A/59/PV.71 General Assembly

Friday, Dec. 10, 2004 — Session 59, Meeting 71 — New York — UN Document ↗ — OCR ✓ — ⓘ 54 unattributed speechs — ⚠ 10 duplicate speechs
▶ This meeting at a glance
65
Speeches
10
Countries
34
Resolutions
Resolutions: 31/37, 32/132, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 32/95, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 32/95, 31/127, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 32/95, 31/127, 32/97, 59/137, 59/139, A/RES/59/117, A/RES/59/118, A/RES/59/119, A/RES/59/120, A/RES/59/121, A/RES/59/122, A/RES/59/123, A/RES/59/124, A/RES/59/125, A/RES/59/128, A/RES/59/127, A/RES/59/129, A/RES/59/131, A/RES/59/135, A/RES/59/136
Topics
UN resolutions and decisions Israeli–Palestinian conflict Global economic relations Security Council deliberations Peace processes and negotiations UN procedural rules

The meeting was called to order at 3.05 p.m.
Vote: A/RES/59/117 Recorded Vote
✓ 167   ✗ 1   11 abs.
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✗ No (1)
✓ Yes (167)
Vote: A/RES/59/118 Recorded Vote
✓ 162   ✗ 6   9 abs.
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✓ Yes (162)
Vote: A/RES/59/119 Recorded Vote
✓ 163   ✗ 6   7 abs.
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✓ Yes (163)
Vote: A/RES/59/120 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (161)
Vote: A/RES/59/121 Recorded Vote
✓ 84   ✗ 9   80 abs.
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— Abstain (80)
✓ Yes (84)
Vote: A/RES/59/122 Recorded Vote
✓ 160   ✗ 7   11 abs.
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✓ Yes (160)
Vote: A/RES/59/123 Recorded Vote
✓ 155   ✗ 8   15 abs.
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✓ Yes (155)
Vote: A/RES/59/124 Recorded Vote
✓ 149   ✗ 7   22 abs.
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✓ Yes (149)
Vote: A/RES/59/125 Recorded Vote
✓ 160   ✗ 2   15 abs.
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✗ No (2)
✓ Yes (160)
Vote: A/RES/59/128 Recorded Vote
✓ 173   ✗ 3   3 abs.
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✓ Yes (173)
Vote: A/RES/59/127 Recorded Vote
✓ 172   ✗ 0   6 abs.
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✓ Yes (172)
Vote: A/RES/59/129 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (121)
Vote: A/RES/59/131 Recorded Vote
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— Abstain (100)
Vote: A/RES/59/135 Recorded Vote
✓ 170   ✗ 3   1 abs.
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— Abstain (1)
✓ Yes (170)
Vote: A/RES/59/136 Recorded Vote
✓ 167   ✗ 2   4 abs.
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— Abstain (4)
✓ Yes (167)

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

The President unattributed [French] #49129
The General Assembly will now consider the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) on agenda items 22, 73 to 82 and 20. I request the Rapporteur of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee), Mr. Kais Kabtani of Tunisia, to introduce in one intervention the reports of the Committee. Mr. Kabtani (Tunisia), Rapporteur of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (spoke in French): It is a great honour and privilege for me to introduce to the General Assembly the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) submitted under agenda items 22, 73 to 82 and 20. Those reports, contained in documents A/59/467 to A/59/478, include the texts of draft resolutions and draft decisions recommended to the General Assembly for adoption. For the convenience of delegations, the Secretariat has prepared a checklist of voting in the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee); it is contained in document A/C.4/59/INF/3. During this first part of the fifty-ninth session of the General Assembly, the Special Political and Decolonization Committee held 25 formal meetings. In conformity with established practice, it held an informal interactive meeting under agenda item 77, “Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects”. An openended working group established by the Committee under item 74, “International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space”, also held several informal meetings. During that stage of its work, the Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted 24 draft resolutions and four draft decisions, of which nine draft resolutions and all four draft decisions were adopted without a vote. The first report, submitted under agenda item 22, “Assistance in mine action”, is contained in document A/59/467. This year was the first time that that item had been considered by the Fourth Committee, in accordance with a decision of the General Assembly. The Committee also held, on an experimental basis, a round table on the subject of demining as an element of United Nations peacekeeping operations. Because we were unable to obtain a consensus on a draft resolution concerning that issue — which, in conformity with General Assembly resolution 58/316, should be examined only every two years — the Committee recommended that it be included on the provisional agenda of the sixtieth session for further consideration. The second report, submitted under agenda item 73, “Effects of atomic radiation”, is contained in document A/59/468. The Fourth Committee considered the report of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, contained in document A/59/46. The draft resolution submitted under that agenda item is contained in paragraph 7 of the report of the Fourth Committee. The third report, submitted under agenda item 74, “International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space”, is contained in document A/59/469. In considering that item, the Fourth Committee held several informal meetings of an open-ended working group chaired by the Nigerian delegation. That working group formulated the draft resolution contained in paragraph 14 of the report. The fourth report, submitted under agenda item 75, “United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East”, is contained in document A/59/470. The Fourth Committee considered the report of the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), published under the symbol A/59/13, as well as the report of the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA and various reports of the Secretary-General. Under this item, the Committee adopted four draft resolutions whose adoption by the General Assembly would extend UNRWA’s mandate until June 2008 and enable it to continue the various important activities that it is carrying out to reduce the suffering of Palestinian refugees. The draft resolutions also invite donors to support the tireless efforts made by the Agency in increasingly difficult conditions. The Fourth Committee recommends those draft resolutions for adoption by the General Assembly. The fifth report, on item 76, “Report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories”, is contained in document A/59/471. The Fourth Committee considered the report of the Special Committee concerning the protection and the promotion of the rights of the Palestinian people and other Arab inhabitants of the occupied territories (A/59/381), as well as other reports of the Secretary- General issued under this item. The Fourth Committee adopted five draft resolutions, which are found in paragraph 27 of its report. The draft resolutions reaffirm the illegality of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories and demand that Israel respect its obligations under international law, as indicated by the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of July 2004. The Committee recommends that the General Assembly adopt the draft resolutions. The sixth report, on agenda item 77, “Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects”, is contained in document A/59/472. The Fourth Committee heard a detailed preliminary statement by the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Jean-Marie Guéhenno, and held a general debate on this question. The Committee also held an interactive discussion with the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations and other senior officials of the Department. The seventh report, on agenda item 78, “Questions relating to information”, is contained in document A/59/473. The Fourth Committee reviewed the report of the Committee on Information (A/59/21) and the report of the Secretary-General (A/59/221 and Corr.1) and heard a briefing by the Under-Secretary- General for Communications and Public Information, Mr. Shashi Tharoor, on the innovative measures taken by the Department to overcome the obstacles encountered last year in disseminating the message of the United Nations throughout the world. The Committee adopted, without a vote, two draft resolutions and one draft decision, which are contained, respectively, in paragraphs 12 and 13 of the report. By the terms of the draft decision, Cape Verde, Iceland, Luxembourg, Madagascar and Qatar would be appointed as members of the Committee on Information, which would comprise 107 members. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee recommends that the General Assembly adopt the draft resolutions and the draft decision. Following informal consultations that I had the honour of chairing, the Committee took, under agenda item 109, “Programme planning”, a decision concerning the strategic framework of the Department of Public Information for the period 2006-2007. That decision, which was conveyed to the Fifth Committee through the President of the General Assembly, is contained in a document of the Fifth Committee published under the symbol A/C.5/59/14. The Fourth Committee has clustered the review of the items on Non-Self Governing Territories and on the Declaration of the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, agenda items 79 to 82 and agenda item 20. The Committee held a single general debate and heard 23 speakers in connection with the various non-autonomous territories. The report presented under agenda item 79, “Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations”, is contained in document A/59/474. The draft resolution submitted under this item can be found in paragraph 7 of the report. The Fourth Committee recommends its adoption to the General Assembly. The report under agenda item 80, “Economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories”, is found in document A/59/475. Under that item, the Fourth Committee adopted a draft resolution, which is contained in paragraph 7 of the report. The Committee recommends that the General Assembly adopt it. The report under agenda item 81, “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”, is contained in document A/59/476. The Fourth Committee recommends that the draft resolution found in paragraph 6 of the report be adopted by the General Assembly. The report under agenda item 82, “Offers by Member States of study and training facilities for inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories”, is contained in document A/59/477. The Fourth Committee recommends that the General Assembly adopt the draft resolution that appears in paragraph 6 of the report. The report under agenda item 20, “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples”, is contained in document A/59/478. The Fourth Committee adopted six draft resolution and two draft decisions. The draft resolutions on the question of New Caledonia and on the question of Tokelau, the consolidated draft resolution on the 11 territories and the two draft decisions, were adopted by the Committee without a vote. The draft resolutions concerning the question of Western Sahara, the dissemination of information on decolonization and the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples were all adopted by recorded vote. The Committee also adopted a second draft decision, which would raise from 25 to 27 the number of members 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, appointing Dominica and Timor-Leste as new members. The Fourth Committee recommends that the General Assembly adopt the six draft resolution contained in paragraph 38 of the report and the two draft decisions contained in paragraph 39. Before concluding, I would to recall the remarkable spirit of cooperation which prevailed in the work of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee. Although it needed two more weeks than anticipated, the Committee was able to fulfil the mandate entrusted to it, and it carried out its work successfully, effectively and constructively. On behalf of the Bureau of the Fourth Committee, I would like to express our deep gratitude to delegations, whose concerted efforts led to the Committee’s adoption of draft resolutions before it. I would like also to thank all delegations that helped the Committee reach consensus on many draft resolutions and draft decisions. I want to pay special tribute to the Chairman of the Fourth Committee, Mr. Kyaw Tint Swe of Myanmar. His knowledge and experience of multilateral bodies, combined with his talents as a diplomat, made it possible for the Committee thoroughly to study all the items allocated to it by the General Assembly. Thanks to his sense of priorities and his resolve, the Chairman greatly facilitated the consideration of many sensitive issues. All those assets were all the more valuable as the Committee’s agenda contained important, and often thorny, questions. The other members of the Bureau — namely, Mr. Helfried Carl of Austria, Mr. Eduardo Calderón of Ecuador and Mr. Andrej Droba of the Slovak Republic — with whom I had the pleasure of working were also responsible for the success of the Fourth Committee’s work. I would also like to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Saijin Zhang, the Secretary of the Committee, and to his very able Secretariat team. It is always thanks to their valuable contribution that the work of the Committee can be carried out effectively, and we are very grateful to them for having done what was necessary so that we could conclude our work successfully. I now have the honour of submitting to the General Assembly for consideration and adoption the recommendations of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee), which appear in the reports published under the symbols A/59/467 to A/59/478.
The President unattributed [French] #49131
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) that are before the Assembly today.

74.  International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/59/469)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
It was so decided.

75.  United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/59/470)

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 167   ✗ 1   11 abs.
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✗ No (1)
✓ Yes (167)

76.  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/59/471)

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 84   ✗ 9   80 abs.
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— Abstain (80)
✓ Yes (84)

20.  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/59/478)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
The President unattributed [French] #49132
Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote or position. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Special Political and Decolonization 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”. May I remind delegations that, also in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization 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. That means that where recorded votes were taken, we will do the same. I should also hope that we will proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Special Political and Decolonization Committee.

39.  Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance (a) Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations

Vote: 59/137 Consensus

22.  Assistance in mine action Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/59/467)

The President unattributed [French] #49134
The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Fourth Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
The draft decision was adopted.
Vote: 32/132 Recorded Vote
✓ 160   ✗ 7   11 abs.
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✓ Yes (160)
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
The President unattributed [French] #49136
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 22?
Vote: 32/132 Recorded Vote
✓ 162   ✗ 6   9 abs.
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✓ Yes (162)
It was so decided.

56.  Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations (e) Cooperation between the United Nations and the Caribbean Community

Vote: 59/139 Consensus

73.  Effects of atomic radiation Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/59/468)

The President unattributed [French] #49138
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. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 59/114).
Vote: 31/125 Recorded Vote
✓ 155   ✗ 8   15 abs.
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✓ Yes (155)
The President unattributed duplicate [French] #49139
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 73?
Vote: 31/125 Recorded Vote
✓ 163   ✗ 6   7 abs.
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✓ Yes (163)
It was so decided.
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
The President unattributed [French] #49141
The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 14 of its report. Draft resolution I is entitled “Application of the concept of the ‘launching State’”. 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 59/115).
Vote: 32/95 Recorded Vote
✓ 149   ✗ 7   22 abs.
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✓ Yes (149)
The President unattributed [French] #49143
Draft resolution II is entitled “International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 32/95 Recorded Vote
✓ 161   ✗ 6   9 abs.
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✓ Yes (161)
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 59/116).
Vote: 31/127 Recorded Vote
✓ 170   ✗ 3   1 abs.
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— Abstain (1)
✓ Yes (170)
The President unattributed duplicate [French] #49145
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 74?
It was so decided.
Vote: 31/127 Recorded Vote
✓ 160   ✗ 2   15 abs.
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✗ No (2)
✓ Yes (160)
The President unattributed [French] #49147
The Assembly will now take a decision on the four draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 20 of its report. We will proceed to take a decision on draft resolutions I through IV, one by one. After the voting, representatives will have an opportunity to explain their votes. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “Assistance to Palestine refugees”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Vote: 32/97 Recorded Vote
✓ 167   ✗ 2   4 abs.
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— Abstain (4)
✓ Yes (167)
Draft resolution I was adopted by 167 votes to 1, with 11 abstentions (resolution 59/117).
The President unattributed [French] #49149
Draft resolution II is entitled “Persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Angola informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution II was adopted by 162 votes to 6, with 9 abstentions (resolution 59/118).
The President unattributed [French] #49150
Draft resolution III is entitled “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 III was adopted by 163 votes to 6, with 7 abstentions (resolution 59/119).
The President unattributed [French] #49152
We now turn to draft resolution IV, entitled “Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution IV was adopted by 161 votes to 6, with 9 abstentions (resolution 59/120).
The President unattributed [French] #49153
I call on the representative of Israel, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote on the resolution just adopted.
Mr. Cohen ISR Israel #49155
Israel fully supports the humanitarian mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Despite the exceedingly difficult conditions on the ground, we are seeking ways to work with the organization for the benefit of the Palestinian population. However, because its mission is humanitarian and not political, and because the issue of refugees is specifically reserved for negotiations between the parties, UNRWA resolutions should not deal with extraneous political issues. They should not single out one host country or prejudge issues set aside for final status negotiations. To do so is to reduce the effectiveness of the organization. The entire United Nations system has devoted itself of late to the mission of reform and revitalization. We do not think that this issue should be excluded from these worthy endeavours, and we believe that further streamlining and depoliticization of these resolutions is necessary. For all of these reasons, Israel has not been able to support the resolutions under this agenda item, despite its support for UNRWA’s humanitarian mission. We are hopeful that we can work with Member States to achieve this goal in future and with UNRWA and other parties on the ground to guarantee that its mandate is fulfilled as effectively as possible.
The President unattributed [French] #49156
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 75.
The President unattributed [French] #49169
The Assembly has before it five draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 27 of its report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to V one by one. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their vote. 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. [Subsequently, the delegation of Iraq informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour; the delegation of Somalia had not intended to participate.] Draft resolution II is 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 East Jerusalem, and the other occupied Arab territories”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegations of Angola, Iraq and Mauritania informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution I was adopted by 84 votes to 9, with 80 abstentions (resolution 59/121).
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution II was adopted by 160 votes to 7, with 11 abstentions (resolution 59/122).
The President unattributed [French] #49170
Draft resolution III is entitled “Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegations of Angola and Iraq informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution III was adopted by 155 votes to 8, with 15 abstentions (resolution 59/123).
The President unattributed [French] #49171
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Iraq informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution IV was adopted by 149 votes to 7, with 22 abstentions (resolution 59/124).
The President unattributed [French] #49172
Draft resolution V is entitled “The occupied Syrian Golan”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Iraq informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution V was adopted by 160 votes to 2, with 15 abstentions (resolution 59/125).
The President unattributed [French] #49173
I shall now call on those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of vote on the resolutions just adopted.
Mr. Arias PAN Panama [Spanish] #49174
Allow me to take this opportunity to explain Panama’s vote with regard to draft resolution I, on the work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories, as well as to make a few comments on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that we feel are relevant. Panama reaffirms its solidarity with the Palestinian people and with its right to selfdetermination through the establishment of a free and independent State. We also reaffirm the right of the State of Israel to exist in peace with the respect of its neighbouring States. Panama supports every United Nations effort to ensure effective compliance with human rights in any part of the world and acknowledges the special effort that is being made in the Middle East with a view to resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Panama has traditionally voted in favour of all draft resolutions submitted on this item. However, on this occasion, Panama decided to abstain in the vote on draft resolution I in document A/59/471. Given the very particular circumstances in the region, it is insufficient that the mandate of the Special Committee, which goes back to 1968, be limited to investigating only one of the parties to the conflict. Panama believes that, in order to make it more relevant, this mandate should be broader and that, as a result, the Committee’s report should be more comprehensive. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a source of great concern for our country. In particular, we are concerned by the endless cycle of violence in those territories. In that context, we must reiterate that neither the occupation of the territories and extrajudicial killings nor suicide attacks against civilians are legally permissible means to defend national interests. We do not have the slightest doubt that the settlement of Israeli-Palestinian conflict requires strict compliance with the norms of international law. We are also concerned by the General Assembly’s lack of effectiveness in resolving this conflict. We draw attention to the great number of resolutions adopted at the United Nations on this matter. Everyone is aware of the fact that resolving this conflict — or any other conflict of similar importance for the international community — is not a function of the number of resolutions that we adopt, but rather of the consensus that we achieve and the possibility that this would lead to concrete deeds which would contribute to the objective that we seek. The United Nations Charter establishes as one of the functions of the General Assembly — perhaps the most important one — to make recommendations on the peaceful settlement of disputes. That is why we suggest that our work in plenary meetings not be limited to the critical analysis of realities, but rather aim to formulate proposals that would help to resolve conflicts. I would like to conclude by reaffirming Panama’s support for any effort towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. That requires, inter alia, a definitive solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, a process which requires that all the parties accept and comply with the Oslo Agreements, the principles of the Madrid Conference and the road map.
Mr. Cohen ISR Israel #49175
Israel voted against the draft resolutions under this agenda item because we believe that they present a picture that is disconnected from reality. On the ground today there is a sense of opportunity, of a return to negotiations and of new initiatives that may serve to regenerate the peace process. In the texts before us, however, we face a biased and anachronistic picture of the situation in the region, where the rights of only one side are acknowledged. There is no correlation between those two visions. We believe that these resolutions are wasteful of United Nations resources and counterproductive, as well as contrary to a spirit of reform and revitalization. The problematic nature of the resolutions is even starker today, given the opportunity for real progress that has emerged in the region. In our view, there is an inherent contradiction between the approach of the road map — which calls for mutual recognition, compromise and compliance — and these resolutions. If we are actually to improve conditions in the region for all peoples, we must put such unhelpful, unconstructive efforts behind us. There is opportunity on the ground, and we must embrace it, in the General Assembly and elsewhere, by encouraging negotiations based on mutual respect. Israel is hopeful that the future holds great promise. It is up to all of us to work to realize it.
Ms. Grant CAN Canada #49176
As we signalled in this Hall last week, as the result of a full review of all our votes on Middle East resolutions, Canada decided to vote against draft resolution A/59/L.14. Canada is very concerned about the suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis and deplores all violence. We have called on Israel to fully comply with its obligations under international law as an occupying Power, and we will continue to do so. However, we see no value added from the activities of the Special Committee, which duplicate the work of other more appropriate and effective mechanisms, such as the Office of the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. We believe that the General Assembly should consider reassigning resources to activities which are more consistent with road map obligations and the Quartet’s objectives. By focusing solely on the rights of Palestinians, the resolution distorts the picture, which should reflect the rights and responsibilities of all parties.
The President unattributed duplicate [French] #49177
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 76?
It was so decided.

77.  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)

The President unattributed [French] #49579
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/59/472?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed [French] #49581
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 77.

78.  Questions relating to information Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/59/473)

The President unattributed [French] #49583
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 12 of its report (A/59/473) and a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 13 of the same report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution and on the draft decision. The draft resolution, entitled “Questions relating to information”, is in two parts. Part A is entitled “Information in the service of humanity”, and part B is entitled “United Nations public information policies and activities”. The Special Political and Decolonization 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 59/126).
The President unattributed [French] #49584
We now turn to the draft decision, entitled “Increase in the membership of the Committee on Information”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to do the same?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President unattributed duplicate [French] #49588
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 78?
It was so decided.

79.  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/59/474)

The President unattributed #49591
(spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Chile informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 172 votes to none, with 6 abstentions (resolution 59/127).
The President unattributed #49594
(spoke in French): May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 79?
It was so decided.

80.  Economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/59/475)

The President unattributed duplicate [French] #49598
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 173 votes to 3, with 3 abstentions (resolution 59/128).
The President unattributed duplicate #49600
(spoke in French): May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 80?
It was so decided.

81.  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 Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/59/476)

The President unattributed duplicate [French] #49604
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of the Dominican Republic informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 121 votes to none, with 57 abstentions (resolution 59/129).
The President unattributed duplicate [French] #49607
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 81?
It was so decided.

82.  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/59/477)

The President unattributed duplicate [French] #49609
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Special Political and Decolonization 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 59/130).
The President unattributed duplicate [French] #49614
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 82?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed [French] #49618
The Assembly has before it six draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 38 of its report and two draft decisions recommended by the Committee in paragraph 39 of the same report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to VI and on draft decisions I and II one by one. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their votes or positions. Draft resolution I is entitled “Question of Western Sahara”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Nigeria informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour; the delegation of Egypt had intended to abstain.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution I was adopted by 50 votes to none, with 100 abstentions (resolution 59/131).
The President unattributed [French] #49620
Draft resolution II is entitled “Question of New Caledonia”. 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 59/132).
The President unattributed [French] #49622
Draft resolution III is entitled “Question of Tokelau.” 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?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 59/133).
The President unattributed [French] #49625
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Questions of American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the United States Virgin Islands”. This draft resolution is in two parts; part A is entitled “General”, and part B is entitled “Individual Territories”. The Special Political and Decolonization 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 59/134).
The President unattributed [French] #49628
Draft resolution V is entitled “Dissemination of information on decolonization”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegations of Chile and Mauritania informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution V was adopted by 170 votes to 3, with 1 abstention (resolution 59/135).
The President unattributed [French] #49630
Draft resolution VI is entitled “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Viet Nam informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution VI was adopted by 167 votes to 2, with 4 abstentions (resolution 59/136).
The President unattributed [French] #49632
We now turn to draft decision I, entitled “Question of Gibraltar”. The Special Political and Decolonization 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 unattributed [French] #49634
Draft decision II is entitled “Increase in the membership 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”. The Special Political and Decolonization 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 unattributed [French] #49636
I shall now call on delegations wishing to speak in explanation of vote or position on the resolutions just adopted. May I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.
Mrs. Kamboj IND India #49643
My delegation shares the general sense of disappointment that, breaking from tradition, the two parties, Algeria and Morocco, have been unable to arrive at a consensus this year on the annual resolution on the question of Western Sahara (draft resolution I in document A/59/478). Our abstention in the vote should not, however, be interpreted as our being in favour of either of the parties. The Government of India is supportive of efforts aimed at a comprehensive and mutually acceptable political solution to the question of Western Sahara. We believe that such a solution can be reached through dialogue and in a spirit of cooperation between the two sides.
Ms. Martina UKR Ukraine on behalf of European Union in explanation of vote on draft resolution #49645
Ukraine shares the position expressed in the Fourth Committee by the representative of the Netherlands on behalf of the European Union in explanation of vote on draft resolution I, on the question of Western Sahara. My country stands for achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution to the dispute over Western Sahara, based on an agreement between the two parties which would provide for the selfdetermination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. In our view, today’s vote does not serve that purpose. The delegation of Ukraine regrets that the established tradition of consensus on a draft resolution on this matter has not been preserved. We believe that the interested parties could have exerted more effort in order to achieve such an outcome. Therefore, the delegation of Ukraine decided to abstain. That position should not be interpreted as being in favour of either of the parties.
Mr. Awad EGY Egypt [Arabic] #49651
We abstained in the vote on draft resolution I, on the question of Western Sahara. The Egyptian decision to abstain was taken in the light of our deep conviction that an effective and lasting political solution to the question of Western Sahara will be possible only through direct dialogue between the parties concerned. Such a political solution could create stability and strengthen fraternal relations among the countries of the Maghreb.
Mr. Williams GBR United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland #49653
I would like to explain the United Kingdom’s votes on draft resolution V, on the dissemination of information on decolonization, and on draft resolution VI, on the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. As members will have seen, the United Kingdom voted against both those resolutions. With regard to the resolution on the dissemination of information on decolonization, the United Kingdom remains of the view that the obligation that this text places on the Secretariat to publicize decolonization issues represents an unwarranted drain on the scarce resources of the United Nations. The resolution is therefore unacceptable to the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom also continues to find some elements of the resolution on the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples to be unacceptable. Despite our negative votes on those resolutions, the United Kingdom remains committed to modernizing its relationship with the overseas territories, taking fully into account the views of the peoples of the territories and continuing to further the process of informal dialogue with the Special Committee of 24 over the coming year.
The President unattributed [French] #49655
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 20. The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) before it.
The President unattributed [French] #49981
Members will recall that the Assembly held its debate on agenda item 39 and its sub-items (a) and (c) at its 51st and 52nd plenary meetings, held on 11 November 2004. I give the floor to the representative of Nigeria to introduce draft resolution A/59/L.45.
Mr. Wali NGA Nigeria on behalf of sponsors #49982
On behalf of the sponsors, I wish to introduce draft resolution A/59/L.45, entitled, “Assistance to survivors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, particularly orphans, widows and victims of sexual violence”. I should like to announce that, since the publication of the draft resolution, the following countries have become sponsors: Austria, Canada, Cuba, Denmark, Eritrea, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Romania, Singapore, the Sudan, Sweden, Tajikistan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America. The draft resolution, among other things, calls for concrete measures to address the effects of the 1994 genocide. To that end, it calls on Member States, the United Nations and its relevant agencies to work with the Government of Rwanda to provide support for the survivors of the genocide, including orphans and sexually abused persons. It is important that survivors of the ugly events of 1994, who have already gone through tremendous pain and suffering, regain their dignity as human beings and find ways of assuming their rightful place in society. We must now focus on the specific needs of that group. In that context, emphasis should be placed on education for orphans, medical care and treatment for victims of sexual violence and trauma, psychological counselling for genocide survivors and skills training and microcredit programmes to promote self-reliance. On behalf of the African Union, we thank the international community and civil society organizations for their invaluable assistance to the survivors of the 1994 genocide. We also commend the Government of Rwanda for setting aside 5 per cent of its annual budget every year to assist the survivors. It is our hope that the draft resolution will be unanimously adopted, having been negotiated in a very cordial atmosphere free from rancour and controversy.
The President unattributed [French] #49984
The General Assembly will now consider draft resolution A/59/L.45, “Assistance to survivors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, particularly orphans, widows and victims of sexual violence”. Before the Assembly takes a decision on the draft resolution, I would like to indicate that since its submission, the following countries have become sponsors of draft resolution A/59/L.45: the Sudan and the United Republic of Tanzania. May I take it that the General Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/59/L.45?
Draft resolution A/59/L.45 was adopted (resolution 59/137).
The President unattributed [French] #49986
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 39.
The President unattributed #49991
(spoke in French): Members will recall that the Assembly held the debate on agenda item 56 and its sub-items (a) to (t) at its 38th, 39th and 40th meetings, on 21 and 22 October 2004. I give the floor to the representative of Barbados to introduce draft resolution A/59/L.25.
Mr. Hackett BRB Barbados #49993
I have the honour to introduce, for the consideration of the General Assembly, the draft resolution entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Caribbean Community”, contained in document A/59/L.25. I do so on behalf of the following sponsors of the draft resolution: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and my own country, Barbados. I would also like to inform the Assembly that the tenth preambular paragraph of the draft resolution is to be orally revised, as agreed by the sponsors. The tenth preambular paragraph, as orally revised, should read as follows: “Noting further that the Caribbean region has been hard hit and in some cases devastated by hurricanes in 2004, and concerned that their frequency, intensity and destructive power pose a challenge to the development endeavours of the region,” I shall now speak about the draft resolution itself. Activities pertaining to cooperation between the United Nations and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have been dealt with in the report of the Secretary- General contained in document A/59/303, particularly section IV, on the Caribbean Community. The report of the Secretary-General, for the first time, is a single consolidated report on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations. We consider that innovation to be commendable, and it no doubt reflects the measures for the revitalization of the work of the General Assembly. The report outlines various aspects of cooperation between the secretariats of the United Nations and CARICOM, which involves an active process of consultation and exchange of information. That cooperation has been growing in areas critical to the economic and social development of the Caribbean subregion. Cooperation has been strengthened through the involvement of a number of United Nations bodies and agencies, including the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, the United Nations International Drug Control Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. In its preambular section, the draft resolution reaffirms the importance of regional organizations in furthering the role of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security, within the context of Chapter VIII of the Charter. It also notes the fruitful results of meetings held between representatives of the United Nations and of the Caribbean Community. It draws attention to two initiatives of particular interest to the Caribbean Community: first, the importance of the adoption of an integrated management approach to the Caribbean Sea in the context of sustainable development; and, secondly, the necessity for the full and effective implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States. It also draws attention to the fact that the Caribbean region has been hard hit by hurricanes this year and expresses concern that their frequency, intensity and destructive power pose challenges to the development of the region. Indeed, we believe that these events are caused largely by climate change and climate variability and are likely to increase over time. The draft resolution also notes relevant proposals emanating from recent international conferences, in particular the World Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Johannesburg, and the United Nations special session on HIV/AIDS, in which special recognition was given to the situation in the Caribbean region. The draft resolution also reaffirms the need to strengthen existing cooperation in the areas of economic and social development, particularly with respect to HIV/AIDS and comprehensive disaster management and climate change. In its operative section, the draft resolution takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on cooperation between the United Nations and the Caribbean Community, as well as of efforts to strengthen that cooperation. It calls upon the Secretary- General, in association with the Secretary-General of CARCIOM, to continue to assist in furthering the development and the maintenance of peace and security in the Caribbean. It urges specialized agencies and other organizations and programmes of the United Nations system to cooperate in order to initiate, maintain and increase consultations and programmes with the Caribbean Community and its associated institutions in the attainment of their objectives, giving special attention to the areas and issues identified at the third general meeting, held in April 2004. It invites the United Nations system organizations as well as Member States to increase financial and other assistance to Caribbean countries to help implement the priorities of the Caribbean Regional Strategic Plan of Action to combat HIV/AIDS, and calls on those same organizations to assist the Caribbean countries, especially Grenada and Haiti, in their rebuilding efforts after the hurricane damage of this year. The draft resolution also welcomes the initiatives of Member States to assist the cooperation between the two secretariats, and recommends that a fourth meeting between representatives of the two organizations be held in the Caribbean region early in 2006 in order to review and appraise progress in the implementation of the agreed areas and issues. Finally, it requests a report by the Secretary- General to the General Assembly during the sixty-first session decides to include in the provisional agenda of that session an item on the subject for the Assembly’s consideration. In closing, I would like to announce that since the publication of the draft resolution, the following countries have become sponsors: Grenada and Thailand. The contents of the draft resolution, we believe, basically seek to further develop the process of cooperation and collaboration between the United Nations system and the Caribbean Community. Its provisions, we also believe, will receive wide support within the Assembly. It is therefore our hope, as sponsors, that, as with similar texts in previous years, this draft resolution can be adopted by consensus.
The President unattributed [French] #49995
Now I give the floor to the representative of Norway to introduce draft resolution A/59/L.31.
Mr. Løvald NOR Norway #49998
It is a great pleasure and honour for me, as a representative of one of the founding members both of the United Nations and of the Council of Europe, to introduce draft resolution A/59/L.31, entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Council of Europe”. The Council of Europe has been implementing in Europe the ideals and principles of the United Nations. Our European instruments and mechanisms today work to secure the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The draft resolution before the Assembly today is a confirmation of those important ties and the close and fruitful cooperation that exists between the United Nations and the Council of Europe. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the delegations that have participated actively in formulating this draft resolution, through extensive consultations over the past few weeks. It is as a result of their valuable input that we are today able to present this draft resolution, which we sincerely hope will be adopted by consensus by the General Assembly. Finally, in addition to the sponsors of the draft resolution already mentioned in document A/59/L.31, I would like to inform the Assembly that Armenia, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Ukraine have joined the list of sponsors.
The President unattributed [French] #50001
The General Assembly will now proceed to take action on draft resolution A/59/L.25, entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Caribbean Community”, as orally revised. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/59/L.25, as orally revised?
Draft resolution A/59/L.25, as orally revised, was adopted (resolution 59/138).
The President unattributed [French] #50003
We shall now turn to draft resolution A/59/L.31, entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Council of Europe”. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/59/L.31?
Draft resolution A/59/L.31 was adopted (resolution 59/139).
The President unattributed [French] #50005
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-items (e) and (f) of agenda item 56? It was so decided. Postponement of the date of recess
The President unattributed [French] #50007
Members will recall that, at its 2nd plenary meeting, held on 17 September 2004, the General Assembly decided that the fifty-ninth session would recess on Tuesday, 14 December 2004. However, in view of the work that remains to be done for this part of the session, I would like to propose to the Assembly that it postpone the date of recess of the current session to Monday, 20 December 2004. If there is no objection, may I take it that the Assembly agrees to that proposal?
It was so decided.
The meeting rose at 4.45 p.m.
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