A/52/PV.69 General Assembly

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 1997 — Session 52, Meeting 69 — New York — UN Document ↗ — OCR ✓ — ⓘ 54 unattributed speechs — ⚠ 15 duplicate speechs
▶ This meeting at a glance
61
Speeches
6
Countries
31
Resolutions
Resolutions: 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 32/95, 31/127, 32/97, 32/98, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 32/95, 31/127, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, A/RES/52/57, A/RES/52/59, A/RES/52/60, A/RES/52/61, A/RES/52/62, A/RES/52/63, A/RES/52/64, A/RES/52/65, A/RES/52/66, A/RES/52/67, A/RES/52/68, A/RES/52/71, A/RES/52/72, A/RES/52/73, A/RES/52/78, A/RES/52/79
Topics
UN resolutions and decisions Arab political groupings Global economic relations Israeli–Palestinian conflict Security Council deliberations Human rights and rule of law

The meeting was called to order at 3.10 p.m.
Vote: A/RES/52/57 Recorded Vote
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— Abstain (1)
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Vote: A/RES/52/61 Recorded Vote
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Vote: A/RES/52/64 Recorded Vote
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Vote: A/RES/52/68 Recorded Vote
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Vote: A/RES/52/71 Recorded Vote
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Vote: A/RES/52/73 Recorded Vote
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Vote: A/RES/52/78 Recorded Vote
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Vote: A/RES/52/79 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (159)

Statement on the occasion of Human Rights Day

The President unattributed #28327
Before turning to the items on our agenda for this afternoon, I would like to recall that today is Human Rights Day; by commemorating this international Human Rights Day, we mark the beginning of the fiftieth anniversary year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Promotion of human rights has been at the core of United Nations activities since the inception of our Organization. At the very outset the United Nations Charter reaffirmed faith in “fundamental human rights” and in the “dignity and worth of the human person”. Adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights only three years after the establishment of the United Nations reflected a common understanding that fundamental freedoms and respect for human dignity provide the most solid foundation for peace, democracy, development and fruitful international cooperation in every field of human activity. As we look back today at the United Nations work in the field of human rights, we can be proud of what has been accomplished, in particular in standard-setting and human rights advocacy. We cannot pretend, however, that the gap has been bridged between aspirations and achievements. Arbitrary arrests, torture, imprisonment without trial, exploitation of children, denial of equal rights to women, discrimination on the basis of race — these violations of human rights continue to be a sad reality in today's world and to call for our urgent and decisive action. As we are launching today the year of the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, let us renew our commitment to the ideals enshrined in this historic document. Let us make sure that 1998 becomes a milestone in the long struggle for the achievement of one of the most noble purposes of the United Nations.

18.  Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples Report of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (A/52/23 (Parts I-VII), A/AC.109/2071-2072, 2074-2078, 2080- 2082, 2084-2090) Report of the Secretary-General (A/52/364 and Add. 1) Draft resolutions (A/52/L.64, A/52/23 (Part II), Chapter III, para. 10)

Mr. Mekdad SYR Syrian Arab Republic #28332
I have the honour to present to the General Assembly for its consideration the report of the Special Committee covering its work during 1997, which is contained in document A/52/23. The report is submitted in accordance with paragraph 11 of resolution 51/146 on the implementation of the Declaration, by which the Assembly requested the Special Committee to continue to seek suitable means for the immediate and full implementation of the Declaration; to carry out those actions approved by the General Assembly regarding the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism in all Territories that had not yet exercised their right to self-determination; and, in particular, to formulate specific proposals for the elimination of the remaining manifestations of colonialism. At its forty-sixth session the General Assembly, by adopting resolution 46/181, entitled “International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism”, and the plan of action, mandated the Special Committee to undertake a series of activities during the Decade including organizing during the Decade seminars in the Caribbean and Pacific regions alternately. During this year the Special Committee was able to discharge the tasks entrusted to it by the Assembly and to submit appropriate recommendations on all the items referred to it for consideration and report, by meeting between January and July and by holding extensive consultations among its members throughout the year. Bearing in mind in particular the specific requests addressed to it by the General Assembly in resolution 51/146, the Special Committee reviewed the implementation of the Declaration relating to the remaining Territories and formulated a series of recommendations with a view to enhancing the pace of decolonization and to promoting the political, economic, social and educational advancement of the peoples in those Territories. In addition, the Special Committee submitted recommendations specifically relating to economic and During the year, the Special Committee devoted considerable attention to the decolonization of the small island Territories. In that connection, the Special Committee was especially mindful of the fact that the United Nations visiting missions had provided an effective means of assessing and ascertaining the wishes and aspirations of the peoples of those Territories regarding their future status. Accordingly, it once again stressed the importance of dispatching such missions to colonial Territories in order to facilitate the implementation of the Declaration. In that respect, the Committee will continue to seek the full cooperation of the administering Powers so that visiting missions to Territories under their administration can be undertaken. On the question of publicity to be given to the work of the United Nations in the field of decolonization, and as reflected in chapter III of its report, the Committee again reiterated the importance of effecting the widest possible dissemination of information on decolonization as an instrument for furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter and the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, and for mobilizing world public opinion in support of the peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories in their efforts to achieve self-determination, freedom and independence. Bearing in mind the important role being played by non-governmental organizations in the decolonization process and the dissemination of information on the situation in all the remaining small island Non-Self- Governing Territories, the Special Committee requested the Department of Political Affairs and the Department of Public Information to continue their cooperation with those organizations in the dissemination of information on decolonization issues. During the year, in the light of the constructive results achieved and in keeping with related decisions of the Assembly, the Committee decided to continue to maintain close contact with the organizations concerned and to participate in the conferences arranged by those organizations, as well as by other United Nations bodies. The objective of those contacts was to facilitate the effective implementation of the decisions of the various United Nations bodies and to foster cooperation between the specialized agencies and those regional organizations in their assistance to the Non-Self-Governing Territories in those regions. I should like to draw members' attention to the proposals outlined in section J of chapter I, entitled “Future work”, which, the Committee hopes, will meet with the Assembly's approval in order to enable the Committee to proceed with the effective discharge of the task that remains to be completed. It should be noted that, during 1997, the Special Committee undertook important decisions aimed at streamlining its work and increasing its transparency. We have integrated the Subcommittee with the Special Committee. We have also abolished the Working Group, whose functions are now being performed by the Committee's Bureau, which has become open-ended. The Special Committee recommended that the General Assembly renew its appeal to the administering Powers concerned to take all necessary steps for the implementation of the Declaration and the relevant United Nations resolutions, in accordance with the freely expressed wishes of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories. In that connection, the Special Committee, bearing in mind the useful results achieved as a consequence of the active participation of the administering Powers, recommended that the Assembly again request the administering Powers to resume formal cooperation or continue to cooperate with the Special Committee in the discharge of its mandate and, in particular, to participate actively in its work relating to the Territories under their respective administration. The General Assembly may also wish to renew its appeal to all States, the specialized agencies and other organizations within the United Nations system to meet various requests addressed to them by the United Nations in its resolutions on the question of decolonization. On behalf of the Committee, I commend the report to the attention of the General Assembly. Before concluding, allow me to express to all the members of the Special Committee and, in particular, to Ambassador Utula Utuoc Samana of Papua New Guinea, Chairman of the Special Committee, Ambassador Bruno Rodríguez Parilla of Cuba and Ambassador Moctar Ouane of Mali, Vice-Chairmen, my deep gratitude for their cooperation and support. I also thank Mr. Amer Araim, the Secretary of the Special Committee, and his colleagues and other associated members of the Secretariat for their assistance, which facilitated my task as Rapporteur.

Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/52/613)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
The President unattributed #28334
I now give the floor to the representative of Papua New Guinea to introduce the draft resolution contained in document A/52/L.64.

87.  Report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/52/617)

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (83)
Mr. Ovia PNG Papua New Guinea on behalf of my Permanent Representative #28338
As this is my maiden address to this Assembly, it gives me great pleasure to address the General Assembly on behalf of my Permanent Representative, Ambassador Utula Samana, Chairman of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. I am speaking today to introduce the draft resolution contained in document A/52/L.64 on the question of the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, which is sponsored by Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Fiji, Grenada, Indonesia, Mali, Saint Lucia, the Syrian Arab Republic and my own country, Papua New Guinea. While adhering to the principles inherent in the Declaration, the Special Committee has in recent years considered the question of decolonization in a more realistic and pragmatic manner, taking into account the prevailing international situation, as well as recognizing the specific conditions in the remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories. It is universally recognized that decolonization is one of the greatest achievements of our Organization. The vast majority of the States here today are here because of the Special Committee. Should this world body, after having achieved so much in the field of decolonization, ignore the plight of the peoples of the remaining 17 Non-Self- Governing Territories? Should we, at this juncture in the work of the United Nations, ignore our moral responsibilities to assist the peoples of the remaining Non- Self-Governing Territories to have the opportunity to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination, in conformity with the international legal norms we are obligated to uphold? The answer is definitely no. On the basis of the existing mandate of the United Nations and the moral responsibilities incumbent upon us, the agenda on decolonization deserves adequate recognition and priority with respect to the defence of the rights of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories. I am sure that the General Assembly will continue to stand firm, as it has always done, in fulfilling its obligations in the field of decolonization. The peoples of the remaining 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories, through their elected representatives, have consistently and rightfully called upon the United Nations to maintain vigilance and, specifically, to urge the international community to focus particularly on the social, economic and political developments of their Territories in a manner that will facilitate their progress towards selfdetermination. The international community, and the administering Powers in particular, have an obligation under the legal and customary norms of the United Nations to implement the goals of the Declaration. Where administering Powers have cooperated in the work of the Special Committee, both in terms of participating in its formal sessions and in allowing visiting missions to visit Territories to ensure transparency in the implementation of the requirements of the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, Some have argued that, given the changing international climate and the difficulties faced by these Territories, complete independence may not be viable and that therefore the question of decolonization may be a non-priority, and that the international community may be wasting time and energy in considering these issues. However, the great majority of the Assembly is committed to seeing to it that the goals of the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism are achieved by the year 2000. It is precisely because of our recognition of the specific and peculiar problems faced by the remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories — most of which are small island Territories that suffer from impediments created by the interplay of such factors as economic and geographic size, isolation, vulnerability to natural disasters and lack of technological and financial resources, including problems of accessibility to international credit markets — that the international community should give specific priority and attention to the process of decolonization affecting the peoples of those Territories. The Special Committee is fully aware of the impediments that may limit the options for full and complete independence, but they should not therefore be used as a rationale for maintaining colonial situations. They should not be used as an excuse to undermine and deprive the peoples of the Territories concerned of their ability to gain their rightful political status and autonomy, to control and develop their resources and to pursue development goals and objectives suited to their political, economic and cultural interests. The Special Committee, however, made serious efforts, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 1541 (XV), to look at options that are more suited to responding to the circumstances of the remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories. This would not have been possible without the product of the work of the regional seminars. The principles inherent in the Declaration are specific and clear on the question of the right of peoples freely to determine their political status in accordance with their own wishes. Within the framework of the Declaration, the Special Committee is entrusted with the task of continuously seeking suitable ways and means of The Special Committee has continued to carry out its mandate judiciously and faithfully. Over the years it has diligently pursued its task of reviewing the situation in the Non-Self-Governing Territories, hearing petitioners, sending visiting missions to the Territories, disseminating information on decolonization with a view to mobilizing public opinion and making suggestions and recommendations on the progress and the extent of the implementation of the Declaration and reporting to the General Assembly. This noble mission of eradicating colonialism remains unaccomplished. The Special Committee has constantly reviewed its approaches and rationalized its methods of work, improving its efficiency and making adjustments where appropriate in response to the changing circumstances and in line with the new developments in the international community. In its endeavour to keep up with changing circumstances and situations, the Special Committee, however, has remained conscious of its ultimate responsibility for safeguarding and protecting the interests and welfare of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories, guided by their specific needs and aspirations. The adoption by the General Assembly in 1991 of a Plan of Action for the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism gave further impetus to the work of the United Nations in the process of eradicating colonialism. The International Decade's specific Plan of Action is aimed at ushering in a world free of colonialism in the twenty-first century. While the General Assembly has repeatedly reaffirmed that such factors as population size and remoteness should not prevent the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories from freely exercising their rights to selfdetermination, the Special Committee is cognizant of the fact that complete decolonization by the year 2000 will require innovative and realistic solutions that can be achieved only with the cooperation and active participation of the administering Powers in the work of the Special Committee. The Special Committee will continue to open its doors to dialogue and consultation in order to reach consensus and cooperation with the administering Powers, which we all believe are critical in facilitating speedy progress towards achieving the objectives of decolonization. It is extremely important that the cooperation between the Special Committee and the administering Powers play a critical role in the search for specific measures that would promote the kind of development that will eventually enable the peoples of those Territories to exercise their right to self-determination. The sponsors of this draft resolution are concerned about the attempts to prevent the implementation of a decision of the Secretary-General contained in document A/52/531, thereby diminishing the decolonization programme in the United Nations system. The recently published document A/52/303/Add.1 does not reflect the commitment of the Secretary-General regarding the full implementation of subprogramme 1.6 of the medium-term plan for the period 1998-2001. It is therefore our understanding that the implementation of the medium-term plan entails that the stand-alone Decolonization Unit be maintained in the Department of Political Affairs and that it be viable and properly staffed — including by the Secretary of the Special Committee and officers at the P-5 and P-4 levels. At this critical juncture of the global efforts to eradicate colonialism by the year 2000, the Decolonization Unit should be availed of all the resources required by the programme, in accordance with the medium-term plan, which without any doubt would enhance our progress towards a world free from colonialism and better for all. In conclusion, I should like to propose that the General Assembly adopt the draft resolution, which is the same as the previous year's, with the minor revisions that I will present. And in the light of the changing mood to improve cooperation and consultations between all parties, I should like to urge that we adopt this draft resolution without a vote. The revisions that I will introduce refer to operative paragraph 15 of draft resolution A/52/L.64. The revisions are as follows: (a) that the substantive responsibilities for the Decolonization Programme will be maintained in the Department of Political Affairs; (b) to establish a stand-alone Decolonization Unit with the necessary resources to provide substantive input for the work of the Special Committee of 24; (c) that the Department of General Assembly Affairs and Conference Services will be responsible for the technical secretariat servicing relating to the Decolonization Programme, as outlined in his letter of 17 March 1997; (d) and his commitment to implement subprogramme 1.6 of the medium-term plan, 1998- 2001”. These revisions are necessary because of the difficulties that some delegations encountered during the consultations.
The President unattributed #28341
Members have just heard the representative of Papua New Guinea orally revise operative paragraph 15 of draft resolution A/52/L.64 and present the new version to members. For the convenience of representatives, this text will be distributed shortly to all delegations in the Hall.

86.  United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/52/616)

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
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✗ No (1)
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
Mr. Núñez-Mosquera CUB Cuba [Spanish] #28344
The decolonization of peoples under colonial domination is one of the areas in which the United Nations has accomplished praiseworthy work. Since the adoption in 1960 of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, many States have attained independence and swelled the ranks of our Organization. But we cannot remain satisfied with what has been achieved so far. We are commemorating today the fortyninth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which regards the right to self-determination as an inalienable human right. But regrettably, as we stand today on the threshold of the twenty-first century, many peoples are being denied that right. Year after year, dozens of petitioners come to seek the assistance and help of the United Nations in their struggle to exercise the right to selfdetermination and independence, and we cannot close our eyes to this fact. The United Nations has a responsibility to discharge in this area, and the machinery available to us for this purpose is the Decolonization Committee. It is for that reason that we attach key importance to strengthening the Decolonization Committee and to the need to endow it with the resources it vitally needs for its work. The report submitted to us by the Committee is clear and precise. It is very important to promote its activities by means, among other things, of holding seminars on decolonization issues and by sending visiting missions to the Non-Self-Governing Territories, making it possible to obtain firsthand information concerning the real state of affairs there. Decolonization activities, by their very nature, are essentially political. For this reason, we note with satisfaction the Secretary-General's decision to keep the Decolonization Unit in the Department of Political Affairs and to provide it with all the necessary resources, in accordance with the medium-term plan for the period 1998-2001. In order to achieve this objective and to make the work of the United Nations in the area of decolonization genuinely effective, the human and financial resources earmarked for the execution of the activities of subprogramme 1.6 of the medium-term plan, as well as those associated with the activities of the Decolonization Committee, must be retained in the Department of Political Affairs. The Cuban delegation accordingly hopes that a clear-cut decision to this effect will be taken in the context of the negotiations to be held on the programme budget for the biennium 1998-1999.
Vote: 32/132 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (132)
The President unattributed #28348
We have heard the only speaker in the debate on this item. I should like to inform members that action on the draft resolutions submitted under this item will be taken after the General Assembly has concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee. Action will therefore be taken before the meeting is adjourned.
The President unattributed #28351
The General Assembly will now consider the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) on agenda items 84 to 90, 91 and 18, 92 and 12, 93, 94, as well as 18. I request the Rapporteur of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee, Ms. Riitta Resch of Finland, to introduce the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in one intervention. Ms. Resch (Finland), Rapporteur of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee): It is my pleasant duty to present to the General Assembly the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) for its consideration and approval. This year the Assembly allocated agenda items 12, 18, and 84 to 94 — that is 13 agenda items — to the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) for its consideration. The Committee held 25 meetings and concluded its work on Wednesday, 26 November 1997, thereby responding to the Assembly's appeal that it conduct the work of this session in a new spirit of rationalization and in a way making better use of the Organization's conference resources and facilities. This result was possible thanks to various factors including the spirit of open cooperation and conciliation that prevailed in the Committee. It is my pleasure now to introduce the following reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) to the General Assembly for its consideration and approval. Under agenda item 18, entitled “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples”, the Fourth Committee recommends, in paragraph 31 of document A/52/613, the adoption of 16 draft resolutions. In this connection, I wish to draw attention to a minor technical error in that document. The heading “Consideration of proposals”, which precedes paragraph 11, should be enumerated “II”, and the following line, “Draft resolution A/C.452/L.4 and Rev.1”, should be enumerated “A”. Under agenda item 84, entitled “Effects of atomic radiation”, the Fourth Committee recommends, in paragraph Under agenda item 85, entitled “International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space”, the Fourth Committee recommends, in paragraph 11 of document A/52/615, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 86, entitled “United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East”, the Fourth Committee recommends, in paragraph 29 of document A/52/616, the adoption of seven draft resolutions. Under agenda item 87, entitled “Report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories”, the Fourth Committee recommends, in paragraph 16 of document A/52/617, the adoption of five draft resolutions. Under agenda item 88, entitled “Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects”, the Fourth Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/52/618, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 89, entitled “Questions relating to information”, the Fourth Committee recommends, in paragraphs 8 and 9 of document A/52/619, the adoption of two draft resolutions and one draft decision. Under agenda item 90, entitled “Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations”, the Fourth Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/52/620, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda items 91 and 18, entitled respectively “Activities of foreign economic and other interests which impede the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples in territories under colonial domination” and “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples”, the Special Political and Decolonization Committee recommends, in paragraphs 10 and 11 of document A/52/621, the adoption of one draft resolution and one draft decision. Under agenda items 92 and 12, entitled respectively “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Under agenda item 93, entitled “Offers by Member States of study and training facilities for inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories”, the Fourth Committee recommends, in paragraph 6 of document A/52/623, the adoption of one draft resolution. In connection with agenda item 94, entitled “The situation in the occupied territories of Croatia”, the Fourth Committee, on the recommendation of the Chairman and in order to meet the wishes of the sponsor of the item, decided not to take any action on that agenda item. In accordance with that decision, this agenda item will not be included in the agenda of future sessions of the General Assembly. That concludes my presentation of the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee). I may have unduly taxed the patience of the Assembly, but I hope that delegations will agree that the work and the achievements of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee at this session deserved an itemby-item presentation, no matter how sketchy. Before I leave the rostrum, I should like to take this opportunity to pay a special tribute to all those who contributed to the success of the work of the Committee at the fifty-second session. First of all, I wish to congratulate all representatives and colleagues in the Committee, who demonstrated their high professional skills and their willingness to cooperate in reaching mutually satisfactory solutions, and who made it possible for the Committee to carry out its work in a very constructive and efficient manner. I should like to address a special word of thanks to the Chairman of the Committee, His Excellency Ambassador Machivenyika Tobias Mapuranga, whose diplomatic skills and patience helped the Committee to conduct its deliberations efficiently and in a businesslike manner. The Chairman was assisted by two able Vice-Chairmen, Mr. Petru Dumitriu and Mr. Ravjaa Mounkhou, with whom, in my capacity as Rapporteur, I had the honour to serve in the Bureau of the Committee. I should also like to express my appreciation to the Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly Affairs and I also take great pleasure in warmly thanking the Committee Secretary, Mr. Mohammad Sattar, whose ability and vast experience contributed greatly to the successful and timely conclusion of our work. I should also like to thank all the staff of the secretariat of the Committee, who provided such dedicated services to the Committee and who made a real contribution to the smooth functioning of the Committee's work. Last but not least, my thanks go also to all the interpreters, translators, conference officers and documents officers who contributed to the work of the Committee and to its successful conclusion.
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
The President unattributed #28354
I would like to commend the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) and its Chairman for the timely conclusion of its activities in accordance with the decision the General Assembly adopted at the beginning of our work. 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 Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) which are before the Assembly.
Vote: 31/125 Recorded Vote
✓ 149   ✗ 2   7 abs.
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✓ Yes (108)
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #28358
Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. May I remind members that under paragraph 7 of decision 34/401, 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 Committee”. Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth 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 Committee, unless the Secretariat is notified to the contrary in advance. This means that where recorded 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 Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee).

84.  Effects of atomic radiation Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/52/614)

The President unattributed #28361
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 8 of its report. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 31/125 Recorded Vote
✓ 159   ✗ 2   0 abs.
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✗ No (1)
✓ Yes (163)
Vote: 32/95 Recorded Vote
✓ 151   ✗ 2   7 abs.
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The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 52/55).
The President unattributed #28365
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 84?
It was so decided.
Vote: 31/127 Recorded Vote
✓ 152   ✗ 1   7 abs.
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✗ No (1)

85.  International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/52/615) The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 52/56).
The President unattributed duplicate #28371
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 85?
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #28376
Before the Assembly takes decisions on the draft resolutions recommended in the report of the Committee, I shall call on the representative of the United Arab Emirates, who wishes to make a statement in explanation of vote before the voting.
Mr. Samhan Al-Nuaimi ARE United Arab Emirates [Arabic] #28379
My delegation, which is chairing the Arab Group this month, wishes to make a statement in explanation of vote on draft resolution I, on assistance to Palestine refugees. Despite the fact that we will vote in favour of the draft resolution, we would like to express a reservation about the fourth preambular paragraph, which refers to the Multilateral Working Group on Refugees in the context of the Middle East peace process. This reservation is based on the decision of the Council of Arab Foreign Ministers to suspend Arab participation in the multilateral committees until tangible progress is achieved in the peace process, particularly on the bilateral tracks, and until the Israeli Government has fulfilled its commitment to implement the signed agreements and obligations already subscribed to in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions and other resolutions. We have strenuously endeavoured to reach agreement on this issue with the sponsors of the draft Although we highly appreciate European efforts and their continuous support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, we regret that they have not taken into account the positions of the parties directly concerned. This is particularly so, in view of the fact that these positions are in line with the decisions of the international legitimacy relevant to the issue.
The President unattributed #28381
The Assembly will now take a decision on the seven draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 29 of its report. After all the votes have been taken, representatives will again have an opportunity to explain their votes and positions. We turn first to draft resolution I, “Assistance to Palestine refugees”. A recorded vote has been requested.
Vote: 31/127 Recorded Vote
✓ 158   ✗ 2   3 abs.
Show country votes
✓ Yes (158)
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution I was adopted by 159 votes to 1, with 2 abstentions (resolution 52/57).
The President unattributed #28384
We now turn to draft resolution II, “Working Group on the Financing of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 52/58).
Vote: 32/97 Recorded Vote
✓ 158   ✗ 2   3 abs.
Show country votes
— Abstain (2)
✓ Yes (144)
The President unattributed #28388
We turn next to draft resolution III, “Persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution III was adopted by 159 votes to 2, with l abstention (resolution 52/59).
Vote: 32/98 Recorded Vote
✓ 158   ✗ 2   3 abs.
Show country votes
✓ Yes (125)
The President unattributed #28391
We turn next to draft resolution IV, “Offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Abstaining:
Draft resolution IV was adopted by 163 votes to none, with l abstention (resolution 52/60).
The President unattributed #28393
We turn now to draft resolution V, “Operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution V was adopted by 158 votes to 2, with 3 abstentions (resolution 52/61).
The President unattributed #28395
We come now to draft resolution VI, “Palestine refugees' properties and their revenues”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution VI was adopted by 158 votes to 2, with 3 abstentions (resolution 52/62).
The President unattributed #28397
We now turn to draft resolution VII, “University of Jerusalem Al-Quds' for Palestine refugees”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, 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, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, 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, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, 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, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Against: Israel, United States of America Abstaining: Liberia, Micronesia (Federated States of), Zambia
Draft resolution VII was adopted by 158 votes to 2, with 3 abstentions (resolution 52/63).
The President unattributed #28399
I now give the floor to the representative of Israel, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote.
Mr. Tourgeman ISR Israel #28403
My delegation considers the Palestinian refugee problem as a purely humanitarian problem and cooperates fully with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). My delegation would have supported the draft resolutions on UNRWA, which could have also been combined into one or two instead of seven draft resolutions, had they not included a paragraph with political implications, which my country cannot accept.
The President unattributed duplicate #28407
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 86? It was so decided.
The President unattributed #29004
The Assembly will now take a decision on the five draft resolutions recommended by the We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “Work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution I was adopted by 83 votes to 2, with 72 abstentions (resolution 52/64).
The President unattributed #29007
We turn now to draft resolution II, entitled “Applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the other occupied Arab territories”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, 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, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, 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, Lebanon, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, 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, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Against: Israel, United States of America Abstaining: Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Swaziland
Draft resolution II was adopted by 156 votes to 2, with 3 abstentions (resolution 52/65).
The President unattributed #29009
Now we shall turn to draft resolution III, entitled “Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, 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, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Against: Israel, United States of America Abstaining: Bulgaria, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nicaragua, Swaziland, Uruguay
Draft resolution III was adopted by 149 votes to 2, with 7 abstentions (resolution 52/66).
The President unattributed #29012
We turn now to draft resolution IV, entitled “Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, 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, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, 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, Lebanon, Against: Israel, United States of America Abstaining: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nicaragua, Swaziland, Zambia
Draft resolution IV was adopted by 151 votes to 2, with 7 abstentions (resolution 52/67).
The President unattributed #29014
We turn last to draft resolution V, entitled “The occupied Syrian Golan”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, 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, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Against: Israel Abstaining: Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nicaragua, Swaziland, United States of America, Uruguay, Zambia
Draft resolution V was adopted by 152 votes to 1, with 7 abstentions (resolution 52/68).
The President unattributed #29016
I now give the floor to the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic who wishes to make a statement in explanation of vote.
Mr. Wehbe SYR Syrian Arab Republic [Arabic] #29019
It will be extremely difficult to express the depth of our appreciation to the Member States that sponsored and voted in favour of the draft resolution on the occupied Syrian Golan, whether in the Fourth Committee or in this Assembly. This is particularly so since voting in favour of the draft resolution by such an overwhelming majority constitutes a clear message which coincides with today's United Nations commemoration of the anniversary of the And it is particularly so in view of the fact that Israel continues to occupy Arab territories, including Jerusalem, the Syrian Golan and southern Lebanon. The will of the majority in the international Organization is an embodiment of world democracy and is therefore an absolutely clear message addressed to Israel, a message that condemns Israel's violations of the 1949 Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War and requests Israel, as the occupying Power, to put an end to its imposition of Israeli identity cards and nationality on the Syrian citizens in the Golan and to end other repressive measures against the Syrian population there. To support this resolution is indeed to support human rights, which are the basis of our humanity, particularly in view of the fact that human rights are universal and comprehensive and allow human beings to enjoy their true humanity. The struggle for international human rights is a struggle against all forms of oppression and injustice at all times and in all places. It is indeed considered a struggle against colonialism and apartheid. This is what was stated and confirmed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations in his message today on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The President unattributed duplicate #29022
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 87?
It was so decided.

88.  Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/52/618)

The President unattributed duplicate #29563
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 9 of its report. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote.
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 52/69).
The President unattributed duplicate #29566
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 88?
It was so decided.

Questions relating to information Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/52/619)

The President unattributed #29568
The Assembly has before it draft resolutions A and B recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 8 of its report and a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 9 of the same report. The Assembly will first turn to draft resolution A, entitled “Information in the service of humanity”. The 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 52/70 A).
The President unattributed #29570
Draft resolution B is entitled “United Nations public information policies and activities”. The 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 52/70 B).
The President unattributed #29573
The Assembly will next turn to the draft decision entitled “Increase in the membership of the Committee on Information”, recommended by the Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. The Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President unattributed #29577
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 89?
It was so decided.

Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/52/620)

The President unattributed duplicate #29579
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 7 of its report. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 161 votes to 0, with 4 abstentions (resolution 52/71).
The President unattributed duplicate #29581
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 90?
It was so decided.

91.  and agenda item 18 Activities of foreign economic and other interests which impede the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples in Territories under colonial domination Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/52/621)

The President unattributed duplicate #29583
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 10 of its report (A/52/621) and the draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 11 of the same report. We turn first to the draft resolution, entitled “Economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 156 votes to 3, with 5 abstentions (resolution 52/72).
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft decision was adopted by 108 votes to 51, with 3 abstentions.
The President unattributed duplicate #29585
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 91?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #29588
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 18.

92.  and agenda item 12 Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations Report of the Economic and Social Council Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (A/52/622)

The President unattributed duplicate #29593
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 7 of its report (A/52/622). The draft resolution is entitled “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 117 votes to none, with 50 abstentions (resolution 52/73).
The President unattributed duplicate #29595
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 92?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #29596
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 12. Offers by Member States of study and training facilities for inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/52/623)
The President unattributed duplicate #29598
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 6 of its report (A/52/623). The 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 52/74).
The President unattributed duplicate #29602
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 93?
It was so decided.

94.  The situation in the occupied territories of Croatia Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/52/624)

The President unattributed #29606
May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) contained in document A/52/624?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed duplicate #29609
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 94?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #29613
The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 31 of its report and on the draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 32 of the report. We turn first to the three draft resolutions contained in paragraph 31 of the report. Draft resolution I is entitled “Question of Western Sahara”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 52/75).
The President unattributed #29615
Draft resolution II is entitled “Question of New Caledonia”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted draft resolution II without objection. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 52/76).
The President unattributed #29619
Draft resolution III is entitled “Questions of American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn, St. Helena, Tokelau, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the United States Virgin Islands”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted the draft decision, entitled “Question of Gibraltar”, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 52/77).
The draft decision was adopted.
The President unattributed #29622
We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 18. The Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee).

18.  Implementation of the Declaration of the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples Draft resolutions (A/52/L.64, A/52/23 (Part II), Chapter III, para. 10)

The President unattributed #29634
The General Assembly will now take action on the draft resolutions submitted under this item. We shall proceed to consider draft resolution A/52/L.64, as orally revised, and the draft resolution contained in paragraph 10, part II, chapter III of the report of the Special Committee [A/52/23]. I would like to announce that since the introduction of draft resolution A/52/L.64 Trinidad and Tobago has become a sponsor. The Assembly will now turn to the two draft resolutions. The Assembly will first take a decision on draft resolution A/52/L.64, entitled “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples”, as orally revised. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution A/52/L.64, as orally revised, was adopted by 139 votes to 2, with 23 abstentions (resolution 52/78).
The President unattributed #29638
The Assembly will next take a decision on the draft resolution contained in paragraph 10 A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 159 votes to 3, with 3 abstentions (resolution 52/79).
The President unattributed #29643
I now call on the representative of the United Kingdom, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote after the voting.
Mr. Gomersall GBR United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland #29647
My delegation regrets that it has again found it necessary to vote against the draft resolutions on the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and on the dissemination of information on decolonization — draft resolution A/52/L.64 and the draft resolution contained in paragraph 10 of part II, chapter III of document A/52/23. The latter text does contain elements which, as an administering Power, the United Kingdom can welcome. In particular, we note the recognition that self-determination does not automatically equate to independence and that there are other options available. However, my delegation believes that, at a time of ever more acute financial crisis in the United Nations, placing an obligation on the Department of Political Affairs and the Department of Public Information to publicize decolonization issues represents a serious waste of scarce resources. The basic aim of this resolution is therefore unacceptable to the United Kingdom. This delegation also regrets that the resolution on the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples continues to contain many egregious examples of language and assumptions that do not reflect the present situation in the Non-Self-Governing Territories. We do not accept that the presence of military bases could in any way constitute an obstacle to the granting of independence or impede their inhabitants from expressing their views on selfdetermination. Similarly, the text of the resolution appears to accuse the administering Powers of economic exploitation and even of violations of basic human rights. These are claims which we wholeheartedly reject and are without any foundation. My delegation also finds unacceptable the continued references to colonialism, colonial rule and colonial countries. The presence of such language in this text is all the more regrettable because it is so clearly out of step with My delegation joins with others in recognizing that decolonization is one of the great success stories of the first 50 years of the United Nations and that the principles upheld by this Organization have an enduring validity. We pay tribute to those who have worked successfully and with goodwill in this field, and will continue to fulfil our obligations with regard to the United Kingdom's dependent Territories. I have already referred to the recent welcome signs of flexibility and compromise shown by the Special Committee of 24. However, the United Kingdom continues to take a different view of the need for a decolonization programme on the current scale. In our view, this is wholly disproportionate to the real remaining problems. The United Nations has more pressing goals, affecting vastly greater numbers of the world's population, and more relevant to today's needs. The activities and structure of this Organization should reflect the world's present and future priorities and not those of the past. In conclusion, the two resolutions submitted to this General Assembly do nothing to advance the wishes and interests of the peoples of the remaining dependent Territories, which remain the foundation of my Government's policy towards them.
The President unattributed duplicate #29653
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 18?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #29658
I should like to inform members that there will be no plenary meetings tomorrow, Thursday, 11 December. On Friday, 12 December, in the afternoon, the General Assembly will take up the reports of the Third Committee. On Monday, 15 December, in the morning, as the first item, the General Assembly will take up agenda item 17 (h), “Appointment of the members of the Consultative In the afternoon of the same day, as previously announced, the General Assembly will take up the reports of the Sixth Committee.
The meeting rose at 5.05 p.m.
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