A/38/PV.104 General Assembly

I invite Members to turn their attention to the remaining reports of the Second Committee introduced yesterday by the Rapporteur. 2. We shall turn first to part IV of the report of the Second Committee on agenda item 78 (c). 3. I call on the representative of the United States to speak in explanation of vote before the vote. 4. Mr. KEYES (United States of America): I simply want to say that the United States has been positively impressed with the hard work and constructive spirit that prevailed in the Second Committee during this session of the Geperal Assembly, and particularly in the work on this draft resolution. We look forward to working with others in the various appropriate institutions, such as the Committee for Programme and Co-ordination and the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, to implement the understandings that were reached in the Second and Fifth Committees. But we also look forward to building on the constructive foundations which have been laid during the work of this General Assembly session towards other consensuses on other draft resolutions dealing with the important issues of development that come before the Second Committee. 5. I should like, on behalf of the United States, to thank particularly the spokesmen of the Group of 77, with whom we have worked on the draft resolutions, for their hard and constructive effort, as well as all the Member States that co-operated in making this successful effort possible. *Resumed from the 102nd meeting. Tuesday, 20 December 1983, at 3.55 p.m. NEW YORK

The Assembly will now take decisions on the draft resolutions recommended for adoption by the Second Committee in paragraph 18 of part IV of its report [A/38/702/Add.3]. 7.. Draft resolution I is entitled "Industrual development co-operation". The administrative and financial implica- tions of this draft resolution are contained in the report of the Fifth Committee, published as A/38/753. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to adopt that draft resolution? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 38/192). 8. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): Draft resolution 11 is entitled "Conversion of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization into a spec- ialized agency". The administrative and financial impli- cations of this draft resolution are contained in the report of the Fifth Committee, published as A/38/753. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt that draft resolution? Draft resolution Il was adopted (resolution 38/193). 9. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): Draft resolution III is entitled "Revision of the lists of States eligible for membership in the Industrial Devel- opment Board". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt that draft resolution? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 38/194). 10. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): The Assembly will turn now to part XII of the report of the Second Committee on agenda item 78 (m) [A/38/ 702/Add.ll]. 11. In paragraph 9 the Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft resolu- tion entitled "Implementation of the Substantial New Programme of Action for the 1980s for the Least Devel- oped Countries". The report of the Fifth Committee on the administrative and financial implications of that draft resolution is contained in document A/38/738. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt that draft resolution? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 38/195). 12. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): The Assembly will turn now to part XIV of the report of the Second Committee [A/38/702/Add.13], dealing with proposals not relating to a particular sub-item of agenda item 78. The Assembly will now take a decision on the recommendation of the Second Committee relat- ing to six draft resolutions, contained in paragraph 33. 13. Draft resolution I is entitled "Confidence-building in international economic relations". A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Bhu- tan, Bolivia, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burma, Burundi, Bye- lorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampu- rl}ea, Democratic Yemen, Dominican Republic, Egypt, bi~ue, N~pal! Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, NIger, NIgena, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portu- gal, Qatar, Romania, 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 Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Cameroon, United Republic of Tanzania, Upper Volta, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia. Zimbabwe. Against: United States of America. Abstaining: Belgium, Bulgaria, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Canada, Czechoslovakia, France, German Democratic Republic, Germany, Federal Repub- lic of, Hungary, Japan, Luxembourg, Mongolia, Poland, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Draft resolution I was adopted by 126 votes to 1, with 15 abstentions (resolution 38/202).1 38. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): Draft resolution 11, entitled "Assistance to Ghana", was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 38/203). 39. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): Draft resolution III is entitled "Assistance to Yemen". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 38/204). 40. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): Draft resolution IV is entitled "Assistance for the devel- opment of Sierra Leone". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 38/205). 41. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): Draft resolution Vis entitled "Assistance to Democratic Yemen" . May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 38/206). 42. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): Draft resolution VI is entitled "Assistance to Uganda". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft resolution VI was adopted (resolution 38/207). 43. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): Draft resolution VII is entitled "Assistance to Mozam- bique" . May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 38/208). 44. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): Draft resolution VIII is entitled "Assistance to the Com- oros". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it?

At the 39th meeting of the General Assembly, on 28 October, ~8. There ensued a series of bilateral meetings among representatives of countries and groups of countries which had displayed interest in global negotiations. Those meet- ings culminated on 3 November with high-level multi- lateral consultations in which those same representatives participated. At that time it was decided, at the request of various delegations, to conduct exploratory consulta- tions, and the Chairman of the Group of 77, Mr. Porfirio Munos Ledo, of Mexico, in approving that exploratory process, stated his willingness to take all necessary initia- tives to ensure an exchange of explanations in that process and thus establish the respective consultations among countries and groups of countries in order to make progress towards the launching of global negotiations. 69. Those initiatives seemed to me to offer good pros- pects for making such progress, and I urged the Chairman of the Group of 77 and others to begin that exploratory operation as expeditiously as possible. No deadline was established, but it was understood that the consultations should conclude before the end of the current session so that the global negotiations might be launched this year. It was a flexible period so that the exploratory period might conclude with some visible progress having been achieved. In the interval I conducted some bilateral consultations which made it possible for me to follow the course of the exploratory process, and finally, on 19 December, I decided to reconvene multilateral consul- tations with the delegations which participated in the exploratory process in order to hear their report. 70. I am most gratified to be able to report to the General Assembly that the exploratory period that began on 3 November proved extremely useful in enabling dele- gations to express their views and positions. There has been discernible progress in the dialogue since the explora- tory process began. Viewpoints have been clarified by delegations participating most intensely in that process, and I am informed that for the first time there was a frank exchange of views regarding outstanding matters concern- ing the launching of global negotiations. Representatives of the Group of 77 provided the necessary clarifications regarding the two-phased negotiations as proposed by the heads of State or Government of the Non-Aligned Coun- tries at New Delhi and the Ministers of the Group of 77 at Buenos Aires. Representatives of the Group of 77 in those consultations for their part received the views of representatives of countries and groups of countries concerning those proposals. Moreover, a pragmatic and constructive dialogue was initiated among all the dele- gations participating in that exercise. 71. It is my understanding that most of the elements of doubt or great controversy have now been resolved, which should make it possible for there to be more con- crete progress. Delegations participating in those delib- erations have told me that they were satisfied with the results of the exploratory process as well as with the spirit of understanding that characterized it. They also indi- cated to me their wish to continue consultations within a similar framework at an appropriate time. ust~ful in clarifying specific mechanisms and procedures for global negotiations. My delegation attaches great importance to this exploratory process, believing that it will enhance greatly the understanding of Member States concerning specific ways and means of continuing the North-South dialogue. In this connection, I should also like to express my sincere appreciation to the Chairman of the Group of 77, Mr. Mufios Ledo, for the realistic and flexible manner in which he has worked to make meaningful progress in that exercise. 103. My delegation is firmly committed to such an enterprise and is prepared to work closely with the other Member States to explore further what can be done here in New York that will lead as soon as possible to con- crete actions in this vitally important area. For this reason It was so decided (decision 38/448 A).

Members will recall that chapters I, VI (sections B and E), VIII and IX (sections A to C) of the report of the Eco- nomic and Social Council [A/38/3] were assigned to plenary meetings. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to take note of those chapters of the report? It was so decided (decision 38/453).

The Assembly will now consider the election of one mem- ber of the Economic and Social Council. Inasmuch as the balloting for one seat has been inconclusive, may I take it that the General Assembly wishes to retain this item on the agenda of the thirty-eighth session? It was so decided (see decision 38/456).

I understand that there is no request to consider the ques- tion of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council at the present ses- sion. If this is the case, may I take it that the Assembly decides to include the item in the provisional agenda of the thirty-ninth session? It was so decided (decision 38/454).

I have received a request that the item on the observance ofthe quincentenary of the discovery of America be kept on the agenda of the thirty-eighth session in order to allow for further consultations. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to accede to that request? It was so decided (see decision 38/456).

Members will recall that on 23 September [4th meeting] the Assembly decided to include the question of Cyprus in the agenda of the current session but deferred a deci- sion on the allocation of the item to an appropriate time in the future. 179. It is my understanding that it would be desirable to leave the question ot Cyprus open at the current ses- sion. May I take it that the General Assembly agrees to that understanding and decides to retain the item on the agenda of its thirty-eighth session? It was so decided (see decision 38/456).

I have received a request that the item on implementa- tion of the resolutions of the United Nations be retained on the agenda of the current session. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to accede to that request? It was so decided (see decision 38/456).

I have received a request that the item on the conse- quences of the prolongation of the armed conflict between Iran and Iraq be kept on the agenda of the current ses- sion. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to accede to that request? It was so decided (see decision 38/456).

Before presenting a draft decision for approval by the Assembly, I should like to give some very brief back- ground on the item on commemoration of the fortieth anniversary of the United Nations in 1985. 183. I believe everyone would agree, particularly at this difficult and dangerous time in history, that we should give careful thought to how the fortieth anniversary of the Organization, which falls in 1985, should be commemor- ated. To provide adequate time for the consideration of proposals that would be constructive and appropriate, it was felt that at this session the Assembly should estab- lish a preparatory committee for the purpose of formulat- ing proposals that would be placed before the Assembly at its thirty-ninth session for consideration and decision. 184. In examining how to achieve this objective, there was widespread support for the idea of building on the existence of the General Committee of the present ses- sion. Obviously, given the nature of the exercise, the widest possible participation by Member States would be desirable. Accordingly, the draft decision I am about to submit would have the Preparatory Committee consist Pending appointments

I should like now to draw the Assembly's attention to three pending appointments. 188. First, in resolution 38/32 B of 25 November, the General Assembly requested its President to appoint the members of the Committee on Conferences. 189. Secondly, in connection with resolution 38/129 of 19 December, the Assembly decided to entrust its Presi- dent with the task of appointing the members of the Advisory Committee on the United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law. 190. Thirdly, in connection with resolution 38/191 of 20 December, the Assembly also entrusted its President with appointing the members of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Implementation of the Collective Security Provi- sions of the Charter of the United Nations. 191. In compliance with those decisions, I shall pro- ceed with the necessary consultations and announce the appointments as soon as possible. Suspension of the session

In the light of the action already taken at this meeting, the General Assembly has decided to resume its thirty-eighth session, on a date to be announced, for the sole purpose of considering the following agenda items: item 15 (b), "Election of eighteen members of the Economic and Social Council"; item 38, "Launching of global negotia- tions on international economic co-operation for devel- opment"; item 40, "Observance of the quincentenary of the discovery of America"; item 41, "Question of Cyprus"; item 42, "Implementation of the resolutions of the United Nations"; and item 138, "Consequences of the prolongation of the armed conflict between Iran and Iraq" [decision 38/456]. With those exceptions, therefore, we have concluded our consideration of all the items on the agenda of the thirty-eighth session. 206. Have we not undermined our efficiency and debased our influence by considering so many items and adopting so many resolutions, rather than concentrating our efforts on the most important problems and seeking genuine progress or practical solutions? Doubtless on many occa- sions the political will has been lacking. For example, does it really help the cause of disarmament and do we obtain the desired results by adopting 63 resolutions on the subject at just one session? Bearing in mind that figure and the complexity of the issue, I have the unpleasant feeling that many of those resolutions are known and understood almost exclusively by the group of experts that drafted them and are incomprehensible to the ordinary person. 207. In connection with the question of Palestine, one wonders whether we have dealt realistically with the problems of the Middle East, truly determined to achieve concrete results. One way or another we have considered the Arab-Israeli issue under various agenda items, directly in plenary meetings, in the First Committee, in the Special NOTE I The delegation of Colombia subsequently informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour of the draft resolution.