A/64/PV.103 General Assembly

Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendation 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 also 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 recommendation contained in the report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee, I should like to advise representatives that we are going to proceed to take a decision in the same manner as was done in the Special Political and Decolonization Committee, unless the Assembly is notified otherwise in advance. The General Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 4 of its report. The Assembly will now take action on the draft decision entitled “Consideration of the report of the fifty-seventh session of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 29?

Before giving the floor to speakers in explanation of position on the draft decision, may I remind delegations that explanations are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

Cuba attaches special importance to the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the historic adoption of resolution 1514 (XV), a landmark resolution for the United Nations, and for the cause of decolonization in particular. Since its adoption, in 1960, more than 80 countries have become members of the United Nations community and, more important, have exercised their right to self-determination and independence. This year, 17 African countries will celebrate their independence. Much progress has been made since then, but a great deal remains to be done. This commemoration invites us to renew our commitment to the decolonization of peoples and emphasizes the importance of all Member States joining their efforts to ensure that all territories that have not yet been able to exercise their genuine right to self-determination can do so as soon as possible, thereby eradicating the scourge of colonialism from the face of the Earth.

I would simply like to thank all delegations for adopting this decision without a vote. For many of us here, it is by virtue of the fact that resolution 1514 (XV) was adopted 50 years ago that we are able to add our voices to the work and achievements of the Special Committee. On behalf of the Special Committee, I want to say that we will continue to take our responsibilities seriously and make the Committee a true vehicle to enable those who are not yet able to join us in the Hall to find their rightful place and to decide, one way or another, how they want to shape their future. It is for me an important moment that we will be celebrating. I hope that when the programme is finalized, we will all join in commemorating what I consider to be one of the landmark events and decisions of the United Nations. Again, I thank all those who supported this draft decision — which is all of us. I look forward to our participation on 14 December, when we will hold the commemoration.

We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 39?