A/32/PV.97 General Assembly

We shall cunsider first the report of the Sixth Committee on agenda item 113 [A/32/396]. The Assembly will now take a decision on \he draft resolution

I call upon the representative of Australia, who wishes to explain his delegation's position on the draft resolution that has just been adopted.

The Assembly has adopted by consensus the resolution on respe/.:t for human rights in armed conflicts. Although what I have to say is only indirectly connected with that consensus, I should like. with the Assembly's permission, to make a very brief statement on behalf of the Australian delegation. 11. At the recommendation of the Special Political Com- mittee, in early November this Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on the subject of the safety of international civil aviation [resolution 32/8/. This week, exactly a month later, a Malaysian airliner was hijacked and crashed into the sea off the coast of Singapore, killing all 100 on board, including the crew. Some of these people were citizens of my own country. The circumstances surrounding this ghastly affair are still not completely clear-the motives of the hijackers, or the circumstances in which they took their action. But this latest hijacking incident should, we feel, not pass unremarked by this Assembly. It is only one in a long series of hijackings of aircraft, but the fIrst to end in this particularly !!rievous way. It higWights once again the unacceptable fate of innocent passengers and crews in these situations. 12. My Government most fervently hopes that the resolu- tions adopted by the Assembly, including the one on the safety of civil aviation adopted at this thirty-second session, will play a rart in the universal development of a more thoroughgoing and responsive policy against such acts of terrorism. 13. Meanwhile, I am sure that all delegations will join the Australian delegation in expressing sympathy to the families and colleagues of the crew and other victims of this shocking tragedy.

We shall now consider the report of the Sixth Committee on agenda item 116[A/32/338/. 15. I invite representatives to turn fIrst to the decision of the Sixth Committee, referred to in paragraph 10 of its report, which reads as follows: "At the same meeting, the Sixth Committee also deCIded that the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization should meet at United Nations Head· quarters from 27 February to 24 March 1978", In the Committee; no vote was taken on the draft decision. May I consider that the General Assemb~y takes note of that decision?

We now turn to the report of the Sixth Committee on agenda item 117 [A/32/406]. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report and entitled "Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country". The Sixth Committee adopted that draft resolution by consensus. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly will now consider the report of the Sixth Committee on agenda item 122 [A/32/366]. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report and entitled "United Nations Conference on Succession of States in Respect of Treaties". The report of the Fifth Committee on the administrative and fmancial implications of that draft resolution is contained in document A/32/417. The Sixth Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The Assembly will now consider the report of the Sixth Committee on agenda item 124 [A/32/363]. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report and entitled "Review of the multilateral treaty-making process". The Sixth Committee adopted that draft res(\lution by consensus. May I consider that the General Assembly also adopts that draft resolu- tion?

Representatives will recall that the Assembly concluded its debate on this item at its 59th plenary meeting, on 7 November 1977. Under this item we have before us a revised draft resolution contained in document A/32/L.13/Rev.l and an amendment contained in document A/32/L.42. I should like to inform the Assembly that the amendment contained in document * Resumed from the 59th meeting. 21. I shall now call on the representative of Nigeria, who wishes to introduce draft resolution A/32/L.15/Rev.I.

On 4 November [58th meet- ing] when I spoke at the commencement of the debate on the report of IAEA, representatives will recall that I introduced a draft resolution, then contained in document A/32/L.15, on behalf of the sponsors. As its title "Peaceful use of nuclear energy for economic and social develop- ment" clearly shows, it is a draft resolution focused on the peaceful use of nuclear energy for development. It is a clear indication of the growing interest of developing countries in tapping the potentials of nuclear energy for development and a recognition of the dynamic role which IAEA can play in this process. It is therefore a draft resolution which indicates confidence on the part of developing countries in IAEA, provided the Agency is enabled fully to discharge the dual responsibilities that its statute imposes on it. 23. The interest which the consideration of the report of lAEA1 has generated this year is in markt:d contrast to the almost routine manner in which it has been considered in the past. This year has witnessed in tlte General Assembly a real dialogue between the developed and the developing countries members of the Agency on issues that will make membership more meaningful to all. I remarked in my statement of 4 November that, for a variety of reasons, lAEA had not attracted the attention of many developing countries. It is about time something was done to bring the Agency within the reach of the international community which it was created to serve. Draft resolution A/32/L.15 can, in the view of the sponsors, form a very useful beginning: 24. In order to ensure that the draft resolution formed a genuine basis for a dialogue, and not a soliloquy, I indiCated that the sponsors were open to suggestions and consulta- tions, since we wanted the draft resolution to be adopted by consensus. We are delighted that the invitation was taken up, that negotiations were conducted and that the sponsors received many useful suggestions and amendments which have now been reflected in the revised text in document A/32/L.15/Rev.l, which is now placed before the Assembly and which I have the honour formally to introduce. Many of the changes in document A/32/L.15/ Rev.1 have been introduced to allay fears that the proliferation of nuclear weapons might be caused by the increased dissemination of nuclear technology. It will be recalled in this respect that the sponsors had themselves been very much aware of the need for the prevention of diversion for military purposes, and that this was reflected in the third preambular paragraph of the original document, A/32/L.15. Since it was felt by many delegations that the intent of that paragraph should also be reflected in the 1 International Atomic Energy Agency, The Annual Report for 1976 (Austria, July 1977); transmitted to the members of the General Assembly by a note of the Secretary-General (A/32/158 and Add.l). and a new subparagraph fd) has been added to operative paragraph I reading: "International co-operation in the field covered by the present resolution should be under agreed and appro- priate international safeguards applied through the Inter- national Atomic Energy Agency on a non-discriminatory basis in order to prevent effectively proliferation of nuclear weapons". 25. In the same vein, it will be noticed that in the fifth preambular paragraph the word "unhindered" has been deleted, as well as the equivalent words "without hin- drance" in operative paragraph 1 (b). 26. A new seventh preambular paragraph has been substi- tuted for the old seventh preambular paragraph. This new paragraph affirms the responsibility of States advanced in the nuclear field to meet the legitimate nuclear energy needs of the developing countries by participating in the fullest possible transfer of nuclear equipment, materials and technology under agreed IAEA safeguards applied on a non-discriminatory basis. The balance expressed in this new paragraph makes us, the sponsors, hope that the obligations assumed under international agreements, and contracts for the transfer of equipment, materials and technology will be fulfilled. To reflect this hope, the eighth preambular paragraph has been recast. 27. In the operative part of the draft resolution, I have already made reference to the addition of paragraph I fd). A significant change has also been made in operative paragraph 3 which now reads as follows: "Requests States to strengthen the existing programmes of the International Atomic Energy Agency for the development of the peaceful use of nuclear energy in the developing countries, the acquisition of installations, equipment and nuclear materials and information, as well as the training of personnel in the peaceful use of nuclear energy". 28. It is the hope of the sponsors that the Board of Governors of the Agency, which annually takes the lead in determining the level of the Agency's programme in this field, will bear this particular operative paragraph in mind. It will be useful for countries in trying to strengthen the programmes of IAEA, to have some imaginative guidance from the Board of Governors of the Agency, particularly with respect to the level of voluntary contributions to the general fund of that Agency. 29. The revised draft resolution in document A/32/L.!5/ Rev.! is the product of what I referred to earlier as real dialogue concerning lAEA between the various interests within this Assembly. We therefore hope that it will be adopted by consensus and, what is more, that it will be reflected in the Agency's activities.

I have requested the floor in order to explain the reasons which inspired my delegation to introduce an amendment to draft resolution A/32/L.13/ Rev. I, now before us. Our proposal, as reflected in document A/32/L.42, is to add a few words to operative paragraph 7, which, as every delegation can see, reads as follows: "Invites the International Atomic Energy Agency to give due consideration to the request of developing countries for an increase in their representation on the Board of Governors in accordance with the principle of equitable geographical distribution". Our proposed addition to that paragraph r~ads as follows: "... as well as to an appropriate increase in the designated seats in order to facilitate the full contribution of all countries more advanced in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy to the fulfilment of the tasks of the Agency". 32. During the lengthy negotiations which have brought about the revision of the text that is to be approved today, special attention was given by all delegations, including our own, to the amendment introduced on 3 November 1977 by four non-aligned countries{AI32/L.14] -an amendment that reflected their desire for increased representation of the developing countries on the Board of Governors of lAEA. 33. During the discussion we had with all interested delegations, we did not fail to express our conviction that a fair balance in the membership of the United Nations specialized agencies should be maintained. In our view, that is in the general common interest, and I will try to explain the reason we believe it is so. 34. We are convinced of the fact that, whenever there is a change in membership-that is, as in the case of the Board of Governors of the Agency-it should take place in a balanced manner-so that any increase in the number of elective seats would correspond to an appropriate increase in designated seats. This appears to us to reflect the general common interest and, in particular, would favour the continued success of IAEA, which we see as the most important international instrument for the further develop- ment of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. 35. In fact, it should always be kept in mind that the Agency is engaged in complex and specialized activities in its efforts to promote a world-wide exchange of knowledge in this field and to provide guidance on specific technol- ogical problems, including, for instance, expert advice to States which are in the process of introducing nuclear energy and nuclear techniques into their industry, agricul- ture and medicine. 36. The importance is clear, therefore, of ensuring the presence in the designated seats on the Board of an increasing number of countries more advanced in the 37. For that reason, our proposal is to supplement the idea of an increase in elective seats with an appropriate increase in the number of designated seats in order to maintain the harmony, equilibrium and good, constructive co-operation existing within the Board-a condition which we feel is necessary for the most efficient functioning of that body. It is in this spirit that my delegation has put forward this proposal aimed at supplementing operative paragraph 7 of draft resolution A/32/L.13/Rev.1. 38. However, we understand that many delegations have not had time enough to study the proposal and consult their Governments. At the same time, this amendment might make it less easy to proceed to the adoption by consensus of draft resolution A/32/L.13/Rev.1. 39. We do not want to make life difficult for anyone. My delegation, therefore, will not press for a vote on our amendment at this stage. Since the reasons for which we put forward this proposal are on record, we are confident that they will be taken into consideration by the Board of Governors of lAEA at its next session.

In his statement the representative of Italy declared that he will not press for a vote on the amendment introduced by him. Accordingly, the amend- ment contained in document A/32/L.42 will not be put to a vote. 41. I shall now call on those representatives who wish to explain their position on the two draft resolutions before us at this stage.

I wish to make a short statement on behalf of the Australian delegation in relation to draft resolution A/3:'/L.15/Rev.1. My delegation is prepared to participate in the consensus on this draft resolution which, we believe, is now in sight. We recognize the importance to many countries, including developing countries, of the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. It was, in fact, an appreciation of the special needs of the developing countries in this area that led to Australia's recent decision to accede to the IAEA Regional Co-operative Agreement with Member States in Asia and the Pacific to further research, development and training related to nuclear science and technology. 43. While the Australian delegation acknowledges that this draft resolution is not specifically about non-proliferation, it is my Government's view that the question of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy cannot be considered in isolation from non-proliferation. Self-restraint by States and complementary controls with binding obligations are essential to ensure that nuclear energy used for peaceful purposes 'is not directed to the manufacture of nuclear explosives. The major existing vehicle for minimizing the risk of proliferation is the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation 44. My delegation welcomes the impending passage by consensus of a draft resolution which states that safeguards should be applied to all peaceful uses of nuclear energy. We regret, however, that this draft resolution does not give sufficient weight to the need for a political commitment to non-proliferation objectives and for increasing the effec- tiveness of international safeguards. We also have some difficulties with the references to safeg-Llards applied through IAEA on a non-discriminatory basis. While this might be a desirable objective, it does not accurately represent the present character of lAEA safeguards. 45. Australia believes, however, that the expression of opinion of the thirty-second session of the General Assem- bly about nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy is represented both by draft resolution A/C.l/32/L.3/Rev.3, which has been recommended by the First Committee under agenda item 51, and by draft resolution A/32/L.15/Rev.1. They will both be important documents for the forthcoming special session on disarma- ment, and on this basis we are glad to participate in the consensus.

I should like to explain the position of my delegation on the two draft resolutions now before us in documents A/32/L.13/Rev.l and A/32/L.15/Rev.1. I shall devote most of my remarks to the text of the latter, and in doing so I shall refer to some extent to what was said by the Netherlands representative at the 40th meeting of the Firs~ Committee on 21 November when he explained the Netherlands position on what was then called the Finnish draft resolution [Ale 1I 32IL.3IRev.2]. 47. In general, the views expressed on that occasion in the First Committee are applicable also to the present draft resolution. This holds true in particular to what we see as its prematurity. The Netherlands Government is convinced that a new consensus is absolutely necessary for an effective world-wide non-proliferation policy Time is needed for such a consensus to evolve from an in-depth discussion on the technical, economic and political aspects of the peaceful use of nuclear energy, the kind of discussion that was recently started under the title "International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation". For that reason we can also accept, in principle, the idea of an international conference as suggested in operative paragraph 4 of draft resolution A/32/L.15/Rev.1. However, we deem it to be premature. and indeed even unwise, to prejudge the outcome of that discussion by formulating now a number of principles that have the effect of pre-empting some very basic questions. 48. One of those basic questions, which was apparently foremost in the minds of the sponsors. concerns the free access of States to nuclear technology. equipment and materials. That freedom is being stressed for fear of discrimination. After consultations with other delegations. the sponsors now recognize the necessity of safeguards. applied through IAEA, to prevent the proliferation of 50. The Netherlands representative in the First Committee described the background of that question in the following terms: "Until recently the international community was con- vinced that, with adequate International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, an effective barrier could be construct~d against the misuse of nuclear materials for the manufacture of nuclear explosive devices. Indeed, until now, IAEA safeguards have proved to be effective in that respect. But even the best possible IAEA safeguards can [by themselves] never prevent weapons-usable mate- rials from becoming available to a great number of countries. At present, as we all know, most nuclear facilities in the world do not use nuclear materials which can be immediately misused for nuclear explosive devices. Most reactor types at present use only natural uranium or slightly enriched uranium. Moreover, commercial repro- cessing is still in its infancy and is restricted to a few countries. But, with large-scale development of the nuclear industry in all its stages around the world, that situation is bound to change, and with it the security situation in all countries."2 51. Under these circumstances the international com- munity is, in our opinion, confronted with the question of whether we should continue with the expansion and further spread of nuclear industry without any restraints as to the technologies involved, or whether we should not first investigate alternatives which are more proliferation- resistant. The present draft resolution seems to evade that fundamental question and seems to promote and advoca e a free-for-all. Its basic short-coming lies in its non-recogni- tion of the fact that we are entering a new era in the field of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes which requires new answers to new questions. Those questions are, inter alia. the following. How can we make safeguards more effec- tive? To what extent is self-restraint in the acquisition or transfer of sensitive technologies needed until we have learned how better to safeguard them? How can countries that forgo a full nuclear fuel cycle be assured that their legitimate energy demands are being met? How can we build a consensus about the future structure and manage- ment of the nuclear fuel cycle? 52. I submit that all countries, whether developed or still in the process of development, are confronted with those basic questions. We regret that in the discussions on this matter we are being drawn into a kind of confrontation 2 See OJficitli Records of the General Assembly, Thirty-second Session. First Committee, 40th meeting, p. 33, and ibid., First Committee, Sessional Fascicle, corrigendum. 53. In a spirit of co-operation my delegation is willing to participate in the consensus which appears to be emerging on draft resolution A/32/L.15/Rev.l, notwithstanding the serious misgivings I have just expressed. 54. With reference to draft resolution A/32/L.i3/Rev.l, we have noted the new texts of the fourth preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 7 dealing with the question of the composition of the Board of Governors of IAEA. I should like to put on record that my delegation interprets those paragraphs as now worded as not prejudg- ing the ongoing negotiations on this question within IAEA. In that light my delegation is able to join in supporting the adoption-we understand also by consensus-of draft reso- lution A/32/L.13/Rev.1.

The delegation of Ecuador considers that IAEA provides an efficient service and one which is greatly needed by the developing countries; but, furthermore, it fulfils a unique and essential functiQn in the arta of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, which are always closely linked with the dangers of other types of use. Thus the universal function of the Agency is clear in the application of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and other treaties, and in the dissemination of safety and protection techniques. Accordingly, we also heard and applauded as well the statement by the Director General of IAEA, Mr. Eklund [58th meeting], whose reputation is widely known and respected in all countries where IAEA, as part of the United Nations system, is carrying out its valuable mission of assisting those countries in training, legislation, the provision of equipment and facilities, in the various disciplines of the use of nuclear energy, par- ticularly radioisotopes, together with the evaluation of deposits and the proper exploitation of uranium. 56. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ecuador in the Assembly said: "Ecuador is aware of the problems caused by the shortage of energy which affect the world today, and of the projected cumulative effect of such shortages in the future; it therefore notes with interest the proposals of the Secretary-General to make a technical study of this factor of human progress, since my country is in the process of acquiring the technology and other necessary elements to produce nuclear energy for peaceful pur- poses, as befits its tradition and its international commit- ments." [9th meeting, para. 3Z] 57. For the foregoing reasons we support draft resolution A/32/L.15/Rev.l, and we shall therefore join in a possible consensus thereon. 59. Miss CAMPBELL (Canada): In our general statement under this item [59th meeting], my delegation stated that Canada strongly supports the efforts of IAEA to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of nuclear energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world, while, at the same time, ensuring that the use of nuclear energy does not contribute to proliferation of nuclear explosive capability. We are therefore sympathetic to the underlying theme of draft resolution A/32/L.15/Rev.1. However, Canada, is of the view that the rights of States to develop a programme for the peacerul uses of nuclear energy and to have access to technology, equipment and materials for that purpose must be balanced by a recognition by those States of their responsibility to avoid the risk of the proliferation of nuclear explosive capability. The draft resolution would have been improved in our eyes if it had emphasized that latter responsibility more than it now does. 60. In addition, we note that the draft resolution in operative paragraph 4 calls for the convening of an interna- tional conference or conferences at an appropriate stage. As all are aware, an international evaluation programme of two years' duration, the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation, was recently launched by many Governments represented in this hall. Canada is an active participant in that evaluation, and we think that in planning conferences this evaluation programme should be taken into considera- tion. 61. My delegation is aware that there is a consensus in favour of this draft resolution, and does not wish to block that consensus. However, we did not want our acquiescence in this context to be regarded as any lessening of our support for the efforts of IAEA in pursuit of its dual objectives as identified above and it is for those reasons we have made this statement.

The Swedish delegation will participate in the consensus on draft resolution A/32/L.15/Rev.l. The text in our view, however, has several short-comings. 63. The active policy of the Swedish Government is based on its dedicated support for the nuclear non-proliferation Treaty. -Any principles for co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy should therefore, as we see it, flow directly from the non-proliferation Treaty. We strongly support the IAEA safeguard system. Thus, effective and 64. However, the draft resolution now before us does not seem to be sufficiently clear and balanced. The fact that a draft resolution on these same matters, but with important differences of substance, is likely to be adopted by this Assembly on the recommendation of the First Committee adds to our concerns in this regard. 65. Nuclear energy as a source of energy creates special problems and implies special risks. It seems to us that the draft resolution fails to take account, in an adequate and appropriate manner, of the various difficult aspects invol- ved. Considerations of safety and of the need to protect the environment in relation t~ all aspects of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, as well as nuclear weapons proliferation, are among these. 66. My Government attaches great importance to efforts to increase the availability of energy, not least for the purpose of meeting the needs of the developing countries. Here the industrialized countries, in particular, have a responsibility to take the lead, as a matter of the highest priority, inter alia in an over-all programme of energy conservation and in the development of better alternative sources of energy. These should be fldapted to the needs of developing countries and should be really available to them. 67. Finally, let me, in an attempt to assist in putting discussions of non-proliferation into perspective, put for- ward the following considerations. 68. First, efforts to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation are directly linked to how the nuclear-weapons States fulfIl their special responsibility to achieve arms control and nuclear disarmament. The objective is that the role of nuclear weapons in the world should be diminished, and that, ultimately, all nuclear arsenals should be completely dismantled. 69. Secondly, the security of all States would be affected in a positive manner if nuclear arms control and disarma- ment could be promoted and efforts to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation are successful. In saying "all States", I mean developed and developing States alike, nuclear- weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States alike. It is for these reasons that we see an obvious common interest of the whole world community in reaching these objectives.

I should like to address myself to draft resolution A/32/L.15/Rev.l, which was introduced in the Assembly this morning by the represen- tative of Nigeria, who gave the relevant explanations of the revisions contained in this new text. On that basis, the Finnish delegation will be able to join in the consensus on a matter to which my delegation attaches great importance- that is, the question of the peaceful use of nuclear energy for economic and social development. 71. The Finnish delegation has consistently expressed its support for strengthening the role of IAEA in promoting the application of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, and particularly for a substantial increase in the resources of the 73. It is the contention of the Finnish delegation that the difficulties in the way of intensified international co- operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy stem from a fear-to our mind a justified fear-of the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Once that fear can be dispelled, either by making the non-proliferation Tleaty universal or, failing that, by other reasonable assurances against the prolifera- tion of nuclear weapons, these ~ oblems should disappear. 74. This Assembly will in a few days address itself to another facet of the same problem, in the form ,of a draft resolution adopted by the First Committee under the title "Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency" [A/Cl/32/L.3/Rev.3], in connexion with that Com- mittee's consideration of the items relating to the question of disurmament. In the First Committee, that draft resolu- tion was sponsored by delegations representing a variety of countries-developing and developed countries, recipients and suppliers of nuclear materials and technology. Since the General Assembly is at present addressing itself only to draft resolution A/32/L.15/Rev 1, I shall not at this stage comment at any length Ul1 the draft resolution on this subject adopted by the First Committee, as contained in document A/C.l/32/L.3/Rev.3, I would simply say that, so far as my delegation is concerned, we see the two draft resolutions as companion pieces. We see them as addressing themselves to the same set of vital problems, albeit from a slightly different vantage point and with a slightly different emphasis.

The subject of draft resolution A/32/L.15/Rev.l-the peaceful use of nuclear energy for economic and social develop- ment-is of great importanc~ to all of us. 76. The United States appreciates the co-operative atti- tude shown by the sponsors of this draft resolution in accepting changes in the text which were necessary in order to generate broad international support. 77. For over 20 years the United States has been sharing its knowledge of the peaceful uses of atomic energy with developing countries, and we shall continue to conduct an active programme in this field. While acknowledging the importance of nuclear energy to development, we also 78. The United States believes that any resolution which promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy must also acknowledge the dangers of nuclear proliferation which accompany the spread of nuclear technology. While we should have preferred the draft resolution now before the Assembly to be more balanced in this regard, we are none the less supporting it as a recognition of the serious concerns of the developing world and of its willingness to work towards a constructive outcome. 79. We believe that the twin goals of ensuring access to peaceful nuclear technology and minimizing the dangers of nuclear proliferation need not be in conflict with each other, and we can be reconciled to efforts such as the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation. 80. We are hopeful that the co-operative approach which avoided a damaging confrontation on these issues during this session of the General Assembly will continue to prevail as we work towards acceptable international solu- tions.

The General Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/32/L.13/Rev.l enti- tled "Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency". Having heard the statements made at this meeting, it is my understanding that it is the wish of the General Assembly to adopt this draft resolution by consensus. In the absence of any objeGtion, I shaH consider that it is so decided.

The General Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/32/L.15/Rev.l and Add.l entitled "Peaceful use of nuclear energy for eco- nomic and social development". I have been informed that it is the wish of the General Assembly to adopt this draft resolution also by consensus. In the absence of any objection, I shall consider that it is so decided.

I shall now call upon represen- tatives who wish to explain their positions now that decisions have been taken on the two draft resolutions, 84. Mr. CASTILLO-GOMEZ (Colombia) (interpretation from Spanish).' One of the most difficult problems for the international community at this time is that of reconciling the need of the developing countries, in particular, for nuclear technology with the increasingly urgent need to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. 85. Vertical proliferation is of particular significance because, as everyone is aware, the arsenals of the countries which possess such weapons, even if they were more than halved, as has been suggested, would still be large enough to destroy our civilization and human life on earth. But horizontal proliferation, or, in other words, the possibility of several nations in different parts of the world having such weapons at their disposal, would in a few years 87. Of course, there is talk of control and preventive measures to hinder the development of nuclear weapons, but all this becomes somewhat illusory once countries possess an advanced nuclear capability. 88. Faced with this problem my delegation prefers the second possibility: that is, we prefer to sacrifice the opportunity for the developing countries to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, in view of the urgent need as far as possible to prevent an increase in the number of countries that possess the tremendous destructive power of nuclear arms.

The General Assembly has adopted by consensus two resolutions which reflect with clarity the present situation and the aspirations of the international community in the field of nuclear technC'~.ogy for peaceful purposes. 90. In the first, document A/32/L.13/Rev.l, the major activities of the IAEA in Vienna are mentioned, and that Agency is requested to strengthen its activities related to technical assistance for developing countries. Argentina unreservedly agrees with that aim. 91. Of course, the fact that Argentina joined i:1 the consensus achieved on this resolution in no way means that we have changed our opinions on the treaty mentioned in the fifth preambular paragraph, nor that the text in its entirety reflects our position precisely. But we did not oppose the consensus, in the belief that we would thus be co-operating in the creation of a new atmosphere of understanding on this matter, a new climate that has long been needed and has unfortunately not ::uways been attained. 92. In the same spirit we have in the last few weeks worked to obtain for the draft in document A/32/L.151 Rev.l the degre~ of support it finally received. 93. My delegation, one of the sponsors of that draft, believes its content properly indicates the path the interna- tional community should take to ensure that the benefits of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes do not remain the privilege of a few and that further obstacles are not put in the way of the scientific, technological and energy develop- ment of the developing countries. . 94. It is in that context that we interpret the seventh preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 1 (d) of the dra:t resolution as providing, in the application to inter- 95. Anyone who compares the original version of draft resolution A/32/L.15 with that in document A/32/L.151 Rev.1, which has just been adopted, will very clearly see that the amendments that have been incorporated and the paragraphs that have been dropped are important. 96. It is therefore clear that ~e sponsors, and my delegation among them, co-operated in a negotiating process that is a proof of the climate of understanding we have sought to create on this subject, which we hope can be maintained with the co-operation of all the countries concerned.

The Spanish delegation joined in the consensus on draft resolution A/32/L.13/Rev.1. None the less I wish to make it clear that my delegation has reservations on the fifth preambular paragraph, which refers to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Spain's position with respect to this Treaty, to which we are not a party, is well known and has not changed.

In a spirit of conciliation, Belgium did not wish to oppose lhe consensus achieved on draft resolution A/321 L.13/Rev.1. Nevertheless, if there had been a vote on that draft my country would have had to abstain. Belgium cannot, for reasons of principle, agree that the General Assembly should intervene, as is suggested in operative paragraph 7, in the decision·making process ofthe IAEA.

'My deiegation did not wish to oppose the consensus on draft resolution A/32/L.13/Rev.1. However, as far as operative paragraph 7 of that draft resolution is concerned, we feel that it is not for the General Assembly to give instructions to IAEA on the membership of its Board of Governors. This is a matter within the purview of the Agency itself.

There are no further speakers wishing to explain their positions. 101. I now call on the representative of Pakistan, who wishes to make a statement.

Draft resolution A/321 L.I5/Rev.l which became resohltion 32/50 concerns an item of great significance. This is not only because the subject of the resolution deals with one of the most important issues of the present era, namely, the harnessing of nuclear energy for the peaceful use and general welfare of all mankind, but also because it seeks to establish the understanding and the norms that should guide the con- sideration regarding the peaceful use of nuclear energy for economic and social development. On behalf of the Pakistan delegation, I should like to make some supple- mentary remarks in elaboration and explanation of our understanding of the provisions of the draft resolution. _ 104. My country has consistently held that, as stated by the leader of oUr delegation in the general debatJ: "The twin objectives of harnessing nuclear energy in the service of mankind and at the same time preventing its diversion to military purposes can and must be fully reconciled." [9th rlzeeting, para. 201./ To this end, Pakistan suggested during the general debate that the Assembly should take cognizance of this issue and adopt certain principles to guide international co-operation in this field. 105. We were, therefore, happy to sponsor draft resolu- tion A/32fL.1s, which underlined the importance of promoting the widest possible use ofnuclear energy and set out three principles to guide nuclear co-operation, that is, that nuclear energy is of vital importance for the economic and social development of all countries, particularly the developing countries; that all States have the right to develop, acquire, transfer and use, without hindrance, nuclear technology for peaceful purpo£es and to determine their peaceful nuclear programmes in accordance with their priorities, needs and interests; third.ly, that access to nuclear technology should be available to all States without discrimination. 106. Some delegations represented here were of the view that the draft lacked balance, specifically that international co-operation in the nuclear field should be under interna- tional safeguards. Proposals were also introduced to change some other provisions of the draft resolution. 107. My delegation was happy to accommodate these Jegitimate preoccupations in order to find a genuine consensus on this subject. Pakistan has consistently held that the concern for nuclear proliferation can be met by the application of IAEA safeguards over peaceful nuclear programmes. In our view, the immediate danger of prolife- ration arises not from those States whose peaceful nuclear programmes are under intemational safeguards but from others whose facilities are outside any international safe- guards or control. NucJ~ar proliferation can certainly be restrained, not only through the physical application of safeguards, but also toy such measures as the creation of 108. Secondly, it is also important that safeguards applied to nuclear programmes should be non-discriminatory both in their nature and application. We were, therefore, happy to see that agreed language had been arrived at in sub-paragraph (b) of operative paragraph 1 on the concept and application of international safeguards on a non- discriminatory basis. This language makes it incumbent on all States to ensure that no unilateral measures will be imposed or applied against recipient countries in the name of safeguards. It also makes clear that in order effectively to prevent proliferation, international safeguards should be applied on a non-discriminatory basis-in other words, to all non-nuclear States that are recipients of nuclear tech- nology. It is the non-application of safeguards to certain countries that has resulted in the real or potential breaches of the non-proliferation regime envisaged in the non-proli- feration Treaty. The concept contained in operative para- graph I (d) would seek to redress this discriminatory approach. 109. The Pakistar delegatio'1. hopes that the important principles concerning peaceful nuclear co-operation con- tained in draft resolution A/32/L.15/Rev.l will guide States in evolving their policies in this field as envisaged in its operative paragraph 2. With the adoption of this draft resolution, the international community would have moved a step further towards finding a common ground for international co-operation and for accelerating the con- tribution of nuclear energy to economic and social develop- ment. It would also have averted the introduction of another contentious issue in the relations between the advanced and the under-developed countries. The consensus reached here will, we hope, improve the prospects for the success of the technical study being carried out under the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation, and ensure that this study will indeed be carried out in a spirit of objectivity without jeDpardizing the respectLe fuel-cycle policies of various countries and without prejudice to international co-operation, particularly in terms of agree- ments and contracts for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. 110. Pakistan, both within the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation and IAEA, as well as at the conferences envisaged in operative paragraph 4, will do its utmost to work towards the elaboration of a more comprehensive framework for international co-operation in this field, in accordance with the principles contained in the resolution. The meetingrose at 1.10 p. m.