A/66/PV.93 General Assembly

The Assembly has before it draft resolution IV, recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 22 of its report. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of the draft resolution is contained in document A/66/640. We will now take a decision on draft resolution IV, entitled “Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol thereto”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. 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 sub-item (a) of agenda item 69? (c) Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives Report of the Third Committee (A/66/462/Add.3) Report of the Fifth Committee (A/66/639)

We will now take action on draft resolution II, recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 33 of its report. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of the draft resolution in contained in document A/66/639. We will now take a decision on draft resolution II, entitled “Situation of human rights in Myanmar”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegations of Georgia and Libya advised the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour; the delegation of India advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote against; and the delegations of Ecuador, Eritrea and Namibia advised the Secretariat that they had intended to abstain.]

I give the floor to the representative of Myanmar, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote on the resolution just adopted.

My delegation would like to express its sincere appreciation to the Member States that have stood in principled opposition and abstained or voted against the country-specific resolution on the situation of human rights in Myanmar (66/230). My Government is now in the process of transforming our country into a democratic State with fundamental human rights values, and has, in fact, already taken concrete, visible and irreversible initiatives. The international community has duly recognized and encouraged the developments taking place in Myanmar. We are therefore determined to move forward in a dynamic and sustainable manner, with the international community’s cooperation. In our view, the Universal Periodic Review is the best option for improving the human rights situation in any individual country. In these circumstances, the country-specific solution proposed by the European Union does not promote the values of human rights and is counter-productive to our coordinated efforts. For that reason, we voted against the resolution and dissociate ourselves from it. Despite those views, we would like to reaffirm that, in conformity with its foreign policy, Myanmar will continue to cooperate fully with the United Nations and the good-offices role of the Secretary-General.

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 69 and of agenda item 69 as a whole?

We shall now take action draft resolution A/66/L.21. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of the draft resolution is contained in document A/66/641. Members will recall that the Assembly held a debate on sub-item (a) of agenda item 76 jointly with sub-item (b) of the same agenda item, entitled “Sustainable fisheries, including through the 1995 Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks, and related instruments”, at its 75th and 76th plenary meetings, on 6 December. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/66/L.21. An explanation of vote before the voting has been requested. Before giving the floor to the speaker in explanation of vote before the voting, I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

My delegation would like to speak in explanation of its vote on draft resolution A/66/L.21, entitled “Oceans and the law of the sea”. Venezuela reaffirms before the Assembly its commitment to cooperating with initiatives and efforts aimed at promoting coordination on issues related to the area of oceans and the law of the sea, in conformity with international law. Within that legal framework, we also affirm our obligation and willingness to support any effort aimed at the conservation, integrated management and sustainable use of the oceans and seas, particularly the marine ecosystem, due to its vital importance to peoples’ development and well-being. Nevertheless, the State of Venezuela emphasizes its position, expressed in various international forums, that the Convention on the Law of the Sea should not be considered as the only source of law on the sea. Likewise, it does not have universal authority, since a significant number of States are not party to it. Considering that the reasons that have prevented the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela from becoming party to the Treaty still exist, my delegation declares that it will not vote in favour of draft resolution A/66/L.21 under sub-item (a) of agenda item 76, since my country is not party to the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea and is therefore not bound by its provisions or by the norms of customary law, except for those that Venezuela has recognized or will in the future recognize expressly by incorporating them into its domestic legislation. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela would like to stress its historically held position regarding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea insofar as the content of the draft resolution submitted to the Assembly today for adoption compels my delegation to abstain in the voting.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/66/L.21. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution, and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the following countries have become sponsors of draft resolution A/66/L.21: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cameroon, Canada, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Ireland, Jamaica, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tuvalu, Ukraine and the United States of America.

A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegations of Eritrea, Ethiopia and Georgia advised the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour.]

I now give the floor to those representatives wishing to speak in explanation of vote on the resolution just adopted.

On behalf of my delegation, it is a pleasure to address this plenary meeting of the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session as we discuss resolution 66/231 on oceans and the law of the sea. The Republic of El Salvador is aware of the importance of the oceans, and in particular of the rational exploration thereof in the framework of sustainable development, which is necessary to ensure, in an orderly fashion, the food security of all human beings on our planet. Moreover, we understand that, to date, progress has been made in such areas as the sustainability of fisheries, transport, conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity, pollution control, the need to generate and develop capacity in marine science, marine technology transfer and specific developments rights, but it is not enough. That is why we must continue to work on and to analyse each of those issues with a view to achieving greater progress and reaching better political and legal agreements among all States. However, as the Republic of El Salvador is not a State party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), it believes that any agreement and resolution signed by States or adopted by this General Assembly should be adhered to in the context of the broad framework of the principles, norms and treaties of international law. In regard to the statement delivered to the General Assembly by the Permanent Representative of Honduras on 6 December on oceans and the law of the sea (see A/66/PV.75), the Republic of El Salvador does not share the views expressed therein, as the Permanent Representative made statements that contravene El Salvador’s rights of sovereignty and jurisdiction over its maritime territory. El Salvador urges all States to pursue the work undertaken towards the use, conservation and protection of the oceans and seas of our planet, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that future generations have food and sustainable means of subsistence. That can be achieved only with the cooperation of all countries in the world, be it at the bilateral, regional or global level. Those actions will, in turn, strengthen peace, security and friendly relations among all nations, in accordance with the principles of justice and equal rights and economic and social progress for all peoples in a manner consistent with the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

Turkey voted against resolution 66/231, entitled “Oceans and the law of the sea”, under sub-item (a) of agenda item 76. I would like to recall that the reasons that have prevented Turkey from becoming a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea remain valid. Turkey supports international efforts to establish a regime of the sea that is based on the principle of equity and is acceptable to all States. In our opinion, however, the Convention does not provide sufficient safeguards for special geographical situations and, as a consequence, does not take into consideration conflicting interests and sensitivities stemming from special circumstances. Furthermore, the Convention does not allow States to register reservations to its articles. Although we agree with the Convention in its general intent and with most of its provisions, we are unable to become a party to it owing to those prominent shortcomings. That being the case, we cannot support a resolution that calls upon States to become parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and harmonize their national legislation with its provisions.

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 76 and of agenda item 76 as a whole?

The General Assembly will now consider the reports of the Fifth Committee on agenda items 129, 131 to 134, 137, 139, 141 to 145, 147, 149, 152, 161 and 162. Before proceeding further, however, I have the honour to give the floor to the Secretary-General, His Excellency Ban Ki-moon.

I am here to thank all delegations. I am here to thank them for their dedication, their flexibility and their hard work. Above all, I am here to thank them for solidifying, with me, our compact to make the most of our resources, to cut fat and to continue fulfilling every one of the critical global mandates entrusted to the United Nations. We have fulfilled the compact between the Member States and the Secretariat, but it is also a compact with all United Nations staff. I am grateful for their hard work and dedication, even at grave risk, to ensure that the United Nations delivers for the world’s people. All budget years are tough, but this year was especially difficult. Governments and people everywhere are struggling. It is a time of global financial austerity. We rose to this challenge with energy, creativity and the indispensible willingness to make hard choices. We found savings while protecting our ability to get the job done. We worked together and we made history. The budget approved by the Fifth Committee is smaller than that of the previous biennium. This was a collective achievement of all the Member States. Their hard work, their late nights and their round-the-clock negotiations all paid off. This keeps our promises to the Member States and to the world’s people. The task at hand is complete, but the imperative to do more and better with less remains. That is why I give my pledge: I will instruct all of my managers to continue finding new ways to make the most of our precious resources. I will ensure that we optimize Members’ contributions. I will ensure that all mandates given to the Secretariat are delivered in full and with efficiency. And one year from now, I will return with greater cost savings. Members can count on my commitment. Allow me to wish you all Merry Christmas and a very healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

I thank the Secretary-General for his statement. I now request the Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee, Mr. Noel González Segura of Mexico, to introduce in one intervention the reports of the Fifth Committee that are before the Assembly.

I have the honour today to introduce to the General Assembly the reports of the Fifth Committee, which contains recommendations on items that required action during the main part of the sixty-sixth session. The Fifth Committee met from 3 October to 23 December and held plenary meetings and more than 90 rounds of informal consultations, and innumerable informal/informal consultations. Before I begin, I would like to draw the Assembly’s attention to the fact that Fifth Committee reports A/66/492 and A/66/525 were considered by the General Assembly at its 32nd and 58th plenary meetings, held on 11 October and 11 November, respectively, as reflected in documents A/66/PV.32 and A/66/PV.58 respectively. Agenda item 135, “Programme planning”, and agenda item 138, “Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations”, the latter specifically with reference to Article 19 of the Charter, were considered at those meetings. I will now introduce the additional reports of the Fifth Committee containing recommendations on issues that required action during the main part of the sixty-session session of the General Assembly. Under agenda item 131, entitled “Financial reports and audited financial statements and reports of the Board of Auditors”, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly in paragraph 7 of its report A/66/626 the adoption of a draft resolution, the text of which is contained for the time being in document A/C.5/66/L.9, which was adopted approved by the Committee without a vote. Under agenda item 137, entitled “Pattern of Conferences”, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly in paragraph 6 of its report A/66/642 the adoption of a draft resolution, the text of which is contained for the time being in document A/C.5/66/L.25, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote. Under agenda item 139, entitled “Human resources management”, the Committee recommends in paragraph 6 its report A/66/627 that the General Assembly adopt a draft resolution, the text of which is contained for the time being in document A/C.5/66/L.4, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote. Under agenda item 141, entitled “United Nations common system”, the Committee recommends in paragraph 7 of its report A/66/644 that the Assembly adopt a draft resolution, the text of which is contained for the time being in document A/C.5/66/L.27, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote. Under agenda items 132 and 142, jointly and respectively entitled “Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations” and “Report on the activities of the Office of Internal Oversight Services”, the Committee recommends in paragraph 6 of its report A/66/643 that the Assembly adopt a draft resolution, the text of which is contained for the time being in document A/C.5/66/L.26, which the Committee adopted without a vote. Under agenda item 143, entitled “Administration of justice at the United Nations”, the Committee recommends in paragraph 6 of its report A/66/628 that the General Assembly adopt a draft resolution, the text of which is contained for the time being in document A/C.5/66/L.10, which the Committee adopted without a vote. Under agenda item 144, entitled “Financing of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Genocide and Other Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of Rwanda and Rwandan Citizens Responsible for Genocide and Other Such Violations Committed in the Territory of Neighbouring States between 1 January and 31 December 1994”; agenda item 145, entitled “Financing of the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991”; and agenda item 129, entitled “International residual mechanism for criminal tribunals”, the Committee, in paragraph 6 of each of its reports A/66/629, A/66/630 and A/66/631, recommends that the General Assembly adopt three draft resolutions, the texts of which are contained for the time being in documents A/C.5/66/L.11, A/C.5/66/L.12 and A/C.5/66/L.13, respectively, which were adopted by the Committee without a vote. With respect to the draft resolutions on the financing of peacekeeping operations, I should like to inform the General Assembly that all the draft resolutions were adopted by the Committee without a vote. The reports of the Fifth Committee on the financing of peacekeeping operations are presented under agenda item 147, “Financing of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei”, in document A/66/632; item 149, “Financing of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire, in document A/66/633; item 152, “Financing of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo”, in document A/66/584; item 161, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Mission in the South Sudan”, in document A/66/634; and item 162, “Financing of the United Nations Mission in the Sudan”, in document A/66/635. Under agenda item 133, entitled “Programme budget for the biennium 2010-2011”, in paragraph 7 of its report A/66/636 the Committee recommends that the Assembly adopt a draft resolution, the text of which is contained for the time being in document A/C.5/66/L.17, which the Committee adopted without a vote. The Committee also recommends, in paragraph 8 of the same report, the adoption of a draft decision that the Committee also adopted without a vote. Under agenda item 134, entitled “Proposed programme budget for the biennium 2012-2013”, the Committee considered five draft resolutions in document A/66/637. The Committee adopted draft resolution I, the text of which is contained for the time being in document A/C.5/66/L.18, without a vote. On draft resolution II, the text of which is contained for the time being in document A/C.5/66/L.19, a recorded vote was requested by the delegation of the Netherlands on section IX on an oral amendment proposed by the delegation of Cuba. The Committee voted to reject the oral amendment. Following a request by the delegation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Committee took a recorded vote on section IX of the draft resolution, which was retained. The Committee subsequently approved draft resolution A/C.5/66/L.19 as a whole without a vote. The Committee recommends the adoption of all other draft resolutions without a vote. The Committee also recommends the adoption of a draft decision that was approved by the Committee without a vote. Also under agenda item 134, the Committee considered and recommended the adoption of three statements of programme budget implications. The reports of the Fifth Committee on these statements are issued in documents A/66/639, A/66/640 and A/66/641. The Committee recommends the adoption of the draft report of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2012-2013. Finally, under agenda item 132, entitled “Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations”, in paragraph 6 of its report A/66/638, the Committee recommends that the General Assembly adopt the draft decision relating to questions deferred for future consideration, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote. I wish to thank all delegations for their cooperation, and to assure them that the changes made in the course of the Fifth Committee’s 25th formal meeting were duly taken into account and will be reflected in the draft resolutions and reports that will be issued shortly. Before concluding, allow me, on a brief personal note, to thank the Chairman of the Fifth Committee, Ambassador Tommo Monthe, for the wise and noble way in which he guided us through our difficult work, as well as to express my thanks to my fellow Bureau members, working with whom is always a truly gratifying experience. On behalf of us all, I would like to express our profound thanks to the representatives of the Secretariat for their patience and support, and most especially to the staff of the Secretariat of the Fifth Committee. Last but not least, we extend our most sincere thanks to Mr. Collen Kelapile, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions. To all those beside whom I have had the privilege and honour to be seated at the podium of Conference Room 3, I express my thanks for their camaraderie. I wish everyone a wonderful and well-deserved holiday.

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 Fifth Committee that are before the Assembly today.

Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Fifth 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 decision 34/401, explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Fifth Committee, I should like to advise representatives that we are going to proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Fifth Committee, unless the Secretariat is notified otherwise in advance. That means that, where recorded votes were taken, we will do the same. I should also hope that we will proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Committee.

We will now take action on the draft resolution recommended by the Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution, entitled “Financial reports and audited financial statements, and reports of the Board of Auditors”, is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.9. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 131.

The Assembly will now take action on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution, entitled “Pattern of conferences”, is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.25. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 137.

The Assembly will now take action on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.4. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 139.

The Assembly will now take action on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution, entitled “United Nations common system: report of the International Civil Service Commission”, is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.27. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 141.

The Assembly will now take action on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of draft resolution, entitled “Report of the Office of Internal Oversight Services on its activities”, is contained in document A/C.5.66/L.26. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda items 132 and 142.

The Assembly will now take action on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution, entitled “Administration of justice at the United Nations”, is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.10. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 143.

The Assembly will now take action on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution, entitled “Financing of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Genocide and Other Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of Rwanda and Rwandan Citizens Responsible Genocide and Other Such Violations Committed in the Territory of Neighbouring States between 1 January and 31 December 1994”, is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.11. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 144.

The Assembly will now take action on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution, entitled “Financing of the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991”, is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.12. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 145.

The Assembly will now take action on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.13. The Fifth Committee adopted without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda items 129, 144 and 145.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.6. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 147.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.14. The Fifth Committee adopted without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 149.

The Assembly will now take action on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.15. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 161.

The Assembly will now take action on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.16. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 162.

The Assembly will now consider the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report, as well as on the draft decision recommended in paragraph 8 of the same report. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution, the text of which, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.17. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

We will now take action on the draft decision, entitled “United Nations Office for Partnerships”. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

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

The Assembly has before it five draft resolutions recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 30 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolutions is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.23. The Assembly also has before it a draft decision recommended in paragraph 31 of the same report. I shall now give the floor to represenatives who wish to speak in explanation of vote or position prior to the adoption of the drafts.

This explanation of vote refers only to section IX of draft resolution II, the text of which, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.19, in particular the issue of the inclusion of the concept of activities regarding the responsibility to protect within the logical framework of the Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide. My delegation would like to reiterate its commitment to international law with respect to the prevention of genocide. However, allow me to clearly express our serious reservations with regard to the inclusion of the concept of the responsibility to protect under the framework of the activities of that Office. The changes to the logical framework to create artificial mandates and ensure the adoption of resources for concepts that have not been adopted is counter-productive and violates the rules and regulations of the General Assembly on administrative and budgetary matters. We therefore wish to express our disagreement with the intention to use budgetary documents to establish functions that have not been mandated by the General Assembly, as was the case in the situation that concerns us here. The potential for the concept of the responsibility to protect to be manipulated has already been demonstrated. Our delegation therefore expresses its serious concerns as to the manner in which that concept has been imposed on the General Assembly.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela wishes to state for the record of the General Assembly that our vote against section IX of draft resolution II, the text of which, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.19, pertains only to the concerns stemming from the incorporation of the Office of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide and from the activities thereof related to the so-called responsibility to protect. Accordingly, my delegation express its concern over the modification of the logical framework of the Office of the Special Adviser contained in document A/66/354/Add.1, which has sought to include as part of its mandate the concept of the responsibility to protect, which does not enjoy intergovernmental consensus. That constitutes a serious failure in administrative procedures with respect to the allocation of the Organization’s resources. As we understand it, resources should only be devoted to fulfilling intergovernmentally agreed upon mandates. The States Members of the United Nations have agreed on a single point regarding that concept, namely the need to continue to evaluate and consider the definition of the responsibility to protect. However, the presentation of the strategic framework for the Office of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide gives practical effect to suggestions set forth in the report of the Secretary-General entitled “Early warning, assessment and the responsibility to protect” (A/64/864). That document was not acted upon by the General Assembly in any way and it is now reflected in the Office of the Special Adviser as a fait accompli, with activities that establish priorities and broaden the mandate of the Special Adviser. Once again, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela wishes to reiterate that the primary responsibility to protect remains in the hands of the States. The international community can play a constructive role in support of national efforts, while always respecting what is set forth in the United Nations Charter and preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries and the principle of non-interference in their internal affairs.

This explanation of vote pertains to section IX of draft resolution II, the text of which, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.19. My delegation wishes to reiterate its commitment to adhering to internationally recognized laws, rules and regulations aimed at the prevention of genocide. Nevertheless, it should be clearly understood that the concept of the responsibility to protect has not been adopted by the General Assembly. The change in the logical framework to create artificial mandates and posts to entertain an unapproved concept is counterproductive, in violation of current rules and regulations and a breach of the good faith expected from an international organization of the calibre of the United Nations. The Iranian delegation would therefore like to express its disagreement with any attempt to misuse the budgetary process to falsely establish functions that are not mandated by the General Assembly, namely, using the logical framework for the functions of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide for the so-called Special Adviser for the Responsibility to Protect — a function that has not seen the light of approval by the General Assembly. On the issue of the sanctions monitoring teams, groups and panels, my delegation firmly believes that the Security Council’s sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran are unlawful and target the civilian population of the country. The sanctions are based on unfounded and baseless allegations and are levied against the nation based on sheer political motivations by certain countries. The Islamic Republic of Iran rejects such sanctions and views them as measures aimed at depriving the Iranian nation of its inalienable right of access to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. It is against that background that my delegation asked for the floor to state that the Islamic Republic of Iran rejects the sanctions and any related attempts to fund their apparatus of support, including the so-called Panel of Experts, and considers them equally unlawful.

We will now take action on draft resolutions I to V and on the draft decision, one by one. We first turn to draft resolution I, entitled “Questions relating to the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2012-2013”, the text of which, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.18. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Draft resolution II is entitled “Special subjects relating to the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2012-2013”, the text of which, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.19. A separate vote has been requested on section IX of draft resolution II. Member States are reminded that, in accordance with rule 83 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, budgetary questions require a majority of two-thirds of those present and voting.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution II as a whole. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Draft resolution III is entitled “Programme budget for the biennium 2012- 2013”. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.20. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Draft resolution IV is entitled “Unforeseen extraordinary expenses for the biennium 2012-2013”. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.21. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Draft resolution V is entitled “Working Capital Fund for the biennium 2012-2013”. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.22. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

We will now take action on the draft decision entitled “Capital Master Plan”. For the time being, the text of the draft decision is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.8. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

I shall now give the floor to representatives who wish to speak in explanation of vote or position following the adoption of the draft resolutions and the decision.

My delegation voted against section IX, on special political missions, of resolution 66/247 owing to our concerns about the resources to be allocated in accordance with the provisions of that part of the resolution. The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. Terje Roed-Larsen, is continuing to exceed the scope of his mandate under Security Council resolution 1559 (2004) to monitor bilateral issues between two sovereign States, Syria and Lebanon, in particular as regards the establishment of diplomatic relations and the delineation of a common border between the two countries. He also demonstrated a flagrant bias towards Israel when he mocked and even concealed Israel’s non-compliance with its obligations under resolution 1559 (2004), in particular its withdrawal from the occupied Lebanese territories. Moreover, the Special Envoy deliberately turned a blind eye to the real problem, which is within the scope of his mandate. I refer to the Israel’s ongoing occupation of Lebanese territory and its practices in that regard, in addition to its interference in the internal affairs of Lebanon. The Special Envoy is seeking to exacerbate conflicts instead of resolving them and to perpetuate the occupation by Israel instead of ending it and implementing the resolutions that are relevant to the issue and part of his mandate. Therefore, Mr. Roed-Larsen is not respecting the provisions of paragraph 12 of resolution 63/261, which states that the Secretary-General must continue to seek the highest standards of integrity, competency, impartiality and professionalism when appointing his special representatives and envoys. With regard to section VIII, on revised estimates resulting from resolutions and decisions adopted by the Human Rights Council, of resolution 66/247, my delegation has reservations about the allocation of resources pursuant to the provisions of Human Rights Council resolutions S-16/1 and S-17/1 during the reporting period. We are especially concerned as the special national judicial commission of inquiry, which is responsible for investigating all incidents leading to the deaths of civilians and military staff in all Syrian provinces, has yet to complete its work. Such financing is therefore unjustified and is the result of a political decision made by some States that are known for their hostile stance towards Syria and other countries.

My delegation would like to explain its vote on section VIII of resolution 66/247. Belarus supports the efforts of the Fifth Committee and the General Assembly to closely study the programmes that have financial implications for the regular budget of the United Nations. Our country joined in the overall consensus on the resolution just adopted so as to support valuable proposals and ideas that, if implemented, would contribute substantially to efforts to address a number of important issues on the United Nations agenda. At the same time, Belarus would also like to reserve its position on the part of document A/66/586 referring to the programme budget implications arising from the implementation of resolution 17/24, on the human rights situation in Belarus, which was adopted by the Human Rights Council at its seventeenth session, held in June. In principle, Belarus does not support country resolutions, as we have stated on many occasions in the Human Rights Council and in the Third Committee of the General Assembly. Moreover, such resolutions, including the resolution on Belarus, have financial implications for the United Nations budget. That is very relevant, especially in this period of difficult economic conditions and lack of funds, including for implementing the decisions and resolutions of the Human Rights Council. This anti-Belarus resolution has many drawbacks, including the financing of activities that have nothing to do with the subject of the resolution and or even with the resolution itself. Belarus calls for the careful use of budgetary resources, which should be allocated solely in accordance with the real needs and priorities of Member States as they build their capacity for development.

We would like make a statement with regard to resolution 66/248, on the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2012-2013. We note the importance and the necessity of adopting today’s resolution for the work of the Organization over the next two years. At the same time, we would like to state our position on the interpretation of section 24 of the budget, on human rights. We view as unacceptable a situation in which a proposed programme budget does not confirm to strategic frameworks. We are concerned at the fact that doubts exist as to the views of the Committee for Programme and Coordination. In other words, the Secretariat is ignoring the views of States by advancing elements that are to its own advantage. Here I would recall that the United Nations is an intergovernmental Organization mandated to carry out the will of its Member States. It was only so as not to disrupt our consensus — achieved after lengthy and complex consultations  — that we decided not to force a vote on the United Nations budget as a whole. However, we would like to state that the Russian Federation, in assessing the implementation of section 24, on human rights, will proceed on the basis of the wording of the strategic frameworks previously approved at the intergovernmental level. We ask that our position be recorded in the official records of this meeting.

Solomon Islands would like to explain its vote on section IX of draft resolution A/C.5/66/L.19, on the concept of the responsibility to protect. This is a subject that is currently, in our view, under discussion in the General Assembly. The Assembly remains the chief policymaking body of the United Nations, and we would like to see funds allocated on the basis of to General Assembly-mandated activities. Solomon Islands abstained in the voting on section IX in the name of transparency and accountability.

The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 5 of its report. The text of the draft decision, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/66/L.24. The Assembly will now take action on the draft decision, entitled “Questions deferred for further consideration”. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 132.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 152. May I, on behalf of the General Assembly, express my deep gratitude for the extraordinary efforts of His Excellency Mr. Michel Tommo Monthe, Permanent Representative of Cameroon to the United Nations and Chair of the Fifth Committee. I wish also to thank the members of the Bureau, the Secretary of the Committee and, of course, representatives for their dedicated efforts to allow for the adoption of the budget and the finalization of this stage of the activities of the General Assembly for this year. The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Fifth Committee before it today. Programme of work

With regard to the programme of work of the General Assembly, apart from organizational matters and items that may have to be considered by operation of the rules of procedure of the Assembly, and bearing in mind that consideration and action have already been taken by the Assembly on a majority of items thus far, I should like to inform members that the following items on the agenda remain open for consideration during the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly: agenda items 9, 10, 11 (a), 12 to 15, 19 (a), 22 (a), 30 to 33, 34 (a), 35 to 37, 39, 40, 42 to 48, 63 (a) and (b), 70 (a), (b) and (c), 72, 75, 76 (a), 110, 111, 113 (c), 114 (a) and (c), 115 (f), (g), (h), (i) and (j), 116 to 122, 123 (a) and (b), 124, 125, 127 to 159, 160 (a) and (b), and 161 to 165. May I take that the General Assembly wishes to take note of those items on the agenda that remain open for consideration during the sixty-sixth session of the Assembly?

I believe that we should collectively thank one another for the extraordinary efforts made to get us to this point. I should like to wish everyone happy holidays, and, for those who observe Christmas, happy Christmas. I hope that everyone will go home and get a little bit of sleep. I look forward to working with all present in 2012.