64TH UNGA/FIRST COMMITTEE THEMATIC DEBATE:

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 USUN NEW YORK 001028 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CD CDG PARM PREL UNGA SUBJECT: 64TH UNGA/FIRST COMMITTEE THEMATIC DEBATE: DISARMAMENT MACHINERY (U) Summary: The UN General Assembly First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) conducted its thematic debate on disarmament machinery October 23. ¶2. Sweden on Behalf of the EU (U) Sweden stated that multilateral approach to security, disarmament and non-proliferation was the best way of maintaining international peace. It noted that the actions of the General Assembly, the First Committee, the Conference on Disarmament (CD) and the impact of international treaties were mutually reinforcing. It regretted that the CD's work program had not been implemented and stated that the membership of the CD should be expanded. ¶3. Uruguay on behalf of MERCOSUR (U) Uruguay stated that multilateral diplomacy was the best approach to disarmament issues and one that would "guarantee results." It noted that the UN's central role was essential in bringing about nuclear disarmament. It appealed to members of the CD to keep working to move the Conference forward. ¶4. Norway (U) Norway stated that 2010 would be a critical year for the CD and called on states to look into the work methods of the Conference. It advocated a change to the working methods of the CD and the UN disarmament Commission so that one state could not bring the work to a standstill. It considers the First Committee to be fundamental in advancing the work on disarmament and non-proliferation. ¶5. Venezuela (U) Venezuela stated that the priorities of the First Committee remained relevant and recognized the UN Disarmament Commission as the sole specialized deliberative body in disarmament. It noted that the adoption of a program of work for the CD after a 12-year impasse would allow the Conference to move forward. ¶6. Canada (U) Canada said that political will was the driving force behind the ability of disarmament machinery to achieve results. It called on all states to work towards a successful 2010 NPT review conference, butit noted a disparity between the staffing of the NPT review conference and the Chemical Weapons Convention. ¶7. Qatar (U) Qatar stated that disarmament machinery played an important and indispensable role and that the CD was the only appropriate forum to negotiate on disarmament It noted the technical and training support that Qatar gives to regional organizations. ¶8. Brazil (U) Brazil said the adoption of a program of work for the CD showed that opposition to disarmament is "starting to crumble,"but noted that political will was needed to continue this progress ¶9. India (U) India stated that the UN has a central role and primary responsibility in the field of disarmament. It called for concrete steps by the disarmament bodies to work towards consensus in disarmament. ¶10. CUBA (U) CUBA emphasized the need to take specific steps forward in negotiating and discussing disarmament and arms control. It noted the adoption of a program of work by the CD and advocated the convening of a fourth special session of the General Assembly on disarmament. USUN NEW Y 00001028 002 OF 002 ¶11. Turkey (U) Turkey noted the critical role that the CD plays in addressing today's global security challenges. It said it hopes that the CD will fulfill its role as the primary forum on disarmament issues and that the adoption of its program of work means that the CD can embark on substantive work, including negotiations on a fissile material cut-off treaty. Rice