A/35/PV.99 General Assembly

On 25 November, I reported in this very hall to an informal meeting ofthe Assembly concerning consultations which had taken place on the launching of global negotiations on international economic co-operation for development. I indicated at that time, with the Assembly's agreement, that I would continue those consultations with a view to reaching an agreement on procedures and an agenda for the global negotiations at the earliest opportunity. 2. To my deep regret, I have to report to the Assembly that after an intensive and lengthy round of consultations which I have conducted, and despite the substantial progress made, I am not in a position at this time to offer a text on procedures and agenda which has the agreement of all the parties. 3. We have achieved a significant meeting of the minds on the majority of issues. Concerning procedures, we are very close to an agreement. Concerning the agenda, we are close to an agreement on a chapeau and on most agenda items. However, we have been unable to bridge the gaps, so far, on two or three substantive questions in the agenda. 4. I must fore put before the Assembly, as a practical J .-sal aimed at closing the present gaps as soon a .issible, a draft decision in which the Assembly aumorizes its President to continue consultations on this item and to report to the Assembly at its resumed session in January. We would, therefore, keep this item of our agenda open until that time. 5. I would, therefore, propose the following draft decision for approval by the Assembly, to enable me to build on the progress we have made and to secure the launching of the global round at the earliest >I< Resumed from the nod meeting. A/35/PV.99 May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt that draft decision? The draft decision was adopted (decision 35/443).

I should like to take this opportunity to thank all delegations and groups for their co-operative spirit, in view of the importance of this item to the entire international community. 7. I shall now call on those representatives wishing to make statements at this stage.

Mr. President, I should like first of all, on behalf of the European Community and its member States, to convey to you our appreciation and our thanks for your tireless efforts throughout this session of the General Assembly aimed at making progress in getting the global economic negotiations under way. 9. To be sure, those efforts have not been in vain, since, thanks to your personal commitment, we have arrived at an appreciable meeting of minds since the eleventh special session on issues as important as procedures, the chapeau and areas of the agenda. We have noted with satisfaction the climate of cooperation and trust in which the consultations have taken place. We now have a good point of departure for continuing our work during the coming year. 10. Since the adoption of resolution 34/138, by which the Assembly decided to launch the global negotiations, the European Community has continued to support that initiative, and it reaffirms its determination to see those negotiations begin as soon as possible. 11. This political commitment of ours, which has been confirmed on several occasions by our ministers meeting in council, has led the Community to work towards a compromise on procedures and on an agenda, which should enable the global negotiations quickly and effectively to deal with the basic problems which affect the proper functioning of the world economy and have serious repercussions on development prospects. 12. Resolution 34/138, which outlines the framework in which the global negotiations should take place, indicates that they should not only contribute to the solution of international economic problems and to a universal and sustained economic development-espedally for developing countries-but should also reflect the mutual advantage, the common interest and the responsibility of the parties concerned. 13. This framework implies that we should approach in an even-handed manner and from the perspective of interdependence all the major problems affecting the development of the world economy and especially the question of energy, be it the development of conventional and alternative energy resources or the 15. You have pointed out, Mr. President, that during the informal consultations we came to broad agreement on a number of issues which will constitute the agenda for global negotiations. On other items, however, the meeting of minds was not sufficient to allow for an agreement on formulations here and now. 16. The Community regrets in particular that no progress has been made possible on crucial aspects of the energy issue, a question which is of interest to the international community as a whole and especially to the non-oil-producing developing countries. 17. For our part, we have shown that we were prepared to deal with all the subjects mentioned in resolution 34/138. In this connexion, we have made concessions and have put forward proposals on each of these subjects. We are prepared to continue to participate actively in the negotiations on all the items that are pending. 18. Obviously, an agreement cannot reaJly be found unless political wiII exists among all the parties concerned. The worsening of the world economic crisis requires the political commitment and goodwill of all in order that we may grapple together with basic problems affecting the international community. 19. Rest assured, Mr. President, that when we renew our consultations you wiII continue to find in the Community an interlocutor as open-minded as we have endeavoured to be throughout these negotiations. 20. Mr. McHENRY (United States of America): For almost a year our many delegations have laboured diligently and with dedication to prepare for the launching of a round of global negotiations. All of us expected the task to be difficult. All of us knew that the divergence of views on agenda items and individual procedural elements was large and that to surmount those problems would require an unprecedented degree of compromise and accommodation by all delegations. We have tried valiantly, but unfortunately we have not yet fully succeeded. In the current session we have simply run out of time. 21. Our work, however, has not been in vain. At this session, under your firm and patient leadership, Mr. President, we have made significant, indisputable progress. Delegations from all groups have worked long hours in a spirit of co-operation, frankness and dedication which has greatly narrowed the gaps between the perspectives which we collectively brought to the negotiating table last Jan 22. So as we assess our remaining dinerences, let us also acknowledge the significant areas of agreement we have achieved. In the meantime, I can assure you, Mr. President, that the United States wiII continue to press in all appropriate international meetings for progressive change and responsive programmes in international economic relations. We also continue to believe that a discussion of such issues in a major

I am authorized on behalf of the delegations of the People's Republic of Bulgaria, the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, the Hungarian People's Republic, the Mongolian People's Republic, the Polish People's Republic, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic and the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic and on behalf of the German Democratic Republic to make the following statement. 30. In the month which has gone by since the discussion in the plenary meeting of this agenda item, there has been no substantial positive change. Therefore, the delegations of the socialist countries, on whose behalf I have the honour of speaking, reaffirm the statement that they made on 20 November last [7lst meeting, paras. 85-90], which sets forth our principled assessment of the reasons for the prevailing situation, and we once again express our readiness to take a constructive part in the process of restructuring 35. We agree that informal consultations should be continued under the guidance of the President of the General assembly. We hope that at the resumed session redoubled efforts will be made, particularly by the major developed countries, so that agreement on the procedures and the agenda items can be reached in the shortest possible time. The Chinese delegation will be ready, as always, to work together with the other delegations to achieve this end.

I now call on the representative of Venezuela, who will speak of behalf of the Group of 77.

The Group of 77 is deeply disappointed with the result of this session of the 38... We know that you, Mr. President, made persevering and commendable efforts to ensure the successful conclusion of our work. You guided it with a great sense of equanimity and kept an objective distance from the positions of all sides, attempting to reconcile them, with full awareness of how important it is to begin as soon as possible this process on whose results depends the course that mankind must take in the years and perhaps the decades to come. The Group of 77 wishes to express its gratitude to you for those efforts, which we always supported and attempted to facilitate to the best of our abil.ity. Un~er your aegis, in the long process of cons.ultatIons which you directed, some progress was achieved, although it was not commensurate with the efforts made and the time invested. We can make no mistake about this. This is an undertaking which because of its complexity and scope presents problems which we cannot disregard. Approaches to the problems are different, and the short-term interests do not coincide. 39. What had to be done during that preparatory stage of the negotiations was to establish the conceptual and institutional framework so that the process could be begun without artificial barriers, through frank and sincere negotiation on the main problems besetting the world economy. It could not be otherwise if we want these negotiations to be effective and at the same time truly global. But this concept means that these problems cannot be dealt with in a fragmented and piecemeal fashion, but rather that account be taken of their interrelationship and that we act accordingly. This does not preclude the fact that certain questions require the collaboration of specialized forums at a given stage of negotiations so that the Conference may properly shoulder its responsibility to guarantee a package agreement at the final stage, which, as in any negotiations, is the most critical one. 40. The rule of consensus should guarantee that the result will, in the last analysis, be satisfactory enough for all parties. There may be some leeway.for interpretation of the text on procedures, but not In respect of fundamental questions from which the very nature of the global negotiations derives. Here the Group of 77 is not only defending the point of view of the developing countries, which are, as is recognized, the chief object of the entire process. It should also be of concern to the developed countries, for without such concerted efforts there might be an accelerated disruption of their economies with unforeseeable consequences for their social and political systems. We 42. It is always easy to be blinded by short term benefits. On this occasion as on others, there has been irrational resistance to the urgent need of looking ahead to the new international economic order. Hence we have not advanced realistically towards the understanding to which we have aspired. What we have been attempting to do during the past year is to establish the bases for the global negotiations so that they may not be doomed to failure from the outset. Towards that end, a change in attitude is required so that it will be possible to arrive at genuine agreements without mental reservations. The Group of 77 is aware that such change is taking place, in particular in certain countries and circles in the North where interest in the development of the human race prevails over secondary interests, which in most cases are the result of ignorance about what is happening in the world and about how the international situation has considerable impact on the national situation. Hence the importance of educating the public. 43. Bolivar, the 150th anniversary of whose death we are commemorating today, felt this way when, in the midst of his struggle against oppressive and monopolistic powers, he claimed ethics and intelligence as primary objective for his peoples. This applies not only to the developing countries but also to 'the industrialized countries. 44. The process which advanced under your guidance, Mr. President, during this General Assembly contributed to reducing considerably the distrust that formerly prevailed with regard to the intentions of some parties concerned. Doubts concerning the 'need to launch the global negotiations on a firm basis with a sense of urgency within a reasonable time frame now seem to have disappeared from most minds, and we ourselves continue to hold that view. We face unprecedented efforts in the face of circumstances that are also unprecedented 45. Mr. President, we have conferred upon you the task of continuing the efforts aimed at the prompt and effective launching ofthe negotiations. I can assure you of the full support of the Group of 77, which is prepared to co-operate with you in the search for the best way of proceeding during the coming year in the light of past experience. REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/35/773)

Statements will be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the various recommendations of the Fifth Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. 56. May I remind members that, in its decision 34/40 I, the General 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 Corn-

I shall now put to the vote draft resolution IV, entitled "Access by staff representatives to the Fifth Committee". A recorded vote has been requested.

I shall now put to the vote draft decision Ill, entitled "Use of the term 'controller' in the nomenclature of the Secretariat". A recorded vote has been requested.

We now turn to draft resolution H, which was adopted by the Fifth Committee without objection. May I take it that the General Assembly also wishes to adopt it?

The Fifth Committee also adopted draft resolution C without objection. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?

I now call on the representative of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, who wishes to explain his vote after the vote.

With regard to the adoption by the Gene•.'!- Assembly of the draft resolution on the report of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Board, the Soviet delegation would like to state the following. We did not object to the recommendations of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Board and the International Civil Service Commission that new criteria for pensionable remuneration be established, on the understanding that that would not involve, either now or in the future, any additional financial burden for States Members of the United Nations. 2 The delegation of Somalia subsequently informed the Secretariat that. although it had abstained in the Fifth Committee. it voted in favour of draft resolution 11 A in the General Assembly . 97. Following my consultations, I appointed 22 Member States to serve on the Committee on Conferences for a three-year term beginning on I January 1981.

In connection with item (i), I now invite members to turn their attention to the note by the Secretary-General which deals with the appointment of the United Nations Commissioner for Namibia [A/35/770]. 99. In his note, the Secretary-General proposes to the General Assembly for its approval the extension of the appointment of Mr. Martti Ahtisaari as United Nations Commissioner for Namibia for a further oneyear term beginning on I January 1981. May I consider that the General Assembly approves the proposal of the Secretary-General? 100. The PRESIDENT': May I take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Ahtisaari and to wish him con- tinued success in his valuable work.

Sections XVI to XXI of draft resolution I were adopted by the Fifth Committee without objection. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?

We now turn to draft resolution 11, entitled "Comprehensive study of the question of honoraria payable to members of organs and cubsidiary organs of the United Nations". A recorded vote has been requested.

I now put to the vote draft resolutions IV A and B, entitled "Emoluments of and pension schemes for the members of the International Court ofJustice" . A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Burma, Burundi, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic Yemen, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Federal Republic of, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom ofGreat Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Cameroon, United Republic of Tanzania, Upper Volta, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Against: Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Czechoslovakia, German Democratic Republic, Hungary, Mongolia, Poland, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United States of America. Abstaining: Japan, Romania. Draft resolutions IV A and B were adopted by 122 votes to 11, with 2 abstentions (resolutions 35/22C A and B). 3

Draft resolution V is entitled "Conditions of service and compensation for officials, other than Secretariat officials, serving the General Assembly" . 117. The Fifth Committee adopted this draft resolution without objection. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? J The delegation of Japan subsequently informed the Secretariat that it wished to have its vote recorded as having been in favour of the draft resolutions.

We now turn to draft resolution VII, entitled "Implementation of section VIII of the annex to General Assembly resolution 32/197 on the restructuring of the economic and social sectors of the United Nations system". 120. The Fifth Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly will do likewise? Draft resolution VII \l'as adopted (resolution 35/223).

Draft resolution VIII is entitled "Use of experts and consultants in the United Nations" . 122. The Fifth Committee adopted that draft resolution without objection. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution VIII \l'as adopted (resolution 35/224).

Now we come to draft resolutions X A, Band C, entitled "Programme budget for the biennium 1980-1981". I first put to the vote draft resolution X A. A recorded vote has been requested. In favour: Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Burma, Burundi, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic Yemen, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guate- mala, Guinea. Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland. India. Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Ivory Coast, Jamaica. Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar. Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania. Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique. Nepal, Netherlands. Nicara- gua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway. Oman, Pakistan, Panama. Papua New Guinea. Paraguay, Peru. Philip- pines. Qatar, Rwanda , Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome

I now put to the vote draft resolution X B. 126. This draft resolution was adopted by the Fifth Committee by consensus. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?

Finally, I put to the vote draft resolution X C. A recorded vote has been requested.

Under agenda item 14, concerning the report of IAEA. The General Assembly adopted resolution 35/112 at its 84th plenary meeting, on 5 December 1980. 129. In paragraph 3 of that resolution, the Assembly decided to establish a Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Conference for the Promotion of International Co-operation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, composed of 70 Member States and, on an equal footing, other Member States which may express their interest in participating in the work of the Committee, and requested the President of the General Assembly to appoint the members of the Committee, in accordance with the principle of equitable geographical representation, not later than 1 July 198i. I shall report to the Assembly on this matter in due time. 130. The next question refers to agenda item 29, on the drafting of an international convention against the recruitment, use, financing and training of mercenaries. 131. In paragraphs 1 and 2 of resolution 35/48 of 4 December 1980, the General Assembly decided to establish an Ad Hoc Committee on the Drafting of an International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries, composed of 35 Member States, and requested the President of the General Assembly, after due consultation with the chairmen of the regional groups, to appoint the members ofthe Committee on the basis ofequitable geographical distribution and representing the principallegal systems of the world. Pursuant to that resolution, I shall hold consultations and inform the Assembly accordingly.

With respect to agenda item 29, I should like most respectfully to remind you, Mr. President, that the Ad Hoc Committee is scheduled to convene on 15January 1981. If the session is to be suspended today, I think that you will need time to inform the membership of that Committee. At-least a minimum of one week's notice will be necessary,

I held a meeting with the chairmen of the regional groups this week, and I shall continue my consultations with them. There are slight disagreements still in so far as the division of the membership of that Committee is concerned. However, I am fully aware of the fact that that Committee wishes to start its work as soon as possible. 134. I now refer to the next question, which relates to agenda items 55 and 56 concerning the enlargement of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

With reference to agenda item 105,the Chairman of the group of Latin American States reminded the President [see A/35/762] of the agreement reached at the thirty-second session of the • Resumed from 81st meeting.

I should like to propose to the Assembly that the session resume on Thursday, 15 January 1981, for the sole purpose of considering subitem c of agenda item 15, "Election of two members of the International Court of Justice"; item 27, "Question of Namibia"; item 30, "Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council" ; and item 123, ••Launching of global negotiations on international economic co-operation for development". It was so decided (decision 35/450).