64TH UNGA/FIRST COMMITTEE BEGINS GENERAL DEBATE:

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 USUN NEW YORK 000949 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CD CDG KN PARM PREL UNGA SUBJECT: 64TH UNGA/FIRST COMMITTEE BEGINS GENERAL DEBATE: OVER 100 SPEAKERS - DAY 3 REF: USUN XXX USUN NEW Y 00000949 001.2 OF 003 1.(U) Summary: The UNGA first committee conducted its general debate on disarmament and international security issues on October 5. This summary comprises day 3 of the general debate (October 7) ¶2. Russian Federation Russia noted the changing environment in the field of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, citing the U.S. - Russian negotiations on the START treaty, the adoption of a program of work for the CD, and the recent Security Council resolution. It regretted that while the program of work by the CD was adopted, substantive work has not begun. Russia called for "predictability of the strategic situation" that would allow for the reduction of nuclear arsenals. It opposed any strategic missile defense systems and weapons in outer space, as these are strategic advantages that undermine the strategic situation. Russia is working towards strengthening the three pillars of the NPT, non-proliferation, disarmament and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. It supported nuclear weapon free zones, particularly in the Middle East, and believes that the IAEA should be the body that verifies compliance. It believes that the UN has a leading role to play in preventing the illicit trafficking of SA/LW. It raised the treaty on Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) and called for Western states to present firm positions instead of promises to examine Russia's concerns at a later date. ¶3. Israel Israel said it believes that disarmament must be based on the reality of the regional context. It is only in comprehensive and durable peace that arms reduction can happen. When there is peace between Israel and its neighbors this will lead to a Middle East free of ballistic missiles and of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons. Israel is in favor of the CTBT and advocated its early entry into force. It views the nuclear weapons program in Iran as a threat to peace in the Middle East. It stated that Iran and Syria's arms transfers to the Hizbullah terrorist groups and Hizbullah's use of these arms against civilian populations is undermining peace in the Middle East. Israel said it believes that these transfers should be addressed by the international community. It favored the discussion of cluster munitions within the framework of the CCW and it supported an Arms Trade Treaty that includes measures to combat arms transfers to terrorist. ¶4. Dominican Republic The Dominican Republic said it recognized the links between disarmament and development and advocated using more resources on development and less on arms. It supported the NPT but recognizes the inalienable right of states to pursue peaceful nuclear energy. It was concerned by the illicit trafficking of SA/LW because it affects safety and social stability, which has links to organized crime, drug trafficking and terrorism. The Dominican Republic noted concern about the transportation of radioactive materials and the possible effects spillage of radioactive materials could have on the Caribbean Sea. ¶5. Turkey Turkey said it attaches great significance to global disarmament and is party to all major international non-proliferation instruments and export controls regimes. Turkey sees positive momentum in the adoption of a program of work by the CD. It stated that it believes that the three pillars of the NPT need to be reinforced and that the pursuit of nuclear weapons undermines security and called for the establishment of nuclear weapon free zones, specifically in USUN NEW Y 00000949 002.2 OF 003 the Middle East. It is concerned by recent actions by the DPRK and Iran. Turkey views the issues of anti-personnel mines, cluster munitions and SALW as important to world peace. ¶6. Philippines The Philippines said it saw positive developments in disarmament, citing the recent adoption of the IAEA General Conference of a resolution calling for a nuclear weapon free Middle East. The Philippines believes that the world must move towards a world free of nuclear weapons and will push for a "concrete action plan with specific phases that would lead to a world free of nuclear arms" at the 2010 NPT review conference (Note: Philippines will chair this conference. End Note). It is also concerned about SA/LW, land mines, and cluster munitions, and hopes that nations meet the 2012 deadline for destroying munitions under the CWC. ¶7. Egypt Egypt said it looks forward to the successful conclusion of negotiations between the U.S. and Russia on strategic arms. It noted the adoption of a program of work for the CD. Egypt believes that the NPT is the key pillar of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation but questions NWS efforts to continue to upgrade and expand their inventories and the double standards applied in the enforcement of the NPT. Egypt was particularly harsh on Israel's nuclear weapon program, pointing out that it has not joined the NPT yet demands that the IAEA investigate Iran. Egypt called for the establishment of a nuclear-weapons-free zone in the Middle East. It expressed hope that the 2010 NPT review will be successful and that NNWS will receive legally binding negative security assurances. It reiterated its belief that all states have to right to pursue the peaceful application of nuclear energy. ¶8. Indonesia Indonesia said it is encouraged by the present momentum in the NPT review process. It said it wants the START treaty negotiations between the U.S. and Russia to be transparent and believes that the collective security of all nations is more important that the narrow interest of countries. It is encouraged by the adoption of a program of work by the CD after a 12 year deadlock. It favors nuclear-free zones. On conventional weapons, Indonesia said it had removed anti-personnel mines from its military arsenal and is in working against the illicit trade of SA/LW. ¶9. Burma Burma said it sees this year as one of hope for nuclear disarmament, citing the adoption of a program of work for the CD, statements by leaders from NWS, and the recent Security Council resolution. It welcomed the five-point proposal by Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. Burma is a signatory to the NPT and believes that it is the cornerstone of international efforts to prevent proliferation of nuclear weapons, further nuclear disarmament, promote cooperation, and ensure access to nuclear energy. ¶10. Nepal Nepal said it is encouraged by the positive atmosphere in the area of disarmament, noted the adoption of the program of work for the CD, and said it is particularly concerned by the trafficking of SA/LW. ¶11. Congo Congo said it is worried about the ability of non-state actors to acquire WMD and the illicit trade in SA/LW. It was USUN NEW Y 00000949 003.2 OF 003 encouraged by the recent adoption of a program of work by the CD and the entry into force of the Africa nuclear-weapon-free zone. ¶12. Jamaica Jamaica said it is encouraged by developments in nuclear disarmament, citing President Obama's speech in Prague, U.S. - Russian negotiations towards a reduction in strategic arsenals, and the adoption of a program of work after a 12 year impasse in the CD. It called for a diplomatic solution to the DPRK's recent activities, supported the establishment of nuclear-weapons-free zones and stated it is concerned by the illicit trade in SA/LW. ¶13. Belarus Belarus noted a decline in international relations and the NPT. It asseses the NPT to be the cornerstone of international relations and was hopeful of a positive NPT review conference in 2010. It supported the inalienable right of states to pursue the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and advocated for the early entry into force of the CTBT. Belarus is encouraged by the adoption of a program of action for the CD after a 12 year impasse and supports more UN action in the fight against the illicit trafficking of SA/LW. ¶14. Sudan Sudan said it views the functioning of multilateral disarmament mechanisms as "disappointing," citing the selective enforcement of the NPT and the paternalistic attitude of the nuclear states. Sudan views the lack of progress towards the Millennium Development Goals as a pressing issue. It is showed concern about the illicit trade in SA/LW. ¶15. Thailand Thailand said it sees positive developments in the field of nuclear disarmament, citing U.S. - Russian negotiations on START, the adoption of a program of work in the CD, and the recent Security Council Resolution. It recognizes the IAEA as the sole international body for verification under the NPT and urges all states to cooperate with it. Thailand is in favor of the CWC, BWC, an Arms Trade Treaty and the ban on anti-personnel mines. ¶16. New Zealand New Zealand said 2009 was a year of promise in nuclear disarmament citing U.S. - Russia negotiations, President Obama's commitment to seek US ratification to the CTBT, the recent Security Council resolution and the adoption of a program of work by the CD. New Zealand said it is worried by Iran's and the DPRK's nuclear-weapons programs, urged Iran to put its Qom facility under IAEA safeguards, and called on the DPRK to rejoin the six-party talks. New Zealand stated that it is worried about the effects of illicit trade in SA/LW on global security and supports an ATT, the convention on cluster munitions and the anti-personnel mine convention. ¶17. Right of Reply by Iran and Syria Iran stated that allegations by Israel are not legitimate. Syria said that Israel needed to allow IAEA inspection of its facilities. Syria also stated that Israel used cluster munitions during its war in Lebanon in 2008 and that Israel is the fourth largest weapons trader. Rice