A/65/PV.69 General Assembly

Monday, Dec. 20, 2010 — Session 65, Meeting 69 — New York — UN Document ↗

The President [French] #61225
I thank the Rapporteur of the Second Committee for his introduction of the reports of the Second 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 Second Committee which are before the Assembly today.
Vote: A/RES/65/142 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (119)
Vote: A/RES/65/147 Recorded Vote
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— Abstain (5)
✓ Yes (163)
Vote: A/RES/65/167 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (126)
Vote: A/RES/65/179 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (167)
It was so decided.

19.  Follow-up to and implementation of the outcome of the 2002 International Conference on Financing for Development and the 2008 Review Conference Report of the Second Committee (A/65/435) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 16 of its report. The Assembly will now take action on the two draft resolutions. We first turn to draft resolution I, entitled “Follow-up to the International Conference on Financing for Development”. The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

22.  Globalization and interdependence Report of the Second Committee (А/65/438) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 18 of its report. The Assembly will now take action on the two draft resolutions. We first turn to draft resolution I, entitled “Culture and development”. The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

25.  Operational activities for development: operational activities for development of the United Nations system Report of the Second Committee (A/65/441) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 17 of its report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I and II. Draft resolution I is entitled “Renaming of the Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Population Fund to include the United Nations Office for Project Services”. The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
The President [French] #61226
Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Second 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. When a report contains more than one draft resolution, delegations will have an opportunity to explain their positions before and after the General Assembly takes action on all of the draft resolutions. Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the 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 Second 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. Before proceeding further, I would like to draw the attention of members to a note by the Secretariat, entitled “List of proposals contained in the reports of the Second Committee”, which has been released in English only and circulated as document A/C.2/65/INF/1. This note has been distributed desk- to-desk in the General Assembly Hall as a reference guide for action on draft resolutions and decisions recommended by the Second Committee in its reports. In this connection, members will find in the third column of the note, the order and numbers of the draft resolutions or decisions for action in plenary meeting, with their corresponding titles and symbols assigned in the Second Committee in the fourth column of the same note. Finally, the Assembly is reminded that we will shortly be taking action on draft resolutions and decisions recommended for adoption by the Second Committee and, as such, those draft resolutions and decisions can no longer be additionally co-sponsored in plenary meeting by Member States. Any clarification about sponsorship should be addressed to the Secretary of the Committee.

20.  Sustainable development Report of the Second Committee (A/65/436) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it five draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 32 of its report. The Assembly will now take action on draft resolutions I to V one by one. We will first take action on draft resolution I, entitled “Oil slick on Lebanese shores”. A recorded vote has been requested.

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 163   ✗ 8   5 abs.
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— Abstain (5)
✓ Yes (163)

17.  Information and communications technologies for development Report of the Second Committee (А/65/433) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. We will now take action on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/141).

10.  Implementation of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS Draft resolution (A/65/L.49) The President (spoke in French): We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/65/L.49. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

Vote: 65/180 Consensus
The President [French] #61227
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 17?
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
It was so decided.
Vote: 32/413 Recorded Vote
✓ 126   ✗ 1   52 abs.
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✓ Yes (126)

18.  Macroeconomic policy questions Report of the Second Committee (А/65/434) The President (spoke in French): May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee?

It was so decided.
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
The President [French] #61228
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 18. (a) International trade and development Report of the Second Committee (A/65/434/Аdd.1) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take action on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 119 votes to 47, with 7 abstentions (resolution 65/142).
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
[Subsequently, the delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote against.]
The President [French] #61229
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 18? (b) International financial system and development Report of the Second Committee (A/65/434/Аdd.2) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
It was so decided.
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/143).
The President [French] #61230
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 18? (c) External debt sustainability and development Report of the Second Committee (A/65/434/Аdd.3) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
It was so decided.
Vote: 31/169 Consensus
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/144).
The President [French] #61231
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 18 and of agenda item 18 as a whole?

42.  The situation in Central America: progress in fashioning a region of peace, freedom, democracy and development Letter dated 10 December 2010 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the General Assembly (A/65/618) Draft resolution (A/65/L.51*) The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Guatemala to introduce draft resolution A/65/L.51*.

Vote: 65/181 Consensus
It was so decided.
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 65/145).
The President [French] #61232
Draft resolution II is entitled “Innovative mechanisms of financing for development”. The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 65/146).
The President [French] #61233
I call on the representative of Uganda on a point of order.
Mr. Muhumuza UGA Uganda #61234
I think that something has been lost in translation. Mr. President, you seemed to have mentioned that the Second Committee adopted the resolution without a vote, but the English version of your notes says that “the Second Committee adopted it”. We do not know whether that was without a vote or with a vote. The notes say only “the Second Committee adopted it” and we are not being told whether it was with or without a vote. Something needs to be clarified.
The President [French] #61235
I thank the representative of Uganda and I shall provide the following explanation. I had the same question myself and was told that, in Second Committee terminology, the matter of the vote is not mentioned, but that it goes without saying that there was no vote. Are you satisfied by that answer, Sir?
Mr. Muhumuza UGA Uganda #61236
Maybe someone else could have a different take on it, but I do not know whether it is satisfactory. Some of us in the plenary are not members of the Second Committee and we may not necessarily be familiar with what goes on in the Second Committee and its traditions. So, maybe we need somebody who is more familiar with this.
The President [French] #61237
I take note of the remark, and I will now continue using the vocabulary recommended by the Committee. However, to my knowledge, when I say that the Committee “adopted”, it means that there was no vote. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 19?
It was so decided.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution I was adopted by 163 votes to 8, with 5 abstentions (resolution 65/147).
[Subsequently, the delegation of Kazakhstan advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
The President [French] #61238
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled “Global Code of Ethics for Tourism”. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 65/148).
The President [French] #61239
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution III, entitled “Cooperative measures to assess and increase awareness of environmental effects of waste originating from chemical munitions dumped at sea”, as orally corrected. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution III, as orally corrected, was adopted (resolution 65/149).
The President [French] #61240
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution IV, entitled “Protection of coral reefs for sustainable livelihoods and development”. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 65/150).
The President [French] #61241
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution V, entitled “International Year for Sustainable Energy for All”. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 65/151).
The President [French] #61242
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 20. (a) Implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development Report of the Second Committee (A/65/436/Add.1) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 17 of its report. The Assembly will now take action on draft resolutions I to III. We will first take action on draft resolution I, entitled “Implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development”. The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 65/152).
The President [French] #61243
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled “Follow- up of the International Year of Sanitation, 2008”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 65/153).
The President [French] #61244
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution III, entitled “International Year of Water Cooperation, 2013”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 65/154).
The President [French] #61245
The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 20. (b) Follow-up to and implementation of the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States Report of the Second Committee (A/65/436/Add.2) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 13 of its report. The Assembly will now take action on the two draft resolutions. The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled “Towards the sustainable development of the Caribbean Sea for present and future generations”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 65/155).
The President [French] #61246
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled “Follow-up to and implementation of the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 65/156).
The President [French] #61247
The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 20. (c) International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Report of the Second Committee (A/65/436/Add.3) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 14 of its report. The Assembly will now take action on the two draft resolutions. The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled “International Strategy for Disaster Reduction”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 65/157).
The President [French] #61248
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled “International cooperation to reduce the impact of the El Niño problem”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 65/158).
The President [French] #61249
I give the floor to the representative of Chile in explanation of position on the resolution just adopted.
Mr. Berguño CHL Chile [Spanish] #61250
I wish to make a statement on resolution 65/157, just adopted, on the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction. The delegation of Chile would like to congratulate the Polish delegation on facilitating this positive resolution, as well as those of Peru and Morocco, which coordinated the position for the Group of 77. I recall that our country was affected early this year by one of the largest and most intense earthquakes in the history of humankind, which killed hundreds of human beings and wrought enormous material destruction. This year, such friendly countries as Haiti, Pakistan and others have been stricken by disasters on an even greater scale in terms of loss of human life. The experiences of the past few years have shown us that investment in disaster risk prevention saves human lives, and we believe it appropriate to reassert, in this Assembly, that human life is priceless. Defending human life is a universal value that unites all of us and that should be promoted by all States.
The President [French] #61251
The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 20. (d) Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind Report of the Second Committee (A/65/436/Add.4) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. The Assembly will now take action on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/159).
The President [French] #61252
The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 20. (e) Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa Report of the Second Committee (A/65/436/Add.5) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. The Assembly will now take action on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/160).
The President [French] #61253
The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 20. (f) Convention on Biological Diversity Report of the Second Committee (A/65/436/Add.6)
The President [French] #61254
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. The Assembly will now take action on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/161).
The President [French] #61255
The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of sub-item (f) of agenda item 20. (g) Report of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme on its eleventh special session Report of the Second Committee (A/65/436/Add.7)
The President [French] #61256
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. The Assembly will now take action on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/162).
The President [French] #61257
I shall now give the floor to the representatives of those countries who have requested to speak in explanation of position on the resolution just adopted.
Mr. Khalil EGY Egypt #61258
The delegation of Egypt would like to explain its position on resolution 65/162, just adopted, concerning the report of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on its eleventh special session. Egypt welcomes the adoption of the resolution, which requests, in paragraph 17, that UNEP, without prejudice to the final institutional arrangements for the intergovernmental platform on biodiversity and ecosystem services, convene a plenary meeting to determine modalities and institutional arrangements for the platform. My delegation believes that this is an important step to build on what was agreed on recently in Nagoya towards the establishment of the intergovernmental platform on biodiversity and ecosystem services. My delegation also reaffirms and aligns itself with the African position on this topic. Egypt believes that we need first to reach an agreement on all modalities and institutional arrangements concerning the intergovernmental platform on biodiversity and ecosystem services before it is established. This is where we see the added value of the resolution just adopted, as it will launch the consultation process necessary for agreement on all the details involved. There are still many ambiguities surrounding the institutional, administrative and financial implications concerning the establishment of the platform. We hope that the resolution will help in reaching agreement by consensus on the modalities and institutional arrangements that it requires.
Mr. Loayza Barea BOL Plurinational State of Bolivia [Spanish] #61259
The delegations of Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela and the Plurinational State of Bolivia joined in the consensus on resolution 65/162, which has just been adopted. However, we would like to clarify our position on some important points that we wish to be included in the record of this meeting. We joined the consensus in the understanding that the science-policy platform on biodiversity and ecosystem services will make a positive contribution to deepening the interface between science and policy. In addition, the platform will contribute to more effective and equitable decision-making, thereby strengthening the scientific links among multilateral environmental agreements on biodiversity and ecosystems through the provision of independent, reliable and comprehensive scientific advice. This process should include discussions on issues related to the reform of the architecture of international environmental governance. This reform should be addressed under the aegis of the United Nations Environmental Programme, the General Assembly and the Rio+20 process with a view to ensuring that all contributions improve the global environment system. At the same time, we reiterate that in no circumstances should the immediate implementation of this mechanism be considered without first conducting a careful assessment of its technical, legal, financial and administrative implications. In that regard, the plenary meeting referred to in paragraph 17 of the resolution will enable countries to begin discussions, with the full and meaningful participation of all Member States, to clarify any doubts they may have prior to the full establishment of the mechanism. This process may require a number of plenary meetings. We also understand that any action taken under the resolution must respect the principle of the sovereignty of States over their own natural resources, as enshrined in principle 2 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and in article 3 of the Convention on Biological Diversity. We trust that the platform will neither duplicate nor undermine existing scientific mechanisms in the conventions addressing biodiversity, in particular the Convention on Biological Diversity and its principles and subsidiary bodies. We are concerned by the excessively commercial emphasis in the debates on the intergovernmental science-policy platform on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Our delegations recognize the value of ecosystems as an instrument to preserve the environmental assets of our countries, but this must not be interpreted as offering a free hand to commercialize nature. Therefore, the platform should not be used as a mechanism leading to the mandatory implementation of ecosystem markets, particularly in those countries that do not share this approach. We are confident that, through the contributions of all Member States, the platform for environmental and ecosystems services can become a useful tool that will contribute to efforts to address the real causes of biodiversity deterioration. Likewise, we hope that the platform will facilitate technology transfer and the provision of the necessary financial resources, without conditionalities and in a multilateral framework, so that developing countries can effectively reduce biodiversity loss. Finally, our delegations wish to voice their full willingness to continue working constructively and positively with a view to ensuring the future establishment of the platform in accordance with the interests and in benefit of all stakeholders, in particular developing countries.
The President [French] #61260
The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of sub-item (g) of agenda item 20. (h) United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development Report of the Second Committee (A/65/436/Add.8) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014)”. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/163).
The President [French] #61261
The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of sub-item (h) of agenda item 20. (i) Harmony with Nature Report of the Second Committee (A/65/436/Add.9) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, as orally corrected by the Rapporteur of the Committee. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft resolution, as orally corrected? The draft resolution, as orally corrected, was adopted (resolution 65/164).
The President [French] #61262
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (i) of agenda item 20.

21.  Implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) and strengthening of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Report of the Second Committee (А/65/437) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 13 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/165).
The President [French] #61263
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 21.
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 65/166).
The President [French] #61264
Draft resolution II is entitled “Towards a New International Economic Order”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution II was adopted by 126 votes to 1, with 52 abstentions (resolution 65/167).
[Subsequently, the delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina advised the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain.]
The President [French] #61265
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 22. (a) Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence Report of the Second Committee (A/65/438/Add.1) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it one draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 11 of its report and one draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 12 of the same report. We will now take action on the draft resolution and on the draft decision. The draft resolution is entitled “Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence”. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/168).
The President [French] #61266
We now turn to the draft decision, entitled “Report of the Secretary- General concerning the role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence”. The Second Committee adopted the draft decision. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President [French] #61267
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 22? It was so decided. (b) Preventing and combating corrupt practices and transfer of assets of illicit origin and returning such assets, in particular to the countries of origin, consistent with the United Nations Convention against Corruption Report of the Second Committee (A/65/438/Аdd.2) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/169).
The President [French] #61268
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 22? (c) International migration and development Report of the Second Committee (A/65/438/Аdd.3) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
It was so decided.
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/170).
The President [French] #61269
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 22 and of agenda item 22 as a whole?
It was so decided.

23.  Groups of countries in special situations Report of the Second Committee (А/65/439) The President (spoke in French): May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee?

It was so decided.
The President [French] #61270
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 23. (a) Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries Report of the Second Committee (A/65/439/Аdd.1) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 11 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/171).
The President [French] #61271
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 23? (b) Specific actions related to the particular needs and problems of landlocked developing countries: outcome of the International Ministerial Conference of Landlocked and Transit Developing Countries and Donor Countries and International Financial and Development Institutions on Transit Transport Cooperation Report of the Second Committee (A/65/439/Аdd.2) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
It was so decided.
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/172).
The President [French] #61272
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 23 and of agenda item 23 as a whole?
It was so decided.

24.  Eradication of poverty and other development issues Report of the Second Committee (A/65/440) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “Promotion of ecotourism for poverty eradication and environment protection”. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/173).
The President [French] #61273
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 24. (a) Implementation of the Second United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2008-2017) Report of the Second Committee (A/65/440/Аdd.1) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report and a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. We will now take action on the draft resolution and on the draft decision. The draft resolution is entitled “Second United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2008- 2017)”. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/174).
The President [French] #61274
We now turn to the draft decision, entitled “Report of the Secretary- General on the role of microcredit and microfinance in the eradication of poverty”. The Second Committee adopted the draft decision. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President [French] #61275
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 24? (b) Industrial development cooperation Report of the Second Committee (A/65/440/Аdd.2) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take action on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
It was so decided.
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/175).
The President [French] #61276
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 24 and of agenda item 24 as a whole?
It was so decided.
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 65/176).
The President [French] #61277
Draft resolution II is entitled “Operational activities for development of the United Nations system”. The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 65/177).
The President [French] #61278
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 25?
It was so decided.

26.  Agriculture development and food security Report of the Second Committee (A/65/442) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 14 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/178).
The President [French] #61279
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 26.

60.  Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources Report of the Second Committee (A/65/443) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 13 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 167 votes to 8, with 5 abstentions (resolution 65/179).
[Subsequently, the delegation of Panama advised the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain.]
The President [French] #61280
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 60?
It was so decided.

118.  Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly Report of the Second Committee (А/65/444) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it two draft decisions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. We will now take action on draft decisions I and II. The Second Committee adopted draft decision I, entitled “Programme of work of the Second Committee for the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The draft decision was adopted.
The President [French] #61281
The Second Committee adopted draft decision II, entitled “Improving the working methods of the Second Committee”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President [French] #61282
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 118.

130.  Programme planning Report of the Second Committee (A/65/445) The President (spoke in French): May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee? It was so decided.

The President on behalf of General Assembly [French] #61283
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 130. As we conclude our consideration of the reports of the Second Committee, on behalf of the General Assembly, I would like to thank Ms. Enkhtsetseg Ochir, Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the United Nations and Chairperson of the Second Committee, as well as the members of the Bureau, the Secretary of the Committee and delegations for a job well done. The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Second Committee before it today.
Mr. Zhang Saijin Department for General Assembly and Conference Management on behalf of Secretary-General #61284
In connection with draft resolution A/65/L.49, entitled “Organization of the 2011 comprehensive review of the progress achieved in realizing the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS”, I wish to put on record the following statement of financial implications on behalf of the Secretary-General, in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. In the terms of paragraphs 1, 2, 2 (a) and 9 of draft resolution A/65/L.49, the General Assembly would decide to convene a high-level meeting from 8 to 10 June 2011, which would undertake a comprehensive review of the progress achieved in realizing the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, including successes, best practices, lessons learned, obstacles and gaps, challenges and opportunities, and recommendations to guide and monitor the HIV/AIDS response beyond 2010, including concrete strategies for action, as well as promote the continued commitment and engagement of leaders in a comprehensive global response to HIV/AIDS. The General Assembly would also decide that the organizational arrangements for the high-level meeting should be as follows: the high-level meeting would comprise plenary meetings and up to five panel discussions. The General Assembly would request the President of the General Assembly to organize an informal interactive civil society hearing, no later than April 2011, organized with the active participation of people living with HIV and broader civil society, and attended by representatives of Member States, Observer States and observers, non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, invited civil society organizations and the private sector, as part of the preparatory process for the high-level meeting. Pursuant to operative paragraphs 1, 2, 2 (a) and 9 of the draft resolution, it is the understanding of the Secretariat that the high-level meeting on HIV/AIDS, to be held from 8 to 10 June 2011, will comprise six plenary meetings to be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day, with interpretation and verbatim records in all six official languages, and five thematic panel discussions of a three-hour duration each, with interpretation in all six official languages, held in parallel with the plenary meetings. As regards the informal interactive hearing to be held no later than April 2011, it is assumed that there will be no more than two meetings per day scheduled between the periods of 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., respectively, and serviced with interpretation in all six official languages. Furthermore, it is envisaged that three pre-session documents of 18,650 words in total, one in-session document of 8,500 words and one post-session document of 8,500 words would be translated into all six official languages. It is determined that the six plenary meetings and the informal interactive hearing will form part of the programme of work of the General Assembly. As such, the costs will be met by the existing budgetary appropriation provided to service the General Assembly during normal working hours, with interpretation services in all six official languages and verbatim record services only for the plenary meetings. Accordingly, no additional resources would be required to service these meetings. As regards the five thematic panel discussions, these would constitute additions to the calendar of conferences and meetings of the United Nations in 2011 because they would be held in parallel with the plenary meetings. Based on the capacity planning for interpretation services for the three days from 8 to 10 June 2011, only three parallel thematic panels can be accommodated. It is a mutual understanding between the Office of the President of the General Assembly and the Secretariat that the other two thematic panel discussions would be provided with interpretation services on an as-available basis and that every effort will be made to work with the bodies concerned and other conference bodies in order to accommodate the service needs of the two thematic panel discussions. Consequently, no additional resources would be required to service the five thematic panel discussions. As regards the requirements for documentation, it is determined that one pre-session, one in-session and one post-session document are of a recurrent nature. As a result, of the five documents cited above, two pre-session documents of 10,150 words in total would constitute an additional documentation workload. However, it is further determined that, if the pre-session documents are submitted by March 2011 and fall within word limits, additional resources would not be required. In conclusion, should the General Assembly adopt draft resolution A/65/L.49, no programme budget implications would arise under section 2, “General Assembly and Economic and Social Council Affairs and Conference Management”, of the programme budget for the biennium 2010-2011.
The President [French] #61285
The Assembly will now take action on draft resolution A/65/L.49, entitled “Organization of the 2011 comprehensive review of the progress achieved in realizing the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution A/65/L.49?
Draft resolution A/65/L.49 was adopted (resolution 65/180).
The President on behalf of General Assembly [French] #61286
On behalf of the General Assembly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Gary Francis Quinlan, Permanent Representative of Australia, and Mr. Charles Thembani Ntwaagae, Permanent Representative of Botswana, for having coordinated, as co-facilitators, the consultations and negotiations on the resolution just adopted. I would like to highlight not only their commitment and effective work, but also their competence in accomplishing this task. I thank them for this. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 10.
Mr. Rosenthal GTM Guatemala [Spanish] #61287
By now, the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala is a familiar entity to the members of the General Assembly. Indeed, it gave rise to two resolutions during the past two years: resolutions 63/19 of 10 November 2008 and 64/7 of 28 October 2009. The Assembly will recall that the Commission is an innovative effort in which the State of Guatemala and the United Nations joined forces to fight impunity in my country. The Commission, created under Guatemalan legislation but delegating the authority to designate the Commissioner to the Secretary-General, has received ample support from the donor community and had an important positive impact in Guatemala. Its role is to strengthen the national institutions in the security and justice sectors by providing technical assistance and playing a role subsidiary to that of the Guatemalan entities involved in criminal prosecution. The Commission is conceived as an interim arrangement, and its functions will ultimately be absorbed by Guatemala. It was not our intention to bring the matter of the Commission to the General Assembly on a yearly basis. The Assembly may recall that paragraph 6 of resolution 64/7 requested the Secretary-General to periodically keep the General Assembly apprised of the work of the Commission, a requirement that can be construed as reporting when circumstances so warrant. As the letter of 10 December of the Secretary-General (A/65/618) correctly states, there are two new developments that certainly need to be brought to the attention of the Assembly, although, in our opinion, they do not require any further legislative action. The first development was the resignation of Commissioner Carlos Castresana, which my Government very much regrets, given his exemplary performance. However, I am pleased to report that the designation of his successor, Commissioner Francisco Dall’Anese Ruiz, has been well received and that the transition in the leadership of the Commission has been orderly and smooth. The second important development — again, as reported by the Secretary-General in his letter of 10 December — is that the Government of Guatemala has reached the conclusion that it would be premature for the Commission to withdraw by September of 2011, the current expiration date of the Agreement between the United Nations and Guatemala that established the Commission. Consequently, on 6 October, President Álvaro Colom formally proposed to the Secretary- General an extension of an additional two years, as contemplated in article 14 of the original Agreement. We see this measure as a way to provide adequate time for the Commission to conclude its work. Another reason for having proposed the extension at this time is that we will hold our general elections in September 2011, and there will be a change of administration in January 2012. We believe that the work of the Commission is a matter of State and should not be subject to the political calendar of any particular Government. The present Administration has therefore held consultations with civil society, political parties and the donor community and has been able to ascertain broad support for the continued existence of the Commission to assist in the fight against impunity. In that respect, only two weeks ago, Ms. Claudia Paz y Paz was designated as the new Attorney General of Guatemala. Moments after assuming her post, Ms. Paz y Paz underscored to the press the work of the Commission and her commitment to supporting the Commission and working in coordination with it. Finally, I should specify that the work of the Commission is fully funded by voluntary contributions from bilateral and some multilateral sources, as well as from the Government’s budgetary contributions to the institutions being assisted by the Commission. The draft resolution (A/65/L.51*) that I submit to the Assembly this morning, which has been sponsored by the countries to be read out by the representative of the Secretariat, is a follow-up to last year’s resolution 64/7 and simply takes note of these new developments. Its overall thrust is to provide some stability and continuity to this creative partnership between Guatemala and the United Nations, without my country in any way renouncing its own responsibility, as a sovereign nation, to strengthen the rule of law.
Mr. Grauls BEL Belgium on behalf of European Union #61288
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The candidate countries Turkey, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Iceland; the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia; the European Free Trade Association countries Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. Let me start by expressing the European Union’s appreciation for the important role played so far by the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala. I wish to thank former Commissioner Carlos Castresana as well as his successor, recently appointed Commissioner Francisco Dall’Anese Ruiz, and all their collaborators for the tireless determination with which they have advanced the work of the Commission. Now in its fourth year, the Commission continues to be a positive force in Guatemala through its efforts to combat the situation of impunity prevailing in the country. Through highly professional work, and despite the extremely difficult and dangerous situation, the Commission has provided an innovative approach to addressing the very particular challenges facing the Guatemalan justice system, and has made important progress in many areas of its mandate. For many Guatemalans, the support the Commission is providing to the local justice authorities is a clear signal that the international community stands on the side of those who fight for justice and the rule of law and against impunity and organized crime. As the Commission’s purpose is to support the State institutions of Guatemala in the investigation and prosecution of certain categories of crimes, it is of the utmost importance that all public institutions, throughout the country and at all levels, fully support the work of the Commission and provide the necessary level of cooperation. It is also crucial that Guatemalan society as a whole, including civil society, non- governmental organizations and the business sector, contribute to the fight against impunity, and it is crucial to ensure that the violence suffered by the people of Guatemala is adequately addressed. From the outset, the European Union has been a firm supporter of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala and has provided the Commission with political and financial support. A donation from the European Union Election Observation Mission allowed the Commission to start its activities in 2007. Since then, a number of its key personnel have come from member States of the European Union, including the first Commissioner, Mr. Carlos Castresana. Last week, the European Commission formalized an additional contribution to the Commission’s trust fund, which is administered by the United Nations Development Programme. This brings the total financial support provided by the European Union through its general budget to €5.5 million. Moreover, European Union member States have individually offered substantial financial contributions. The European Union welcomes the recent adoption of the law on asset seizure by the Congress of Guatemala. It is a very encouraging signal of political support to the strengthening of the legal framework in the fight against impunity and organized crime. However, while much has been achieved, much remains to be done. The European Union therefore supports the draft resolution before the General Assembly today (A/65/L.51*), which calls for an extension of the mandate of the Commission for an additional two years, until September 2013. As we express our support for an extension of the Commission’s mandate, we also wish to underline the importance of long-term sustainability. It is therefore crucial to ensure a smooth transfer to the authorities of Guatemala of the expertise, knowledge and best practices acquired over the years. Moreover, the European Union remains concerned about the continued high levels of violence and impunity in Guatemala. We urge the Secretariat to do its utmost to ensure that the operational challenges currently faced by the Commission are properly addressed. The safety and security of the Commission’s staff are matters of particular concern to us. The European Union also underlines the importance of the continued commitment of Guatemala to strengthening its own institutions, including through fiscal reform, which will enable the Guatemalan Government to fund the much-needed institutional strengthening. Finally, we reiterate our support for the Commission’s efforts to assist Guatemala in maintaining and strengthening its democratic institutions, which are vital to peace, development and the rule of law, to the benefit of all people of Guatemala.
Mr. Ulibarri CRI Costa Rica [Spanish] #61289
Costa Rica welcomes the General Assembly’s renewed consideration of the situation in Central America with regard to peace, freedom, democracy and development. In that context, my country supports draft resolution A/65/L.51*, which extends the functions, strengthens the capacities and consolidates the contribution of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG). CICIG is a robust and unprecedented experiment in pooling national and multilateral efforts to combat impunity as a means to consolidate the rule of law and Guatemalan institutions. Since its establishment, CICIG has been a pivotal instrument in apprehending, trying and convicting the perpetrators of serious criminal acts. However, it has also worked to increase its technical and legal legacy through the training of local staff and institution-building. That work would end prematurely if its mandate were not extended; hence, our support for the draft resolution. Costa Rica’s support for CICIG has been consistent and enthusiastic through the development of human resources, the exchange of good practices and other non-financial contributions. We are particularly pleased that its current leader and Commissioner is the former Attorney General of our country, Mr. Francisco Dall’Anese. We extend our deep appreciation to him, the other CICIG officials, the Government and civil society of Guatemala, the United Nations and donor countries. Following its internal conflicts and the intervention of external Powers, in recent decades Central America has trodden a difficult path to become a region of peace, freedom, democracy and development anchored in the respect for human rights. The ultimate success of that still unfinished task will depend on many factors, but its basis must be institution-building, the independence of public offices, respect for democratic rules and the rejection of de facto actions as standards of political conduct — that is, strengthening the rule of law. Those elements should also guide the foreign relations and policies of Central American Governments, in accordance with the basic principles of international law. Its cornerstone is respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. We had thought that the observance of such principles was an irreversible reality in Central America. Unfortunately, we were mistaken. Through an incomprehensible, unjustified and unacceptable action of the Government of Nicaragua, our region has taken an unfortunate step backwards in its efforts to overcome its sombre past and embrace a better future. The primary victim of that conduct is Costa Rica, but its impact affects the entire region and beyond.
The President [French] #61290
The representative of Nicaragua has asked to speak on a point of order. I would first like to say that I do not appreciate his way of asking for the floor. I urge everyone to demonstrate behaviour worthy of the Assembly.
Mr. Rosales Díaz NIC Nicaragua [Spanish] #61291
We feel that we must take the floor on a point of order. In anticipation of the situation in which we find ourselves, Sir, we were courteous enough to so inform you in advance. We felt compelled to take the floor on a point of order because we wish to draw attention to the fact that the representative of Costa Rica is not keeping to the item under the consideration of the General Assembly, which, as you pointed out, Mr. President, concerns the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala and the draft resolution introduced by the Permanent Representative of Guatemala (A/65/L/51*). With all due respect, we therefore very respectfully ask that the Permanent Representative of Costa Rica be called to order and that he limit remarks to the issue of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala and consideration of the draft resolution. We wish to again express regret that we had to request the floor on a point of order, but the rules of procedure are clear and must be respected.
The President [French] #61292
We take note of this statement. Nicaragua may respond to any statement made from this rostrum at the end of the debate, pursuant to the rules of procedure. We will now continue to hear the statement of the Permanent Representative of Costa Rica.
Mr. Ulibarri CRI Costa Rica [Spanish] #61293
My statement touches on matters pertaining to the rule of law, both national and international, and I continue. The primary victim of Nicaragua’s conduct is Costa Rica, but its impact affects the entire region and beyond. Since late October, Nicaraguan troops have occupied a part of our territory, in clear violation of our sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity. Their presence has been accompanied by blatant environmental pillaging in an internationally protected wetland. We are clearly and simply experiencing an act of consummate violence. That aggression has not led to armed conflict because Costa Rica lacks an army. Our defence lies not in weapons, but in law, and in reason, not in bullets. Following its military action, Nicaragua has sought to invent a legal justification. After 113 years without disputing the delineation of the border, it argued that the occupied territory is not Costa Rican and that it therefore all comes down to a border dispute. The reality is that we face military occupation. We Costa Ricans have the right to live without an army, as we decided in 1949. No force or arbitrary act will turn us from that path. To continue on it, however, we depend on the multilateral system and international law, and that is what we have had recourse to. We denounced Nicaragua’s violation to the Organization of American States (OAS). However, the Nicaraguan Government, in a clear breach of its international obligations, rejected and continues to reject the authority of the OAS. Costa Rica also denounced Nicaragua to the International Court of Justice for violating the borders agreed on in 1858 and clarified in 1897 by occupying and damaging part of our territory and resorting to de facto measures. In addition, we requested and obtained an emergency observer mission from the international secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in order to evaluate the environmental issues. We await the outcome. We have tried to engage the Ibero-American community in a just solution to the conflict. However, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega did not attend the recent summit of Ibero-American heads of State and Government in Argentina. He sent the head of the judicial branch to that entirely political meeting in his place. Costa Rica is working on other diplomatic alternatives, including direct dialogue, pursuant to the principle of respect for our territorial integrity. We would like to sit down with the Government of Nicaragua — before qualified witnesses and provided that the disputed area is free of military presence, as the Organization of American States has stipulated on two occasions — to discuss the conflict that its aggression has produced. In the face of arbitrary actions, Costa Rica has upheld international law; in the face of force, we have acted with prudence. These tenets, which are founding principles of the United Nations, are clearly relevant to the strengthening of the rule of law in every Central American country, to which end CICIG is providing significant support in Guatemala. We trust that, based on these and other shared beliefs, Central Americans will continue to advance further to higher levels of peace, democracy, freedom, sustainable development, integration and security. That is what our people deserve. That is what our Governments should seek.
Mr. Oyarzun ESP Spain on behalf of European Union [Spanish] #61294
I would first like to state our full support for the statement made by the representative of Belgium on behalf of the European Union. As we engage in this debate, it is important to keep the historical perspective in mind. Let us remember that agenda item 42 — “The situation in Central America: progress in fashioning a region of peace, freedom, democracy and development” — which has been on the agenda of the United Nations since 1983, originally contained a reference to procedures for establishing a firm and lasting peace. Since the success of the peace processes in Central America, that reference has not been included for more than a decade. The evolving terminology of this agenda item is an indication of the progress achieved in Central America and of the positive role that the United Nations has played and continues to play in supporting peace, democracy and development in the region. The internal armed conflict in Guatemala ended in 1996 with the signing of the Peace Accords, launching the ambitious process of establishing a democratic and global society. The Guatemalan Government’s national initiative to ask the United Nations to form the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) was a demonstration of the country’s desire to move towards lasting peace and the consolidation of democracy. The role of CICIG in the aftermath of the war in Guatemala has consisted in explaining the conflict, becoming an arbitrator of disputes, improving the capacity for action of local institutions, and restoring the dignity of Guatemala’s citizens and their trust in its institutions. Since the Commission’s creation and operationalization by means of the Agreement of 12 December 2006 with the United Nations, Spain has supported it and been one of its principal financial contributors, with €3 million deposited in 2010-2011. We are ready to continue to support and encourage CICIG as it strengthens the rule of law in Guatemala. As reflected in the Secretary-General’s letter to the President of the General Assembly (A/65/618), CICIG, in its fourth year of operations, is at a crossroads. The Commission’s procedural work is at the core of its mandate and the key to its usefulness to Guatemala. Were CICIG reduced to simply consulting and providing technical assistance in the struggle against crime in Guatemala, there would be no justification for its existence. In the area of legal proceedings, the Commission’s innovative nature may have hampered the start of its work. However, in many investigations in which it has played a part, many of them of significant impact, it has now reached a decisive phase. In the legislative sphere, Congress has enacted two decrees on legal reform, one on criminal jurisdiction in high-risk proceedings and the other on the criminal code, to which the Secretary-General refers in his letter. This is among the most important achievements of the Government of Guatemala, alongside CICIG. In order to continue to make progress in that respect, the support and commitment of the Government of Guatemala, the United Nations and the friends of Central America are more necessary than ever. A serious smear campaign is currently being waged against the Commission, due essentially to CICIG’s success in detaining notable administrative individuals from the world of business and organized crime, and in launching criminal proceedings against them. Structures whose long-standing impunity is threatened have reacted against the Commission, although this must be interpreted as proof of its success in achieving its goals. Spain believes it essential for the entire United Nations system to respond to the Secretary-General’s new call for full cooperation so that CICIG can continue to pursue its mandate successfully, supporting and complementing the Guatemalan Government’s measures and responding to the concerns of its citizens as a whole. On 24 March 2009, thanks to the successful work of the Commission, the Government of Guatemala requested an extension of its mandate for two more years so that CICIG might continue its work until September 2011. In order to help the Commission achieve its objectives, and because it is not a part of the United Nations system, we believe it would be appropriate to review CICIG’s place in the system and to give it greater support. The Secretariat, together with the Government of Guatemala, should take the necessary steps to strengthen the role played by the United Nations and to provide the Commission with effective and efficient assistance within its constitutional framework. Particular attention should therefore be paid to unresolved judicial problems concerning immunity and security. In his letter, the Secretary-General refers to a new extension of the Commission’s mandate requested by the President of Guatemala on the grounds that there is insufficient time for it to achieve the objectives laid down in the Agreement establishing it. The Secretary- General supports the extension of the mandate for two more years, until September 2013, in order to ensure CICIG’s success. Spain fully supports granting an extension of CICIG’s mandate, which will make it possible to study its best exit strategy from Guatemala, leaving an important legacy for Guatemalan institutions in the fight against organized crime without any need for international aid. Major challenges persist in Central America, including the fight against impunity and transnational organized crime. Spain supports regional approaches to tackling these challenges. Regional dispute resolution mechanisms supported by the United Nations have proved to be very effective in Central America. We are convinced that consolidating integration in Central America is key to attaining socio-economic development and strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law. Spain has cooperated and is cooperating in Central America in this area, giving priority assistance to democratic governance, citizen participation and strengthening civil society. Examples of this work include the Central American regional cooperation programme established in 2003 and strengthened in 2006 with the Spain-Central American Integration System Fund, as well as cooperation programmes established under the commitments adopted at the Ibero-American Conferences, which focus on areas such as combating gender-based violence, youth violence and impunity for violent crimes. Some time ago, it was proposed that the CICIG system be extended to cover other countries of Central America. In this context, we support the dialogue initiated by the Secretariat with countries of the region to consider possibilities for assistance in this area. Finally, we are grateful for the information provided by the Secretary-General updating us on the Commission, and we emphasize our support for the commitment and efforts of the Guatemalan Government. There is a need to continue working to ensure that Central America remains on the agenda of the General Assembly as an example of progress, development and democracy-building. Spain, as a founding member of the Group of Friends of CICIG, is among the sponsors the draft resolution just introduced for the Assembly’s consideration (A/65/L.51*). We hope that the draft resolution will be adopted by consensus and thereby offer support and encouragement to CICIG and the Government of Guatemala in the difficult and important tasks ahead.
Mr. Errázuriz CHL Chile [Spanish] #61295
I should like to reaffirm the commitment of Chile to processes to strengthen peace and development in Central America. This commitment reflects the priority we attach to friendly and cooperative relations with Central American countries and reaffirms our belief that countries such as ours can, through international cooperation, make concrete contributions to international peace and security. The cooperation activities we carry out with a number of Central American countries are aimed at building public security mechanisms and strengthening democratic institutions. In this context, Chile contributes police personnel to the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG). We thank the Permanent Representative of Guatemala for having introduced the draft resolution contained in document A/65/L.51*, which it is our honour to co-sponsor. We also thank the Secretary- General for his letter on the activities of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala, the challenges facing it and its strategy for the years ahead (A/65/618). We take this opportunity to reiterate our support for the Commission and Commissioner Francisco Dall’Anese Ruiz. CICIG is an innovative experiment resulting from an Agreement between the Government of Guatemala and the United Nations, through which the international community is able to support a Member State in strengthening its institutions and the rule of law. This experience could be replicated in other cases, such as in peacebuilding efforts, for example. The broad-based national support that this initiative enjoys, in particular from civil society, is undoubtedly an important element in the success of its work.
Mr. McNee CAN Canada [French] #61296
Canada welcomes the draft resolution (A/65/L.51*) in support of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG). We are pleased to be among the large group of like-minded countries that, as sponsors of this important draft resolution, reaffirm their determination to fight impunity, improve security and strengthen the justice system in Guatemala. Canada continues to be a staunch supporter of CICIG through its voluntary contributions and its close collaboration with the members of the Commission and their United Nations colleagues. Canada congratulates the Government of Guatemala on having introduced the draft resolution requesting the extension of the mandate of the Commission until September 2013. We urge the Government of Guatemala to continue to provide all possible support to CICIG and its domestic interlocutors so as to ensure that the Commission is able to continue to successfully carry out its mandate in an increasingly difficult and complex environment. (spoke in English) Canada applauds President Colom for his recent appointment of Claudia Paz y Paz Bailey as Attorney General, which is an important step forward that will help to strengthen an institution vital to ensuring respect for the rule of law and human rights in Guatemala. As a nation of the Americas, Canada is concerned by the growing complex challenges facing Guatemala and Central America. In this context, Canada considers CICIG to be an important ally. It provides invaluable technical and political support to advance a range of security and justice reforms in Guatemala. Based on the Commission’s success, Canada would welcome the opportunity to explore the possibility of replicating the CICIG experience, adjusted to local conditions, to help other countries in the region fight impunity and crime. In the past year, CICIG has made important progress in prosecuting high-profile, emblematic cases. The Commission is also playing an important role in publicly confronting entrenched interests and demanding greater transparency on behalf of Guatemalans. As a result, CICIG is now being challenged. These challenges, in Canada’s view, are an indication of CICIG’s success. They are a signal that individuals and clandestine organizations, which have acted with impunity for too long, are being implicated in investigations and prosecutions that seek justice. In the face of this success, Canada reiterates its support for CICIG and urges the United Nations and the international community to redouble their efforts to work with the Government of Guatemala to combat impunity and strengthen justice and the rule of law.
Mr. Nickels USA United States of America #61297
The United States strongly supports the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), and we are pleased to be a sponsor of draft resolution A/65/L.51*. CICIG’s work to investigate illicit security forces and clandestine security organizations is critically important to strengthening the rule of law in Guatemala. CICIG has demonstrated success in high- impact cases against corrupt officials, organized crime and narco-traffickers, among others. This success has elicited not only praise from supporters of the rule of law, but also a defensive response from those who may be subject to CICIG-led investigations. In recent months, they and other opponents have conducted a disinformation campaign aimed at undermining the legitimacy of CICIG in the eyes of the Guatemalan people. We commend President Colom for his support of CICIG and we wholeheartedly support his request for an extension of its mandate to September 2013. We commend CICIG Commissioner Francisco Dall’Anese for his leadership of the organization and for his active defence of its mission and reputation. The United States stands together with the international community and the Government of Guatemala in reiterating our support for CICIG. We are proud to have partnered with our friends in the international community to provide CICIG with the funding necessary for the organization to achieve its goals. Since 2008, the United States has provided $12 million in contributions. We intend to continue our financial support, and we urge other donors to do the same.
Mr. Berger DEU Germany #61298
Germany fully aligns itself with the statement of the European Union delivered by the representative of Belgium earlier in the debate, and, as a sponsor, fully supports draft resolution A/65/L.51*, introduced by the representative of Guatemala. At the same time, we would like to add the following to today’s debate from our national perspective as an active supporter of and contributor to the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG). A major donor to assisting institutions, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Germany also coordinated until summer 2010 the donor group in Guatemala. The Government and the people of Guatemala have to cope with extremely high levels of impunity and the scourge of clandestine criminal networks, especially those engaged in drug trafficking, which are undermining Government and judicial institutions and structures. Organized crime is gaining an increasingly strong foothold in Guatemala. The Government and civil society of Guatemala have very courageously decided to rise to this challenge and to fight to rebuild the rule of law in their country. The International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala has thus become a unique example of the will of the people not to let organized crime destabilize their country. By investigating crucial cases, CICIG has set an example for proper investigation and the fight against impunity. For that, it deserves great respect and a message of undivided support from the Assembly. The General Assembly should call on Member States to continue to contribute expertise, personnel and financial resources to CICIG in order to enable the Government of Guatemala and the Commission to be successful in countering impunity. After 2013, the judiciary system in Guatemala will have to take over. The transition period will be crucial to the overall success of that mission. The Assembly should help to provide the necessary support through the unanimous adoption of the extension of the mandate, as requested by the Government of Guatemala. Germany has contributed to the Commission by financing experts and is considering co-financing elements of the witness protection programme and contributing to the funding of the special State Attorney. Indeed, threats against members of the Commission, collaborators and witnesses have reached an alarming level and become a source of great concern to us. Therefore, a visible demonstration of further political support by the United Nations and concrete assistance to the courageous men and women working with and for CICIG should emanate from this meeting. At the same time, we would like to see UNODC continue to play an even more active role in providing expertise and personnel to the Commission and the country. The way CICIG was set up was unique. However, the challenges Guatemala is facing are not unique at all. Other countries in the region and around the world are facing similar problems and are desperately searching for means to counter impunity in their respective countries and to prevent their State institutions from failing. We sense that there is growing interest in CICIG as a potential model for fighting impunity and strengthening the rule of law, as has been expressed by other Governments in the region. The international community should be willing and prepared to respond to future requests in this regard. In conclusion, Germany would like to join other delegations in thanking former Commissioner Carlos Castresana and his collaborators for their courage and uncompromising engagement in an extremely dangerous environment. His tireless work was pivotal to rebuilding confidence among the local justice authorities in their efforts to fight impunity and organized crime. We thank the Secretary-General and the Department of Political Affairs for their continued support and willingness to explore creative and innovative solutions for this sui generis Commission. We welcome once again the appointment of Mr. Francisco Dall’Anese Ruiz of Costa Rica as the new Commissioner. We note with satisfaction that the transition went smoothly and that CICIG will continue to work with the same determination and unrelenting effort as before. At the same time we note, also with satisfaction, the new law on asset forfeiture, and we would like to encourage the relevant institutions in Guatemala to take further steps in this direction. Finally, we wish the people of Guatemala the strength necessary and success in their fight against impunity. With the continued support of the Assembly and the international community, as well as with the ongoing active engagement of civil society in Guatemala — including non-governmental organizations and the business sector — this success can and will be within reach.
Mr. Rosales Díaz NIC Nicaragua [Spanish] #61299
Nicaragua would like to take this opportunity once again to voice its full support for the endeavours being carried out by our sister republic Guatemala, led by President Álvaro Colom. In our view, the work of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala has been extremely valuable and supported the Guatemalan Government in times that have not always been easy. We believe that the adoption of draft resolution A/65/L.51* will enable us to increase the well-deserved international support for Guatemala. I would also like to note the regrettable attitude of the delegation of Costa Rica, at this very important moment for Guatemala, in raising the legal situation between his country and Nicaragua. We especially wish to convey our apologies to our sister republic of Guatemala for the distraction caused by the delegation of Costa Rica. I shall refer briefly to the problem between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. From the outset, Nicaragua has maintained that this is a legal problem that must be resolved by the International Court of Justice. In that respect, Costa Rica itself joined with Nicaragua in bringing this issue to The Hague. Nicaragua very much welcomes the fact that Costa Rica has decided at last to follow the path that Nicaragua had blazed from the very beginning. This problem will finally be resolved in the appropriate forum. However, I would like to address the serious accusation made against us. We wish to clarify that what the Government of Costa Rica deems an invasion of its territory is, Nicaragua affirms, in an area in which Nicaragua enjoys full sovereignty. A small area bordering the San Juan River of about 2.7 square kilometres is involved. Therefore, bringing this matter before a political forum is no solution and may prejudice any eventual decision of the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Nicaragua, under the leadership of President Commandante Daniel Ortega Saavedra, has launched a process of restoration and loving care of our natural heritage. Given this unwavering commitment to our environment and the natural world, Nicaragua is exercising its right, affirmed by the International Court of Justice on 13 June 2009, to clean and dredge the San Juan River so that it can be enjoyed by all Nicaraguans and Central Americans. Nicaragua has never invaded Costa Rica. Nicaragua has never occupied Costa Rica. Nicaragua, as a country and a people that have themselves suffered aggression and interventions that have painfully violated our sovereignty, has never attacked and never will attack another brother people or violate its sovereignty. Nicaragua affirms — and we can certify this once again — that we dredged the San Juan River in exercise of our sovereign rights over that waterway and to ensure progress and prosperity based on a concept of sustainable development that characterizes our model of citizen empowerment. Similarly, it is imperative that I inform the Assembly that Costa Rica’s military budget is the third largest in Central America. Curiously, that of Nicaragua is smaller than that of Costa Rica, a country which claims not to have an army but whose military budget is five times greater than that of our country. That is an undeniable reality, and facts are stubborn things. Costa Rica likes to proclaim its love for pacifism, but the figures show the extent to which our brother Republic of Costa Rica is militarized. We are concerned by the high degree of xenophobia in Costa Rica directed at citizens of Nicaragua. The degree of racial discrimination and xenophobia has reached such a height that the President of Costa Rica herself has had to voice her concern to the media and to acknowledge this wave of xenophobia and racism against Nicaraguan citizens in Costa Rica. Aggression and violence have been such that the Nicaraguan embassy in Costa Rica has been attacked with explosives. That is the true situation in Costa Rica. Similarly, Costa Rica, which claims to be proud to protect the environment, fails to mention that it is the fourth-ranking country in the world in the use of chemical fertilizers, and that only a few weeks ago an administrative disputes tribunal cancelled the concession for the Crucitas open-pit mine after having found irregularities in that project under the administration of former President Oscar Arias, who may himself face criminal charges in the matter. The Crucitas project caused incalculable environmental damage to Nicaragua and the heritage of Central America, as was indicated by the Central American Parliament and as Nicaragua is preparing to prove before the International Court of Justice. In this forum, we extend our hand and open our hearts in fraternal embrace to Costa Rica, its people and its Government. We are fully prepared to engage in unconditional bilateral dialogue so that together we can resolve our differences and concerns with respect to these proceedings in accordance with the law, good sense and all the environmental commitments into which our country has entered, starting with the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In conclusion, I should like once again to offer our sister Republic of Guatemala all our support and congratulations on the recent appointment of Commissioner Dall’Anese Ruiz, who has such an impeccable record of combating crime in Costa Rica that his work has led to the incarceration of a corrupt former Costa Rican President. We are fully convinced that, with the appointment of Commissioner Dall’Anese Ruiz, the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala will complete its activities with all desired and necessary success.
The President [French] #61300
We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this agenda item. The General Assembly will now take action on draft resolution A/65/L.51*, entitled “International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala”. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.
Mr. Zhang Saijin Department for General Assembly and Conference Management #61301
I should like to announce that, since the publication of draft resolution A/65/L.51*, the following countries have become sponsors: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America and Uruguay.
The President [French] #61302
May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/65/L.51*?
Draft resolution A/65/L.51* was adopted (resolution 65/181).
The President [French] #61303
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 42.
The meeting rose at 12.50 p.m.