| Date | 20 December 2000 |
|---|---|
| Started | 10:00 |
| Ended | 11:25 |
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Reports of the Second Committee
The President
The General Assembly will consider the reports of the Second Committee on agenda items 92 to 102 and 12. I request the Rapporteur of the Second Committee, Mr. Ahmed Amaziane of Morocco, to introduce the reports of the Second Committee in one intervention.
Mr. Amaziane (Morocco)
I have the honour to present for consideration the following reports of the Second Committee on the agenda items allocated to it by the Assembly at its current session.
Under item 12 of the agenda, entitled "Report of the Economic and Social Council", the Second Committee recommends the adoption of the three draft decisions in paragraph 9 of document A/55/590.
Item 92 is entitled "Macroeconomic policy questions". Under sub-item (a), entitled "Trade and development", the Second Committee recommends the adoption of two draft resolutions, in paragraph 11 of document A/55/579/Add.l, and of one draft decision, in paragraph 12.
Under sub-item (b), entitled "Commodities", the Committee recommends the adoption of one draft resolution, in paragraph 6 of document A/55/579/Add.2.
Under sub-item (c), entitled "External debt crisis and development", the Committee recommends the adoption of the draft resolution in paragraph 7 of document A/55/579/Add.3, with the following amendments in the English text. In operative paragraph 3, on the fourth line, insert the word "hence" after the word "initiative,". On the fifth line, replace the word "and" by a comma. On the seventh line, replace the word "consecutively" by the words "back to back". In operative paragraph 13, on the fourth line, delete the comma after "Trust Fund".
Under sub-item (d), entitled "Science and technology for development", the Committee recommends the adoption of one draft resolution, in paragraph 8 of document A/55/579/Add.4, and of one draft decision in paragraph 9.
Under sub-item (e), entitled "Financing of development, including net transfer of resources between developing and developed countries", the Committee recommends the adoption of the draft resolution in paragraph 8 of document A/55/579/Add.5.
Under item 93 of the agenda, entitled "Sectoral policy questions", the Second Committee recommends the adoption of the two draft resolutions in paragraph 15 of document A/55/580.
Under item 94 of the agenda, entitled "Sustainable development and international economic cooperation", the Second Committee recommends the adoption of the draft resolution in paragraph 5 of document A/55/581/Add.6.
Under sub-item (a), entitled "Implementation of the commitments and policies agreed upon in the Declaration on International Economic Cooperation, in particular the Revitalization of Economic Growth and Development of the Developing Countries, and implementation of the International Development Strategy for the Fourth United Nations Development Decade", the Second Committee recommends the adoption of the draft resolution in paragraph 5 of document A/55/581/Add.l.
Under sub-item (b), entitled "Integration of the economies in transition into the world economy", the Committee recommends the adoption of the draft resolution in paragraph 6 of document A/55/581/Add.2.
Under sub-item (c), entitled "Cultural development", the Committee recommends the adoption of the draft resolution in paragraph 7 of document A/55/581/Add.3.
Under sub-item (d), entitled "High-level dialogue on strengthening international economic cooperation for development through partnership", the Committee recommends the adoption of the draft resolution in paragraph 6 of document A/55/581/Add.4.
Under sub-item (e), entitled "Implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II)", the Committee recommends the adoption of two draft resolutions, in paragraph 13 of document A/55/581/Add.5.
Under item 95 of the agenda, entitled "Environment and sustainable development", the Second Committee recommends the adoption of three draft resolutions, in paragraph 16 of document A/55/582/Add.8.
Under sub-item (a), entitled "Implementation of Agenda 21 and the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21", the Committee recommends the adoption of two draft resolutions, in paragraph 15 of document A/55/582/Add.l.
Under sub-item (b), entitled "Convention on Biological Diversity", the Committee recommends the adoption of the draft resolution in paragraph 6 of document A/55/582/Add.2.
Under sub-item (c), entitled "Water supply and sanitation", the Committee recommends the adoption of the draft decision in paragraph 3 of document A/55/582/Add.3.
Under sub-item (d), entitled "Further implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States", the Committee recommends the adoption of two draft resolutions, in paragraph 13 of document A/55/582/Add.4.
Under sub-item (e), entitled "Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa", the Committee recommends the adoption of the draft resolution in paragraph 8 of document A/55/582/Add.5.
Under sub-item (f), entitled "Promotion of new and renewable sources of energy, including the implementation of the World Solar Programme 1996-2005", the Committee recommends the adoption of the draft resolution in paragraph 6 of document A/55/582/Add.6.
Under sub-item (g), entitled "Protection of global climate for present and future generations of mankind", the Committee recommends the adoption of the draft decision in paragraph 7 of document A/55/582/Add.7.
Under item 96 of the agenda, entitled "Operational activities for development", the Second Committee recommends the adoption of one draft decision, in paragraph 7 of document A/55/583.
Under agenda item 97, entitled "Training and research", the Second Committee recommends the adoption of three draft resolutions in paragraph 18 of document A/55/584.
Under agenda item 98, entitled "Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources", the Second Committee recommends the adoption of one draft resolution in paragraph 11 of document A/55/585.
Under agenda item 99, entitled "Implementation of the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006)", the Second Committee recommends the adoption of one draft resolution in paragraph 9 of document A/55/586 and Corr.1.
Under agenda item 100, entitled "Globalization and interdependence", the Second Committee recommends the adoption of two draft resolutions in paragraph 14 of document A/55/587, and the adoption of one draft decision in paragraph 15 of the same document.
Under agenda item 101, entitled "High-level international intergovernmental consideration of financing for development", the Second Committee recommends the adoption of one draft resolution in paragraph 9 of document A/55/588, and the adoption of one draft decision in paragraph 10 of the same document.
Under agenda item 102, entitled "Third United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries", the Second Committee recommends the adoption of one draft resolution in paragraph 11 of document A/55/589.
In concluding, allow me to thank most sincerely the Chairman and Vice-Chairpersons of the Second Committee for the efforts they made to conduct the debate in an atmosphere of consensus and conviviality. I would also like to thank the Secretariat heartily for the assistance it gave me in carrying out my duties as Rapporteur of the Second Committee.
The President
If there is no proposal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I shall take it that the General Assembly decides not to discuss the reports of the Second Committee which are before the Assembly today.
The President
Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote or position.
The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Second Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. May I remind members that under paragraph 7 of decision 34/401 the Assembly agreed that
"When the same draft resolution is considered in a Main Committee and in plenary meeting, a delegation should, as far as possible, explain its vote only once, i.e., either in the Committee or in plenary meeting unless that delegation's vote in plenary meeting is different from its vote in the Committee."
May I remind delegations that, also in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.
Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Second Committee, I should like to advise representatives that we are going to proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Second Committee. This means that where a recorded vote was taken, we will do the same, unless the Secretariat has been notified otherwise in advance.
I would also hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote the recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Second Committee.
The President
May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee contained in document A/55/579?
The President
The Assembly will take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 11 of its report and on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 12 of the same report.
The Assembly will turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Transit environment in the landlocked States in Central Asia and their transit developing neighbours". The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
Draft resolution II is entitled "International trade and development". The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
We turn now to the draft decision, entitled "Documents relating to trade and development". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 92?
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Second Committee. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft resolution?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 92?
(c) External debt crisis and development
Report of the Second Committee (A/55/579/Add.3)
The President
I call on the representative of Ireland on a point of order.
Ms. Barrington (Ireland)
I am taking the floor to make some corrections with regard to the draft resolution recommended for adoption by the General Assembly in paragraph 7 of document A/55/579/Add.3, submitted under sub-item (c) of agenda item 92, entitled "Macroeconomic policy questions: External debt crisis and development". The Rapporteur has already taken on board a number of agreed corrections to the text of that draft resolution, which is before the Assembly. I would like, from the floor, to add some additional corrections to the text.
The first correction should be made in the second line of the twelfth preambular paragraph. The words "which have cancelled" should be deleted and replaced with the words "through the cancellation of".
The second correction should be made in the fourth line of the thirteenth preambular paragraph. The words "with regard to the evaluation of performance" should be deleted and replaced with the words "on track record".
The third correction should be made in the fifth line of operative paragraph 6. The words "inter alia" should be deleted and replaced with the word "including".
The fourth correction should be made in the second line of operative paragraph 13. The word "including" should be inserted after the comma following the words "Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative".
The fifth correction should be made in the third line of operative paragraph 25. The words "among them" should be deleted and replaced with the word "countries".
The last correction should be made in the penultimate line of operative paragraph 28. After the word "including" a comma and the words "inter alia" should be inserted.
The President
The remarks made by the representative of Ireland are duly noted.
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report, as orally corrected. The draft resolution, entitled "Enhancing international cooperation towards a durable solution to the external debt problem of developing countries", was adopted by the Second Committee. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt the draft resolution, as orally corrected?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 92?
(d) Science and technology for development
Report of the Second Committee (A/55/579/Add.4)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report and on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of the same report.
The Assembly will turn first to the draft resolution, entitled "Strengthening the coordination of the mechanisms on the Commission for Science and Technology for Development: promoting complementarity of activities in the area of new and innovative technologies within the United Nations system". The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
We turn now to the draft decision, entitled "Document relating to science and technology for development". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 92?
(e) Financing of development, including net transfer of resources between developing and developed countries
Report of the Second Committee (A/55/579/Add.5)
The President
The Assembly will take a decision on the draft resolution recommended in paragraph 8 of the report of the Second Committee.
I call on the representative of the United States, who wishes to make a statement in explanation of vote or position before the Assembly takes a decision on the draft resolution.
Mr. Carp (United States)
The United States joined consensus on this draft resolution because we feel that, through negotiations, we were able to reach understanding with other Member States on a number of issues that are of fundamental importance to us. This draft resolution points out that stable and accountable governance is essential for economic development, and it recognizes the importance of private capital, particularly foreign direct investment, in development financing.
But most important, it acknowledges the independent mandates of the Bretton Woods institutions. That is a critical issue for us because, very frankly, we were unable to join consensus on the draft resolution on this item last year primarily due to concerns that the draft resolution sought to impose prescriptions on the international financial institutions in a way that interfered with their autonomy in organization, operation and decision-making.
After lengthy and frank negotiations, we believe that this year's draft resolution shows clear acceptance of the division of labour between the United Nations and the Bretton Woods institutions. The United Nations, as a political organization of the international community, represents the political views of its Members. The Bretton Woods institutions, as separate financial institutions with their own charters and mandates, enjoy organizational and decision-making independence in dealing with world financial matters.
We believe it is essential that the full independence of the international financial institutions be completely respected and upheld, especially in a number of areas mentioned in the draft resolution. These include, but are not limited to, such areas of concern as the suggestion of regulatory frameworks for short-term capital flows and trade in currencies, as well as the consideration of the consolidation of a broader global agenda regarding the international financial system. In addition, we believe that it is critical that regional cooperation should support, not supplant, the global efforts of the international financial institutions.
The international community recognizes the need to strengthen the international financial system. Experience has shown that international financial institutions are the most effective actors to help achieve that goal. Their independence, as well as their technical expertise and focus, are crucial to their credibility, and therefore to the success of their work. We fully expect that the international community will do everything it can to protect this credibility.
The President
We have heard the only speaker in explanation of position.
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report.
The draft resolution is entitled "Towards a strengthened and stable international financial architecture responsive to the priorities of growth and development, especially in developing countries, and to the promotion of economic and social equity".
The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 92?
The President
The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 92 as a whole.
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 15 of its report.
We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Industrial development cooperation".
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "Preventing and combating corrupt practices and illegal transfer of funds and repatriation of such funds to the countries of origin". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 93?
Agenda item 94
Sustainable development and international economic cooperation
Reports of the Second Committee (A/55/581 and Add.6)
The President
We turn first to the report of the Second Committee contained in document A/55/581. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee contained in document A/55/581?
The President
We now turn to the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 5 of its report contained in document A/55/581/Add.6.
The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled "Status of preparation for the International Year of Mountains, 2002". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 94.
Agenda item 94 (continued)
Sustainable development and international economic cooperation
(a) Implementation of the commitments and policies agreed upon in the Declaration on International Economic Cooperation, in particular the Revitalization of Economic Growth and Development of the Developing Countries, and implementation of the International Development Strategy for the Fourth United Nations Development Decade
Report of the Second Committee (A/55/581/Add.1)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 5 of its report.
The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
May I take it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 94?
(b) Integration of the economies in transition into the world economy
Report of the Second Committee (A/55/581/Add.2)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of its report.
The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 94?
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report.
The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled "Culture and development". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 94?
(d) High-level dialogue on strengthening international economic cooperation for development through partnership
Report of the Second Committee (A/55/581/Add.4)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of its report.
The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 94.
(e) Implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II)
Report of the Second Committee (A/55/581/Add.5)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 13 of its report.
We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Scope to be covered by the special session of the General Assembly on the overall review and appraisal of the implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II)".
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "Preparations for the special session of the General Assembly for an overall review and appraisal of the implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II)". May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 94.
Agenda item 95
Environment and sustainable development
Reports of the Second Committee (A/55/582 and Add.8)
The President
We turn first to the report of the Second Committee contained in document A/55/582. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee contained in document A/55/582?
The President
We now turn to the three draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 16 of its report contained in document A/55/582/Add.8).
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled "International Year of Freshwater, 2003". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "International cooperation to reduce the impact of the El Niņo phenomenon". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution III, entitled "Enhancing complementaries among international instruments related to environment and sustainable development". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 95.
Agenda item 95 (continued)
Environment and sustainable development
(a) Implementation of Agenda 21 and the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21
Report of the Second Committee (A/55/582/Add.1)
The President
I call on the representative of Pakistan on a point of order.
Mr. Hanif (Pakistan)
I would like to draw the attention of the Assembly to page 9 of document A/55/582/Add.1. In operative paragraph 2 of draft resolution I, the word "review" should be replaced by the word "Summit". The amended paragraph would read "also decides to call the Summit the World Summit on Sustainable Development". That is how the document was adopted in the Second Committee.
The President
The remarks of the representative of Pakistan have been noted.
I give the floor to the representative of the United States, who wishes to speak in explanation of position before action is taken.
Mr. Carp (United States)
We wish at this time to reiterate our objection to the global conference package contained in the draft resolution entitled "Ten-year review of progress achieved in the implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development". We fully understand the viewpoint that "Rio + ten" should be held as a global conference and that it should be held outside New York. The United States strongly supports a 10-year review that takes into consideration major changes since the Rio Conference and that advances those areas of Agenda 21 where progress has been slow.
However, in the light of more general United States policy relating to United Nations matters, the United States must dissociate itself from consensus on this matter. We note that the United States would be unable to pay its share of United Nations funding for such a conference if current United States legislation were renewed, and as a result United States policy is not to support the convening of a new global conference in the United Nations system.
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 15 of its report.
We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Ten-year review of progress achieved in the implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development". The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution I as orally corrected?
The President
Draft resolution II is entitled "Report of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme on its sixth special session. The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 95?
(b) Convention on Biological Diversity
Report of the Second Committee (A/55/582/Add.2)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of its report.
The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 95?
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 3 of its report.
The draft decision is entitled "Note by the Secretary-General on progress made in providing safe water supply and sanitation for all during the 1990s". May I consider that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 95?
(d) Further implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States
Report of the Second Committee (A/55/582/Add.4)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 13 of its report.
We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Further implementation of the outcome of the Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States". The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "Promoting an integrated management approach to the Caribbean Sea area in the context of sustainable development". May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda 95?
(e) Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification of Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa
Report of the Second Committee (A/55/582/Add.5)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report.
The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 95?
(f) Promotion of new and renewable sources of energy, including the implementation of the World Solar Programme 1996-2005
Report of the Second Committee (A/55/582/Add.6)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of its report.
The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled "World Solar Programme 1996-2005". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (f) of agenda item 95?
(g) Protection of global climate for present and future generations of mankind
Report of the Second Committee (A/55/582/Add.7)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report.
The Second Committee adopted the draft decision. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (g) of agenda item 95?
The President
The Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 95 as a whole.
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report.
The draft decision is entitled "Report on the activities of the United Nations Development Fund for Women". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee?
The President
May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to conclude its consideration of agenda item 96?
The President
I shall now call on those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of position before action is taken on the draft resolution.
Mr. Mbanefo (Nigeria)
On behalf of the Group of 77 and China, I wish to speak in explanation of action to be taken regarding the report of the Second Committee (A/55/584) on agenda item 97, entitled "Training and research".
I wish to refer to draft resolution III, entitled "United Nations Institute for Training and Research" (UNITAR), in particular operative paragraph 13 thereof, as recommended by the Second Committee.
The understanding of the Group of 77 during the negotiations was that the reclassification of the rental rates and maintenance costs sought in paragraph 13 for UNITAR would somewhat improve the current financial status of the Institute, at least in the short term, until the issue of rent and maintenance costs paid by UNITAR can be reviewed next year.
Indeed, as operative paragraphs 7 and 8, as well as preambular paragraph 7, made clear, the need for such review has become obvious and necessary, not only to ensure that UNITAR enjoys parity of treatment with similar United Nations institutions, but also to establish the fact that the poor state of its General Fund is a huge but avoidable impediment to UNITAR's delivery of its training programme, free of charge to all Member States, both developed and developing.
It is in this context that the oral statement of the Secretariat made during the Committee's adoption of its recommended draft resolution III came as a surprise to us all. As may be recalled, that oral statement said, among other things, that
"the Secretary-General does not have the discretionary authority to waive the provisions of General Assembly resolution 41/213 and hence is not in a position to reclassify the rates charged to UNITAR for rent and maintenance costs, unless the General Assembly decides to make an express exception to its resolution 41/213 in regard to recommendation 36".
Indeed, the poor financial situation of UNITAR deserves a remedy, which the General Assembly can provide.
We are keen, however, not to delay or postpone the adoption of draft resolution III by the General Assembly. We are therefore willing to go along with action on the draft, on the understanding that no action will be taken either on its operative paragraph 13 or on the oral statement of the Secretariat referred to. We believe that maintaining the current status quo until the fifty-sixth session through such a course of action will provide all parties an opportunity to discern and design a meaningful solution to the problem of UNITAR. On that understanding, the Group of 77 and China are willing to proceed with the consensus on the draft resolution.
I would request, however, that this statement be reflected in the official records of the General Assembly.
Mr. Le Gargasson (France)
On behalf of the European Union, I would like to express our support for the statement just made by the representative of Nigeria on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.
We share the concern of the Group of 77 on the problem of the rental rates charged to the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). We had endorsed paragraph 13 of draft resolution III because we felt that it gave the Secretary-General a certain leeway to re-evaluate the rental rates charged to UNITAR. In this context, we were disappointed by the statement of the Secretariat explaining that this paragraph will have no practical implications. We, like the Group of 77, not wishing to delay the work of the Second Committee, agreed to join in the consensus on the draft resolution in its present form, but we hope that the General Assembly will find a more satisfactory and durable solution to this problem next year.
Like the Group of 77, we wish this statement to be reflected in the records of this meeting.
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 18 of its report.
We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "United Nations University".
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
Draft resolution II, entitled "United Nations Staff College in Turin, Italy", was adopted by the Second Committee. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
Draft resolution III, entitled "United Nations Institute for Training and Research", was adopted by the Second Committee. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 97.
Agenda item 98
Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources
Report of the Second Committee (A/55/585)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 11 of its report.
| favour |
| against |
| abstain |
| absent |
The draft resolution was adopted by 147 votes to 2, with 3 abstentions (resolution 55/209).
favour=147 against=2 abstain=3 absent=38
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 98?
Agenda item 99
Implementation of the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006)
Report of the Second Committee (A/55/586 and Corr.1)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report.
The draft resolution, entitled "Implementation of the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006), including the initiative to establish a world solidarity fund for poverty eradication", was adopted by the Second Committee. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 99?
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 14 of its report and on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 15 of the same report.
We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Cooperation between the United Nations and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization".
Draft resolution I was adopted by the Second Committee. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
Draft resolution II is entitled "Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence".
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
We turn now to the draft decision entitled "Report of the high-level panel of experts on information and communication technology".
May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 100?
Agenda item 101
High-level international intergovernmental consideration of financing for development
Report of the Second Committee (A/55/588)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report and on the draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 10 of the same report.
The Assembly will turn first to the draft resolution, entitled "Preparations for the substantive preparatory process and the high-level international intergovernmental event". The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
We turn now to the draft decision, entitled "Report of the Secretary-General on the high-level international intergovernmental consideration of financing for development". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 101?
Agenda item 102
Third United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries
Report of the Second Committee (A/55/589)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 11 of its report. The Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude this stage of its consideration of agenda item 102?
Agenda item 12 (continued)
Report of the Economic and Social Council
Report of the Second Committee (A/55/590)
The President
I invite the attention of members to the report of the Second Committee on agenda item 12, which concerns the report of the Economic and Social Council.
The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft decisions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report.
Draft decision I is entitled "Report of the Economic and Social Council". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision I?
The President
Draft decision II is entitled "Documents relating to the report of the Economic and Social Council". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision II?
The President
The Second Committee adopted draft decision III, entitled "Biennial programme of work of the Second Committee 2001-2002". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of the chapters of the report of the Economic and Social Council allocated to the Second Committee?
The President
The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Second Committee.
Agenda item 12 (continued)
Reports of the Economic and Social Council (A/55/3 and Add.1 and 2)
The President
Members will recall that chapters I to VI, sections A to C of chapter VII, and chapters VIII and IX of the report of the Economic and Social Council were assigned to plenary meetings. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to take note of those chapters and sections of the report?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of those chapters and sections of the report of the Economic and Social Council which were assigned to plenary meeting?
The President
May I also take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 12?
The President
I call on the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic on a point of order.
Mr. A'Ala (Syria)
My delegation has asked to speak on a point of order to request appropriate security conditions in this Hall so that draft resolutions can be adopted with safety. It is not acceptable for the work of the General Assembly to be interrupted when it is in the process of approving draft resolutions of the Second Committee, as happened today.
My delegation would like to express its consternation and anger in the light of the events that occurred here today.
How is it possible that these people could penetrate into the Hall of the General Assembly, and that they were allowed to threaten the safety of the delegations present here? I would like that the Security Service be questioned on this issue.
The President
I will take note of the remark made by the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.
