A/59/PV.104 General Assembly

Wednesday, June 22, 2005 — Session 59, Meeting 104 — New York — UN Document ↗

The meeting was called to order at 10.10 a.m.
Vote: A/RES/59/307 Recorded Vote
Show country votes
— Abstain (1)
Absent (62)
✓ Yes (126)

113.  Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations (A/59/668/Add.14 and 15)

The President [French] #41432
I invite the attention of the General Assembly to documents A/59/668/Add.14 and 15, in which the Secretary- General informs the President of the General Assembly that, since the issuance of his communications contained in documents A/59/668 and addenda 1 to 13, Togo, Mauritania and the Republic of Moldova have made the necessary payments to reduce their arrears below the amount specified in Article 19 of the Charter. May I take it that the General Assembly duly takes note of the information contained in these documents?
It was so decided.

108.  Programme budget for the biennium 2004-2005 Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/448/Add.4)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

123.  Administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peacekeeping operations Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/532/Add.1)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

Reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) and the Fifth Committee

The President [French] #41433
The General Assembly will consider the report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) on agenda item 77 and the reports of the Fifth Committee on agenda items 106, 108, 123 to 127, 129 to 132 (a), 133 to 137, 153 to 155 and 107. I request the Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee, Mrs. Denisa Hutǎnová of Slovakia, to introduce in one intervention the reports of the Fifth Committee before the Assembly.
Mrs. Hutǎnová SVK Slovakia #41434
I have the honour to present to the General Assembly the reports of the Fifth Committee during the second part of the resumed fifty-ninth session of the General Assembly. During the course of its resumed session, from 2 May to 8 June 2005, the Committee held 12 formal meetings and numerous informal meetings. In accordance with General Assembly resolution 49/233 of 23 December 1994, the resumed session of the Fifth Committee was devoted primarily to the consideration of issues related to the financing of United Nations peacekeeping missions and related peacekeeping issues. The Committee considered the financing of 16 peacekeeping operations, as well as peacekeeping-related and other issues. On agenda item 106, entitled “Financial reports and audited financial statements, and reports of the Board of Auditors”, in particular with regard to sub- item (a) and the report of the Board of Auditors on the United Nations peacekeeping operations, in paragraph 6 of its report contained in document A/59/588/Add.1, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote. Under agenda item 108, entitled “Programme budget for the biennium 2004-2005”, in paragraph 8 of its report A/59/448/Add.4, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of two draft resolutions, entitled “Special subjects and questions relating to the programme budget for the biennium 2004-2005” and “Capital master plan”, which were adopted by the Committee without a vote. In paragraph 21 of its report contained in document A/59/532/Add.1, under agenda item 123, entitled “Administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peacekeeping operations”, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of five draft resolutions. Draft resolution I, entitled “Administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peacekeeping operations: cross-cutting issues”; draft resolution II, entitled “Peacekeeping Reserve Fund”; draft resolution III, entitled “Reformed procedures for determining reimbursement to Member States for contingent-owned equipment”; draft resolution IV, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Logistics Base at Brindisi, Italy” and draft resolution V, entitled “Support account for peacekeeping operations”, were all were adopted without a vote. In paragraph 22 of the same document, the Committee recommends the adoption of two draft decisions: draft decision I, entitled “Administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peacekeeping operations; Programme budget implications of draft resolution A/C.5/59/L.53 on the administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peacekeeping operations: cross- cutting issues”; and draft decision II, entitled “Updated financial position of closed peacekeeping missions as at 30 June 2004”, both of which were adopted without a vote. With regard to the draft proposals on the financing of peacekeeping operations, I should like to inform the General Assembly that, with the exception of that relating to item 135 (b), entitled “United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon”, all of the draft proposals were adopted by the Committee without a vote. The reports of the Fifth Committee are presented under the following items: item 124, “Financing of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission and the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola”; item 125, “Financing of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina”; item 126, “Financing of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus”; item 127, “Financing of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo”; item 129, “Financing of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor”; item 130, “Financing of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea”; item 131, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia”; sub-item (a), entitled “United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission”, of item 132, entitled “Financing of the activities arising from Security Council resolution 687 (1991)”; item 133, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo”; item 134, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Mission in Liberia”; sub-item (a), entitled “United Nations Disengagement Observer Force”, and sub-item (b), entitled “United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon”, of item 135, entitled “Financing of the United Nations peacekeeping forces in the Middle East”; item 136, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone”; item 137, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara”; item 153, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Operation in Burundi”; item 154, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire”; and item 155, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti”. Regarding sub-item 135 (b), entitled “United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon”, the report of the Fifth Committee is contained in document A/59/838. As indicated in paragraph 8 of that report, the Committee decided to retain the fourth preambular paragraph and operative paragraphs 3, 4 and 13 of draft resolution A/C.5/59/L.52 in a single recorded vote of 70 in favour, 3 against and 50 abstentions. In paragraph 10 of the same report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution that was adopted by the Committee by a recorded vote of 128 in favour, 2 against and 3 abstentions. In paragraph 5 of its report contained in document A/59/652/Add.2, on agenda item 107, entitled “Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations”, the Fifth Committee recommends the adoption of a draft decision entitled “Questions deferred for future consideration”, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote.
The President [French] #41435
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 report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) and the reports of the Fifth Committee that are before the Assembly today.
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
It was so decided.
The President [French] #41436
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) and of the Fifth Committee have been made clear in the Committees 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”. 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 report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) and in the reports of the Fifth 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 Committees, unless the Secretariat is notified otherwise in advance. That means that, where recorded or separate votes were taken, we will do the same. I also hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Committees.

156.  Multilingualism Report of the Secretary-General (A/58/363) Note by the Secretary-General (A/58/93 and Add.1)

Vote: 59/309 Consensus

77.  Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/59/472/Add.2) Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/840)

The President [French] #41437
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 7 of its report. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of the draft resolution is contained in document A/59/840. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution entitled “Comprehensive review on a strategy to eliminate future sexual exploitation and abuse in United Nations peacekeeping operations”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 59/300).
The President [French] #41438
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 77?
It was so decided.
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
The President [French] #41439
The Assembly has thus concluded consideration of all the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee).

106.  Financial reports and audited financial statements, and reports of the Board of Auditors Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/588/Add.1)

The President [French] #41440
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth 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 59/264B).
Vote: 31/169 Consensus
The President [French] #41441
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 106.
The President [French] #41442
The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “Special subjects and questions relating to the programme budget for the biennium 2004-2005”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 59/294).
The President [French] #41443
We turn next to draft resolution II, entitled “Capital master plan”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 59/295).
The President [French] #41444
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 108.
The President [French] #41445
The Assembly has before it five draft resolutions recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 21 of its report and two draft decisions recommended by the Committee in paragraph 22 of the same report. As I mentioned earlier, the General Assembly, after taking action on draft resolutions I to IV, will consider the report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) on agenda item 77 (A/59/472/Add.2), and will thereafter revert to the report of the Fifth Committee on item 123, to take action on the remaining one draft resolution and two draft decisions. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to IV. Draft resolution I is entitled “Administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peacekeeping operations: cross-cutting issues”. The Fifth 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 59/296).
The President [French] #41446
Draft resolution II is entitled “Peacekeeping Reserve Fund”. The Fifth Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 59/297).
The President [French] #41447
Draft resolution III is entitled “Reformed procedures for determining reimbursement to Member States for contingent-owned equipment”. The Fifth Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 59/298).
The President [French] #41448
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Financing of the United Nations Logistics Base at Brindisi, Italy”. The Fifth Committee adopted draft resolution IV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 59/299).
The President [French] #41449
Draft resolution V is entitled “Support account for peacekeeping operations”. The Fifth Committee adopted draft resolution V without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 59/301).
The President [French] #41450
Draft decision I is entitled “Administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peacekeeping operations: Programme budget implications of draft resolution A/C.5/59/L.53 on the administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peacekeeping operations: cross-cutting issues”. The Fifth Committee adopted draft decision I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft decision I was adopted.
The President [French] #41451
Draft decision II is entitled “Updated financial position of closed peacekeeping missions as at 30 June 2004”. The Fifth Committee adopted draft decision II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft decision II was adopted.
The President [French] #41452
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 123. I call on the representative of South Africa, who wishes to speak in explanation of position.
Ms. Lock ZAF South Africa #41453
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the African Group on agenda item 123 in explanation of position after the adoption of resolution 59/296 on cross-cutting issues, contained in document A/59/532/Add.1. The African Group wishes to thank the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Morteza Mirmohammad, for the able and professional manner in which he has coordinated the consideration of the Committee of that agenda item. The draft resolution represents an important step towards increased oversight by the Fifth Committee of the management and functioning of peacekeeping operations. It will also form a point of departure for the Committee’s future consideration of and approach to peacekeeping policy issues. The Group therefore deems it important to put on record its position concerning some of the matters contained in the draft resolution. The Group wishes to reaffirm the principle that each and every peacekeeping budget submission should be considered on the basis of the financial justifications contained therein and with full recognition of the specificities and complexities of individual missions, their mandates and the unique environment that they function in. This has been a long-standing position of the African Group and the basis for negotiations in the Committee. We are encouraged that the Committee, in its consideration of the cross-cutting issues, maintained that approach. The Group further welcomes the recognition by the Committee that disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programmes, where mandated by the Security Council, are critical to the success of peacekeeping operations and require a coordinated approach in the field. We trust that the relevant actors in the field, within and outside the United Nations system, will make every effort to further refine their respective roles and improve the coordination of DDR efforts over the short and longer terms. We underline that the note of the Secretary- General defining disarmament, demobilization and reinsertion activities for budgetary purposes is necessary to ensure that the Committee take informed decisions when it receives budgetary requests, taking into account the ongoing discussions aimed at further developing those concepts. The Group also wishes to emphasize the need for further refinement of the concept of integrated peacekeeping missions to ensure greater clarity among the various actors in the field. We look forward to efforts being exerted in further refining that concept and implementing it when mandated by the Security Council in a fashion that serves the endeavours of the international community in the field of peacekeeping.
The President [French] #41454
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 123.

124.  Financing of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission and the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/831)

The President [French] #41455
The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 4 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft decision. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President [French] #41456
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 124?
It was so decided.

125.  Financing of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/832)

The President [French] #41457
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth 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 59/302).
The President [French] #41458
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 125?
It was so decided.

126.  Financing of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/770/Add.1)

The President [French] #41459
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth 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 59/284B).
The President [French] #41460
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 126.

127.  Financing of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/771/Add.1)

The President [French] #41461
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth 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 59/285B).
The President [French] #41462
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 127.

129.  Financing of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/531/Add.1)

The President [French] #41463
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth 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 59/13B).
The President [French] #41464
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 129.

130.  Financing of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/833)

The President [French] #41465
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth 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 59/303).
The President [French] #41466
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 130.

131.  Financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/834)

The President [French] #41467
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth 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 59/304).
The President [French] #41468
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 131.

132.  Financing of the activities arising from Security Council resolution 687 (1991) (a) United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/835)

The President [French] #41469
The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft decision entitled “Financing of the Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President [French] #41470
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 132.

133.  Financing of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/772/Add.1)

The President [French] #41471
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth 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 59/286B).
The President [French] #41472
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 133.

134.  Financing of the United Nations Mission in Liberia Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/836)

The President [French] #41473
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth 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 59/305).
The President [French] #41474
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 134.

135.  Financing of the United Nations peacekeeping forces in the Middle East (a) United Nations Disengagement Observer Force Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/837)

The President [French] #41475
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, which is entitled “Financing of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force”. The Fifth 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 59/306).
The President [French] #41476
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 135. (b) United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/838)
The President [French] #41477
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The draft resolution is entitled “Financing of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon”. A single separate vote has been requested on the fourth preambular paragraph and on operative paragraphs 3, 4 and 13 of the draft resolution. Is there any objection to that request? There is none. I shall now put to the vote the fourth preambular paragraph and operative paragraphs 3, 4 and 13, on which a single separate vote has been requested. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The fourth preambular paragraph and operative paragraphs 3, 4 and 13 were retained by 77 votes to 2, with 47 abstentions.
The President [French] #41478
I now put to the vote the draft resolution as a whole. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently the delegation of Jamaica advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 126 votes to 2, with 1 abstention (resolution 59/307).
The President [French] #41479
I call on the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic, who wishes to speak in explanation of position on the resolutions just adopted.
Mr. Elji SYR Syrian Arab Republic [Arabic] #41480
I should like to make a statement concerning the decisions taken under agenda item 135. My country joined in the consensus regarding the adoption of resolution 59/306, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force”, and voted in favour of resolution 59/307, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon”, on the basis of the principle that we have always cited: the responsibility for financing those two forces should lie with the party that was the aggressor at the time of their creation. That is in accordance with the general principles set out in General Assembly resolution 1874 (S-IV), dated 27 June 1963.
The President [French] #41481
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 135.

136.  Financing of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/527/Add.1)

The President [French] #41482
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth 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 59/14B).
The President [French] #41483
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 136.

137.  Financing of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/839)

The President [French] #41484
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth 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 59/308).
The President [French] #41485
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 137.

153.  Financing of the United Nations Operation in Burundi Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/528/Add.1)

The President [French] #41486
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The Fifth 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 59/15B).
The President [French] #41487
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 153.

154.  Financing of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/529/Add.1)

The President [French] #41488
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth 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 59/16B).
The President [French] #41489
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 154.

155.  Financing of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/530/Add.1)

The President [French] #41490
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth 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 59/17B).
The President [French] #41491
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 155.

107.  Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations Report of the Fifth Committee (A/59/652/Add.2)

The President [French] #41492
The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 5 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft decision, entitled “Questions deferred for future consideration”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President [French] #41493
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 107. The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Fifth Committee before it.
The President [French] #41494
I give the floor to the representative of France to introduce draft resolution A/59/L.62.
Mr. De La Sablière FRA France [French] #41495
I welcome the fact that the General Assembly is meeting today in order to officially adopt a text that is important for our Organization — important not only for its day-to-day work, but also in terms of the values that it represents. As the Assembly knows, it was the intention of the founding fathers, in establishing the United Nations, to create a forum for dialogue and discussion — a forum that, in the words of the Charter, would encourage all peoples “to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours”. Languages play a crucial role in giving real meaning to this appeal for openness because they are much more than a means of communication. By bringing people together, they give expression to an intellectual and moral vision of the world. Striving for multilingualism means, primarily, striving for respect for cultural diversity, for the promotion of universal values — in brief, for a new humanism. Reinforcing multilingualism also means defending ourselves against the risks of uniformity, whatever they may be, and uniting in our respect for the identity of each other. Linguistic and cultural diversity can reconcile without diluting, bring together without eclipsing and unite without replacing. Under agenda item 156, the General Assembly will today adopt a draft resolution that we believe is both ambitious and balanced. It is ambitious because, for the first time, it stresses the need to fully implement the provisions of the resolutions that set out the linguistic rules for our common home, with regard to both the working languages of the Secretariat and the official languages of the United Nations. It is ambitious because the text, although not exhaustive, covers the entire spectrum of issues relating to languages in the United Nations: the work of the Secretariat, communication among delegations, modalities for recruitment, Internet sites and so forth. The text is ambitious also because it is not limited only to the official languages of the Organization. In a spirit of openness, and in order to increase the impact of the universal message of the United Nations, Member States would take note with appreciation of the work done by the United Nations information centres. The text is also balanced, because it does not alter the overall philosophy of the rules governing the Organization, but reaffirms its fundamental principles and calls on the Secretary-General fully to implement them. The draft resolution is balanced also because it reflects the two principles that guided our actions during the negotiation process, transparency and collegiality: transparency, because our meetings were open to all; and collegiality, because all were able to contribute their added value to the text. I welcomed the fact that a large number of delegations participated on a regular basis in the informal meetings conducted by the French delegation. I believe that that attests to the interest of Member States in the issue of multilingualism. I am therefore pleased that, by combining intellectual standards with the power of consensus, we were able to reinforce those values in the draft resolution and to keep multilingualism alive, since it is the cornerstone of our Organization. Finally, I thank the very many sponsors of the draft resolution who wished to demonstrate their full support. One hundred and two Member States, including five that came forward today, sponsored the resolution. That sends a strong message, and we appreciate it. I am convinced that it will be fully reflected and concretely manifested in the daily work of our Organization.
Mr. Siv USA United States of America #41496
The United States is a country of great ethnic diversity. As such, we support and fully appreciate multilingualism. Nearly 47 million Americans speak a language other than English at home. In fact, English is just one of nearly 180 languages spoken in the United States. Residents of Queens, across the river from here, constitute the greatest level of ethnic diversity anywhere in America. There, 46 per cent were born abroad, coming from over 100 countries. Most notably, nearly 140 languages are spoken in Queens, making it one of the most diverse places in the world. In no similar area will one find represented so many different ethnicities and cultures. As former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani said in this Hall on 1 October 2001: “Americans are not a single ethnic group. Americans are not one race or one religion. Americans emerge from all nations.” We fully respect the principal of multilingualism and relevant United Nations rules and regulations. However, my delegation notes that the application of multilingualism in the United Nations context does not equate with universality or cultural diversity. When considering multilingualism, we believe that the United Nations should continue to keep in mind the needs of those whose principal language of education is not one of the six official languages. We should be careful not to take decisions having the effect of diminishing the universal and multicultural character of this Organization.
Mr. Iosifov RUS Russian Federation [Russian] #41497
Multilingualism in the United Nations, manifested in particular in the use of its official and working languages, is the foundation of the Organization’s universality and an important means of achieving the fundamental purposes of its Charter. The Organization’s 60 years of experience have shown that, unless it pays due attention to maintaining linguistic diversity in its day-to-day work, the harmonious integration of a growing number of countries into its practical activities will hardly be possible. Ensuring parity among the six official United Nations languages is an intrinsic element of preserving the genuine diversity of languages in the Organization, which includes also providing for unimpeded communication in the official languages among the representatives of Member States in intergovernmental and expert bodies through high-quality conference services and the attainment of linguistic parity in the design of the United Nations internet sites and other areas of its information and outreach activities. We note in that respect the disturbing trend of chronic delays in the simultaneous issuance of United Nations documents in all official languages, as well as the emerging practice of issuing advance copies of documents, including reports to the Security Council, in English alone. Specific and immediate action is called for. The maintenance and strengthening of the principle of multilingualism in the Organization are also essential to ensuring that the peoples of the world receive full information about the Organization’s work and to enhancing international support. Nor must it be forgotten that the principle of parity among the Organization’s official languages requires equal treatment for the linguistic services of the Secretariat by ensuring that its resource and staffing needs are met. To a great extent, that will determine the quality of the services provided to Member States. Of course, the item on multilingualism is by no means restricted to issues of the United Nations official languages. The draft resolution before us today rightly recalls a number of provisions of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities. Inter alia, it reaffirms the right of all persons to use their own language, in private and in public, freely and without interference or any form of discrimination, and to be genuinely able to receive education in their own language. Unfortunately, it must be noted that, more than 12 years after the adoption of the Declaration, there remain countries in the United Nations for which that reminder has lost none of its relevance. Russia attaches great importance to genuine multilingualism in the Organization and the world community as a whole as a means of attaining mutual understanding among peoples, exchanging knowledge, values and positive experience, and achieving mutual intellectual enrichment on the basis of a dialogue among cultures on an equal footing. We believe that the draft resolution on multilingualism is a serious step forward towards achieving those important ends of our Organization, and Russia, as a co-sponsor, calls on Member States to support it unanimously.
Mr. Oubida BFA Burkina Faso [French] #41498
It is a true honour for me to address the Assembly on the issue of multilingualism. I should like first to welcome the spirit of cooperation, understanding and concord demonstrated by all delegations throughout the consultations on the draft resolution before the General Assembly. I should also like to congratulate the coordinator, the Permanent Representative of France, who demonstrated the essential patience and vision without which we should never have reached consensus on the draft resolution on multilingualism. Communication, everywhere and always, has been the best way for people to exchange ideas in the ongoing quest for peace, security and understanding at the national and international levels. The importance of today’s draft resolution reflects that spirit. For an Organization such as the United Nations, multilingualism is a powerful channel for the defence and preservation of linguistic diversity and a special tool for dialogue among cultures. It promotes unity in diversity and international understanding, and reinforces the implementation of such United Nations instruments as the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities. Multilingualism is one of the foundations of the culture of Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso is proud of having some 60 languages in our country, which clearly reflects the freedom and cultural richness of its people. With regard to sustainable development policy, the Government has made multilingualism a tool to effectively address the expectations of each linguistic group, bringing together the requisite energies to build a free, prosperous and peaceful society. My delegation is of course proud to have shared its experience with other delegations during the negotiating process on this draft resolution on multilingualism. We are prepared to take any steps, and to participate in any initiative, to strengthen the practice of multilingualism in the United Nations system, as well as within our own States. Burkina Faso would therefore like to call upon all delegations to unreservedly support draft resolution A/59/L.62, which has been submitted to the Assembly for adoption.
The President [French] #41499
We have heard the last speaker on this item. The General Assembly shall now proceed to take action on draft resolution on A/59/L.62. I would like to inform members that, since it was introduced, the following countries have become sponsors of draft resolution A/59/L.62: Brazil, Croatia, Guyana, Saint Lucia, Paraguay and Ukraine. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution A/59/L.62?
Draft resolution A/59/L.62 was adopted (resolution 59/309).
The President [French] #41500
Before calling on speakers in explanation of position on the resolution just adopted, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote or position are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.
Mr. Yoo KOR Republic of Korea #41501
First of all, my delegation wishes to express our deep appreciation to the French delegation, the coordinator of the draft resolution submitted under agenda item 156, entitled “Multilingualism”, for its far-reaching endeavour to reach consensus on the text through a number of consultations. We would also like to thank the other delegations that participated in the negotiations in a constructive and cooperative manner. As the resolution reflects the concerns raised by like-minded countries, including mine, the Republic of Korea joined the consensus. At the same time, I wish to express my delegation’s full support for the points raised by the delegations of the United States of America and Japan. My delegation believes that, in order to achieve genuine multilingualism, the resolution must also give full consideration to languages other than official United Nations languages. Other languages are used every day by a vast number of people around the world. Along with like-minded countries, we sincerely hope that the next draft resolution on this matter will take on board these aspects and thus become more balanced.
The President [French] #41502
We have heard the last speaker in explanation of position. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to conclude its consideration of agenda item 156?
It was so decided.
The meeting rose at 11.30 a.m.