanka,
Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Singapore, Kenya, India,
Senegal, Zambia, South Africa, and Republic of the Congo
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2. (U) Belarus: Expressed support for Russia's proposal on
creating a new "security architecture," while remarking on
the situation in the Caucasus. Belarus called on the United
States and Russia to develop an agreement to replace the
Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). It urged states to
ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT),provide
negative security assurances (NSAs) to non-nuclear weapon
states (NNWS),and recognize states' right to use nuclear
energy for peaceful purposes. It added that it supported the
prevention of an arms race in outer space (PAROS),as well as
the UN Program of Action (PoA) on small arms and light
weapons (SA/LW). Belarus also stated that it would be

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difficult to destroy its anti-personnel mines without
international assistance.


3. (U) Philippines: Welcomed the UN PoA on SA/LW. It called
on nuclear weapons states (NWS) to denuclearize. The
Philippines urged states to ratify the CTBT and expressed
support for establishing a South East Asia Nuclear Weapon
Free Zone (SEANWFZ). The Philippines underscored the
importance of strengthening the Biological and Chemical
Weapons Conventions (BWC and CWC). It noted that it was
Southeast Asia's turn to assume and hold the NPT Review
Conference (RevCon) Presidency, and stated that the
Philippines would field a qualified candidate who would "ably
steer negotiations and lead the RevCon to a favorable
decision."


4. (U) Israel: Lamented Iran's failure to halt its nuclear
program and stated that it was the target of Iran's calls for
destruction. Israel expressed concern over arms transfers
from Iran and Syria to Hezbollah. It highlighted its efforts
to prevent non-conventional arms proliferation, as well as
illicit transfers of conventional weapons and dual-use items.
It expressed satisfaction for the successful outcome of the
SA/LW Biennial Meeting of States but regretted the group's
inability to produce a final document.


5. (U) Sri Lanka: Expressed disappointment over the poor
outcome of past NPT Review Conferences and hoped for a
successful 2010 Review Conference that would focus on
"de-weaponizing security." Sri Lanka advocated initiatives
that eliminate SA/LW, including the UN PoA. It called on NWS
to ensure that there are safety features built into their
programs. Sri Lanka complained of states' increasing
military expenditures.


6. (U) Mongolia: Expressed hope that the Conference on
Disarmament (CD) would yield "positive results." It stated
that it supported multilateral efforts to resolve the Iran
and DPRK nuclear issues. It expressed interest in the use of
nuclear power. Mongolia urged states to ratify the
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and conclude International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Additional Protocols.


7. (U) Kazakhstan: Called on states to ensure the
effectiveness of the NPT, as well as a successful 2010 NPT
Review Conference. It expressed support for the CTBT,
highlighting its hosting of an integrated field exercise of
an on-site inspection. Kazakhstan stated that its Parliament
is ratifying the Central Asian NWFZ Treaty. It urged NWS to
sign the Protocol providing NSAs to NNWS. Kazakhstan
advocated states' use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes
while adding that it "intends to pursue that path." It noted
its outer space program and stated that it supports the
pursuit of the prevention of an arms race in outer space
(PAROS).


8. (U) Ethiopia: Expressed support for the UN PoA on SA/LW,
as well as the Regional Center on Small Arms and Light

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Weapons (RECSA),of which it is a member. It highlighted its
efforts to address that issue, including conducting public
awareness and confidence building programs, and confiscating
and destroying 20,000 SA/LW between May 2006 and February

2007.


9. (U) Singapore: Noted its participation in the Container
Security Initiative (CSI) and Proliferation Security
Initiative (PSI) to stem the flow of WMD-related materials.
It also reiterated its support for the NPT, CTBT, CWC, and
BWC. Singapore advocated establishing a SEANWFZ.


10. (U) Kenya: Expressed support for the UN PoA on SA/LW and
the RECSA. Kenya argued that disarmament and development are
"inextricably linked." It stated concern over a lack of
progress in the CD but expressed hope regarding the upcoming
session. It welcomed the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE)
report on an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).


11. (U) India: Reinforced commitment to the "Action Plan for
Ushering in a Nuclear-weapon free and Non-Violent World
Order, " first enunciated by PM Rajiv Gandhi in 1988 and
stated that it held as the highest priority the first Special
Session of the UN General Assembly on Disarmament (SSOD-I)
final document. It reiterated India's proposal for a Nuclear
Weapons Convention. India spoke on its "set of practical
measures," including an agreement on no-first-use and non-use
of nuclear weapons against NNWS. It underscored that it
continues to observe a moratorium on nuclear tests. India
stated that it seeks support on three resolutions: the
Convention on the Prohibition of Use of Nuclear Weapons,
reducing nuclear danger, and measures to prevent terrorists
from acquiring WMD.


12. (U) Senegal: Called on states to strengthen the authority
of the NPT and advance the entry into force the CTBT.
Senegal urged NWS to provide NSAs to NNWS. It advocated
states' use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Senegal
expressed support for the Cluster Munitions Convention (CMC)
and encouraged states to accede to the Mine Ban Convention.
It called for "appropriate management" of the CWC and the BWC.


13. (U) Zambia: Urged NWS to develop measures to ensure
compliance with the NPT and also called on Annex 2 states to
ratify the CTBT. It highlighted the need to stem illicit
trade of SA/LW, expressed support for the UN PoA on SA/LW,
and called for full implementation of an International
Tracing Instrument (ITI). Zambia appeals to states to sign
the CMC. It welcomed efforts to conclude an ATT.


14. (U) South Africa: Argued that states parties to the NPT
could not selectively apply its outcome in particular
circumstances. It called on states possessing chemical
weapons to fulfill their obligations under the CWC. South
Africa underscored the importance of the CTBT. It expressed
support for the Mine Ban Treaty. It praised the work of IAEA
Director General Mohamed ElBaradei and stated that it was
nominating Ambassador Abdul Samad Minty as ElBaradei's

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successor.


15. (U) Republic of Congo: Expressed hope that the upcoming
NPT Review Conference would help facilitate states'
implementation of NPT Article VI. The Congo called on states
to accede to and ratify the CTBT. It reiterated its support
for the CMC and the Mine Ban Convention, and called on the
international community to assist Africa in de-mining. It
praised the Third Biennial Meeting of States on SA/LW for
having achieved a "historic consensus."


16. (U) Right of Reply:

Iran: Responded to Israel's statement, stating that it was a
"Zionist Regime" that based its allegations on "violence,
aggression, occupation, state terrorism, and bloodshed."
Iran stated that no amount of campaigning could "cloud its
(Israel's) dark history." It then reiterated its commitment
to its NPT obligations.

Syria: Responded to Israel's statement, accusing it of
introducing issues unrelated to disarmament and WMD in order
to distract states from the fact that it had nuclear weapons
and had not joined the NPT. Syria stated that Israel's
allegations sought to hide violations of 2006 Security
Council Resolution 1701 on Lebanon. It underscored that the
UN Secretary General's sixth report on the implementation of
that resolution stated that the joint force had not found
evidence of weapon's smuggling on the Lebanese border.

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10/13, Day 6 - Haiti on behalf of the Caribbean
Community (CARICOM),Nepal, Armenia, Democratic
People's Republic of Korea (DPRK),Papua New Guinea,
Libya, Burkina Faso, Nicaragua, Eritrea, Oman,
San Marino, Jordan, Iran, Morocco, and Benin
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17. (U) Haiti on behalf of CARICOM: Called on NWS to abide by
their NPT obligations and to provide security assurances to
NNWS. It expressed support for NWFZs and underscored the
need to address concerns about shipment of "nuclear waste"
through Caribbean waters. CARICOM welcomed the outcome of
the Third Biennial Meeting of
States.


18. (U) Nepal: Urged states to realize more tangible progress
as they prepare for the 2010 NPT Review Conference. Nepal
called for the entry into force of the CTBT. It stated that
it opposed any encroachment into outer space for military
purposes. Nepal expressed support for the UN PoA on SA/LW.


19. (U) Armenia: Expressed concern about Iran's nuclear
program. Armenia called for the entry into force of the
CTBT. It expressed support for international efforts to
eliminate anti-personnel mines and stated that it was willing
to accede to the Mine Ban Treaty. Armenia urged states to
observe the provisions of the Treaty on Conventional Armed

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Forces in Europe.


20. (U) Democratic People's Republic of Korea: Alleged that
behind the scenes of dialogue, there occurred "large-scale
joint military exercises envisaging pre-emptive nuclear
strikes" at the DPRK. The DPRK stated that it possessed a
nuclear deterrent "due to the deep-rooted U.S. hostile policy
and nuclear threats." It stated that it remained consistent
in its position to resolve the nuclear issue and denuclearize
the Korean Peninsula. The DPRK added that denuclearization
was "directly linked with the elimination of U.S. hostile
policy and nuclear threat."


21. (U) Papua New Guinea: Welcomed the adoption of the report
from the Third Biennial Meeting of States on small arms.
Papua New Guinea also expressed support for negotiating an
ATT.


22. (U) Libya: Called for the "non-selective" implementation
of the NPT. Libya advocated states' right to use nuclear
energy for peaceful purposes. It called on NWS to provide
NNWS with assurances that they would not use or threaten to
use their nuclear weapons against them. Libya argued that
Israel's possession of modern military capabilities
threatened peace and security in the Middle East. It called
on states to do more to address the problem of de-mining,
stating that the Mine Ban Convention addressed the problem of
anti-personnel mines in a truncated manner.


23. (U) Burkina Faso: Stated that illicit arms trade fueled
terrorist networks in the Sahel-Sahara region. Burkina Faso
called on states to assist it with preventing further
proliferation of SA/LW in its country and sub-region. It
stated that it ratified the African NWFZ Treaty and urged
other states to do the same.


24. (U) Nicaragua: Lamented states' increasing military
expenditures while poverty continued to worsen. It advocated
states' rights to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Nicaragua expressed hope that the upcoming NPT Review
Conference would accelerate NWS' adherence to the NPT.
Nicaragua highlighted its efforts to regulate arms, including
passing laws that would facilitate the destruction of
approximately 13,000 confiscated illegal weapons.


25. (U) Eritrea: Eritrea stated that the NPT was critical to
achieving nuclear disarmament. It advocated states' right to
the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Eritrea also expressed
support for the UN PoA on SA/LW.


26. (U) Oman: Expressed hope for a successful 2010 NPT
Review Conference and called on states to ratify the Treaty.
Oman advocated establishing a Middle East NWFZ and called on
Israel to accede to the NPT. It expressed hope that the
negotiating process would permit Iran to use nuclear energy
for peaceful purposes. Oman welcomed the recent developments
to resolve the nuclear issue in the Korean Peninsula.


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27. (U) San Marino: Called on the international community to
work toward eliminating nuclear weapons and demonstrate a
strong commitment to the NPT. It reconfirmed its commitment
to disarmament and commended the CMC


28. (U) Jordan: Urged states, specifically referencing
Israel, to accede to or ratify the NPT. Jordan also called
on states to join the CTBT, and accede to and ratify the CWC
and BWC. It expressed support for the Mine Ban Convention
and stated that it hoped to fulfill its treaty obligations by
May 2009.


29. (U) Iran: Referring to itself as "the last victim of the
use of " WMD, it stated that it was highly motivated to
pursue a world free from such weapons by adhering to the NPT,
BWC, and CWC. It claimed that the United States continued to
use nuclear weapons as a "tool for achieving security" and
"threatens to target" NNWS. It criticized the United States
for pursuing agreements with non-parties to the NPT, and in
particular the "Zionist regime." It accused the United
States of putting into jeopardy the entire non-proliferation
regime and destabilizing international security by "building
a missile shield in Eastern Europe." On resolving the
nuclear issue, Iran stated that it had presented various
packages to which the 5 1 Group had not replied. Iran
stated that the "Zionist regime" continued to be the only
impediment to establishing a Middle East NWFZ.


30. (U) Morocco: Lamented that significant obstacles are in
the way of holding the General Assembly's Fourth Special
Session on Disarmament. It advocated states' right to use
nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Morocco stated that it
had worked hard to combat nuclear terrorism and attached
great importance to 2004 Council resolution 1540 on
non-proliferation. It welcomed the results of the Third
Biennial Meeting of States.


31. (U) Benin: Called on states to reverse the trend of
increasing military expenditures. It stated the importance
of the entry into force of the CTBT, establishing an ATT,
promoting an FMCT, and pursuing the small arms PoA. Benin
also urged states to pay close attention to UN Charter
Article 26 on arms regulation.


32. (U) Right of Reply:

Republic of Korea: Responded to the DPRK's statement, stating
that its reference to the ROK's "military exercises" was
incorrect, as it had not undertaken any such exercises since

1982.

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10/14, Day 7 - Georgia, Bahrain, Permanent Observer Mission
of Palestine to the UN, and the International Committee of
the Red Cross (ICRC)
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33. (U) Georgia: Welcomed preparations for the 2010 Nuclear

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Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference. Georgia
stated that it had joined the Global Initiative to Combat
Nuclear Terrorism. It cited illicit arms trade as a problem
and suggested an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) as a solution.
Georgia complained of Russia's military base in Abkhazia. It
also criticized Russia for its recent actions in Georgia,
stating that the Human Rights Watch's findings suggest it
used cluster munitions during its "invasion." As with last
year, Georgia expressed concern about Russia's suspension of
the Treaty on Conventional Forces in Europe and stated that
it would complicate "processes" in the South Caucasus.


34. (U) Bahrain: Praised the work of the International Atomic
Energy Agency to end the use of nuclear energy for
non-peaceful uses. To that end, Bahrain stated that it had
acceded to the NPT and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. It
called on Israel to accede to the NPT. Bahrain expressed
support for the UN Program of Action (PoA) on small arms and
light weapons (SA/LW),as well as for the Third Biennial
Meeting of States to combat those weapons.


35. (U) Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the UN:
Called on member states to combat illicit arms trade and pay
close attention to "state arming and forming of militias" on
occupied territory. It advocated for a Middle East nuclear
weapons free zone, called on Israel to accede to the NPT, and
warned of selective efforts to rid the Middle East of nuclear
weapons. It also expressed support for states' right to the
peaceful use of nuclear energy.


36. (U) ICRC: The ICRC praised the Convention on Cluster
Munitions and the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons
as instruments to address the problem of cluster munitions.
It encouraged states to view the Mine Ban Convention as a
model for addressing such issues. The ICRC expressed support
for the UN PoA on SA/LW and the GGE report on an ATT.


37. (U) Rights of Reply:

DPRK: Responded to the ROK's October 13 statement, stating
that it doubted the ROK's intent to resolve the nuclear
issue, as well as the ROK's remark that its military bases
were not targeting the DPRK.

Russia (followed by Georgia): Responded to Georgia's
statement, stating that Georgia used cluster bombs. Russia
also criticized it for increasing its military budget, which
it claimed called into question Georgia's intent to stabilize
the region. Georgia replied, recalling Russia's March 6
withdrawal from settling the Abkhazia conflict. It added, in
contrast to Russia, that no international organization had
said that Georgia used cluster munitions against civilians.
Khalilzad