A/69/PV.75 General Assembly

The General Assembly will consider the reports of the Second Committee on agenda items 16 to 25, 60, 118 and 133. I request the Rapporteur of the Second Committee, Mr. Tham Borg Tsien of Singapore, to introduce the reports of the Second Committee in one intervention. Mr. Tham (Singapore), Rapporteur of the Second Committee: It is a privilege for me to introduce to the General Assembly the reports of the Second Committee on the agenda items allocated to it by the General Assembly at the sixty-ninth session. These reports, contained in documents A/69/465 to A/69/477, include the texts of draft resolutions and decisions recommended by the Committee to the General Assembly for adoption. For the convenience of delegations, a checklist of actions taken in the Second Committee has been prepared by the Secretariat and is contained in document A/C.2/69/INF/1. During this main part of the sixty-ninth session, the Second Committee held 38 plenary meetings and six special events, including two joint formal meetings with the Economic and Social Council. The Second Committee adopted a total of 39 draft resolutions, eight of which were adopted by vote, and five draft decisions. *1470313* 14-70313 (E) Under agenda item 16, entitled “Information and communications technologies for development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 13 of document A/69/465, the adoption of one draft resolution and, in paragraph 14, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 17, entitled “Macroeconomic policy questions”, the report of the Committee is issued in four parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/69/466, and the recommendations are contained in the following addenda. Under sub-item (a), entitled “International trade and development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/69/466/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution, and, in paragraph 9, the adoption of one draft decision. Under sub-item (b), entitled “International financial system and development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/69/466/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (c), entitled “External debt sustainability and development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 11 of document A/69/466/Add.3, the adoption of two draft resolutions. Under agenda item 18, entitled “Follow-up to and implementation of the outcome of the 2002 International Conference on Financing for Development and the 2008 Review Conference”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 10 of document A/69/467, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 19, entitled “Sustainable development”, the report of the Committee is issued in 10 parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/69/468 and the recommendations are in the chapeau, as well as in the addenda. Under the chapeau of item 19, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 31 of document A/69/468, the adoption of five draft resolutions and in paragraph 32, the adoption of one draft decision. Under sub-item (a), entitled “Implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development and of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 14 of document A/69/468/Add.1, the adoption of two draft resolutions and, in paragraph 15, the adoption of one draft decision. Under sub-item (b), 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”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 16 of document A/69/468/Add.2, the adoption of two draft resolutions, and, in paragraph 17, the adoption of one draft decision. Under sub-item (c), entitled “International Strategy for Disaster Reduction”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 13 of document A/69/468/Add.3, the adoption of two draft resolutions. Under sub-item (d), entitled “Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/69/468/Add.4, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (e), entitled “Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/ or Desertification, Particularly in Africa”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/69/468/Add.5, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (f), entitled “Convention on Biological Diversity”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/69/468/Add.6, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (g), entitled “Report of the United Nations Environment Assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/69/468/Add.7, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (h), entitled “Harmony with Nature”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/69/468/Add.8, the adoption of one draft resolution. And under sub-item (i), entitled “Promotion of new and renewable sources of energy”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 10 of document A/69/468/Add.9, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 20, entitled “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)”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 12 of document A/69/469, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 21, entitled “Globalization and interdependence”, the report of the Committee is issued in three parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/69/470 and the recommendations are in the chapeau, as well as in the addenda. Under the chapeau of item 21, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 14 of document A/69/470, the adoption of two draft resolutions. Under sub-item (a), entitled “International migration and development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/69/470/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (b), entitled “Culture and sustainable development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/69/470/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 22, entitled “Groups of countries in special situations”, the report of the Committee is issued in three parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/69/471, and the recommendations are in the addenda. Under sub-item (a), entitled “Follow-up to the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/69/471/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (b), entitled “Follow-up to the second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/69/471/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 23, entitled “Eradication of poverty and other development issues”, the report of the Committee is issued in four parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/69/472 and the recommendations are in the chapeau, as well as in the addenda. Under the chapeau of item 23, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 10 of document A/69/472, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (a), entitled “Implementation of the Second United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2008-2017)”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/69/472/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (b), entitled “Industrial development cooperation”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/69/472/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (c), entitled “Women in development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/69/472/Add.3, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 24, entitled “Operational activities for development”, the report of the Committee is issued in three parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/69/473, and the recommendations are contained in the chapeau, as well as in the addenda. Under the chapeau of item 24, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/69/473, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (a), entitled “Operational activities for development of the United Nations system”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/69/473/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (b), entitled “South-South cooperation for development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/69/473/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 25, entitled “Agriculture development, food security and nutrition”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 12 of document A/69/474, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 60, entitled “Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jersualem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources”, the Committee recommends, in paragraph 10 of document A/69/475, the adoption of one draft resolution. In connection with that draft resolution, I wish to bring to the attention of the Assembly one technical correction in the first line of the tenth preambular paragraph on page 4 of the English version of the report. The words “the State of” should be deleted, and the paragraph should read as follows: “Taking note also of the accession by Palestine, on 1 April 2014, to several human rights treaties and the core humanitarian law treaties”. Under agenda item 118, entitled “Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 6 of document A/69/476, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 133, entitled “Programme planning”, as indicated in paragraph 3 of document A/69/477, no action was required on the item. Before concluding, I would like to recall the high level of cooperation prevailing in the Second Committee. Although the work of the Committee had to be extended for two weeks to reach a successful conclusion, the Committee was able to fulfil the mandate entrusted to it by the Assembly and to complete its work effectively and constructively. I would like to express, on behalf of the bureau of the Second Committee, our profound appreciation to all the coordinators, facilitators and negotiators who persevered in the negotiations on our draft resolutions. I would also like to thank all delegations for their constructive participation and cooperation in reaching consensus on many draft resolutions and decisions. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest thanks to our Chair, Mr. Sebastiano Cardi of Italy, as well as the Vice-Chairs, Ms. Tishka Francis of the Bahamas, Mr. Tarik Iziraren of Morocco and Mrs. Aleksandra Stepowska of Poland, for their extraordinary collaboration, partnership and friendship during this challenging and successful session of the Second Committee. I also thank the secretariat of the Second Committee for its outstanding assistance and support to me and to all the members of the bureau. Before I conclude, I would like to request delegations having any queries about corrections to the texts of draft resolutions that were adopted by the Second Committee, to communicate them, as soon as possible, to the Secretariat of the Second Committee, so that any corrections may be made prior to the final issuance of texts as resolutions of the General Assembly. Finally, and on a more personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to offer my very best wishes to all for a wonderful holiday season and the opportunity to spend a well-deserved break from our work. Last but not least, I wish you all peace and prosperity in the New Year.

I thank the Rapporteur 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.

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, that is, either in the Committee or in plenary meeting, unless that delegation’s vote in plenary meeting is different from its vote in the Committee”. May I further 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 proposal, delegations will have an opportunity to explain their positions before and after the General Assembly takes action on all of the proposals. 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 circulated in document A/C.2/69/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 column three of the note, the order and numbers of the draft resolutions or decisions for action in the plenary, with their corresponding titles and symbols assigned in the Second Committee in column four of the same note. The Assembly is reminded that we will now 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 the plenary by Member States. Any clarification about co-sponsorship should be addressed to the Secretary of the Committee.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 13 of its report and a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 14 of the same report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution and on the draft decision, one by one. The draft resolution is entitled “Information and communications technologies for development”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 69/204).

The draft decision is entitled “Note by the Secretary-General on communication for development programmes in the United Nations system”. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt it, as recommended by the Second Committee?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 16?

May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 17. (a) International trade and development Report of the Second Committee (A/69/466/Add.1)

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report and a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 9 of the same report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution and on the draft decision, one by one. The draft resolution is entitled “International trade and development”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The draft decision is entitled “Reports considered by the General Assembly in connection with international trade and development”. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt it, as recommended by the Second Committee?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 17?

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 it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 17?

The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 11 of its report. Before proceeding further, I should like to inform members that action on draft resolution II, entitled “Modalities for the implementation of resolution 68/304, entitled ‘Towards the establishment of a multilateral legal framework for sovereign debt restructuring processes’”, is postponed to a later date to allow time for the review of its programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee. The Assembly will take action on draft resolution II as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on its programme budget implications is available. We will now take a decision on draft resolution I, entitled “External debt sustainability and development”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegations of Azerbaijan and Saint Kitts and Nevis informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour; the delegation of Croatia informed the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain.]

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 17.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “Follow-up to the International Conference on Financing for Development”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 18.

The Assembly has before it five draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 31 of its report and a draft decision recommended in paragraph 32 of the same report. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to V and on the draft decision, one by one. The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled “International cooperation and coordination for the human and ecological rehabilitation and economic development of the Semipalatinsk region of Kazakhstan”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We now turn to draft resolution II, entitled “Entrepreneurship for development”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegations of Croatia, the Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis and South Sudan informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour; the delegations of the Plurinational State of Bolivia and Mauritania informed the Secretariat that they had intended to abstain.]

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution III, entitled “Follow-up to the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014): Global Action Programme on Education for Sustainable Development”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We now turn to draft resolution IV, entitled “Oil slick on Lebanese shores”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of the Russian Federation informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour; the delegation of Colombia informed the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain.]

Draft resolution V is entitled “Role of transport and transit corridors in ensuring international cooperation for sustainable development”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We will now turn to paragraph 32 of the report (A/69/468) to take action on the draft decision, entitled “Report of the Secretary- General on reliable and stable transit of energy and its role in ensuring sustainable development and international cooperation”. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt the draft decision, as recommended by the Second Committee?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 19. (a) Implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development and of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development Report of the Second Committee (A/69/468/Add.1)

The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 14 of its report (A/69/468/Add.1) and the draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 15 of the same report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I and II and on the draft decision, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development and of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Draft resolution II is entitled “International Decade for Action, ‘Water for Life’, 2005-2015, and further efforts to achieve the sustainable development of water resources”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

We will now turn to paragraph 15 of the report to take action on the draft decision entitled “Note by the Secretary-General on the term of the board of the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production patterns”. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt the draft decision, as recommended by the Second Committee?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 19. (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/69/468/Add.2)

The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 16 of its report and a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 17 of the same report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I and II and on the draft decision, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Towards the sustainable development of the Caribbean Sea for present and future generations”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Draft resolution II is 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”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

We will now turn to paragraph 17 of the report to take action on the draft decision entitled “Report of the Secretary-General entitled ‘Towards the sustainable development of the Caribbean Sea for present and future generations’”. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt the draft decision, as recommended by the Second Committee?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 19?

The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 13 of its report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I and II, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “International cooperation to reduce the impact of the El Niño phenomenon”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Draft resolution II is entitled “International Strategy for Disaster Reduction”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 19. (d) Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind Report of the Second Committee (A/69/468/Add.4)

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 it. 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 (d) of agenda item 19? (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/69/468/Add.5)

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted it. 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 (e) of agenda item 19?

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, entitled “Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its contribution to sustainable development”. The Second Committee adopted it. 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 (f) of agenda item 19? (g) Report of the United Nations Environment Assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme Report of the Second Committee (A/69/468/Add.7)

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (g) of agenda item 19?

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 it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (h) of agenda item 19. (i) Promotion of new and renewable sources of energy Report of the Second Committee (A/69/464/Add.9)

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (i) of agenda item 19?

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. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 20.

The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 14 of its report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I and II, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Towards a New International Economic Order”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegations of Mauritania, South Sudan and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour; the delegation of Croatia informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote against.]

Draft resolution II is entitled “Promoting and fostering efficiency, accountability, effectiveness and transparency of public administration by strengthening supreme audit institutions”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 21. (a) International migration and development Report of the Second Committee (A/69/470/Add.1) The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 21. (b) Culture and sustainable development Report of the Second Committee (A/69/470/Add.2) The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. The Second 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 Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 21 and of agenda item 21 as a whole?

May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 22. (a) Follow-up to the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries Report of the Second Committee (A/69/471/Add.1)

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 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?

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? (b) Follow-up to the second United Nations Conference on landlocked developing countries Report of the Second Committee (A/69/471/Add.2)

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “Specific actions related to the particular needs and problems of landlocked developing countries: follow-up to the second United Nations Conference on landlocked developing countries”. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

I now give the floor to the representative of Azerbaijan for a statement of position.

My delegation would like to explain our position regarding resolution 69/232, “Specific actions related to the particular needs and problems of landlocked developing countries: follow-up to the second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries”, under agenda item 22 (b). My delegation would like to take this opportunity to extend its sincere appreciation to the facilitator, Paraguay, and the coordinators of the resolution, Bhutan and Nepal, for their hard work during the consultation process. Azerbaijan would like to emphasize that the impediments faced by landlocked developing countries are not triggered just by their landlocked geographic location, but also, in the case of Azerbaijan, by the ongoing regional conflict my country has been suffering from for more than two decades. It is not news to the Assembly that Armenia, our neighbouring country, has occupied 20 per cent of our territories and continues to forcefully claim them. To this flagrant occupation, the Security Council has responded by adopting four resolutions demanding an immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces of the Republic of Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent districts of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Yet Armenia has never complied with these resolutions and to this day continues these illegal acts. Our position is well reflected in an official document of the first and second sessions of the Intergovernmental Preparatory Committee for the second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (A/CONF.225/PC/8, annex) which clearly describes how these illegal acts affect the development of landlocked countries. We are speaking about the challenges of landlocked countries and trying to find the best formulas for developing their potential. Nevertheless, in my country’s case, one of the core obstacles lies in the ongoing conflict with our neighbour Armenia, which has a tremendous effect on the development of the regional transportation infrastructure and full-fledged economic cooperation of our region. Needless to say, in our region it is the occupation of Azerbaijani territories that impedes communication routes and paralyses trade potential. We genuinely hope that the resolution of the conflict — which must first and foremost comply with the norms and principles of international law — will pave the way for opening up communication routes and regional transport corridors to the benefit of the whole region.

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 and of agenda item 22 as a whole?

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution entitled “Promotion of sustainable tourism, including 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 General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 23. (a) Implementation of the Second United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2008-2017) Report of the Second Committee (A/69/472/Add.1)

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 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 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 23?

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?

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?

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The draft resolution is entitled “World Survey on the Role of Women in Development”. The Second 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 Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 23 and of agenda item 23 as a whole?

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 draft resolution is entitled “Building capacity for the evaluation of development activities at the country level”. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 24. (a) Operational activities for development of the United Nations system Report of the Second Committee (A/69/473/Add.1)

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. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Azerbaijan informed the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain.]

I shall now give the floor to speakers who wish to speak in explanation of vote or position on the resolutions just adopted.

The quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system (QCPR), adopted by consensus in 2012, remains an important milestone and unique tool in our collective efforts to ensure that the United Nations development system delivers coherent, effective and efficient development results. Since 2012, we have been concerned at the extent to which General Assembly resolutions on operational activities for development have strayed from the agreed practice of having texts of a largely procedural nature in non-QCPR years. Resolution 69/238 also contains many elements that are repeated from the QCPR or previous General Assembly and Economic and Social Council resolutions, without justification or added value, and which therefore result in an unbalanced emphasis on selective elements of the QCPR, without reference to many other important issues. Moreover, the resolution also includes calls for governance reform, which we do not support and that go against the carefully negotiated consensus reached only a couple of months ago in the context of the Economic and Social Council operational activities resolution. We therefore deeply regret that we had to abstain in the voting on resolution 69/238, entitled “Operational activities for development of the United Nations system”. We are concerned about the message this sends to the United Nations development system and the concrete consequences for the work of the funds and programmes on the ground in partner countries. Throughout the process we engaged constructively and in good faith, proposing and coming forward with substantive ideas with a view to finding consensus until the very last moment. In our view, a consensus text was well within our reach. Let me conclude by underlining that the European Union and its member States continue to attach great importance to the QCPR and to United Nations operational activities for development. It is now important that we regain the spirit of compromise and consensus that has always characterized our collective engagement in operational activities for development. The dialogue convened by the Economic and Social Council earlier this week on the long-term positioning of the United Nations development system has already demonstrated that we are on right path. The European Union remains committed to a transparent and inclusive in-depth discussion on the longer-term positioning of the United Nations development system, which will culminate with the quadrennial comprehensive policy review in 2016.

The United States is profoundly disappointed that resolution 69/238, on operational activities for development, has been voted on. The operational activities of the United Nations development system are critical to the ability of the United Nations to deliver development assistance to the people who need it around the world. It is doubly regrettable that we were forced to vote on the resolution when negotiators had actually reached consensus. We deeply regret the decision by some delegations to link this resolution to the one on South-South cooperation (resolution 69/239), thus guaranteeing a vote on both. Both procedurally and on substance, we object to this approach, which undermines the work done in good faith by negotiators, fosters conflict among Member States and distracts from the important work we all need to accomplish together. We voted “no” as a statement of our serious concern about the effort to impose non-consensual mandates about governance reform on the United Nations development system. We agree that reform of the United Nations development system is a serious and timely issue that requires intensive consideration of a wide range of topics. That is why my delegation agreed to address this important topic in a balanced and responsible manner in the Economic and Social Council dialogues on the longer-term positioning of the United Nations development system, which began promisingly under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council on Monday. We are committed to a sustained and serious investigation of the implications of reform on a range of important topics, including the alignment of functions, funding practices, governance structures, the capacity and impact of the United Nations development system, partnership approaches, organizational arrangements in the context of the post-2015 development agenda, culminating in consideration and action by Member States in the quadrennial comprehensive policy review in 2016. That was the path that all Member States had agreed on by consensus in July in the Economic and Social Council operational activities decision, which laid out a clear process and balanced the needs of all countries invested in the United Nations development system. That consensus positioned the United Nations development system to make a real contribution to enacting the post-2015 development agenda. We fear that unilateral attempts to mandate non-consensual reform have the opposite effect. They highlight our differences and create severe potential negative impacts, both for the United Nations development system and the funding decisions of donor countries. Despite this setback, the United States is confident that we can still pull together to make constructive consensus decisions on operational activities in future. We call upon all Member States, the Secretariat and development agencies to continue to support the carefully constructed consensus decisions for the good of the entire United Nations development system and the people it serves. During all the important intergovernmental negotiations in 2015, it will be critical for the United Nations as a body to achieve consensus. My delegation is committed to doing so, and we look forward to putting this vote behind us and working together towards our common goals next year.

I deliver this explanation of vote on behalf of Australia and Canada. It is with deep regret that Canada and Australia had to vote against resolution 69/238, on operational activities for development of the United Nations system. We are now halfway through the first cycle of the comprehensive policy review since it was made a quadrennial process. That was a considered and important decision by the Assembly, as it allowed the review to align and contribute to harmonize four- year strategy plans for the funds, programmes and specialized agencies. Canada and Australia believe the quadrennial nature of the review and the mandates therein provide the necessary space for the United Nations system to undertake critical reforms. It also allows Member States an opportunity to undertake a comprehensive approach and to tackle the broad number of detailed technical policy issues in a careful manner, which is not possible on an annual basis. Given the quadrennial cycle of the process, it is customary for the annual General Assembly resolution on operational activities on the quadrennial comprehensive policy reviews for development of the United Nations system (QCPR) in non-QCPR years to be largely procedural in nature. Where there have been substantive elements included, they have addressed significant new developments that took place in the previous year. Canada and Australia are concerned about the extent to which this year’s resolution strays from the practice of a procedural text. The resolution contains many elements that are repeated from the QCPR or previous General Assembly and Economic and Social Council resolutions, without justification or added value. The result places an unbalanced emphasis on some elements of the QCPR without reference to many other important issues. This lack of balance weakens the overall comprehensive nature of the instructions given to the United Nations development system over four-year periods. We are concerned at what appears to be a gradual undermining of the integrity of the quadrennial process that we all agreed to years ago. We are also concerned that the approach being taken undermines the unique role of the Economic and Social Council in monitoring and follow-up and sets in place a parallel and duplicative process in the Assembly. There is a clear distinction between the role of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. In that regard, we express our opposition to the changing of the parameters set by Economic and Social Council in 2014 on the transparent and inclusive dialogues on the long- term positioning of the United Nations development system, in particular references to the composition of the governing structure of United Nations funds and programmes. We are profoundly disappointed, too, at the decision taken by the Group of 77 and China to submit the resolution for adoption in a version that could not attract consensus. We believe the United Nations development system and its governance arrangements cannot work without clear instructions from Member States on the basis of consensus. Canada and Australia see the Economic and Social Council dialogues as a critical part of the preparatory process for the 2016 QCPR. We do not agree with rushed or improvised processes, or with any references in the resolution to early reforms. We look forward to the February operational activities segment of Economic and Social Council, which we believe provides the key opportunity to more completely discuss and address the full set of issues from the 2012 QCPR. I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the facilitator, the representative of Switzerland, for her leadership and guidance throughout our consultations. Canada and Australia ask that this explanation of vote be reflected in the official records.

Allow me to deliver this statement of behalf of the members of the Group of 77 and China (G-77) in connection with resolution 69/238, which the General Assembly adopted a few minutes ago. I would like to express my gratitude to all the States members of the Group of 77 and other States who voted in favour of the resolution. The resolution, entitled “Operational activities for development of the United Nations system”, reiterates the call on the organizations of the United Nations system to attach the highest priority to poverty eradication efforts. It underscores the need to better reflect the multidimensional nature of development and poverty, as well as the importance of developing a common understanding among Member States and other interested parties to be reflected in the context of the post-2015 development agenda. It also reaffirms the importance of the contribution of the operational activities for development of the national capacities of the States. Furthermore, the resolution reiterates the importance of the capacities of States to operational activities for development. It once again emphasizes that, given their non-conditional nature, basic resources continue to be the bedrock of the operational activities for development of the United Nations system. It notes with concern that the percentage for core resources in the general budget for operational activities has decreased and places in balance core resources and non-core resources in order to create a critical mass. The resolution calls on all entities of the United Nations system to consider the post-2015 development agenda, once adopted, in the context of mid-term reviews and the elaboration of strategic plans and frameworks, in order to ensure consistency and alignment with the agenda. It also reaffirms the importance of achieving diversification in the composition of the resident coordinator system in terms of geographical distribution and gender. On a very important point, the resolution recalls the need to take up the composition and functioning of the governing structures of the United Nations funds and programmes in the context of a constructive dialogue, with a view to a reform that ensures the legitimacy of the system. I should now like to add a few comments to those made a few minutes ago by some delegations. The Group of 77 and China has always shown the highest level of willingness to engage in dialogue and reach consensus in order to strengthen the processes that take place at the United Nations. Nevertheless, our willingness has not been met by an appropriate response from our partners. However, we see that as a part of the democratic process at the United Nations. More than two thirds of Member States voted for this resolution because we believe that consensus cannot be synonymous with the status quo. If we are truly contemplating the post-2015 development agenda process with a genuine intention of mobilizing our collective efforts to effect a profound change to achieve our goals, we must move forward more decisively in order to overcome the status quo and make progress in the democratic transformation of the United Nations and of the governing structures of its funds and programmes. In my capacity as coordinator of the G-77, I would like to thank all members of the group for their work, as well as the unity and solidarity they have shown on this and other occasions. I would like to emphasize the fact that the Group of 77 and China will continue to work constructively to reach consensus where it is possible to do so with our partners. We are determined that the process of debating the post-2015 development agenda not simply be an administrative process, but essentially one of transformation.

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?

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. A recorded vote has been requested.

I shall now give the floor to members who wish to speak in explanation of vote following the adoption of the resolution.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the States members of the European Union (EU). South-South and triangular cooperation continues to grow. We welcome that development, especially for its potential to contribute to poverty eradication and sustainable development. The EU will continue to support South-South cooperation through triangular cooperation. We also greatly value the work of the United Nations system to promote South-South and triangular cooperation across all the relevant programmes and will continue to support this work. We therefore regret that we had to vote against resolution 69/239, entitled “South-South cooperation for development”. We particularly regret the fact that institutional and budgetary issues prevented us from reaching consensus. We do not support the call for an intersessional meeting in 2015, a time when we will all be working hard on the post-2015 development agenda and the financing for development processes, as well as the unbalanced language on technology transfer and the funding request for additional resources for the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation. Throughout the process we engaged constructively and in good faith. Up to the last minute, we made extensive efforts to reach a consensus outcome. We believe that such consensus could have been reached. We must now look forward, and we are confident that we can regain the spirit of compromise and consensus that has been a hallmark for our collective engagement on South-South coooperation. The fast- changing international development landscape means that we need to move beyond traditional cooperation to incorporate South-South and triangular cooperation perspectives and development experience, particularly within the context of the post-2015 development agenda. The EU and its member States remain committed to supporting South-South and triangular cooperation and to working constructively and positively with all stakeholders going forward.

The United States is disappointed that a vote was forced on resolution 69/239. We did not want to vote on this resolution and did so reluctantly. It is highly unfortunate that we were forced to vote when, in our view, consensus was possible and we had even this week made efforts to reach it. In that regard, we would like to thank the Second Committee Chair, Mr. Cardi, for his personal and persistent efforts to find consensus up until the very last minute. We supported those efforts. We submitted new text proposals, and we were and still are willing to seek consensus on this important topic. We deeply regret that the decision was taken to force a vote, a decision we see as more a political choice than one linked to the substance of the resolution, on which our delegation and most others saw a clear path that all of us could take to reach consensus. We voted “no” as a statement of our serious concern about the effort by some delegations to impose unilateral mandates on the United Nations development system and the tactics they employed for that purpose. In our view, that is an inappropriate way to determine the use of United Nations resources, and will have negative impacts on the work of the Second Committee. In this resolution, there are issues that have always created red lines for my delegation. They include a desire for detailed micromanaging of one agency of the United Nations development system that we see in this text, to the point of determining titles and ranks of staff members. Also, we do not support the call for an intersessional meeting in 2015, which will certainly incur costs and, in our view, will add no value at a time when all delegations will be busy with the post-2015 and financing for development processes. In that regard, since the Secretariat assured us that the resolution had no programme budget implications, we reiterate that any additional costs for the intersessional meeting must be absorbed in the regular budget. In that vein, we also protest the unbalanced request to devote more resources to the Office for South-South Cooperation without specifying where those resources would come from, and in direct conflict with allocation of United Nations Development Programme resources by its Executive Board through its strategic plan. We object strongly to unbalanced and non-agreed language on technology transfer, and of course we do not agree with the choice to import decisions from other United Nations bodies and repeat them as General Assembly mandates. These are serious issues, but again we saw a path to consensus on all of them, which, unfortunately, we were not afforded an opportunity to reach. Despite the setback, the United States is confident that Member States can still pull together to make constructive consensus decisions on South-South cooperation in future. Our delegation strongly supports South-South cooperation and sees it as an indispensable aspect of the international development landscape that will need to play a significant role if we want the post- 2015 development agenda to succeed.

I deliver this statement on behalf of Australia and Canada. It is with regret that Canada and Australia have had to vote against resolution 69/239, on South-South cooperation. We refer to earlier comments made by our delegations in our explanations of vote on operational activities with regard to the substantive nature of this year’s resolution under this agenda item. In addition to our procedural concerns, we are also opposed to a number of substantive requests and budgetary implications in the text. In particular, we are in total disagreement with the unnecessary addition of an inter-sessional session in 2015, which will certainly incur budgetary implications, the irresponsible request of additional resources to the Office for South-South Cooperation, the unacceptable language on transfer of technology and the unilateral use of language from decisions made by the High-level Committee on South- South Cooperation. We are disappointed about the decision taken by the Group of 77 and China to present the resolution for adoption in a version that could not attract consensus. We are also particularly concerned by the tactics of some delegations to block consensus on one resolution, with a view to extracting consensus on another. We believe the United Nations development system cannot work without clear instructions from Member States on the basis of consensus. In our view, such tactics tend to unduly fragment much-needed consensus for a robust United Nations system and those benefiting from it. We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the facilitator, the representative of Spain, for her leadership and guidance throughout the consultations. We would also like to thank all of the delegations that joined forces and showed goodwill until the very end of this year’s Second Committee process, with sincere and constructive work towards a consensual solution. Despite the unfortunate outcome, Canada and Australia will continue to work towards the implementation of consensus-based directions for the benefit of the United Nations development system and the countries it supports. Canada and Australia ask that this explanation of vote be reflected in the official records.

I speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, which is a privilege. I would like to begin by expressing the Group’s gratitude to the President of the Assembly and his team for their work. Now that resolution 69/239 has been adopted, we believe it is important to note that the Group proposed this constructive proposal on the basis of agreed language, with a view to continuing along the initial path laid out by the recommendations and concrete measures set out in decision 18/1 of the eighteenth session of the High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation. It was aimed at further strengthening integration and South-South cooperation in the context of the United Nations development system, especially regarding additional financial, budgetary and human resources through the United Nations Office for South- South Cooperation, under the auspices of the United Nations Development Programme. The resolution highlights the fact that South-South cooperation is not a substitute for, but a complement to, North-South cooperation. It also reaffirms its role in demonstrating solidarity among the peoples of the South, which ensures respect for the principles of sovereignty, national ownership, independence, equality, non-conditionality, non-interference in domestic affairs and mutual benefit. Before concluding, I would like to comment on and respond to some of the remarks made by our partners regarding the resolution. With all due respect, I reject the assertions that the resolution has been handled irresponsibly. We believe that, first, it is now time to give the greatest attention to the needs, requirements and positions of the immense majority of States Members of the United Nations. Once again, more than two thirds of Member States voted in favour of the resolution. Secondly, we once again point out that consensus cannot be interpreted as the status quo. We are very concerned that, on many issues, our partners do not even accept language previously agreed upon. That is a most serious step backwards that, unfortunately, places us in a position that could indeed undermine our efforts and force us to take decisions such as the one before the Assembly today. We are furthermore concerned that not even having agreed language as a basis could pose a threat to the very important processes before us in the context of the post-2015 development agenda, the debate on financing for development and other areas of vital importance. I would like to reiterate that the Group of 77 and China is prepared to continue constructive engagement with our partners in order to achieve consensus. However, we also desire to take transformational decisions to promote progress in achieving the Organization’s clear objectives based on mutual respect and, of course, the ultimate goal being the eradication of poverty.

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?

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. The Second 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 Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 25?

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, as orally corrected this morning by the Rapporteur of the Committee. A recorded vote has been requested.

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 60?

The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision, entitled “Programme of work of the Second Committee for the seventieth session of the General Assembly”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision as recommended by the Second Committee?

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

May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee? The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 133.

On behalf of the General Assembly, I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Sebastiano Cardi, Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and Chair of the Second Committee, the members of the Bureau, the Secretary of the Committee and representatives for a job very well done. The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Second Committee before it today, with the exception of document A/69/466/Add.3, concerning draft resolution II. As noted earlier, the Assembly will take action on the draft resolution as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on its programme budget implications is available.

Members will recall that the Assembly held its debate on agenda item 69 and its sub-items (a) to (c) at its 69th and 70th plenary meetings, on 11 and 12 December 2014. I now give the floor to the representative of Italy to introduce draft resolution A/69/L.38.

It is my pleasure to introduce to the General Assembly draft resolution A/69/L.38, submitted by the 28 members of the European Union, on assistance to the Palestinian people. The draft resolution is the outcome of in-depth discussions with the Palestinian and Israeli delegations. It has been shared with all Member States. As in previous years, the European Union expects the draft resolution to be adopted by consensus. The European Union reaffirms its commitment to provide assistance to the Palestinian people. Sustained support from international community donors is essential to assist Palestinian State-building efforts, strengthen the Palestinian economy and meet the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people. The draft resolution on assistance to the Palestinian people submitted today embodies the wish of the European Union and of the international community as a whole to help the Palestinian people. After several years during which the draft resolution has been subjected only technical updates, this year the European Union engaged in a substantive update to reflect the most recent developments, including last summer’s conflict in Gaza and its disastrous humanitarian consequences. We are particularly grateful to the Israeli and the Palestinian delegations for their extensive and good-faith efforts during the negotiations. The constructive spirit and flexibility made it possible for us to significantly update the text, while at the same time maintaining its consensual nature  — an element that we continue to consider of crucial importance. The draft resolution stresses the importance of the work done by the United Nations and its agencies, notably in providing humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. It welcomes the tripartite agreement facilitated by the United Nations regarding access to the Gaza Strip and stresses that the situation in Gaza is unsustainable and that a durable ceasefire must lead to a fundamental improvement in the living conditions for the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and ensure the safety and well-being of civilians on both sides, including by the full implementation of resolution 1860 (2009). It urges all actors of the international community to provide economic and social assistance to the Palestinian people. It underlines the importance of a timely disbursement of the pledges made in Cairo for the reconstruction of Gaza and urges Member States to open their markets to exports of Palestinian products on the most favourable terms. Moreover, the draft resolution stresses the importance of the work carried out by humanitarian personnel and organizations to provide assistance to the Palestinian people, and it stresses the importance of free humanitarian access to the Palestinian people. In conclusion, the European Union wishes to express its gratitude to the delegations that requested to be included in the list of sponsors of the draft resolution.

We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/69/L.38. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/69/L.38, entitled “Assistance to the Palestinian people”. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution, in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become sponsors of draft resolution A/69/L.38: Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Australia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Chad, Costa Rica, Georgia, Iceland, Japan, Kenya, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Montenegro, Mozambique, Namibia, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Moldova, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland and Ukraine.

May I take it that the General Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/69/L.38?

I now call on the representative of Israel.

My delegation will submit a written explanation of position to the Secretariat.

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 69. I now give the floor to delegations that have asked to speak in the exercise of the right of reply. I remind members that statements in the exercise of the right of reply are limited to 10 minutes for the first intervention and five minutes for the second intervention and should be made by delegations from their seats.

Armenia welcomes the adoption today of resolution 69/232, entitled “Specific actions related to the particular needs and problems of landlocked developing countries: follow-up to the second United Nations Conference on landlocked developing countries”, and supports the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014-2024, adopted at the second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. We would like to highlight the importance of enhancing coordination and cooperation among countries to better address the special development needs and challenges of landlocked developing countries, including through the successful implementation of the actions agreed on in the Vienna Programme of Action in its six priority areas: fundamental transit policy issues, infrastructure development and maintenance, international trade and trade facilitation, regional integration and cooperation, structural economic transformation and means of implementation. At the same time, in the light of the more-than- two-decade-old blockade of Armenia by two of its neighbouring States, we would like to express our strong concern about the serious impediment the blockade represents to stability and the advancement of cooperation in the region. We would like to underline the importance of a just and speedy resolution of the issue, in accordance with the principles of international law and within the agreed formats, of the normalization of relations without preconditions, and of the restoration of trade and transport infrastructure links.

Turkey has always been ready for cooperative and mutually beneficial relations between landlocked and transit countries in order to create an effective framework for overcoming the specific challenges of landlocked developing countries.

I would like to touch base regarding a few of the comments made earlier by my colleague from Armenia. She mentioned the development of the region and international law and its principles, but Armenia must itself abide by those principles and by international law. Instead of making illegitimate and groundless statements, Armenia should respect the relevant Security Council resolutions, which make clear and specific reference to violations of international humanitarian law, including the displacement of a large number of civilians in Azerbaijan, attacks on civilians and bombardments of residential areas. It is beyond dispute that such acts amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity and racial discrimination. Again, Armenia has no defence but its favourite justification, repeated for so many years, which is the right to self-determination. It is obvious that for many years Armenia has been unable to come up with a single argument beyond that phrase about self-determination. A country cannot go to war under such a phrase. It is simply against the law and against humanity.

I would like to remind members again that statements in the exercise of the right of reply are limited to five minutes for the second intervention and should be made by delegations from their seats.

Out of respect for the Assembly’s time, I will be very brief. I would like to express our appreciation and respect for all the delegations involved in the discussions and negotations on the draft resolution, as well as for the able facilitators’ tireless efforts to work out language that reflects the interests and concerns of all the parties. At the same time, I am concerned about the fact that the delegation of Azerbaijan has not acted in a spirit of cooperation and good faith during the negotiations, trying, as it did, to block all Armenia’s proposals, and backtracking even from the agreed-on language of the Vienna Programme of Action. It is regrettable that Azerbaijan has gone so far as to state openly and publicly that it opposes Armenia’s proposal on improving existing infrastructure facilities simply because the proposal includes the word “improvement”. I suppose we should offer the delegation of Azerbaijan our deep sympathy, because it must be very hard to represent a State that opposes improvement at the policy level here at the United Nations. It must be extremely difficult to be opposed to improvement here, because that is one of the Organization’s core values and principles. I believe that improvement is in fact the ultimate reason why we are all here — to bring positive change and, yes, to make the world a better place. I would like to emphasize that we have agreed to use the word “enhancement”, not because we compromised on the very important matter of improving infrastructure, but because we know that “environment nhancement” means improving quality and increasing numbers, and we thank the delegation of Azerbaijan for reinforcing the original language of the Vienna Programme of Action. Regardless of whatever prejudice some may harbour towards improvement, we cannot stop improving, and we will continue to improve. I will end here, out of respect for the Assembly’s time.

It is unclear why the representative of Armenia responded to the mention of its violation of international humanitarian law by justifying itself and introducing illegitimate arguments about “improvement” into the discussion of the resolution. I would like to refresh my colleagues’ memory by pointing out that in fact the Armenian delegation was not really actively involved in the consultation process, but merely joined the last two sessions and suggested a few paragraphs. Changing the course of a resolution is not something that is considered normal or collegial within the United Nations system. To repeat what I have said previously, the distorted information presented does not justify our neighbour Armenia’s illegal acts.