A/64/PV.64 General Assembly

I thank the Rapporteur of the Sixth Committee. 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 Sixth Committee that are before the Assembly today. It was so decided.

Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Sixth 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, that is, 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 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 Sixth 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 otherwise in advance. I should therefore hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Committee. Members are reminded that additional sponsors are no longer accepted now that draft resolutions and decisions have been adopted by the Committee. Any clarification about co-sponsorship should be addressed to the Secretary of the Committee.

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 78? It was so decided.

Draft resolution II is entitled “Practice Guide on Cross-Border Insolvency Cooperation of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law”. The Sixth Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

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.

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.

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 81? It was so decided.

My delegation will join consensus on the draft resolution contained in document A/64/450, entitled “Report of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization”. With regard to paragraph 2 of the draft resolution, which takes note of the document entitled “Introduction and implementation of sanctions imposed by the United Nations”, as set out in the annex to the draft resolution, my delegation would like to make the following statement. Sanctions, as a coercive measure, may be introduced only after the Security Council has determined a threat to the peace or breach of the peace, based on valid evidence or an act of aggression, and only when peaceful measures have been exhausted or proven to be inadequate. In so doing, the Security Council shall act in strict conformity with the purposes and principles of the Charter, and avoid exceeding its authority or acting in breach of the principles of international law. The Security Council should be held accountable for the consequences of unlawful sanctions applied for illegitimate purposes or introduced under political pressure or the influence of certain permanent members. Given that, my delegation regards paragraph 1 of the annex to the report as a cornerstone of the whole text, and welcomes the key assertion that sanctions should be in support of legitimate objectives. In view of this, the Security Council cannot deprive Member States of their rights, recognized under international law, by imposing sanctions. Such arbitrary actions by the Security Council would undermine the legitimacy of its decisions. Those Member States that exploit the Council for their national interests should also be held responsible. While we have full respect for the Charter of the United Nations, we are concerned about abuse of its provisions, particularly those relating to the mandate and power of the Security Council, by certain Member States for the advancement of their narrow political interests. The Islamic Republic of Iran understands the report as an initiative aimed partly at highlighting the international community’s concern regarding the improper use of sanctions by the Security Council, and partly to provide guidance to the Council based on previous experience.

We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Sixth Committee adopted it 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 82? It was so decided.

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 83? It was so decided.

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 84? It was so decided.

The General Assembly has thus completed this stage of its consideration of agenda item 106.

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 118.

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 133.

The Assembly will now take action on the draft decision. The Sixth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 142.

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 164? It was so decided.

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 165? It was so decided.

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 166? It was so decided.

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 168? It was so decided.

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 169? It was so decided.

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 171? It was so decided.

On behalf of the General Assembly, I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Mourad Benmehidi, Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations and Chairman of the Sixth Committee, members of the Bureau, the Secretary of the Committee and representatives for a job well done. The General Assembly has thus concluded consideration of all the reports of the Sixth Committee before it.

One representative has asked to speak in explanation of position on the resolution just adopted. May I remind him that explanations of vote or position are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

I would like to share with Assembly members the fact that Israel has joined the consensus on resolution 64/125 concerning assistance to the Palestinian people. Unlike so many resolutions regarding our region, the resolution just adopted is constructive in its approach, as it seeks to assist the Palestinian people in increasing their economic and development capacity. These are issues that Israel has supported for many years and remains committed to. In this respect, I would like to draw the attention of the Assembly to the fact that, due to Israeli measures, economic growth stands at 8 per cent in the West Bank, while construction and development projects that improve the lives of countless Palestinians are moving forward at an exceptional pace. The Allenby Bridge now operates until midnight, and numerous checkpoints have been removed or expanded their hours of operation to promote freedom of movement and economic growth. Israel continues to explore additional measures that would augment this progress while ensuring that Israel’s serious and legitimate security concerns are not compromised. Israel maintains certain reservations regarding particular aspects of the resolution, in particular regarding the policy of assistance to the Gaza Strip. It is necessary that such provisions reflect Israel’s security needs with regard to delivering assistance and other issues. However, Israel joined the consensus on this resolution in order to support the broader principle of assistance and development for the Palestinian people. Furthermore, Israel calls upon the Palestinians to return to negotiations in order to reach a peace agreement. Only through bilateral negotiations can we achieve the vision of two States living side by side in peace and security.

I now give the floor to the observer of Palestine.

I would like to make a general statement after the adoption of resolution 64/125. I would like to express Palestine’s gratitude to the Assembly for its unanimous support of resolution 64/125 on assistance to the Palestinian people; to the presidency of the European Union, Sweden, for its efforts in drafting and promoting this resolution; and to all of the sponsors for their valuable support. International assistance in its many forms remains a vital component of the subsistence and steadfastness of the Palestinian people, both for the Palestinians living under Israel’s military occupation and for the millions of refugees living in exile in the region. This assistance has taken on heightened importance and urgency in the context of the severe socio-economic difficulties prevailing in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, in recent years. Indeed, this assistance has become a virtual lifeline for thousands upon thousands of Palestinian families, particularly in the Gaza Strip, where, regrettably, the overwhelming majority of the population has become impoverished and is now dependent on aid for survival as a direct result of Israel’s illegal blockade. Assistance via United Nations agencies and programmes and direct assistance from the donor community in all fields have helped to alleviate such suffering through endless periods of instability, uncertainty and crisis. However, this assistance has not been limited to ameliorating Palestinian hardships. It has also been central to the development of the boundless human potential, capacity and institutions of the Palestinian people. Educational scholarships, training and a multitude of development projects supported by donors from around the globe have greatly contributed to and enhanced Palestinian efforts to rebuild, reform and develop their national institutions in all sectors. Such assistance has become increasingly important in the context of the plan launched in August 2009 by Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. That plan aims to establish within two years the solid foundation of the future independent State of Palestine, wherein the Palestinian people can exercise their inalienable right to self-determination and all of their other human rights as a dignified, resilient and self-reliant people living in peace and security with all of their neighbours. We thank all States that have expressed their support for that important plan, and we continue to appeal for their firm and generous support. While the resolution was adopted by consensus, we cannot ignore the fact of the continued obstruction by Israel of humanitarian and other forms of assistance to the Palestinian people. Nine months later, the generous pledges made by the international community at the Sharm el-Sheikh donor conference have yet to reach the Palestinian people, and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, including repair of millions of dollars’ worth of donor projects destroyed by the occupying Power in its military aggression last winter continue to be deliberately obstructed by Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Clearly, these illegal Israeli policies and measures are gravely undermining the potential of donor support to the Palestinian people, and that requires serious redress by the international community. Thus, although it has joined the consensus on the resolution, Israel should not be absolved of its responsibilities and accountability for the negative role it has played and continues to play in obstructing assistance to the Palestinian people, whether by the blockade of Gaza or by the settlements, the wall and checkpoints throughout the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Israel has clear obligations under international law, including humanitarian and human rights law, with which it must be compelled to comply. Only is such important issues are addressed can the support of the international community, in line with the commitment reaffirmed here today, truly turn the process of assistance to the Palestinian people from one of humanitarian relief efforts, poverty alleviation and crisis management to one of genuine development and State-building with a view to the day when the occupation that began in 1967 is finally ended and an independent, viable and contiguous State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, has been established. In conclusion, I reiterate Palestine’s deepest gratitude to the entire international community for the assistance and support so generously extended to the Palestinian people over the years.

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 70? It was so decided.

The adoption by consensus of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy on 8 September 2006 (see resolution 60/288) was a historic milestone in the unified efforts of the General Assembly in the fight against terrorism. In that resolution, Member States welcomed the intention of the Secretary-General to institutionalize the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force within the Secretariat in order to ensure overall coordination and coherence in the counter-terrorism efforts of the United Nations system. Over the past three years, it has become clear that the full potential of the Task Force to ensure overall coordination and coherence in the implementation of the Global Strategy cannot be effectively achieved under the current budgetary arrangements, which are only ad hoc, temporary and dependent on voluntary donor funding. In order to ensure that the Task Force will be in a position to effectively fulfil its mandate in a sustainable manner, it is thus essential to finalize the institutionalization of the Task Force and provide it with the necessary resources from the regular budget. The draft resolution put forward in document A/64/L.27 by a cross-regional group of countries was introduced by the Permanent Representative of Argentina on 7 December on behalf of the group of five sponsors. It sets the necessary framework for the Task Force to fulfil its mandate and to ensure the full implementation of the Global Strategy in an integrated manner. The draft resolution reflects the high priority assigned to the implementation of the Global Strategy by the General Assembly and contributes to the unified efforts of the United Nations to counter terrorism. We would thus like to invite all Member States to support this joint endeavour to finalize the institutionalization of the Task Force.

Terrorism cannot be defeated through compartmentalized and piecemeal efforts. It is a common challenge to the international community. Its multiplicity haunts us all and calls for unity and sincerity of purpose if we are to succeed. To respond to the daunting challenge of terrorism, Member States have adopted the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The Strategy addresses conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, including prolonged, unresolved conflicts, ethnic, national and religious discrimination, and socio-economic marginalization. It also covers operational, capacity-building and human rights measures. The Strategy envisions the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) as the body for ensuring coordination and coherence within the United Nations system. The adoption of the Strategy by consensus has helped us to bridge the gulf among regional groups and organizations on approaches to fighting the menace. Today, we have come together once again to reaffirm our commitment to the fight against terrorism. The draft resolution before us (A/64/L.27) aims at institutionalizing the CTITF through the regular United Nations budget. This represents a long-term commitment to defeating terrorism. The adoption of the draft resolution by consensus would put to end uncertainties about the future of that General Assembly-mandated counter-terrorism entity. It would give the CTITF mid- and long-term political and administrative planning flexibility. It would also cement the consensus achieved through the adoption of resolution 60/288. Furthermore, it would put to rest any speculation about the divide between the General Assembly and the Security Council in the fight against terrorism and questions about the United Nations capacity to handle the challenge in an overarching and comprehensive manner. The long-term institutionalization of the CTITF would also raise the threshold of expectations for the CTITF and its leadership. In this regard, balanced implementation of the four pillars of the Strategy will be the most important objective. The CTITF might face difficulties at this stage in ensuring balanced implementation of the Strategy. However, the predictable nature of the CTITF will give it enough flexibility to prepare suitable plans to achieve this objective. The decision-making process within the CTITF should benefit from frequent interaction with Member States. We are of the view that Member States, through their ownership of the Strategy implementation process, will be able not only to ensure tangible results in achieving the consensus objectives, but also to lend credence to and enhance the legitimacy of the process itself. Regular briefings to Member States by the CTITF on its activities may also become a permanent feature of the CTITF programme, as there are precedents of regular briefings to Member States by other United Nations entities. It is against this backdrop that Pakistan strongly supports the institutionalization of the CTITF through the regular budget on a long-term basis. We also support the excellent work being done by Mr. Jean- Paul Laborde, Chairman of the CTITF. I am happy to state that, as of today, the number of sponsors of this draft resolution has reached more than 40. We request all Member States to support and consider renewing their unflinching commitment to the defeat of terrorism.

My delegation endorses the statement made by the Permanent Representative of Argentina on 7 December 2009 on behalf of the sponsors of draft resolution A/64/L.27 (see A/64/PV.60). We would like to make the following additional comments. There is no doubt that a safer world, free forever from the scourge of terrorism, continues to be of particular interest to Member States insofar as it is clear today that this scourge continues be a major concern and thus a challenge for the international community and international law. Burkina Faso condemns terrorism in all its forms. For my delegation, the current scope of terrorist acts compels us to pursue our efforts together. That is why my delegation reaffirms that it is urgent to finalize the draft general convention that will give new momentum to the process. It is also for this reason that we reaffirm the importance that efforts to harmonize the activities of the various organs and entities of the system continue and that these activities be refocused within the framework of close cooperation with States and regional and subregional organizations. In our view, the Global Strategy and the Task Force established by the Secretary-General are, in this context, the appropriate tools to coordinate efforts of the system and partner agencies, specifically in the area of providing technical assistance to countries in need. We hope therefore that the draft resolution will be adopted by the General Assembly by consensus so as to give the Task Force the necessary resources to carry out its mandate, which is necessary in the fight against terrorism.

I would like to make a brief statement in support of the draft resolution contained in document A/64/L.27, entitled “Institutionalization of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force”, which was introduced at the 60th plenary meeting by Ambassador Argüello, Permanent Representative of Argentina to the United Nations, on behalf of five main sponsors, including my country. Croatia firmly believes that the United Nations should play a central role in the global struggle against terrorism. The Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy represents an overarching framework, pooling together all Member States, United Nations bodies, agencies and other counter-terrorism partners. The Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force was established precisely to ensure the coordination and coherence of efforts of all relevant parts of the United Nations system. As members of the Assembly know, for the past two years Croatia has chaired the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the Security Council. The Committee and its Executive Directorate have invested a lot of effort into cooperation with the Task Force, as well as with other United Nations bodies that contribute to the implementation of the Strategy. Throughout this period, we have noted a certain paradox whereby the Task Force, the body with the task of coordinating other institutions and agencies, has had the least amount of administrative and expert support. This experience has clearly demonstrated that the Task Force cannot continue to carry out its catalytic function unless its core operations are funded from the regular budget in a sustainable and predictable manner, independent from voluntary contributions, which are still needed for concrete projects. Therefore, we have joined a cross-regional core group with the aim of finishing the project of institutionalizing the Task Force, which commenced more than three years ago with unanimous adoption of the Strategy. I hope that the present draft resolution can enjoy the widespread support of all States Members of the United Nations, and that its adoption will confirm the renewed commitment of all States to the implementation of all four pillars of the Strategy.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this agenda item. Action on draft resolution A/64/L.27 will be taken at a later date to be announced. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 115.

The General Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Credentials Committee in paragraph 16 of its report, which has been orally revised. The Credentials Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Before giving the floor to 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.

My delegation joined in the consensus adoption of resolution 64/126, entitled “Credentials of representatives to the sixty-fourth session of the General Assembly”. However, my delegation would like to express its reservations on any part of the report contained in the document that may be construed as recognition of the Israeli regime.

The delegation of Madagascar would like to make a brief statement under the item under consideration. Madagascar would like to thank Member States for their understanding and cooperation given the current difficult situation of my country, which we hope will be satisfactorily resolved very shortly.

We have heard the last speaker in explanation of position. The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 3.