SIXTH COMMITTEE DEBATES AND ADOPTS REPORT ON

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 001079 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL AORC UNGA SUBJECT: SIXTH COMMITTEE DEBATES AND ADOPTS REPORT ON RELATIONS WITH HOST COUNTRY ¶1. Summary: On November 12, the Sixth Committee debated Agenda Item 164: Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country. Following the debate, the Committee adopted the resolution without a vote and recommended it to the General Assembly. End Summary. ¶2. Sweden, on behalf of the European Union, commended the work of the Sixth Committee and the United States for accommodating the needs of the diplomatic community. It welcomed the partial exemption of diplomats accredited to the United Nations from secondary procedures at airports and endorsed the recommendations made in the Host Country Committee report (A/C.6/64/L.13). ¶3. Cuba complained about travel restrictions and irregular visa issuance for delegates. It also called for the host country to intensify training of customs and border control officers and for equitable treatment in parking issues. ¶4. Libya said that issues, such as customs procedures and immigration restrictions at JFK airport, need to be resolved. It welcomed the U.S. endeavor to speed up inspection measures and urged these efforts be expanded. ¶5. India expressed its concern that the City of New York was not observing the exemption from property taxation of property owned by foreign governments. India also noted that it was not receiving visas in time for U.N. official meetings. ¶6. Russia commented that its main problems with the Host Country were the travel restrictions imposed on certain Russian diplomats which it characterized as "unreasonable" and "discriminatory." Russia also noted problems with parking, screening at airports, and visa issues. ¶7. The United States, represented by Public Delegate Laura Ross, said it was proud of its role as Host Country and described the Committee on Relations with the Host Country as a valuable forum. ¶8. Following the Member States' interventions, the Sixth Committee adopted draft resolution A/C.6/64/L.13 Report of the Host Country Committee without a vote and recommended it to the General Assembly. RICE