Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09USUNNEWYORK950
2009-10-26 22:56:00
UNCLASSIFIED
USUN New York
Cable title:
64TH UNGA/FIRST COMMITTEE BEGINS GENERAL DEBATE:
how-toVZCZCXRO0609 RR RUEHSK RUEHSL DE RUCNDT #0950/01 2992256 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 262256Z OCT 09 FM USMISSION USUN NEW YORK TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7422 INFO RUCNDSC/DISARMAMENT CONFERENCE COLLECTIVE RUEHUJA/AMEMBASSY ABUJA 0428 RUEHAS/AMEMBASSY ALGIERS 2038 RUEHAM/AMEMBASSY AMMAN 0061 RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 1254 RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA 1192 RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA 2481 RUEHKA/AMEMBASSY DHAKA 0113 RUEHNR/AMEMBASSY NAIROBI 0780 RUEHNY/AMEMBASSY OSLO 0943 RUEHSA/AMEMBASSY PRETORIA 0931 RUEHRH/AMEMBASSY RIYADH 0183 RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 1201 RUEHSF/AMEMBASSY SOFIA 1276 RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO 8789
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 USUN NEW YORK 000950
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 2
REF: USUN XXX
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 USUN NEW YORK 000950
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 2
REF: USUN XXX
1.(U) Summary: The UNGA first committee conducted its general
debate on disarmament and international security issues on
October 5. This summary comprises day 2 of the general
debate (October 6)
2. Republic of Korea
South Korea noted the "growing expectations for progress in
the field of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation,"
citing the five point plan put forth by Secretary-General Ban
Ki-Moon, President Obama's vision of a world free of nuclear
weapons, the adoption of a program of work for the CD, and
prospective entry into force of the CTBT. It called for the
central role of the NPT to be reinforced. Korea noted that
the DPRK and Iranian nuclear issues pose a pressing challenge
to the international non-proliferation regime. It called for
the DPRK to rejoin the six party talks and abandon all its
nuclear weapons. Korea was encouraged by the recent talks
between Iran and the P5 plus 1 held in Geneva. It stated
that Korea believed that conventional weapons warrant the
constant attention of the international community.
3. Brazil
Brazil said it was encouraged by the re-launching of
strategic talks between the U.S. and Russia and the adoption
of a program of work for the CD. It called for all countries
to abide by their obligations to the NPT, but warned that
"efforts to impose additional responsibilities on
non-nuclear-weapon states, coupled with selective
implementation of existing disarmament commitments, will
affect the credibility of the regime and undermine its
effectiveness". Brazil supported an international, legally
binding instrument that would allow states to identify and
track SA/LW. It also called for a conventional arms trade
treaty that would regulate the legal trade of arms. This
treaty would define criteria and responsibilities among
export, import and transit countries yet "not affect the
right of states to manufacture, import export, transfer and
retain such weapons and ammunition".
4. Japan
Japan noted the improved atmosphere in disarmament citing
negotiations toward a new START treaty, the recent Security
Council resolution on disarmament, and President Obama's
speech in Prague. It stated that NWS must take concrete
measures to reduce their nuclear arsenals and NNWS must
comply with non-proliferation obligations. Japan warned
against terrorists acquiring nuclear weapons and another
failed NPT review conference. It called for entry into force
of the CTBT without delay and immediate commencement of FMCT
negotiations Japan stated that the DPRK's nuclear tests and
missile launches were a serious threat to peace in the
region. It noted with concern Iran's recent disclosure of
the Qom facility, but was encouraged by the negotiations
between the EU3 plus 3 and Iran in Geneva. Japan called for
treaties on cluster munitions, SA/LW, anti-personnel
landmines and an arms trade treaty.
5. China
China noted that the atmosphere is changing and that
multilateralism is needed to move forward. It endorsed
continued U.S. and Russian negotiations toward reduction of
their nuclear arsenals. It called for the international
community to "negotiate and conclude an international legal
instrument on security assurances for Non Nuclear Weapon
States as early as possible. NWS should negotiate and
conclude a treaty on no-first-use of nuclear weapons against
one another". China called for the early entry into force of
the CTBT and early commencement of negotiations on FMCT. It
called for a strengthening of the IAEA but an end to the
practice of double standards. It supported the inalienable
USUN NEW Y 00000950 002 OF 004
right of NNWS to pursue peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
China, while encouraged by the adoption of a CD program of
work, hoped that it will soon start "substantive discussion
on the draft treaty on the prevention of the placement of
weapons in Outer Space, and the Threat or Use of Force
against outer space objects". It called for the
denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and a continuation
of talks about Iranian nuclear issues.
6. Cuba
Cuba stated that world military spending is increasing while
the UN Millennium Development Goals are not being met and
urged a switch from defense to humanitarian spending. It
said that nuclear disarmament is an urgent task but rejected
the "selective enforcement of the NPT." Cuba stated that
"White House statements have not been followed by concrete
actions". It attacked seven planned military bases in
Columbia and the U.S. Base at Guantanamo Bay, saying it
impinged on Cuban sovereign territory, and the repositioning
of the U.S. fourth fleet in the region. It called for a
timeline for the destruction of nuclear weapons and stated
that the IAEA should be the only organ of verification. It
was encouraged by the program of work for the CD.
7. Kenya
Kenya cited the new atmosphere in disarmament and the program
of work for the CD after a 12 year stalemate. It supported
the early entry into force for the CTBT. Kenya stated that
Africa is now a nuclear-weapon-free zone but advocated for
the peaceful use of nuclear energy to help with the energy
needs of countries. It called for work at the national and
regional level against the illicit transfer and black market
of SA/LW. It supported the treaties on cluster munitions and
anti-personnel landmines.
8. Bulgaria
Bulgaria noted the improving atmosphere and placed "great
value on the work of multilateral mechanisms in the sphere of
disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation." Bulgaria
said it was encouraged by the adoption of a program of work
for the CD and hopes for a successful NPT review conference.
It called for the early entry into force of the CTBT and
negotiations on a FMCT once the CD session begins in January
2010. Bulgaria advocated treaties on CCW, cluster munitions,
SA/LW and an Arms Trade Treaty.
9. Norway
Norway judged that it is a historical time for pursuing the
goal of a world without nuclear weapons and cited the recent
Security Council resolution in this connection. It hopes
that the NPT review process will outline a "clear path"
toward the irreversible and unequivocal elimination of
nuclear arms, and close any loophole in the nuclear
nonproliferation and security regimes. Norway doubted "the
utility of continued deliberations on cluster munitions in
the context of the CCW" because the Convention on Cluster
Munitions already exists and is open for signature. It
lamented the inaction of the CD for the last 12 years and the
fact that 120 states are not members of this body. It
believes that the United Nations Disarmament Commission is
not delivering on its mandate and urges more governmental
involvement in this body.
10. Jordan
Jordan noted the adoption of the program of work in the CD,
supported the NPT and noted the recent Security Council
resolution on disarmament and nonproliferation. It called
for the early entry into force of the CTBT and advocated a
nuclear weapon-free Middle East. Jordan said it is working
towards eliminating its stockpile of anti-personnel mines.
USUN NEW Y 00000950 003 OF 004
11. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia stated that it is an NPT party but that the
treaty has been meaningless because states are not fulfilling
their responsibilities. It is encouraged by the recent
Security Council resolution on disarmament and
nonproliferation. It supported the treaty on Chemical
Weapons, one for SA/LW, called for a nuclear weapon-free
zone in the Middle East, and noted there are "double
standards on enforcement" of agreements.
12. Algeria
Algeria noted the recent entry into force of a nuclear
weapons free zone in Africa, It supported the NPT, and
encouraged states to work towards an FMCT. It noted the
adoption of a program of work by the CD after a 12 year
deadlock, and said it was worried about terrorist and
organized crime groups acquiring nuclear weapons and the
illicit trade in SA/LW.
13. South Africa
South Africa congratulated fellow African states on the entry
into force of the Treaty of Pelindaba. It said it thought
that the recent Security Council resolution was good but more
effort was need on non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament.
It advocated for the entry into force of the CTBT and noted
the adoption of a program of work in the CD. On conventional
weapons, South Africa said it believes that more work must be
done on SA/LW, landmines and cluster munitions.
14. Australia
Australia noted the encouraging signals in the world of
disarmament over the last twelve months but stated that
countries need to be pragmatic in order to make genuine
progress. It cited the adoption of the program of work for
the CD, and said it hopes that the CD will move forward on
FMCT negotiations and its other areas or work. Australia
sees the DPRK nuclear test as a reason to strengthen the NPT
and urged the DPRK to comply with its international
obligations. It called on Iran to work with the IAEA and
allow it full access to the Qom facility. SA/LW should also
remain a focus. Australia advocated for the early entry in
force of the treaty on cluster munitions and supported the
Arms Trade Treaty.
15. Nigeria
Nigeria stated that military expenditures are increasing at a
time when aid is needed for health and education. Nigeria
showed particular concern with the trafficking of SA/LW and
drugs in the region, which are threats to security.
16. Bangladesh
Bangladesh said it was encouraged by the recent adoption of a
program of work for the CD, that it viewed the NPT as the
"cornerstone" of the nuclear non-proliferation regime, and
that it recognized the inalienable right of countries to
pursue the peaceful use nuclear energy. It called for entry
into force of the CTBT, supported the recent entry into force
of a nuclear weapons free zone in Africa, and advocated for
one in the Middle East. Bangladesh said it is worried about
the proliferation of SA/LW, and noted with concern that
military expenditures continue to rise at a time of increased
social needs and requirements for development. (Note:
Bangladesh barely mentioned the CD despite the fact that it
will serve as the first of six rotational CD presidents next
year. End note.)
17. Right of Reply by DPRK
The DPRK replied to Korea and Japan's statements about the
de-nuclearization of the Korean peninsula, saying that this
USUN NEW Y 00000950 004 OF 004
was in direct response to U.S. policy. The DPRK said it
wants peace and stability on the peninsula and had made
proposals on non-aggression to the U.S. However, the U.S.
had stated that the DPRK could not launch peaceful satellites
and the six party talks collapsed because of this. The DPRK
noted that the Security Council cannot stand above
international law. The DPRK must rely on the nuclear option
for defense to stop a war. The DPRK said that it was more
secure now and will act in a responsible manner.
Rice
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 2
REF: USUN XXX
1.(U) Summary: The UNGA first committee conducted its general
debate on disarmament and international security issues on
October 5. This summary comprises day 2 of the general
debate (October 6)
2. Republic of Korea
South Korea noted the "growing expectations for progress in
the field of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation,"
citing the five point plan put forth by Secretary-General Ban
Ki-Moon, President Obama's vision of a world free of nuclear
weapons, the adoption of a program of work for the CD, and
prospective entry into force of the CTBT. It called for the
central role of the NPT to be reinforced. Korea noted that
the DPRK and Iranian nuclear issues pose a pressing challenge
to the international non-proliferation regime. It called for
the DPRK to rejoin the six party talks and abandon all its
nuclear weapons. Korea was encouraged by the recent talks
between Iran and the P5 plus 1 held in Geneva. It stated
that Korea believed that conventional weapons warrant the
constant attention of the international community.
3. Brazil
Brazil said it was encouraged by the re-launching of
strategic talks between the U.S. and Russia and the adoption
of a program of work for the CD. It called for all countries
to abide by their obligations to the NPT, but warned that
"efforts to impose additional responsibilities on
non-nuclear-weapon states, coupled with selective
implementation of existing disarmament commitments, will
affect the credibility of the regime and undermine its
effectiveness". Brazil supported an international, legally
binding instrument that would allow states to identify and
track SA/LW. It also called for a conventional arms trade
treaty that would regulate the legal trade of arms. This
treaty would define criteria and responsibilities among
export, import and transit countries yet "not affect the
right of states to manufacture, import export, transfer and
retain such weapons and ammunition".
4. Japan
Japan noted the improved atmosphere in disarmament citing
negotiations toward a new START treaty, the recent Security
Council resolution on disarmament, and President Obama's
speech in Prague. It stated that NWS must take concrete
measures to reduce their nuclear arsenals and NNWS must
comply with non-proliferation obligations. Japan warned
against terrorists acquiring nuclear weapons and another
failed NPT review conference. It called for entry into force
of the CTBT without delay and immediate commencement of FMCT
negotiations Japan stated that the DPRK's nuclear tests and
missile launches were a serious threat to peace in the
region. It noted with concern Iran's recent disclosure of
the Qom facility, but was encouraged by the negotiations
between the EU3 plus 3 and Iran in Geneva. Japan called for
treaties on cluster munitions, SA/LW, anti-personnel
landmines and an arms trade treaty.
5. China
China noted that the atmosphere is changing and that
multilateralism is needed to move forward. It endorsed
continued U.S. and Russian negotiations toward reduction of
their nuclear arsenals. It called for the international
community to "negotiate and conclude an international legal
instrument on security assurances for Non Nuclear Weapon
States as early as possible. NWS should negotiate and
conclude a treaty on no-first-use of nuclear weapons against
one another". China called for the early entry into force of
the CTBT and early commencement of negotiations on FMCT. It
called for a strengthening of the IAEA but an end to the
practice of double standards. It supported the inalienable
USUN NEW Y 00000950 002 OF 004
right of NNWS to pursue peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
China, while encouraged by the adoption of a CD program of
work, hoped that it will soon start "substantive discussion
on the draft treaty on the prevention of the placement of
weapons in Outer Space, and the Threat or Use of Force
against outer space objects". It called for the
denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and a continuation
of talks about Iranian nuclear issues.
6. Cuba
Cuba stated that world military spending is increasing while
the UN Millennium Development Goals are not being met and
urged a switch from defense to humanitarian spending. It
said that nuclear disarmament is an urgent task but rejected
the "selective enforcement of the NPT." Cuba stated that
"White House statements have not been followed by concrete
actions". It attacked seven planned military bases in
Columbia and the U.S. Base at Guantanamo Bay, saying it
impinged on Cuban sovereign territory, and the repositioning
of the U.S. fourth fleet in the region. It called for a
timeline for the destruction of nuclear weapons and stated
that the IAEA should be the only organ of verification. It
was encouraged by the program of work for the CD.
7. Kenya
Kenya cited the new atmosphere in disarmament and the program
of work for the CD after a 12 year stalemate. It supported
the early entry into force for the CTBT. Kenya stated that
Africa is now a nuclear-weapon-free zone but advocated for
the peaceful use of nuclear energy to help with the energy
needs of countries. It called for work at the national and
regional level against the illicit transfer and black market
of SA/LW. It supported the treaties on cluster munitions and
anti-personnel landmines.
8. Bulgaria
Bulgaria noted the improving atmosphere and placed "great
value on the work of multilateral mechanisms in the sphere of
disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation." Bulgaria
said it was encouraged by the adoption of a program of work
for the CD and hopes for a successful NPT review conference.
It called for the early entry into force of the CTBT and
negotiations on a FMCT once the CD session begins in January
2010. Bulgaria advocated treaties on CCW, cluster munitions,
SA/LW and an Arms Trade Treaty.
9. Norway
Norway judged that it is a historical time for pursuing the
goal of a world without nuclear weapons and cited the recent
Security Council resolution in this connection. It hopes
that the NPT review process will outline a "clear path"
toward the irreversible and unequivocal elimination of
nuclear arms, and close any loophole in the nuclear
nonproliferation and security regimes. Norway doubted "the
utility of continued deliberations on cluster munitions in
the context of the CCW" because the Convention on Cluster
Munitions already exists and is open for signature. It
lamented the inaction of the CD for the last 12 years and the
fact that 120 states are not members of this body. It
believes that the United Nations Disarmament Commission is
not delivering on its mandate and urges more governmental
involvement in this body.
10. Jordan
Jordan noted the adoption of the program of work in the CD,
supported the NPT and noted the recent Security Council
resolution on disarmament and nonproliferation. It called
for the early entry into force of the CTBT and advocated a
nuclear weapon-free Middle East. Jordan said it is working
towards eliminating its stockpile of anti-personnel mines.
USUN NEW Y 00000950 003 OF 004
11. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia stated that it is an NPT party but that the
treaty has been meaningless because states are not fulfilling
their responsibilities. It is encouraged by the recent
Security Council resolution on disarmament and
nonproliferation. It supported the treaty on Chemical
Weapons, one for SA/LW, called for a nuclear weapon-free
zone in the Middle East, and noted there are "double
standards on enforcement" of agreements.
12. Algeria
Algeria noted the recent entry into force of a nuclear
weapons free zone in Africa, It supported the NPT, and
encouraged states to work towards an FMCT. It noted the
adoption of a program of work by the CD after a 12 year
deadlock, and said it was worried about terrorist and
organized crime groups acquiring nuclear weapons and the
illicit trade in SA/LW.
13. South Africa
South Africa congratulated fellow African states on the entry
into force of the Treaty of Pelindaba. It said it thought
that the recent Security Council resolution was good but more
effort was need on non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament.
It advocated for the entry into force of the CTBT and noted
the adoption of a program of work in the CD. On conventional
weapons, South Africa said it believes that more work must be
done on SA/LW, landmines and cluster munitions.
14. Australia
Australia noted the encouraging signals in the world of
disarmament over the last twelve months but stated that
countries need to be pragmatic in order to make genuine
progress. It cited the adoption of the program of work for
the CD, and said it hopes that the CD will move forward on
FMCT negotiations and its other areas or work. Australia
sees the DPRK nuclear test as a reason to strengthen the NPT
and urged the DPRK to comply with its international
obligations. It called on Iran to work with the IAEA and
allow it full access to the Qom facility. SA/LW should also
remain a focus. Australia advocated for the early entry in
force of the treaty on cluster munitions and supported the
Arms Trade Treaty.
15. Nigeria
Nigeria stated that military expenditures are increasing at a
time when aid is needed for health and education. Nigeria
showed particular concern with the trafficking of SA/LW and
drugs in the region, which are threats to security.
16. Bangladesh
Bangladesh said it was encouraged by the recent adoption of a
program of work for the CD, that it viewed the NPT as the
"cornerstone" of the nuclear non-proliferation regime, and
that it recognized the inalienable right of countries to
pursue the peaceful use nuclear energy. It called for entry
into force of the CTBT, supported the recent entry into force
of a nuclear weapons free zone in Africa, and advocated for
one in the Middle East. Bangladesh said it is worried about
the proliferation of SA/LW, and noted with concern that
military expenditures continue to rise at a time of increased
social needs and requirements for development. (Note:
Bangladesh barely mentioned the CD despite the fact that it
will serve as the first of six rotational CD presidents next
year. End note.)
17. Right of Reply by DPRK
The DPRK replied to Korea and Japan's statements about the
de-nuclearization of the Korean peninsula, saying that this
USUN NEW Y 00000950 004 OF 004
was in direct response to U.S. policy. The DPRK said it
wants peace and stability on the peninsula and had made
proposals on non-aggression to the U.S. However, the U.S.
had stated that the DPRK could not launch peaceful satellites
and the six party talks collapsed because of this. The DPRK
noted that the Security Council cannot stand above
international law. The DPRK must rely on the nuclear option
for defense to stop a war. The DPRK said that it was more
secure now and will act in a responsible manner.
Rice