General Assembly Session 61 meeting 79

The President

The Assembly has before it six draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 29 of its report and a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 30 of the same report.

I now call on the representative of Belarus, who wishes to speak in explanation of position before the Assembly takes action on those recommendations.

Mr. Yaroshevich (Belarus)

Belarus will not participate in the voting on draft resolution I, "Question of Western Sahara". When the lines of division between our two good friends are so deep, we cannot help becoming hostage to the lack of understanding between them -- and hostages' hands are tied.

Issues such as that of Western Sahara cannot be positively influenced by a vote of the General Assembly alone if the essential agreement between the States parties most concerned is not in place. We again ask our trusted partners and friends in the Non-Aligned Movement, Algeria and Morocco, to rally all available goodwill and determination to seek a mutually acceptable solution in the course of an open and frank dialogue.

The President

We have heard the only speaker in explanation of position.

We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to VI and on the draft decision, one by one. After all of the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their vote or position.

We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Question of Western Sahara". A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

Draft resolution II is entitled "Question of New Caledonia". The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution III is entitled "Question of Tokelau". The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution IV is entitled "Questions of American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the United States Virgin Islands". This draft resolution is in two parts. Part A is entitled "General". Part B is entitled "Individual Territories". A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

Draft resolution V is entitled "Dissemination of information on decolonization".

The President

Draft resolution VI is entitled "Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples".

The President

We turn now to the draft decision entitled "Question of Gibraltar". The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

I shall now call on those representatives who wish to explain their votes or positions.

Mr. Romeu (Spain)

The Spanish delegation voted in favour of resolution 61/128, which refers to various Non-Self-Governing Territories.

Spain supports the application of the principle of self-determination to the Territories included in that omnibus resolution. At the same time, my delegation recalls that the principle of self-determination is not the only important principle involved in carrying out the decolonization of Non-Self-Governing Territories. In certain cases, what applies is the principle of territorial integrity, in accordance with the doctrine established in a number of General Assembly resolutions.

One such case is that of Gibraltar, the subject of a specific decision that has just been adopted by consensus. In that respect, I would note that, in the decolonization process for that Territory, Spain, in conformity with the mandate of the General Assembly, is willing to move forward without delay towards a definitive solution that can be the result only of negotiation with the United Kingdom, as the administering Power, in which the interests and aspirations of Gibraltar must be heeded.

Mr. Limeres (Argentina)

The Argentine delegation regrets that the General Assembly has again faced a voting scenario on this question, breaking once more with the decade-long tradition whereby resolutions on this item have been adopted by consensus.

My country has always supported the efforts of the international community to find a political solution that is just, definitive and mutually acceptable to all parties involved in this question. Argentina has traditionally contributed military observers to the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara.

The Argentine Republic is aware that the issue of Western Sahara is being discussed in the Fourth Committee because it is an object of decolonization. Since 1975, the General Assembly has adopted resolutions determining that resolution 1514 (XV) is applicable to the subject of Western Sahara and that the principle of self-determination must guide the decolonization process in that Territory. It is worth noting that the consultative opinion of the International Court of Justice arrived at the same conclusions.

In that sense, it is important to my country that all issues of decolonization continue to be addressed in the body of primary competence within the United Nations system -- the Special Political and Decolonization Committee -- and that the criteria for the treatment of those issues be modified not unilaterally, but only through collective decisions of this General Assembly.

In the particular case of Western Sahara, that position translates into the ongoing support of Argentina for the search for a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in accordance with Security Council and General Assembly resolutions adopted over the past two years.

Mr. Urbina (Costa Rica)

My delegation reaffirms that Costa Rica has always believed that the decolonization process should be governed by the provisions of resolution 1514 (XV) of 1960, which declared the inalienable right to self-determination for all peoples.

In 1975, Costa Rica held a seat on the Security Council. Since that time, faithful to the letter and spirit of the United Nations Charter and to the aforementioned resolution, we have rejected all claims by any State on the territory of what was once the Spanish Sahara. We believed then and continue to believe that the subject of Western Sahara is inscribed on the decolonization agenda and should therefore be governed by the guiding principles of the United Nations and by respect for the colonial borders that governed the decolonization of Africa, as ratified in paragraph (b) of article 4 of the Constitutive Act of the African Union.

In the same vein, Costa Rica supported the Security Council's decisions to organize a referendum on self-determination in Western Sahara, in particular its resolutions 658 (1990) and 690 (1991). Given that consistent vision with respect to Western Sahara, last year the General Assembly adopted a consensus resolution to that effect.

This year, unfortunately, that consensus was not reached. In light of contradictory positions, Costa Rica opted to abstain in the voting in the Fourth Committee as the most reasonable way of encouraging the parties to seek a satisfactory agreement as soon as possible. We abstained again in the General Assembly, but would not wish our abstention to be construed as a sign of support for one party to the conflict over another. Moreover, we would not wish thereby to be thought to be straying from the position we have held since the issue of Western Sahara was inscribed on the agenda. On the contrary, with respect to decolonization we maintain the same principles today that we adopted almost 50 years ago and with the same vigour that we did then.

Mr. Charwath (Austria)

I would like to explain Austria's vote on resolution 61/125 on the question of Western Sahara, under agenda item 39.

Austria regrets that it was not possible to achieve consensus on the resolution on the question of Western Sahara. We would certainly have preferred the resolution to be adopted by consensus, and we hope that that will again be possible next year.

We voted in favour of the draft resolution in the Fourth Committee on 13 October and just now in plenary, as the text is virtually unchanged in comparison to that which the General Assembly adopted by consensus last year. I would like to underline, however, that Austria's vote in favour of the resolution should not be interpreted as favouring one party over the other. We continue to support a just and lasting political solution to the question of Western Sahara that is acceptable to all sides and which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, as laid down in the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. We also continue fully to support the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy in their efforts to contribute to a solution of the question of Western Sahara.

Austria acknowledges the recent announcement by Morocco that the autonomy plan for Western Sahara has now been submitted to His Majesty the King for his consideration. We are interested in learning more about the specific proposals contained in the plan and look forward to its official presentation.

Austria hopes for substantial progress in the future. We are convinced that the parties will engage with the United Nations in good faith to find a peaceful solution.

Mr. Hanz (Germany)

Germany deeply regrets the fact that it was not possible for the parties to reach agreement on this year's resolution on the question of Western Sahara.

Germany voted in favour of this year's resolution for consistency's sake. The text is identical to last year's resolution, on which both parties had reached consensus. We would like expressly to state that our vote must not be interpreted as a position for or against any of the parties to the conflict.

We welcome the report of the Secretary-General on the situation concerning the Western Sahara and the recommendations of his Personal Envoy, Mr. Van Walsum, contained in the report. Germany supports all efforts aimed at finding a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations.

We note with interest that Morocco is working on new proposals for the extended autonomy of Western Sahara, and would welcome a presentation of those proposals as soon as possible.

Mr. Ba-Omar (Oman)

My delegation abstained in the voting on draft resolution I, contained in document A/61/415, "Question of Western Sahara". My Government took that position because the two parties were not able to reach agreement on a text. We would like to state for the record that Security Council resolution 1495 (2003) considers the peace plan as the best political solution, based on its approval by the two parties. Our position is based on the fact that the plan did not receive the support of both parties. We hope that both parties will find the necessary mechanisms and means to settle this question in the near future on the basis of a comprehensive and just solution.

Mr. Wenaweser (Liechtenstein)

Liechtenstein has just voted in favour of the draft resolution on Western Sahara, which is virtually identical to the one adopted last year by consensus. Given the lack of progress in settling the matter, Liechtenstein believes it would have been inappropriate to changing its position. My delegation deeply regrets that the negotiations between the parties did not lead to mutual understanding. However, our vote must in no way be understood as indicating support for either of the parties concerned. Liechtenstein fully supports the efforts of the Secretary-General, who, through his Personal Envoy, is continuing to help the parties work towards a political settlement that just, lasting and mutually acceptable.

Liechtenstein's position on the right to self-determination is well known, particularly in respect of innovative approaches to the interpretation and realization of that right. We believe that this right cannot be reduced simply to the right to independence. We believe that various forms of self-administration and self-government cold be envisaged on a case-by-case basis.

Accordingly, we await with great interest the autonomy plan announced by the Kingdom of Morocco, and we will certainly study it carefully.

Mr. Pereyra (Peru)

Concerning the question of Western Sahara, Peru has always maintained that it supports the efforts of the United Nations to arrive at a solution that is acceptable to the parties and is in keeping with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

My delegation would like to express its concern at the current deadlock in the negotiations. We urge all parties to heed the appeal of the Secretary-General to resume negotiations without preconditions, so as to arrive at a just and lasting political solution leading to the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.

Today's abstention should not be understood as prejudging any agreement between the parties or Peru's stance in the Security Council, where this item remains on the agenda.

Mr. Baum (Switzerland)

The draft resolution before the Assembly today on the question of Western Sahara is simply an updated version of the one adopted by consensus at the sixtieth session of the General Assembly. At that time, Switzerland had supported the consensus that was arrived at between the parties. We regret that it was impossible to arrive at such a consensus this year.

In the absence of any major progress towards a resolution of the question of the Western Sahara, the Swiss delegation felt that there were not sufficient grounds to justify any change in its position. Neither our vote today in the plenary of the General Assembly at its sixty-first session nor our vote of 13 October last in the Fourth Committee reflect a stance in favour or against either of the parties involved.

Switzerland supports the efforts made by the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to reach a negotiated solution that is acceptable to all parties concerned in the context of the question of Western Sahara.

My delegation shares the view of the Personal Envoy, who believes that negotiations between the parties is the only credible way of proceeding given the current deadlock, of which the peoples of the region are the primary victims.

Switzerland urges the parties to respond favourably to the appeal by the Secretary-General to open negotiations without any preconditions. We hope that this forum will be conducive to the presentation of the new proposals to be made soon by the Kingdom of Morocco. Switzerland awaits those proposals with great interest. Such negotiations must result in an equitable, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution.

Mr. Vidouris (Greece)

Greece would like to make a statement in explanation of vote on the resolution just adopted on the question of Western Sahara, on which we voted in favour. In that regard, we would like to reiterate, as is mentioned in the resolution, that the lack of progress in the settlement of the dispute on Western Sahara remains a source of potential instability in the region and obstructs the economic development of the Maghreb region, and that, in view of this, the quest for a political solution is critically needed.

We therefore strongly support the efforts of the Secretary-General and of his Personal Envoy to achieve a mutually acceptable political to the dispute over Western Sahara, and we reiterate the call on all the parties and the States of the region to continue to cooperate fully with the United Nations to end the current impasse and to achieve progress towards a mutually acceptable political solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.

Mr. Mantovani (Italy)

Italy is deeply concerned at the present stalemate in the Western Sahara, particularly with respect to its consequences for the civilian population. Italy is strongly committed to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, among which is the purpose of developing friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, as stated in Article I, paragraph 2.

Italy strongly believes in the rejection of violence as a means of resolving international disputes. Italy looks forward to a consensual solution to this long-standing dispute. All parties should enhance the existing dialogue in order to maximize the chances of working out a mutually acceptable solution that would serve the cause of the Sahrawi people. Italy is therefore confident that all parties involved will spare no effort, in a spirit of constructive engagement, and also through direct contacts and other means, to find an appropriate settlement. Such an achievement will be the necessary point of departure to relaunch a fruitful regional cooperation among all the States and peoples of the Maghreb.

In that regard, we view with interest the announcement made by Morocco to propose a plan before 31 March 2007.

Ms. Pierce (United Kingdom)

The United Kingdom voted in favour of the resolution on Western Sahara. We previously voted for the draft resolution at the committee stage. The United Kingdom acknowledges the considerable efforts made to reach a consensus on the text of the draft resolution and regrets that a consensus text could not be agreed. The United Kingdom notes that the text is based closely on the resolution agreed at the sixtieth session of the General Assembly.

The United Kingdom would like to thank the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, Peter van Walsum, for their continuing efforts to find a political solution to the question of Western Sahara. The United Kingdom remains concerned that the question of Western Sahara continues to be unresolved, with consequent problems for the people of the region as a whole. The United Kingdom hopes that there will be progress towards a solution over the coming months and looks forward to new initiatives intended to move the situation beyond the current impasse, including the publication of Morocco's latest proposals.

It remains the United Kingdom's view that any solution to this issue has to be mutually acceptable, in line with the relevant Security Council resolutions, and must provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, in accordance with United Nations requirements, again, as set out in previous Security Council resolutions.

I would now like to turn to the issue of Gibraltar. The United Kingdom does not believe that the principle of territorial integrity is applicable to the decolonization of Gibraltar. The United Kingdom would not ever enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another State against their wishes. We support the right of self-determination of the people of Gibraltar, promoted in accordance with the other principles and rights set out in the United Nations Charter. In that respect, however, I should like to recall our well-known position with regard to article X of the Treaty of Utrecht.

Her Majesty's Government believes that, despite the well-known differences with Spain on sovereignty matters, it is possible for the three parties to work together for the benefit of the people of Gibraltar and the surrounding region.

Mr. Song Young-wan (Republic of Korea)

My delegation expresses its deep regret that this year, despite strenuous efforts by the parties concerned, consensus was not possible on the resolution on Western Sahara. The Government of the Republic of Korea has supported the position that the question of Western Sahara should be resolved through a mutually acceptable political solution based on the principle of self-determination, in line with the resolution adopted by consensus last year during the sixtieth session of the General Assembly.

Mr. Song Young-wan (Republic of Korea)

My delegation abstained in the voting on the current resolution, because we believe that a consensus resolution should be adopted through dialogue and negotiation between the parties concerned. Therefore, our abstention should not be interpreted as an indication that we favour one party over another.

Mr. Cato (Philippines)

Like those who spoke before us, the Philippines would have preferred that the resolution on the question of Western Sahara be adopted without a vote, as we did last year. The Philippines abstained, because we would like to encourage our good friends Algeria and Morocco to exert extra efforts to find agreement and move the process forward. We would like to underscore, however, that the Philippine abstention should not be seen as an expression of support for either party to this long-standing issue. Lastly, we hope that all parties concerned will continue to take much-needed steps to help bring about a peaceful and lasting solution to this issue.

Mr. Malhotra (India)

India supports efforts aimed at a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution to the question of Western Sahara. We believe that such a solution can be reached through dialogue in a spirit of cooperation. We share the sense of disappointment that it was not possible to work out a consensus this year on the General Assembly resolution on the question of Western Sahara. India's abstention in the voting should not be interpreted as its being in favour of either side.

Mr. Chaimongkol (Thailand)

With regard to the resolution on the question of Western Sahara, my delegation wishes to join other Member States in expressing deep concern and regret that the parties concerned have not been able to find a consensual political solution to this protracted dispute.

Thailand wishes to reaffirm its position of neutrality on this issue by having abstained in the voting on the resolution on the question of Western Sahara. Thailand also wishes to reiterate that our decision to abstain should by no means be interpreted as favouring one side over the other. It should, rather, be interpreted as a sincere appeal for the matter to be resolved in the near future, for the benefit of the people of this region and in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions.

Thailand therefore strongly urges the parties concerned to seek a peaceful and lasting political solution through dialogue and negotiations. Thailand also calls for concerted effort on the part of the international community to assist the parties involved in order to expedite the settlement of this dispute.

Mrs. Wandel (Denmark)

Denmark abstained in the voting on the resolution on the question of Western Sahara. Every year for the past 18 years, with the exception of the year 2004, the parties have been able to arrive at a consensus text on the issue of Western Sahara. We deeply regret that a consensus was not reached this year.

Denmark would like to emphasize its firm neutral position in relation to this conflict. We continue to support a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. All parties to the conflict are encouraged to show good faith and to work towards that goal through dialogue.

Denmark sincerely hopes and expects to see substantial progress towards a peaceful settlement in the coming months. We expect Morocco to fulfil its promise to formally present its plan before 31 March 2007.

Mr. Piperkov (Bulgaria)

The Republic of Bulgaria consistently supports the efforts to find a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the question of Western Sahara, achieved through political means and based on the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. As an expression of that position, Bulgaria joined the consensus last year for the adoption of General Assembly resolution 60/114, whose text is almost exactly repeated in resolution 61/125 this year.

In view of that, we would like to point out our concern at the lack of progress on a peaceful solution to the problem and at the fact that, despite extensive efforts during the current session of the General Assembly, a consensus on the text of the resolution was not possible. Therefore, we did not participate in the voting in the Fourth Committee, and now in the General Assembly the Bulgarian delegation abstained. That abstention should not be interpreted as being in favour of any party; rather, it should be considered an expression of our constructive position on achieving a mutually acceptable political solution.

The Republic of Bulgaria reaffirms its support for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) and, in particular, for the endeavours of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General. The implementation of the mandate of MINURSO does not exclude, but rather requires, the exchange of opinions among the parties concerned within any appropriate framework, including on a bilateral basis. Bulgaria remains convinced that the long-term solution of the question of Western Sahara will promote the security, cooperation and integration process in North-West Africa.

Ms. Malcata (Portugal)

I would like to explain the Portuguese vote on draft resolution I, on the question of Western Sahara. Portugal recalls its earlier statement in the Fourth Committee and stresses that its abstention should not be interpreted as being in favour of either one of the opposing parties on the issue, but rather that Portugal wishes that a consensus solution for the question of Western Sahara be found.

The Acting President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 39?