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Statement by
Mr. Chairman, I have the honour to introduce the following draft resolutions and decisions on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) for the consideration of the Committee. The submission of those texts reflects our efforts to tackle very important and relevant issues, particularly in the current international situation in which it is urgent to achieve the necessary political will to advance the cause of disarmament and non¬proliferation in all its aspects. Apart from that, in accordance with operative paragraph 3 of resolution 59/95 on “Improving the effectiveness of methods of work of the First Committee”, among others, Member States are invited, to consider the possibility of submitting draft decisions. With that spirit, at this year’s session, NAM has considered to submit two draft decisions, in addition to five draft resolutions, under the cluster Other disarmament measures and international security” and “Disarmament Machinery” First, a draft resolution entitled “Implementation of the Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace”, under agenda item 89 as contained in document L.19. Since the adoption of the Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace in 1971, the situation in the world, particularly in the Indian Ocean has undergone major changes. Today in this region, a number of initiatives have been taken to bring about socio-economic development of the countries concerned on the basis of economic, technical and scientific cooperation. In this context, there is still ample room to develop measures to realize the objectives of the 1971 Declaration. Second, a draft resolution as contained in document L.15 on “Observance of environmental norms in the drafting and implementation of agreements on disarmament and arms control”, under agenda item 97(g). NAM considers that the continued sustainability of the global environment is an issue of utmost importance especially for our succeeding generations. We should collectively endeavour to ensure that necessary measures are taken to preserve and protect the environment especially in the formulation and implementation of agreements concerning disarmament and arms control. We call upon all Member States to ensuring the application of scientific and technological processes in the framework of international security, disarmament and other related fields without detriment to the environment or to its effective contribution to attaining sustainable development. Third, on draft resolution in document L. 14 entitled “Promotion of multilateralism in the area of disarmament and nonproliferation”, under agenda item 97 (h), NAM believes strongly in multilateralism and multilaterally agreed solutions, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, as the only sustainable way of addressing disarmament and international security issues. NAM also believes that it is critical for the General Assembly to adopt such resolution to reflect our continued conviction in the role of the United Nations in the area of disarmament and non-proliferation. NAM underscores that multilateralism as the core principle of negotiations in the area of disarmament and non-proliferation with a view to maintaining and strengthening universal norms and enlarging their scope. Fourth, a draft decision on “Convening of the Fourth Special Session of the General Assembly Devoted to Disarmament”, under agenda item 97 (i), as contained in document L.17. It is the understanding of the Movement that resolution 59/71, which was adopted without a vote last year, has given a new mandate for the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on SSOD-W to hold an organizational session in order to set the dates for its substantive sessions. After having consulted the Secretariat, the organizational session of the OEWG is tentatively scheduled to be held on 20 January 2006. Apart from that, the following three substantive sessions have also been scheduled that will consist of 15 meetings, and to be endorsed by the organizational session: - 1st session : on 3-7 April 2006; By resolution 59/71, budget and services have been allocated for the holding of the OEWG on next year. The report of this OEWG would be submitted prior to the conclusion of the 60th Session of the General Assembly, at the latest in August 2006. In this regard, NAM encourages all Member States to work closely and constructively to fully utilize the forthcoming substantive sessions of the OEWG mandated to consider the objectives and agenda of SSOD-IV. NAM believes that the convening of the SSOD-IV can set the future course of action and a balanced approach to reach new consensus in arms control, disarmament, non-proliferation and related international security matters, including a comprehensive review of the disarmament machinery. Fifth, with regard to draft resolution in document L. 16 on “Relationship between disarmament and development”, under agenda item 97 (n), NAM believes that the symbiotic relationship between disarmament and development and the important role of security in this connection cannot be denied. NAM is concerned at the increasing global military expenditures, which could otherwise be spent on development, poverty eradication and elimination of diseases, in particular in the developing countries. NAM reiterates the importance of exercising restraint in military expenditure, so that human and financial resources thus saved can be used for the on-going efforts to eradicate poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals. In this connection, NAM welcomes the report of the Group of Governmental Experts on the relationship between disarmament and development, and its reappraisal of this significant issue in the current international context. Sixth, concerning draft resolution entitled “United Nations Regional Centres for Peace and Disarmament”, under agenda item 98 (b) as contained in document L.i8, NAM underlines that the UN Regional Centres for Peace and Disarmament have been instrumental in promoting understanding and cooperation among States in their respective regions in the fields of peace, disarmament and development. The General Assembly continues its appeal to all Member States, as well as international governmental and non-governmental organizations, to make voluntary contributions to the Centres in order to strengthen, facilitate and implement their programmes and activities. And lastly is a draft decision
entitled “Review of the Implementation of the Declaration
on the Strengthening of International Security”,
under agenda item 105, as contained in document L.13. NAM reaffirms
the importance of the Declaration on the Strengthening of International
Security adopted by the General Assembly on 16 December 1970, which,
among others, emphasizes the need for the United Nations to exert
continuous efforts for the strengthening of international peace
and security. I thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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