A/52/PV.67 General Assembly

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 1997 — Session 52, Meeting 67 — New York — UN Document ↗

The meeting was called to order at 10.15 a.m.
Vote: A/RES/52/33 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (103)
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✗ No (3)
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— Abstain (2)
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✓ Yes (125)

Reports of the First Committee

The President #23378
This morning the General Assembly will consider the reports of the First Committee on agenda items 62 to 83. I request the Rapporteur of the First Committee, Mr. Miloš Koterec of Slovakia, to introduce the reports of the First Committee in one intervention. Mr. Koterec (Slovakia), Rapporteur of the First Committee: It gives me great pleasure to introduce to the General Assembly the reports of the First Committee on agenda items 62 to 83, contained in documents A/52/591 to A/52/612. In response to the Assembly's appeal, the Committee concluded its work at the current session in 24 formal and six informal meetings, within existing resources. The work of the Committee throughout the present session could be characterized as having been constructive, more focused and action-oriented. The First Committee had before it for consideration 43 draft resolutions, three draft decisions and a number of amendments to draft resolutions, and adopted 43 draft resolutions and two draft decisions, out of which 21, or 45 per cent, were adopted without a vote. The disarmament calendar for 1997 has been very intensive and eventful. During this year, Member States addressed issues which ranged across the full spectrum of security and disarmament items. In this regard, the entry into force of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction, the establishment of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the establishment of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization and the signing on 3 and 4 December at Ottawa of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti- Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction are just a few examples which deserve to be mentioned. The First Committee's general debate on disarmament and international security items in fact reflected a propitious climate for future progress on a number of issues. The statements made by delegations revealed a readiness on the part of Member States to act with a high degree of cooperation in tackling those issues that they considered should be addressed in the nearest future. As before, the complexity of nuclear issues in general, and non-proliferation in particular, continued to constitute the core of international security concerns during recent years. In that connection, nuclear-weapon- free zones, cut-off issues, nuclear non-proliferation and non-proliferation regimes of other weapons of mass destruction, as well as vehicles for their delivery, and The majority of delegations spoke of disarmament- related advances which have been achieved over the year. They focused on the efforts made in scaling down nuclear weapons at both the unilateral and bilateral levels. However, a number of delegations noted that the high expectations which prevailed following the indefinite extension of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) had become somewhat subdued. Moreover, Member States expressed in particular their disappointment in the inability of the Conference on Disarmament to take up nuclear issues in 1997 and its impact on other subjects. Nevertheless, overwhelming hope was expressed that due process will be carried further in earnest and in time for a multilateral dimension. The Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the NPT not only reaffirmed the resolve of the international community to effectively prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, but also laid a solid foundation for the strengthening of non-proliferation regimes globally. In this respect, the Committee focused its attention on the problem of nuclear-weapon-free zones as a step towards achieving this goal. While the draft resolution on a Central Asian nuclear-weapon-free zone achieved the support of all Member States, the draft resolutions on a nuclear-weapon- free southern hemisphere and adjacent areas, the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in South Asia, the consolidation of the regime established by the Treaty of Tlatelolco, the African nuclear-weapon-free zone treaty, the risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, and the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region of the Middle East have all continued to enjoy the wide support of delegations. The Committee was unfortunately not able to adopt one combined resolution on nuclear disarmament. However, delegations duly noted the constructive and interested dialogue between the sponsors of two draft resolutions and called on them to double their efforts with a view to merging both drafts. No less important to the Committee's work were the items concerning the elimination of other weapons of mass destruction. The entry into force on 29 April 1997 of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the ratification by the declared chemical weapon States have been hailed by the international community. A cooperative attitude displayed The Committee also welcomed the progress achieved by the Ad Hoc Group of Governmental Experts to Identify and Examine Potential Verification Measures from a Scientific and Technical Standpoint in pursuit of the mandate established by the Special Conference of the States Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention in 1994, as part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen the Convention. As during the General Assembly's fifty-first session, the resolution on this issue was adopted without a vote. While retaining traditional aspects, regional and conventional disarmament have attained a new dimension which requires urgent and decisive actions, with particular reference to the problem of landmines. Almost every delegation spoke passionately about the human suffering which is inflicted upon innocent civilians by these weapons. Delegations agreed on the necessity of urgent measures at all levels to solve this issue once and for all. In this connection, the Committee welcomed the successful conclusion of the Ottawa process. The fact that more than 100 countries participated in the work aimed at the complete banning of landmines bears witness to the growing humanitarian concern of the public at large, as well as to the importance attached to this issue by Governments and parliaments. The Committee took note of the statements made by those countries which, for some reason, are not in a position to sign the Ottawa convention. Although controversy remains on this issue, it came as no surprise that three resolutions on this subject enjoyed wide support in a balanced manner. Furthermore, the Committee adopted a resolution on the convening of the fourth special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament. It is a positive development that the resolution was adopted by consensus. There was hope that through further consultations and intensive work within the framework of the Disarmament Commission next year, it will be possible to narrow the remaining differences and to achieve a consensus on the objectives and agenda of this issue. As in previous sessions, the issue of conventional weapons attracted considerable attention. The Committee had before it the report prepared by the Panel of The First Committee also considered the report, prepared by a group of governmental experts, on the issues of further improving and expanding the scope of the United Nations reporting instrument, the Register of Conventional Arms. Although it is generally recognized that the Register has already contributed to confidence-building, the divergence of views on specific measures for further development did not allow the group to introduce changes which some Member States were expecting. Despite this fact, Member States took note of the call for fuller participation and greater openness by all States. At this session the First Committee again took up the issue of rationalization of its work. During two meetings, delegations exchanged their views on this item and a number of proposals were put forward. Unfortunately, no consensus could be reached on proposals for the rearrangement of agenda items and the number of meetings. Nevertheless, the Chairman has been entrusted with conducting further consultations in this regard and with reporting to the General Assembly at the beginning of its next session. Finally, let me now briefly turn to the reports of the First Committee and draw the attention of delegations to a few changes in the text of the Rapporteur's reports in the following documents: in the Arabic, Russian and Spanish versions of document A/52/600, on agenda item 71, in part A of Section II, concerning draft resolution A/C.1/52/L.1, Niger should be deleted from the list of subsequent sponsors. Also, in document A/52/612, on agenda item 83, paragraph 7, after the words “ d r a f t d e c i s i o n A/C.1/52/L.51/Rev.1”, insert: “and stated that further consultations would be conducted by the Chairman, and he would report the outcome of the consultations to the General Assembly at the beginning of its next session”. I would kindly ask delegations to make a note of these corrections. Before concluding, I should like to pay a well- deserved tribute to all the delegations that participated in I should like to express special gratitude to the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Mothusi Nkgowe who, with his intimate knowledge of disarmament and international security matters, as well as his excellent diplomatic skills, provided the Committee with vision and able leadership. Let me also thank the Committee's Vice-Chairmen, Mr. Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat of Indonesia and Mr. Alejandro Guillermo Verdier of Argentina, who were most effective in discharging their duties. I should also like to express my appreciation to the Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly Affairs and Conference Services, Mr. Jin Yongjian, for the leadership he provided the Secretariat staff assisting the Committee, and to the Director of the Centre for Disarmament Affairs, Mr. Prvoslav Davinic, for his valuable contribution. Moreover, special thanks go to the Secretary of the First Committee, Mr. Lin Kuo-Chung, whose vast experience and high degree of competence made a significant contribution to the successful outcome of the Committee's work. I also express my gratitude to Mr. Mohammed Sattar, Mrs. Haiyan Qian, Ms. Cheryl Stoute, Mr. Timur Alasaniya and other officers of the Secretariat for their valuable assistance in the Committee. With these brief remarks, I present the reports of the First Committee to the General Assembly for consideration, as contained in documents A/52/591 to A/52/612.

67.  Establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region of the Middle East Report of the First Committee (A/52/596)

Vote: A/52/596] Consensus

78.  Consolidation of the regime established by the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (Treaty of Tlatelolco) Report of the First Committee (A/52/607)

Vote: A/52/607 Consensus
The President #23379
If there is no proposal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I shall take it that the General Assembly decides not to discuss the reports of the First Committee which are before the Assembly today.
It was so decided.
The President #23380
Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the First Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. “When the same draft resolution is considered in a Main Committee and in plenary meeting, a delegation should, as far as possible, explain its vote only once, i.e., either in the Committee or in plenary meeting, unless that delegation's vote in plenary meeting is different from its vote in the Committee.” May I remind delegations that, also in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the First Committee, I should like to advise representatives that we are going to proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the First Committee, unless notified otherwise in advance. This means that where recorded or separate votes were taken, we will do the same. I should also hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the First Committee. If I see no objection, we shall proceed accordingly.

62.  Compliance with arms limitation and disarmament obligations Report of the First Committee (A/52/591)

The President #23381
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. The First Committee adopted the draft resolution entitled “Compliance with arms limitation and disarmament and non-proliferation agreements” without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 52/30).
The President #23382
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 62?

73.  Report of the First Committee (A/52/602)

Vote: 57/60 Recorded Vote
✓ 111   ✗ 41   12 abs.
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63.  Verification in all its aspects, including the role of the United Nations in the field of verification Report of the First Committee (A/52/592)

The President #23383
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. The First Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

72.  Review and implementation of the Concluding Document of the Twelfth Special Session of the General Assembly Report of the First Committee (A/52/601)

Vote: 57/60 Recorded Vote
✓ 109   ✗ 30   27 abs.
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✓ Yes (86)
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 52/31).
The President #23384
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 63?
It was so decided.
Vote: 57/61 Consensus

64.  Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Report of the First Committee (A/52/593)

The President #23385
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 7 of the same report. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently the delegations of Guinea-Bissau, Haiti and Latvia informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft decision was adopted by 154 votes to none, with 4 abstentions.

65.  Reduction of military budgets Report of the First Committee (A/52/594)

The President #23386
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 7 of its report [A/52/594]. The draft resolution, entitled “Objective information on military matters, including transparency of military
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 52/32).
The President #23387
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 65? It was so decided.

66.  The role of science and technology in the context of international security and disarmament Report of the First Committee (A/52/595)

The President #23388
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 7 of its report [A/52/595]. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Haiti informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]

71.  General and complete disarmament Report of the First Committee (A/52/600)

Vote: 57/60 Consensus
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 103 votes to 43, with 19 abstentions (resolution 52/33).
Vote: 57/61 Consensus
The President #23389
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 66? It was so decided.
The President #23390
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 11 of its report [A/52/596]. The draft resolution was adopted by the First Committee. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same? It was so decided.
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 52/34).

68.  Establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in South Asia Report of the First Committee (A/52/597)

The President #23391
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 7 of its report [A/52/597]. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Haiti informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 153 votes to 3, with 8 abstentions (resolution 52/35).
The President #23392
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 68? It was so decided.

69.  Conclusion of effective international arrangements to assure non-nuclear-weapon States against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons Report of the First Committee (A/52/598)

The President #23393
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 7 of its report [A/52/598]. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Against: None Abstaining: Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America [Subsequently, the delegation of Haiti informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
The draft resolution was adopted by 116 votes to none, with 51 abstentions (resolution 52/36).
The President #23394
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 69? It was so decided. Prevention of an arms race in outer space Report of the First Committee (A/52/599)
The President #23395
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 7 of its report [A/52/599]. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: None Abstaining:
The draft resolution was adopted by 128 votes to none, with 39 abstentions (resolution 52/37).
The President #23396
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 70? It was so decided.
The President #23397
The Assembly has before it 20 draft resolutions recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 65 of its report [A/52/600]. Before proceeding to the voting, I shall call on representatives who wish to speak in explanation of vote before the voting.
Mr. Coutts CHL Chile [Spanish] #23398
In the First Committee the delegation of Chile requested a separate vote on the tenth preambular paragraph of draft resolution A/C.1/52/L.37, “Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons”, under agenda item 71 (k). As a result of negotiations carried out by the sponsors of the draft resolution, my delegation has decided not to insist on a separate vote on the tenth preambular paragraph in the Assembly, despite the reservations we still have regarding its wording. This decision was motivated by our constructive spirit and our desire to promote mutual understanding and consensus. However, we wish to stress that Chile will vote in favour of this draft resolution because it contains numerous
The President #23399
I thank the representative of Chile for his delegation's constructive approach. It will facilitate my task in conducting this meeting. Members have heard the statement by the representative of Chile. May I take it that the Assembly agrees with the proposal made by the representative of Chile not to have a separate vote on the tenth preambular paragraph of draft resolution O? In the absence of any objection, we will proceed accordingly when we take action on draft resolution O.
Mr. Amar MAR Morocco [French] #23400
Permit me to explain the vote of the delegation of Morocco on draft resolution A, entitled “Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on Their Destruction”, originally contained in document A/C.1/52/L.1. On the very sensitive issue of anti-personnel mines, the delegation of Morocco wishes to reiterate its country's permanent commitment to complete general disarmament, which is an important element in our diplomatic efforts. We would also like to express our full support for the humanitarian principles and goals behind the Ottawa process. That support was illustrated, in particular, by Morocco's sponsorship of resolution 51/45 S on anti- personnel mines, adopted at the fifty-first session of the General Assembly. Morocco participated in the Oslo Conference and in the Ottawa Conference as an observer. It welcomes the fact that so many countries signed that Convention last week in Ottawa. However, Morocco will judge the timeliness of signing that Convention as a function of the security imperatives in its southern regions. Morocco will therefore abstain from voting on the draft resolution.
The President #23401
I shall now put the 20 draft resolutions to the Assembly one by one. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their vote. We shall turn first to draft resolution A, entitled “Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Afghanistan informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution A was adopted by 142 votes to none, with 18 abstentions (resolution 52/38 A).
The President #23402
Draft resolution B is entitled “Transparency in armaments”. Separate votes have been requested on the sixth preambular paragraph and on operative paragraph 3 of draft resolution B. Since there is no objection, I shall first put to the vote the sixth preambular paragraph. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The sixth preambular paragraph of draft resolution B was retained by 96 votes to 35, with 25 abstentions.
The President #23403
I shall now put to the vote operative paragraph 3 of draft resolution B, on which a separate vote has been requested. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Operative paragraph 3 of draft resolution B was retained by 95 votes to 46, with 15 abstentions.
Vote: 57/70 Consensus
The President #23404
I shall now put to the vote draft resolution B as a whole. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Eritrea informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution B was adopted by 98 votes to 45, with 13 abstentions (resolution 52/38 B).
The President #23405
Draft resolution C, “Assistance to States for curbing the illicit traffic in small arms and collecting them,” was adopted by the First Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution C was adopted (resolution 52/38 C).
Draft resolution D was adopted (resolution 52/38 D).
The President #23406
Draft resolution E is entitled “Observance of environmental norms in the drafting and implementation of agreements on disarmament and arms control”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution E was adopted by 160 votes to none, with 6 abstentions (resolution 52/38 E).
The President #23407
Draft resolution F, entitled “Convening of the fourth special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament: report of the Preparatory Committee for the Fourth Special Session of the General Assembly Devoted to Disarmament,” was adopted by the First Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution F was adopted (resolution 52/38 F).
The President #23408
Draft resolution G is entitled “Consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures”. The First Committee adopted draft resolution G without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution G was adopted (resolution 52/38 G).
The President #23409
Draft resolution H is entitled “Contributions towards banning anti-personnel landmines”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic informed the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution H was adopted by 147 votes to none, with 15 abstentions (resolution 52/38 H).
The President #23410
Draft resolution I is entitled “Prohibition of the dumping of radioactive wastes”. The First Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President #23411
Draft resolution J is entitled “Small arms”. A separate vote has been requested on the fifth preambular paragraph of draft resolution J. If I hear no objection, I shall put that paragraph to the vote. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The President #23412
I now put to the vote draft resolution J as a whole. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Tajikistan, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Against: None Abstaining: Bahrain, Israel, Oman, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
Draft resolution J was adopted by 158 votes to none, with 6 abstentions (resolution 52/38 J).
The President #23413
Draft resolution K is entitled “Nuclear disarmament with a view to the ultimate elimination of nuclear weapons”. Separate votes have been requested on the ninth preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 1 of draft resolution K. Are there any objections to those requests? There is no objection. I shall therefore put to the vote first the ninth preambular paragraph. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Chile,China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea- Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Against: India Abstaining: Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Mauritius, United Republic of Tanzania The ninth preambular paragraph was retained by 162 votes to 1, with 3 abstentions.
The President #23414
I shall now put to the vote operative paragraph 1. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The President #23415
I now put to the vote draft resolution K as a whole. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Against: None Abstaining: Algeria, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Israel, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan
Draft resolution K was adopted by 156 votes to none, with 10 abstentions (resolution 52/38 K).
The President #23416
Draft resolution L is entitled “Nuclear disarmament”. A recorded vote has been requested. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, SaudiArabia, Senegal, SierraLeone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Abstaining: Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Chile, Cyprus, Georgia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malta, Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, San Marino, South Africa, Tajikistan, Ukraine
The President #23417
I call on the representative of Swaziland on a point of order.
Mr. Dlamini SWZ Eswatini #23418
On two instances, we have been rushed before we could decide our positions. There was even some erasing on the board and then all of a sudden, before we could decide, the machine was locked. Let us act slowly but surely. I am sure that the Secretariat has noticed that, on two subsequent occasions, we were not given enough time to decide on our votes.
The President #23419
I shall proceed accordingly with this request. Draft resolution M is entitled “Bilateral nuclear arms negotiations and nuclear disarmament”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Against: None Abstaining: Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Syrian Arab Republic, United Republic of Tanzania
Draft resolution M was adopted by 161 votes to none, with 8 abstentions (resolution 52/38 M).
The President #23420
Draft resolution N is entitled “The nuclear-weapon-free southern hemisphere and adjacent areas”. A separate vote has been requested on operative paragraph 3. Is there any objection to that request? There is no objection. I shall first put to the vote operative paragraph 3. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Operative paragraph 3 was retained by 159 votes to 1, with 4 abstentions.
The President #23421
I now put to the vote draft resolution N as a whole. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 131 votes to 3, with 34 abstentions (resolution 52/38 N).
The President #23422
Draft resolution O is entitled “Advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons”. Are there any objections to those requests? There are none. I shall now put to the vote operative paragraph 1. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Operative paragraph 1 was retained by 152 votes to 6, with 6 abstentions.
The President #23423
I shall now put to the vote operative paragraph 2. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Operative paragraph 2 was retained by 106 votes to 34, with 24 abstentions.
The President #23424
I now put to the vote draft resolution O as a whole. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Turkmenistan informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution O as a whole was adopted by 116 votes to 26, with 24 abstentions (resolution 52/38 O).
The President #23425
Draft resolution P is entitled “Regional disarmament”. The First Committee adopted draft resolution P without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution P was adopted (resolution 52/38 P).
The President #23426
Draft resolution Q is entitled “Conventional arms control at the regional and subregional levels”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution Q was adopted by 164 votes to 1, with 2 abstentions (resolution 52/38 Q).
The President #23427
Draft resolution R is entitled “Transparency in armaments”. Separate votes have been requested on operative paragraphs 5 (b) and 7 of draft resolution R. Is there any objection to that request? I shall first put to the vote operative paragraph 5 (b). A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Operative paragraph 5 (b) was retained by 153 votes to none, with 9 abstentions.
The President #23428
I shall now put to the vote operative paragraph 7. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The President #23429
I shall now put to the vote draft resolution R as a whole. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution R as a whole was adopted by 155 votes to none, with 11 abstentions (resolution 52/38 R).
The President #23430
Draft resolution S is entitled “Establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia”. The First Committee adopted draft resolution S without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution S was adopted (resolution 52/38 S).
The President #23431
The First Committee adopted draft resolution T, entitled “Status of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction”, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution T was adopted (resolution 52/38 T).
The President #23432
I shall now give the floor to those representatives who wish to make statements in explanation of vote.
Mr. Verdier ARG Argentina [Spanish] #23433
I wish to speak with reference to agenda item 71 (b), entitled “Small arms”. The Argentine Republic fully supports proposals to limit the transfer of small arms, which are widely used in a great number of conflicts. It was for those same reasons that the Argentine Republic abstained today in the vote on the fifth preambular paragraph of draft resolution J. That abstention should not be interpreted as opposition to the principle of the self- determination of peoples, which my country has always supported in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly.
Mr. Laptsenak BLR Belarus #23434
I would like to refer to draft resolution A in document A/52/600, entitled “Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on Their Destruction”. As a result of serious consideration of our position and as proof of the constructive nature of our approach to this subject, Belarus has modified its initial position of abstention in respect of that draft resolution, and has just voted in favour of it. As a sign of goodwill and of adherence by Belarus to the humanitarian objectives of the anti-personnel mines Convention, President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, in view of the forthcoming expiration of the previous moratorium, signed on 2 September 1997 a decree prolonging until the end of 1999 the national moratorium on the export of this type of weapon. Belarus does not intend to manufacture anti-personnel mines; nor does it use landmines for the protection of its borders or for any other purpose. It also gives me special pleasure to inform the General Assembly that the Parliament of Belarus has ratified the amended Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Mines, Booby Traps and Other Devices (Protocol II) to the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects. The instrument of ratification will shortly be deposited with the Secretary-General. Yet I have to underscore that close analysis of the Convention's provisions and of the international obligations arising out of them shows that Belarus would need tens of millions of dollars to destroy its stockpiles of anti-personnel mines. The hard truth is that at a time when we are living through economic reforms, with 25 per cent of the national budget channelled annually to mitigating the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster, economic and financial considerations do not allow the Republic of Belarus — which is aware of the binding obligations stipulated by the Convention — to put its signature on that document today. Belarus expects that its position — the reasoning behind which is compelling — will not be misinterpreted, because we consider that signing an international document is a responsible step. We also have to take into consideration our experience in the destruction of conventional weapons under the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, when Belarus, bound by its international commitments and despite all the complexities of its economic situation, had to eliminate by its own means a disproportionate quantity of weapons, amounting to 10 per cent of all European arsenals earmarked for destruction. Our appeals for international financial assistance went without response, although for a number of years we had proposed the establishment of an international fund to assist countries faced with a similar disproportionate burden on their economies as a result of complying with their commitments. For this reason, the economic aspect of our international obligations is crucial for us. In view of what I have said, the Republic of Belarus welcomes the fact that the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons foresees mechanisms for international cooperation and financial and technical assistance for the clearance and destruction of stockpiles of anti-personnel mines. We believe that, should those mechanisms prove to be effective, the Convention would
Mr. Sheikh LBY Libya [Arabic] #23435
I wish to explain the position of my delegation on draft resolution T, entitled “Status of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction”, which the General Assembly has just adopted by consensus. Had that draft resolution been put to the vote, my delegation would have abstained, because the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya is not a party to that Convention. We therefore do not consider ourselves to have been party to the consensus on draft resolution T.
The President #23436
We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote or position. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 71?
It was so decided.
The President #23437
The Assembly has before it four draft resolutions recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 15 of its report contained in document A/52/601. I shall put the four draft resolutions to the Assembly one by one. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their votes or positions. We turn first to draft resolution A, entitled “United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific”. The First Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President #23438
Draft resolution B is entitled “Regional confidence-building measures”. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.
Mr. Jin Yongjian Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly Affairs and Conference Services #23439
I should like to inform members that should the General Assembly adopt draft resolution B, there will be no implications for the programme budget.
The President #23440
The First Committee adopted draft resolution B without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution B was adopted (resolution 52/39 B).
The President #23441
Draft resolution C is entitled “Convention on the Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of the United States of America informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote against.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution C was adopted by 109 votes to 30, with 27 abstentions (resolution 52/39 C).
The President #23442
Draft resolution D is entitled “United Nations Disarmament Information Programme”. The First Committee adopted draft resolution D without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution D was adopted (resolution 52/39 D).
The President #23443
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 72?
It was so decided.
The President #23444
The Assembly will now consider the report of the First Committee on agenda item 73, entitled “Review of the implementation of the recommendations and decisions adopted by the General Assembly at its tenth special session”, document A/52/602. The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 11 of its report. We turn first to draft resolution A, entitled “Report of the Conference on Disarmament”. The First Committee adopted draft resolution A without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution A was adopted (resolution 52/40 A).
The President #23445
Draft resolution B is entitled “Report of the Disarmament Commission”. The First Committee adopted draft resolution B without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution B was adopted (resolution 52/40 B).
The President #23446
Draft resolution C is entitled “Role of the United Nations in disarmament”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution C was adopted by 111 votes to 41, with 12 abstentions (resolution 52/40 C).
The President #23447
We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 73.

74.  The risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East Report of the First Committee (A/52/603) A separate vote has been requested on the sixth preambular paragraph of the draft resolution. If there is no objection, I shall therefore put to the vote first the sixth preambular paragraph. A recorded vote has been requested.

A recorded vote was taken.
The sixth preambular paragraph was retained by 156 votes to 2, with 4 abstentions.
The President #23448
I give the floor to the representative of Rwanda on a point of order.
Mr. Kayinamura RWA Rwanda #23449
I am not taking the floor on a point of order, but rather putting myself in order in my voting. I pushed the wrong button; I would have voted in favour of this resolution.
The President #23450
I am advised by the Secretariat that this will be duly reflected in the record. I now put to the vote the draft resolution as a whole. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 147 votes to 2, with 14 abstentions (resolution 52/41).
The President #23451
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 74?
It was so decided.
The President #23452
I would now like to explain my position concerning the intervention of the representative of Rwanda. I gave him the floor on a point of order because, in accordance with the decision of the General Assembly today, I was not supposed to give him the floor to explain his vote after the voting. That opportunity will be provided at a later stage. Any delegation can explain its vote after the voting or before the voting, but in the course of a voting procedure, the Chair can give the floor only on a point of order that is relevant to the voting procedure. This is in accordance with the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. The situation has been resolved. But I would like the Assembly to take my comments into consideration in case of future interventions when representatives want to
The President #23453
I give the floor to the representative of Swaziland on a point of order.
Mr. Dlamini SWZ Eswatini #23454
You are 100 per cent right, Mr. President. The representative of Rwanda was also 100 per cent right. My understanding of the connotations of a point of order in English is that it is not a point of order only when someone else is out of order. Even when I, myself, discover that I am out of order, I may raise the point and request that I myself be put into order. So the delegation of Rwanda was correct.
The President #23455
I do not want to go into details or have a discussion on points of order or the implementation of the rules of procedure. But, according to the rules, I should put to the vote the motion made by the representative of Swaziland, who actually challenged my ruling. However, I understand that it is not necessary to do so. But, again, I would like strongly to confirm that delegations will be given the opportunity to explain their votes after the voting is completed.

75.  Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or To Have Indiscriminate Effects Report of the First Committee (A/52/604)

The President #23456
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. The First Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 52/42).
The President #23457
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 75?
It was so decided.

76.  Report of the First Committee (A/52/605)

The President #23458
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. The First Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 52/43).
The President #23459
I give the floor to the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic on a point of order.
Mr. Abou-Hadid SYR Syrian Arab Republic [Arabic] #23460
The Arabic version of the report in document A/52/605, recommending the draft resolution that we have just adopted, contains an error in paragraph 6, which refers to an amendment to the draft resolution. I am confident that the English version is correct and the Arabic translation incorrect.
The President #23461
The statement of the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic will be taken into consideration by the Secretariat when the final drafting is undertaken. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 76?
It was so decided.

77.  Implementation of the Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace Report of the First Committee (A/52/606)

The President #23462
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 125 votes to 3, with 40 abstentions (resolution 52/44).
It was so decided.
The President #23463
The Assembly will now turn to the draft resolution recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 7 of its report contained in document A/52/607. Before proceeding to take action on the draft resolution, I should like to inform members of a technical correction to be made in the eleventh preambular paragraph of the draft resolution. Towards the end of the eleventh preambular paragraph, the words “deposited its instrument of ratification of” should be replaced by the word “signed”. The paragraph should therefore now read as follows: “Also noting with satisfaction that on 22 October 1996 Paraguay and on 14 February 1997 Barbados and Venezuela deposited their instruments of ratification of the amendments to the Treaty of Tlatelolco approved by the General Conference of the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean in its resolution 267 (E-V) of 3 July 1990, 268 (XII) of 10 May 1991 and 290 (E-VII) of 26 August 1992, and that on 23 October 1997 Guatemala signed the amendment to the Treaty contained in resolution 268 (XII)”. We shall now proceed to take action on the draft resolution as orally corrected. The draft resolution was adopted by the First Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to adopt without a vote the draft resolution as orally corrected?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 52/45).
It was so decided.

79.  African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty Report of the First Committee (A/52/608)

The President #23464
The General Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 7 of its report contained in document A/52/608. The First Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 52/46).
The President #23465
May I take it that the Assembly wishes to conclude its consideration of agenda item 79?
It was so decided.

80.  Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction Report of the First Committee (A/52/609)

The President #23466
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 7 of its report contained in document A/52/609. The First Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 52/47).
It was so decided.

81.  Maintenance of international security Report of the First Committee (A/52/610)

The President #23467
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 8 of its report contained in document A/52/610. The First Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled “Development of good-neighbourly relations among Balkan States”, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 52/48).
The President #23468
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 81?
It was so decided.

82.  Review of the implementation of the Declaration on the Strengthening of International Security Report of the First Committee (A/52/611)

The President #23469
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft decision was adopted by 116 votes to none, with 52 abstentions.
The President #23470
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 82?

83.  Rationalization of the work and reform of the agenda of the First Committee Report of the First Committee (A/52/612)

The President #23471
The Assembly will now consider the report of the First Committee on agenda item 83, entitled “Rationalization of the work and reform of the agenda of the First Committee”, which is contained in document A/52/612. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the First Committee?
It was so decided.
The President #23472
We have concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 83. The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the First Committee.
The meeting rose at 12.25 p.m.