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 -------------- C1 Days 5, 6 and 7; 10-10, 10-13 and 10-14 General Debate Summary -------------- ¶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. -------------- -------------- 10/10, Day 5 - Belarus, Philippines, Israel, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Singapore, Kenya, India, Senegal, Zambia, South Africa, and Republic of the Congo -------------- -------------- ¶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 USUN NEW Y 00000994 002 OF 007 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 USUN NEW Y 00000994 003 OF 007 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 USUN NEW Y 00000994 004 OF 007 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. -------------- -------------- 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 -------------- -------------- ¶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 USUN NEW Y 00000994 005 OF 007 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. USUN NEW Y 00000994 006 OF 007 ¶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. -------------- -------------- 10/14, Day 7 - Georgia, Bahrain, Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the UN, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) -------------- -------------- ¶33. (U) Georgia: Welcomed preparations for the 2010 Nuclear USUN NEW Y 00000994 007 OF 007 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