A/73/PV.65 General Assembly

Friday, Dec. 21, 2018 — Session 73, Meeting 65 — New York — UN Document ↗

In the absence of the President, Mr. Ten-Pow (Guyana), Vice-President, took the Chair.
Vote: A/RES/73/266 Recorded Vote
Show country votes
✓ Yes (138)
Vote: A/RES/73/263 Recorded Vote
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Vote: A/RES/73/264 Recorded Vote
Show country votes
✓ Yes (136)
Vote: A/RES/73/262 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (120)
The meeting was called to order at 3.05 p.m.

130.  International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals Letter from the President of the Security Council (A/73/578) Memorandum by the Secretary-General (A/73/577) Note by the Secretary-General (A/73/566)

The Acting President #86927
The General Assembly will continue its consideration of agenda item 130, on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, to elect two judges to the roster of the Residual Mechanism. Since no candidate obtained an absolute majority in the first round of balloting earlier today (see A/73/ PV.64), the General Assembly will proceed to the next round of balloting. Before beginning the voting process, I should like to remind representatives that, pursuant to rule 88 of the rules of procedure, after the President has announced the beginning of the voting process, no representative shall interrupt the voting except on a point of order in connection with the actual conduct of the voting. Any announcements, including those concerning withdrawals of candidatures, should therefore be made prior to the commencement of the voting process, that is to say, before the announcement of the beginning of the voting process. I give the floor to the representative of Azerbaijan.

82.  Report of the International Law Commission on the work of its seventieth session Report of the Sixth Committee (A/73/556)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
Ms. Mehdiyeva AZE Azerbaijan #86928
First of all, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of the delegations that supported the candidature of Azerbaijan. I have asked for the floor to announce the withdrawal of the candidature of Mr. Hafiz Nasibov, in favour of Mr. Yusuf Aksar of Turkey.

72.  Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance (b) Comprehensive implementation of and follow- up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action Report of the Third Committee (A/73/587) Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/682)

Vote: 32/413 Recorded Vote
✓ 120   ✗ 11   41 abs.
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✓ Yes (120)
The Acting President #86929
The withdrawal of the candidature of Azerbaijan is duly noted. We shall now proceed with the second round of balloting. Ballot papers will now be distributed. Ballot papers will be given only to the representative seated directly behind the country’s nameplate. Once again, I would like to remind representatives that they are requested to use only the ballot papers that are being distributed. Only those candidates whose names appear on the ballot papers are eligible. Representatives will indicate the two candidates for whom they wish to vote by placing crosses in the boxes at the left of their names on the ballot papers. Ballot papers on which more than two names are checked will be considered invalid. Votes may be cast for only those whose names appear on the ballot papers. If a ballot contains votes other than votes for the candidates listed on the ballot paper, those votes will not be counted. As the General Assembly decided this morning, any second and subsequent balloting will be unrestricted. Votes may accordingly be cast in any second or subsequent ballot for any eligible candidate who has not yet been elected.
At the invitation of the Acting President, Ms. Macdonal Álvarez (Plurinational State of Bolivia), Mr. Serpico (Italy), Mr. Asuta (Kenya), Ms. Korren (Malta), Mr. Chua (Singapore) and Ms. Laučiková (Slovakia) acted as tellers.

96.  Developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security Report of the First Committee (А/73/505) Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/678)

Vote: 32/413 Recorded Vote
✓ 138   ✗ 12   16 abs.
Show country votes
✓ Yes (138)

128.  Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations (d) Cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/683)

Vote: A/RES/73/267 Consensus
Show country votes
✓ Yes (155)
A vote was taken by secret ballot.
The meeting was suspended at 3.25 p.m. and resumed at 3.50 p.m.
The Acting President #86930
The result of the voting is as follows: Number of ballot papers: 188 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 188 Abstentions: 0 Number of members voting: 188 Required absolute majority: 98 Number of votes obtained: Mr. Yusuf Aksar (Turkey) 77 Mr. Guénaël Mettraux (Switzerland) 77 Mr. Mustapha El Baaj (Morocco) 70 Mr. Michael A. Newton (United States of America) 65 Mr. Constant K. Hometowu (Ghana) 29 Mr. Mame Mandiaye Niang (Senegal) 28 Mr. Elyakim Rubinstein (Israel) 18 Mr. Aboubacar Demba Camara (Guinea) 5
The Acting President #86931
Since no candidate obtained an absolute majority in the second round of balloting, the General Assembly will proceed to a third round of balloting. Before beginning the voting process, I should like to again remind representatives that pursuant to rule 88 of the rules of procedure, after the President has announced the beginning of voting, no representative shall interrupt the voting, except on a point of order in connection with the actual conduct of the voting. Any announcements, including those concerning the withdrawal of candidatures, should therefore be made prior to the commencement of the voting process, that is to say, before the announcement of the beginning of the voting process. I call on the reresentative of Israel.
Mr. Wax ISR Israel #86932
Israel would like to withdraw the candidature of Mr. Elyakim Rubinstein.

74.  Promotion and protection of human rights (c) Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives Report of the Third Committee (A/73/589/ Add.3) Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/681)

Vote: 31/100 Recorded Vote
✓ 65   ✗ 27   70 abs.
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The Acting President #86933
The Secretariat has taken due note. I now call on the representative of Guinea.
Mr. Conte GIN Guinea [French] #86934
At this stage of the voting, my delegation would like to thank all those who have supported the candidacy of Judge Aboubacar Demba Camara. I would like to take this opportunity to withdraw his candidacy.
The Acting President #86935
The Secretariat has taken due note. I now call on the representative of Senegal.
Mr. Dieng SEN Senegal [French] #86936
The Senegalese delegation would like to thank all those who voted for our candidate, Mr. Mame Mandiaye Niang. At this time, we would like to withdraw our candidacy.
Vote: 31/169 Recorded Vote
✓ 136   ✗ 8   22 abs.
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✓ Yes (136)
The Acting President #86937
I call on the representative of Ghana.
Ms. Abbey GHA Ghana #86938
I would like to thank each and every person who supported the candidature of Ghana. I take this opportunity to withdraw the candidature of Constant K. Hometowu of Ghana.
The Acting President #86939
As four candidates now remain, I will suspend the meeting for a few minutes to give the Secretariat time to redo the ballot papers.
The meeting was suspended at 4.10 p.m. and resumed at 4.40 p.m.
The Acting President #86940
We shall now proceed to the third round of balloting and begin the voting process. Ballot papers will now be distributed. Ballot papers will be given only to the representatives seated directly behind country nameplates. Representatives are requested to use only the ballot papers now being distributed. Only those candidates whose names appear on the ballot papers are eligible. Representatives will indicate the two candidates for whom they wish to vote by placing a cross in the box at the left of the names on the ballot papers. Ballot papers on which more than two names are checked will be considered invalid. Votes may be cast for only those whose names appear on the ballot papers. If a ballot contains votes other than votes for the candidates listed on the ballot paper, those votes will not be counted. As the General Assembly decided this morning, any second and subsequent balloting will be unrestricted. Votes may accordingly be cast in any second or subsequent ballot for any eligible candidate who has not yet been elected.

136.  Programme budget for the biennium 2018-2019 Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/686)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
At the invitation of the Acting President, Ms. Macdonal Álvarez (Plurinational State of Bolivia), Mr. Serpico (Italy), Mr. Asuta (Kenya), Ms. Korren (Malta), Mr. Chua (Singapore) and Ms. Laučiková (Slovakia) acted as tellers.
A vote was taken by secret ballot.
The meeting was suspended at 4.55 p.m. and resumed at 5.15 p.m.
The Acting President #86941
The result of the voting is as follows: Number of ballot papers: 190 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 190 Abstentions: 2 Number of members voting: 188 Absolute majority required: 98 Number of votes obtained: Mr. Yusuf Aksar (Turkey) 101 Mr. Guénaël Mettraux (Switzerland) 97 Mr. Mustapha El Baaj (Morocco) 91 Mr. Michael A. Newton (United States of America) 77
The Acting President #86942
Since only one candidate has obtained an absolute majority in the third round of balloting, the General Assembly will now proceed to a fourth round of balloting to fill the second remaining vacancy. Before beginning the voting process, I should like to again remind representatives that, pursuant to rule 88 of the rules of procedure, after the President has announced the beginning of voting, no representative shall interrupt the voting except on a point of order in connection with the actual conduct of the voting. Any announcements, including those concerning the withdrawal of candidatures, should therefore be made prior to the commencement of the voting process, that is to say, before the announcement of the beginning of the voting process. We shall now begin the voting process. Ballot papers will now be distributed. Ballot papers will be given only to the representatives seated directly behind country nameplates. Representatives are requested to use only the ballot papers now being distributed. Only those candidates whose names appear on the ballot papers are eligible. Representatives will indicate the one candidate for whom they wish to vote by placing a cross in the box at the left of the names on the ballot papers. Ballot papers on which more than one name is checked will be considered invalid. Votes may be cast for only those whose names appear on the ballot papers. If a ballot contains votes other than votes for the candidates listed on the ballot paper, those votes will not be counted. As the General Assembly decided this morning, any second and subsequent balloting will be unrestricted. Votes may accordingly be cast in any fourth or subsequent ballot for any eligible candidate who has not yet been elected.
At the invitation of the Acting President, Ms. Macdonal Álvarez (Plurinational State of Bolivia), Mr. Serpico (Italy), Mr. Asuta (Kenya), Ms. Korren (Malta), Mr. Chua (Singapore) and Ms. Laucikova (Slovakia) acted as tellers.
A vote was taken by secret ballot.
The meeting was suspended at 5.20 p.m. and resumed at 5.50 p.m.
The Acting President #86943
The result of the voting is as follows: Number of ballot papers: 188 Number of invalid ballots: 7 Number of valid ballots: 181 Abstentions: 2 Number of members voting: 179 Required absolute majority: 98 Number of votes obtained: Mr. Guénaël Mettraux (Switzerland): 77 Mr. Mustapha El Baaj (Morocco): 72 Mr. Michael A. Newton (United States of America): 30
The Acting President #86944
Since no candidate obtained an absolute majority in the fourth round of balloting, the General Assembly will proceed to a fifth round of balloting. Before beginning the voting process, I should like to again remind representatives that, pursuant to rule 88 of the rules of procedure, after the President has announced the beginning of voting, no representative shall interrupt the voting except on a point of order in connection with the actual conduct of the voting. Any announcements, including those concerning withdrawals of candidatures, should therefore be made prior to the commencement of the voting process, that is to say, before the announcement of the beginning of the voting process. We shall now begin the voting process. Ballot papers will now be distributed. Ballot papers will be given only to the representatives seated directly behind country nameplates. Representatives are requested to use only the ballot papers now being distributed. Only those candidates whose names appear on the ballot papers are eligible. Representatives will indicate the one candidate for whom they wish to vote by placing a cross in the box at the left of the names on the ballot papers. Ballot papers on which more than one name is checked will be considered invalid. Votes may be cast for only those whose names appear on the ballot papers. If a ballot contains votes other than votes for the candidates listed on the ballot paper, those votes will not be counted. As the General Assembly decided this morning, any second and subsequent balloting will be unrestricted. Votes may accordingly be cast in any fifth or subsequent ballot for any eligible candidate who has not yet been elected.
At the invitation of the Acting President, Ms. Macdonal Álvarez (Plurinational State of Bolivia), Mr. Serpico (Italy), Mr. Asuta (Kenya), Ms. Korren (Malta), Mr. Chua (Singapore) and Ms. Laučiková (Slovakia) acted as tellers.
A vote was taken by secret ballot.
The meeting was suspended at 5.55 p.m. and resumed at 6 p.m.
The Acting President #86945
The result of the voting is as follows: Number of ballot papers: 186 Number of invalid ballots: 3 Number of valid ballots: 183 Abstentions: 2 Number of members voting: 181 Absolute majority required: 98 Number of votes obtained: Mr. Guénaël Mettraux (Switzerland) 85 Mr. Mustapha El Baaj (Morocco) 75 Mr. Michael A. Newton (United States of America) 21
The Acting President #86946
Since no candidate has obtained an absolute majority in the fifth round of balloting, the General Assembly will now proceed to a sixth round of balloting to fill the second remaining vacancy. Before beginning the voting process, I should like to again remind representatives that, pursuant to rule 88 of the rules of procedure, after the President has announced the beginning of voting, no representative shall interrupt the voting except on a point of order in connection with the actual conduct of the voting. Any announcements, including those concerning the withdrawal of candidatures, should therefore be made prior to the commencement of the voting process, that is to say, before the announcement of the beginning of the voting process. We shall now begin the voting process. Ballot papers will now be distributed. Ballot papers will be given only to the representatives seated directly behind country nameplates. Representatives are requested to use only the ballot papers now being distributed. Only those candidates whose names appear on the ballot papers are eligible. Representatives will indicate the one candidate for whom they wish to vote by placing a cross in the box at the left of the names on the ballot papers. Ballot papers on which more than one name is checked will be considered invalid. Votes may be cast for only those whose names appear on the ballot papers. If a ballot contains votes other than votes for the candidates listed on the ballot paper, those votes will not be counted. As the General Assembly decided this morning, any second and subsequent balloting will be unrestricted. Votes may accordingly be cast in any sixth or subsequent ballot for any eligible candidate who has not yet been elected.
At the invitation of the Acting President, Ms. Macdonal Álvarez (Plurinational State of Bolivia), Mr. Serpico (Italy), Mr. Asuta (Kenya), Ms. Korren (Malta), Mr. Chua (Singapore) and Ms. Laučiková (Slovakia) acted as tellers.
A vote was taken by secret ballot.
The meeting was suspended at 6.05 p.m. and resumed at 6.20 p.m.
The Acting President #86947
The result of the voting is as follows: Number of ballot papers: 186 Number of invalid ballots: 1 Number of valid ballots: 185 Abstentions: 1 Number of members voting: 184 Required absolute majority: 98 Number of votes obtained: Mr. Guénaël Mettraux (Switzerland) 88 Mustapha El Baaj (Morocco) 74 Michael A. Newton (United States of America) 22
The Acting President #86948
Since no candidate has obtained an absolute majority in the sixth round of balloting, a further round of balloting will be required. However, in view of the lateness of the hour, the General Assembly will resume its consideration of this item at a later date to be announced. I call on the representative of Switzerland on a point of order.
Mr. Lauber CHE Switzerland #86949
I thank all the representatives who are still in the Hall. I would simply like to ask the Secretariat, through you, Sir, whether it is possible to hold another round of voting this evening. It seems to me that, if we have to postpone this to any of the upcoming days, it will be very difficult to have a sufficient number of delegations in the Hall to arrive at an absolute majority. The voting requirements for this organ are quite special and strange. I would therefore like to ask the Secretariat, through you, Sir, to hold one more round, and maybe close out this business in 2018, as foreseen.
The Acting President #86950
The request of the representative of Switzerland is understandable. In fact, I had already consulted the Secretariat and, because of the strict limitation on the availability of the interpreters, it will not be possible to extend the meeting further. I call on the representative of Switzerland.
Mr. Lauber CHE Switzerland #86951
I do not want to insist too much, but is it possible to do it without interpreters? Is that a technical possibility?
The Acting President #86952
I have been advised by the Secretariat that formal meetings of the plenary require full interpretation in all official languages. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 130. Programme of work
The Acting President #86953
I would like to draw the attention of members to the date of recess of the current session. Members will recall that at its 41st plenary meeting, on 28 November, the General Assembly agreed to postpone the date of recess of the seventy- third session to Friday, 21 December. In the light of the work still to be completed in Fifth Committee, I would like to propose to the Assembly that the date of recess of the current session now be further postponed to Saturday, 22 December. If there is no objection, may I take it that the Assembly agrees to further postpone the date of recess of the seventy-third session to Saturday, 22 December?
It was so decided.
The Acting President #86954
I should also like to consult members regarding an extension of the work of the Fifth Committee. Members will recall that, at its 52nd plenary meeting, on 13 December, the General Assembly decided to extend the work of the Fifth Committee to Friday, 21 December. However, the President of the General Assembly has been informed by the Chair of the Fifth Committee that the Committee requests a further extension of its work, to Saturday, 22 December, in view of the fact that such an extension would facilitate reaching consensus on the pending draft resolutions before it. May I take it, therefore, that the General Assembly agrees to extend the work of the Fifth Committee until tomorrow, Saturday, 22 December?
It was so decided.
The Acting President #86955
Before suspending the meeting, I would like to remind the Assembly that the other items listed in today’s Journal — namely, sub-item (g) of agenda item 20, sub-item (b) of agenda item 72, sub-item (c) of agenda item 74, items 82, 96 and 104 and sub-item (d) of agenda item 128 — will be taken up only once the Fifth Committee completes its work.
The President took the Chair.
The meeting was suspended at 6.25 p.m. on 21 December and resumed at 9.55 p.m. on 22 December.
The President #86956
I congratulate the members of the General Assembly on having successfully concluded their work during the main session­ fashionably on time, three days before Christmas. For members’ information, in the past decade, concluding the work of the Assembly on 22 December is the best record so far. I wish to commend the Chairperson of the Fifth Committee, Ambassador Gillian Bird, and her team, as well as members of the Bureau, for their dedication and skill in steering the work of the Committee. I would also like to recognize the outstanding and dedicated Secretariat team, led by Ms. Sharon Van Buerle, for the tireless support provided to the Fifth Committee. My appreciation also goes to the interpreters and to conference services staff who are here with us tonight — a Saturday night. The decisions the Assembly has taken will have a bearing on how the United Nations functions, today and tomorrow. Members have agreed on the scale of assessments for the regular budget and for peacekeeping operations, which set out our collective responsibilities to finance the Organization from 2019 through 2021. They have adopted resolution 73/139, which approves an additional appropriation of the Secretariat’s share of the resident coordinator system, reaffirming their strong support for our reinvigorated and strengthened system. They have also considered other topics, including special political missions, construction, first performance reports and revised estimates resulting from resolutions and decisions adopted by the Human Rights Council, among other very important topics. Decisions on such complex issues require intensive work and countless hours of negotiations. More importantly, reaching consensus requires difficult compromises on all sides, for which members have shown their willingess. I thank them all for working in a spirit of cooperation, transparency and inclusiveness.

20.  Sustainable development (g) Report of the United Nations Environment Assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme Report of the Second Committee (A/73/538/ Add.7) Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/684)

The President #86957
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 19 of its report. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 73/260).
The President #86958
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (g) of agenda item 20?
It was so decided.

7.  Organization of work

The President #86959
As announced at the 50th plenary meeting, on 11 December, the draft resolution on the effects of atomic radiation adopted at the 48th plenary meeting on 7 December had programme budget implications, as mentioned in paragraph 6 of the report of the Fourth Committee. Therefore, pursuant to rule 153, the Acting President announced that agenda item 52 would be reopened in order to again put the draft resolution before the General Assembly for its consideration, including a recorded vote on its operative paragraph 21 (e), when the report of the Fifth Committee became available. May I therefore take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to reopen its consideration of agenda item 52?
It was so decided.

52.  Effects of atomic radiation Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/73/521) Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/677)

The President #86960
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution entitled “Effects of atomic radiation”, recommended by the Committee in paragraph 11 of its report. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of the draft resolution is contained in document A/73/677. The text of the report, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/73/L.19, section A. In order for the Assembly to take action on the draft resolution, it must first agree, under rule 81 of its rules of procedure, to reconsider the resolution entitled “Effects of atomic radiation”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to reconsider the resolution?
It was so decided.
The President #86961
A recorded vote has been requested. A separate, recorded vote has been requested on operative paragraph 21 (e). We will first take a vote on operative paragraph 21 (e).
A recorded vote was taken.
Operative paragraph 21 (e) was retained by 148 votes to none, with 14 abstentions.
The President #86962
The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted the draft resolution, as a whole, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution, as a whole, was adopted (resolution 73/261). [Subsequently, the delegations of Albania, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Jordan, Lebanon and the Netherlands informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour; the delegations of Israel and the United States had intended to vote against.]
The President #86963
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 52?
It was so decided.
The President #86964
The Assembly has before it draft resolution II, recommended by the Committee in paragraph 26 of its report. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of the draft resolution is contained in document A/73/682. The text of the report, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/73/L.19, section F. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “A global call for concrete action for the total elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Pakistan informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution II was adopted by 120 votes to 11, with 41 abstentions (resolution 73/262).
The President #86965
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 72?
It was so decided.
The President #86966
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 72 and its sub-item (b).
The President #86967
The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 88 of its report. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of draft resolution III is contained in document A/73/685. The text of the report, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/73/L.19, section I. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of draft resolution V is contained in document A/73/681. The text of the report, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/73/L.19, section E. I shall now call on those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of vote before the voting.
Mr. Davidson ZAF South Africa #86968
South Africa would like to place on record its position relating to the draft resolution before us contained in document A/C.3/73/L.51, entitled “Situation of human rights in Myanmar”. South Africa continues to adhere to the general principles of international law, including, among other areas, respect for the territorial integrity of other States, especially in resolving inter-State challenges. We take a cautious approach on country-specific issues in respect of matters of human rights, preferring instead to promote dialogue in resolving disputes, including in situations of human rights violations. Furthermore, my Government remains on guard at all times to ensure that votes on country-specific human rights draft resolutions are also not used to engage in regime changes or to destabilize countries. That position notwithstanding, South Africa expresses its deep concern about the deteriorating human rights situation in Myanmar and calls for an end to the human suffering experienced by the Rohingya people. South Africa has consistently condemned human rights violations in Myanmar, including at the recent Indian Ocean Rim Association Meeting of the Council of Ministers, held in Durban. South Africa’s foreign policy will continue to be anchored in respect for the promotion and protection of human rights, and we will therefore vote in favour of the draft resolution.
Mr. Kuzmin RUS Russian Federation [Russian] #86969
I have asked for the floor to speak about draft resolution III, entitled “Situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine”. The draft resolution before the Assembly is one of a series of so-called country-specific resolutions of the Third Committee, all of which are extremely politicized. As a rule, they are based on unreliable and sometimes openly fabricated information and have little to do with the real state of affairs. However, the draft resolution on Crimea is particularly special. It is purely anti-Russian. It is false and guileful, and on top of that its content is meaningless. With all due respect for the views of our good — and I emphasize “good” — colleagues from Guatemala, Honduras, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Samoa, the Solomon Islands and other States that voted in favour of this draft resolution in the Third Committee, Crimea cannot be forced back into its brief Ukrainian past. Under the leadership of the Kyiv regime, with its belligerent, hateful and unforgivable anti-Russian rhetoric, and its collapsing economy, religious sectarianism, corruption and general misery, Ukraine today has ceased to be a welcoming environment even for Ukrainians. Its population is shrinking disastrously, with some leaving for Russia and others for its neighbours Poland and Hungary and even farther west. Until 2014, the Autonomous Republic of Crimea to which the draft resolution refers was part of Ukraine, during which time it was a depressed region. Today the Republic of Crimea is very different, with three official languages, Russian, Crimean Tatar and Ukrainian. It is a place where Crimean Tatars and every other ethnic group can exercise their right to participate in decision-making, where hospitals, schools, kindergartens, cultural centres, mosques and cathedrals are being built, where basic infrastructure is being restored and where billions are being invested in creating new energy, transportation and engineering networks for the needs of its residents. Most importantly, Crimea is a place where people are happy and have voluntarily chosen Russia as their home and shaken off more than 20 years of depression as part of an independent Ukraine, whose authorities cared nothing for Crimea, just as they cared nothing for the Crimean Tatars, incidentally, whom they suddenly remembered and disingenuously began caring about only when Crimea was irretrievably lost. Do not be deceived. Crimea is merely a bargaining chip in the Kyiv regime’s anti-Russian frenzy. We invite everyone to visit Crimea and see the real state of affairs on the peninsula for themselves. We should point out that hundreds of thousands of ordinary Ukrainians visit it every year. Ask them if the rights of the peninsula’s residents, or their own rights, are being infringed on. We are willing to have a dialogue, including with specialized intergovernmental bodies, within the framework of the Russian Federation’s procedures for ensuring those rights on its territory, and to host their missions to Crimea if they are sent as part of the mandate of a specific organization in full compliance with all procedures applicable to visiting our country. The Russian Federation guarantees respect for human rights and freedoms and protects them throughout its territory, including Crimea. We sincerely hope that the majority of States members of the General Assembly, as in previous years, will refrain from associating themselves with this anti-Russian draft resolution. As article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, all human beings are endowed with reason and conscience. In conclusion, I would separately like to thank the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly, which some hours ago refused to appropriate funds from the regular budget for the implementation of this draft resolution.
Mr. Awad SYR Syrian Arab Republic [Arabic] #86970
The delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic would like to express its complete rejection of draft resolution III, on the situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. It is simply yet another political attempt to target the Russian Federation for reasons unrelated to human rights. We say that based on our firm position regarding the politicization of human rights issues and the use of relevant United Nations mechanisms to target specific States and further the interests of influential members of this Organization and their allies. The Syrian Arab Republic helped to found the Human Rights Council, and Member States had high hopes for the possibility of leaving behind the overpoliticization that had plagued the Human Rights Commission for a better situation, by establishing an inclusive mechanism that relies on what are known as international reports, enabling the mechanism to consider human rights issues occurring in any Member State, without selectivity on the part of one State or another. Regrettably, we have to confront the fact that all the hopes we had for the Human Rights Council have been dashed. Worse still, some members are trying to compete with the Human Rights Council in Geneva by submitting draft resolutions here in New York, thereby undermining the credibility of such lofty and important issues. When we established the Human Rights Council, we all agreed to examine such matters only in Geneva. We therefore believe that the draft resolution submitted against the Russian Federation is simply a waste of time. It is also a waste of United Nations efforts and represents the blatant politicization of human rights mechanisms. For all those reasons, my delegation will vote against the draft resolution.
Mr. Suan Myanamar #86971
My delegation will vote against draft resolution V, entitled “Situation of human rights in Myanmar”, which unfairly targets my country, with the clear intention of putting unwarranted political pressure on Myanmar. It is just another step in a series of unprecedented discriminatory efforts at scrutiny by abusing various mechanisms in the name of human rights. Its tone and tenor are hostile and provocative and display total disregard for the dignity and sovereignty of a State Member of the United Nations. It is a classic example of double standards and of the selective and discriminatory application of human rights norms to a developing country that is in a delicate transition to democracy with mounting political, social and economic challenges. The draft resolution is clearly not trying to find solutions to the complex situation in Rakhine state but rather sows seeds of mistrust and further polarizes the various communities of the region, and its adoption would be detrimental not only to the repatriation process but to Myanmar’s efforts to build peace and harmony in Rakhine, and would further alienate the people of Myanmar from the international community. The international community’s constructive engagement, and its support and encouragement of Myanmar’s efforts to address the complex issue in Rakhine state, is the only viable way to achieve sustainable peace and development in Myanmar. No one is in a better position than the Government and the people of Myanmar to understand the depth and complexity of their own challenges. We shall not be bound by this unfair draft resolution. However, we shall continue to work for the voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation of displaced persons to build the rule of law, peace, harmony and sustainable development for all people in Rakhine state and ensure the true implementation of the Annan Commission recommendation and the Myanmar sustainable development plan. We take seriously the accountability issue; the Independent Commission of Inquiry has been established to take up the matter independently, with transparency and credibility. At the same time, we shall continue to maintain our bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh for the repatriation of displaced persons, in accordance with the agreements and arrangements signed between the two countries. The Myanmar Government will maintain the present momentum of collaboration efforts with the United Nations Development Programme and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to facilitate the repatriation and resettlement of returnees, as per the tripartite memorandum of understanding. We are going to speed up cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), though the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management, in the process of repatriation and resettlement. Myanmar attaches great importance to engaging with the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar. We are now working closely with her. We will continue to maintain constructive engagement with the United Nations, including the Security Council, the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sexual Violence in Conflict. The Government and the people of Myanmar are united in their commitment to strive for lasting peace, the rule of law, democracy and sustainable development for all citizens of the country. We shall be relentless in our efforts. I would like to express my Government’s most sincere gratitude to those delegations that stood firm on their principled position and voted against, abstained or did not participate in the voting on this discriminatory draft resolution in the Third Committee. Once again, I would like to urge all friends and colleagues present to stand together on principle and vote against draft resolution V, entitled “Situation of human rights in Myanmar”.
Mr. Kazi BGD Bangladesh #86972
Bangladesh wishes to take the floor in connection with draft resolution V, entitled “Situation of human rights in Myanmar”. There are a number of provisions in the draft resolution related to Bangladesh as a State party affected by the protracted Rohingya humanitarian crisis. We take this opportunity to reaffirm our support for the draft resolution, as well as our compliance with the provisions of the draft resolution that are relevant to Bangladesh. On our part, we will also continue to support the activities of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar. We are somewhat disappointed that, in the programme budget implications for the Special Envoy’s work, a 50 per cent reduction has been made in terms of ground transportation for her Office. However, we would expect that the Myanmar authorities will continue to facilitate the movement and transportation of the Special Envoy and her team. As one of Myanmar’s neighbours, Bangladesh remains committed to promoting peace and security, human rights and sustainable development in Myanmar. We take note of the assurance by the Permanent Representative of Myanmar in connection with facilitating the voluntary, safe and dignified return of the Rohingya to their homes or places of their choice in Rakhine state. Bangladesh looks forward to further momentum in that regard in the coming year.
Mr. Ri Song Chol PRK Democratic People's Republic of Korea #86973
The delegation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea opposes country-specific draft resolutions, which clearly show the politicization of human rights and selectivity and double standards when considering human rights issues. Politicized country-specific draft resolutions have nothing to do with the genuine promotion and protection of human rights. They serve only to encourage confrontation, rather than an atmosphere favourable to considering human rights issues. The Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council is recognized as the appropriate mechanism in which the human rights situations of all countries are considered on an equal and impartial basis. The delegation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea rejects and will vote against draft resolution III, entitled “Situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine”.
The President #86974
We will now take a decision on draft resolutions III and V, one by one. Draft resolution III is entitled “Situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegations of Botswana and Yemen informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour; the delegations of Jamaica and Tunisia had intended to abstain.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution III was adopted by 65 votes to 27, with 70 abstentions (resolution 73/263).
The President #86975
Draft resolution V is entitled “Situation of human rights in Myanmar”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution V was adopted by 136 votes to 8, with 22 abstentions (resolution 73/264).
The President #86976
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 74 and of agenda item 74 as a whole?
It was so decided.
The President #86977
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of draft resolution I is contained in document A/73/680. The text of the report, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/73/L.19, section D. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Sixth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 73/265).
The President #86978
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 82?
It was so decided.
The President #86979
The Assembly will now take action on draft resolution II, recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 11 of its report (A/73/505). The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of draft resolution II is contained in document A/73/678. The text of the report is, for the time being, contained in document A/C.5/73/L.19, section B. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution II, entitled “Advancing responsible State behaviour in cyberspace in the context of international security”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
In favour:
Against:
Draft resolution II was adopted by 138 votes to 12, with 16 abstentions (resolution 73/266).
The President #86980
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 96?
It was so decided.

104.  The risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East Report of the First Committee (A/73/513) Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/679)

The President #86981
The Assembly will now take action on the draft decision recommended by the First Committee in paragraph 11 of its report (A/73/513). The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of the draft decision is contained in document A/73/679. The text of the report is, for the time being, contained in document A/C.5/73/L.19, section C. We shall now take a decision on the draft decision, entitled “Convening a conference on the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction”. A recorded vote has been requested. with 75 abstentions (decision 73/546). [Subsequently, the delegation of Nepal informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour; the delegation of Uganda had intended to abstain.]
A recorded vote was taken.
In favour:
The draft decision was adopted by 88 votes to 4,
The President #86982
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 104?
It was so decided.
The President #86983
The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of the draft resolution is contained in document A/73/683. The text of the report is, for the time being, contained in document A/C.5/73/L.19, section G. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/73/L.23. Before giving the floor to speakers in explanation of vote before the voting, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. I now give the floor to the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.
Mr. Awad SYR Syrian Arab Republic [Arabic] #86984
Our statement today is in line with the position that my country expressed in the statement that we delivered during the 40th plenary meeting, held on 26 November, on agenda item 128, in particular sub-item (d), entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States”. Based on the political facts and legal arguments contained in the statement in exercise of the right of reply made by the delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic during that meeting, in response to the statement made by the observer of the League of Arab States, we reiterate today our request that a recorded vote be taken on the draft resolution contained in document A/73/L.23. The Syrian Arab Republic continues to believe that the League of Arab States will be able to restore its role and credibility if it immediately begins a serious and comprehensive review of its work over the past decade in particular so as to re-establish its democratic mechanisms for collective action, which are the basis of every regional and international organization. Only then will the League of Arab States be able once again to play its role and carry out its responsibilities as a regional organization representing common Arab interests, an organization that protects the common Arab security concept and engages with its region and the world in a manner that accords with the genuine interests of the peoples of Arab States, not those of only one or two States members of that organization. In that context, we continue to hope that the League of Arab States will view the situation in Syria and act in a constructive and positive manner, especially by revoking its illegal decision to suspend Syria’s participation in its meetings and by cooperating and coordinating directly with the Syrian Government while supporting its efforts to counter terrorism and ensure the return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes, as well as by supporting the reconstruction process and ending all foreign occupation of its territories. In closing, I should like to stress that my country’s position today is not against the League of Arab States, of which we are a founder. It is a principled position because we care about this regional organization, whose goal is to bring together the Arab countries, protect their interests and reject interference in their internal affairs, as well as achieve social and economic development in all those countries without discrimination or exception in order to ensure that no one is left behind.
The President [Spanish] #86985
We have heard the only speaker in explanation of vote before the voting. (spoke in English) We will now take a decision on draft resolution A/73/L.23, entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegations of Côte d’Ivoire and the Republic of Korea informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution A/73/L.23 was adopted by 155 votes to none, with 3 abstentions (resolution 73/267).
The President #86986
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 128?
It was so decided.

Reports of the Fifth Committee

The President #86987
The General Assembly will now consider the reports of the Fifth Committee on sub-item (b) of agenda item 117 and agenda items 134 to 137, 139, 140, 143, 144, 146 to 149 and 165. I request the Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee, Mr. Hicham Oussihamou of Morocco, to introduce in one intervention the reports of the Fifth Committee that are before the Assembly today. Mr. Oussihamou (Morocco), Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee: I have the honour to present the reports of the Fifth Committee. The Fifth Committee met from 6 October to 22 December 2018 and held 26 plenary meetings and numerous informal consultations. The Committee’s reports on the following agenda items were already considered by the General Assembly at its 19th and 35th plenary meetings, on 12 October and 15 November 2018: agenda item 140, entitled “Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations”, specifically under Article 19 of the Charter, and agenda item 117, entitled “Appointments to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs and other appointments”. Let me now present the additional reports of the Fifth Committee containing recommendations on issues that require action during the main part of the seventy-third session of the General Assembly. With regard to sub-item (b) of agenda item 117, entitled “Appointments of members of the Committee on Contributions”, in paragraph 4 of its report contained in document A/73/483/Add.1, the Committee recommends that the General Assembly appoint Jakub Chmielewski of Poland as a member of the Committee on Contributions for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2019. With regard to agenda item 134, 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 contained in document A/73/671, the adoption of a draft resolution, which the Committee adopted without a vote. With regard to agenda item 137, entitled “Programme planning”, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly, in paragraph 6 of its report contained in document A/73/667, the adoption of a draft resolution, which the Committee adopted without a vote. With regard to agenda item 140, entitled “Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations”, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly, in paragraph 8 of its report contained in document A/73/421/Add.1, the adoption of a draft resolution, which the Committee adopted without a vote. With regard to agenda item 139, entitled “Pattern of conferences”, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly, in paragraph 6 of its report contained in document A/73/675, the adoption of a draft resolution, which the Committee adopted without a vote. With regard to agenda item 143, entitled “United Nations common system”, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly, in paragraph 6 of its report contained in document A/73/676, the adoption of a draft resolution, which the Committee adopted without a vote. With regard to agenda item 144, entitled “United Nations pension system”, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly, in paragraph 6 of its report contained in document A/73/673, the adoption of a draft resolution, which the Committee adopted without a vote. With regard to agenda item 146, entitled “Report of the activities of the Office of Internal Oversight Services”, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly, in paragraph 6 of its report contained in document A/73/672, the adoption of a draft resolution, which the Committee adopted without a vote. With regard to agenda item 147, entitled “Administration of justice at the United Nations”, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly, in paragraph 6 of its report contained in document A/73/669, the adoption of a draft resolution, which the Committee adopted without a vote. With regard to agenda item 148, entitled “Financing of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals”, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly, in paragraph 6 of its report contained in document A/73/670, the adoption of a draft resolution, which the Committee adopted without a vote. With regard to agenda item 149, entitled “Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of United Nations peacekeeping operations”, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly, in paragraph 10 of its report contained in document A/73/668, the adoption of a draft resolution, which the Committee adopted without a vote. With regard to agenda item 165, entitled “Financing of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur”, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly, in paragraph 6 of its report contained in document A/73/674, the adoption of a draft resolution, which the Committee adopted without a vote. With regard to agenda item 136, entitled “Programme budget for the biennium 2018-2019”, in document A/73/686, the Committee considered two draft resolutions. In draft resolution I, entitled “Special subject relating to the programme budget for the biennium 2018-2019”, oral amendments were introduced as follows. On section XIV, entitled “Estimates in respect of special political missions, good offices and other political initiatives authorized by the General Assembly and/or the Security Council”, the representative of Cuba introduced an oral amendment. A recorded vote on the amendment was requested, in which the Committee voted not to include the oral amendment. On section XVIII, entitled “Revised estimates resulting from resolutions and decisions adopted by the Human Rights Council at its thirty-seventh, thirty-eighth, thirty-ninth sessions and twenty-eighth special session”, an amendment was introduced by the representative of Israel, followed by a recorded vote on the amendment, in which the Committee voted not to include the proposed amendment. The Committee subsequently adopted the draft resolution as a whole without a vote. The Committee, in paragraph 60 of document A/C.5/73/L.21, recommended to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft resolution contained in document A/C.5/73/L.20. In paragraph 9, the Committee also recommended to the General Assembly the adoption of the revised budget appropriation from the biennium 2018-2019, the revised income estimate for the biennium 2018-2019 and the financing of the appropriation for the year 2019. Under the same agenda item, the Committee also recommended the adoption of nine statements of programme budget implications. The reports of the Fifth Committee on those statements werer issued in documents A/73/677 to A/73/685. Finally, under agenda item 135, entitled “Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations”, in paragraph 9 of its report contained in document A/73/687, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft resolution entitled “Shifting the management paradigm in the United Nations”. Also, in paragraph 10 of the same report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft decision entitled “Questions deferred for future consideration”, which the Committee adopted without a vote. I thank delegations for their cooperation and assure them that the changes made during the twenty-sixth formal meeting of the Fifth Committee will be reflected in the draft resolutions, decisions and reports, which will be issued shortly. On a personal note, allow me to thank the Chair of the Fifth Committee, Ambassador Gillian Bird, for the dedicated way in which she guided us through our difficult work, as well as my fellow colleagues in the Bureau, working with whom is always a truly gratifying experience. I am grateful to the Secretariat of the Fifth Committee, Ms. Sharon Van Buerle, and her terrific team for their continued support and professionalism. Their support was crucial throughout the session. I would also like to thank the interpreters, conference officers — namely, Ivanka Sporysova, Andrew Kowalchuk and Tyler To — as well as the sound engineers for their dedication, collaboration and hard work. In conclusion, let me express my deepest gratitude to my Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Omar Hilale, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations. Without his generous support and solicitude, my life in the Fifth Committee would be harder.
The President #86988
I thank the Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee. Before proceeding further, I would like to emphasize that, as the Fifth Committee finished its work only earlier this evening, the reports are available in English only. It is my understanding that all of the reports will be issued in all official languages as soon as possible. I thank representatives for their understanding. 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. Therefore, 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.
It was so decided.
The President #86989
Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of position. I would like to 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. 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 also hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Fifth Committee. The results of the votes will be uploaded to the PaperSmart portal.

117.  Appointments to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs and other appointments (b) Appointment of members of the Committee on Contribution Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/483/Add.1)

The President #86990
In paragraph 4 of its report, the Fifth Committee recommends that the General Assembly appoint Mr. Jakub Chmielewski of Poland as a member of the Committee on Contributions for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2019. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to appoint Mr. Jakub Chmielewski as a member of the Committee on Contributions for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2019?
It was so decided.
The President #86991
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 117?
It was so decided.

134.  Financial reports and audited financial statements and reports of the Board of Auditors Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/671)

The President #86992
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. The text of the draft resolution, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/73/L.12. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 73/268).
The President #86993
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 134.

137.  Programme planning Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/667)

The President #86994
The Assembly has before it a 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.5/73/L.3. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 73/269).
The President #86995
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 137.

139.  Pattern of conferences Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/675)

The President #86996
The Assembly has before it a 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.5/73/L.17. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 73/270).
The President #86997
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 139.

140.  Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/421/Add.1)

The President #86998
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/73/L.8. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 73/271).
The President #86999
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 140.

149.  Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of United Nations peacekeeping operations Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/668)

The President #87000
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. For the time being, the text of the draft resolution is contained in document A/C.5/73/L.9. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. I would like to confirm the understanding of the Assembly that, on an exceptional basis for the 2019-2021 scale period only, three countries in level B — the Bahamas, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia — would be afforded discounts of 7.5 per cent to their assessment rates, and that those discounts shall be borne on a pro rata basis by the permanent members of the Security Council. We will now take action on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 73/272).
The President #87001
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 149.

143.  United Nations common system Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/676)

The President #87002
The Assembly has before it a 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.5/73/L.18. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 73/273).
The President #87003
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 143.

144.  United Nations pension system Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/673)

The President #87004
The Assembly has before it a 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.5/73/L.15. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 73/274).
The President #87005
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 144.

146.  Report on the activities of the Office of Internal Oversight Services Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/672)

The President #87006
The Assembly has before it a 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.5/73/L.13. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 73/275).
The President #87007
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 146.

147.  Administration of justice at the United Nations Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/669)

The President #87008
The Assembly has before it a 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.5/73/L.10, as orally revised. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted (resolution 73/276).
The President #87009
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 147.

148.  Financing of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/670)

The President #87010
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The text of the draft resolution, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/73/L.11. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 73/277).
The President #87011
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 148.

165.  Financing of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/674)

The President #87012
The Assembly has before it a 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.5/73/L.16. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 73/278).
The President #87013
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 165.
The President #87014
The Assembly has before it draft resolutions I, II A, II B and II C, recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 60 of its report. I give the floor to the representative of Cuba to introduce oral amendments to draft resolution I.
Mrs. De Armas Bonchang CUB Cuba [Spanish] #87015
My delegation would like to refer to agenda item 136 of the programme, in particular to draft resolution I, entitled “Special subjects relating to the programme budget for the biennium 2018–2019”, and specifically section XIV, entitled “Estimates in respect of special political missions, good offices and other political initiatives authorized by the General Assembly and/or the Security Council”. As we have made clear for more than a decade, there is no negotiated intergovernmental agreement on the responsibility to protect, and therefore no legal basis on which to carry out activities related to it. Throughout the past 10 years, the Secretariat has not been able to submit the legislative mandate prepared by Member States, which would make it possible to advance in the implementation of that concept. The resources related to the Office of the Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect appear to have been mixed with those requested for the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, whose functions our delegation fully supports as part of the position of principle of the Government of Cuba against genocide. The amendments I will now propose do not seek to undermine the functions or the resources of the Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide. The delegation of Cuba firmly believes that the budgetary estimates and the associated narrative that have been submitted for the Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect must be deleted and should be considered only once the General Assembly has reached a decision on the concept, its implementation, its scope and other related issues. I would therefore like to repeat Cuba’s request that the following amendments be made to section XIV of draft resolution I, which is before the Assembly for consideration. The first preambular paragraph should read as follows: “Recalling that the General Assembly has not taken a decision on the concept of the responsibility to protect, its scope, its implications and the possible forms of putting it into practice”. The second preambular paragraph should read as follows: “Noting that the estimates relating to thematic cluster I include descriptions, functions, expected benefits, indicators of achievement, outcomes and other information related to the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on the Responsibility to Protect”. Operative paragraph 1 should read as follows: “Decides to eliminate all references to the activities, functions, expected benefits, indicators of achievement, outcomes and other information relating to the Special Adviser of the Secretary- General on the Responsibility to Protect, as laid out in the strategic framework and the corresponding description provided by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide.” Operative paragraph 2 should read as follows: “Requests the Secretary-General to publish a correction to his report contained in document A/73/352/Add.1.” In conclusion, we ask delegations to duly consider the amendments that I have just submitted in order to ensure that we can properly finance the mandates that enjoy intergovernmental consensus and vote in favour of them.
The President #87016
I shall now give the floor to speakers who wish to make statements in explanation of vote before the voting.
Mr. Galoumian CAN Canada [French] #87017
During the 2005 World Summit, Heads of State and Government adopted a declaration with a section entitled “Responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity”. The tangible effect of the implementation of that declaration, which the General Assembly adopted by consensus, was the establishment of the post of the Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect. Since then the General Assembly has annually reaffirmed its support for the mandate of the Special Adviser by renewing its funding. Each year the Fifth Committee and the General Assembly have voted against the oral amendments that were introduced today by a large majority, thereby reaffirming the Assembly’s support for the role of the Special Adviser. For those reasons, Canada asks for a vote on the oral amendments. We encourage all Member States to vote against them.
Mr. Escoto González NIC Nicaragua [Spanish] #87018
My delegation thanks the representative of Cuba for introducing the oral amendments to draft resolution I, entitled “Special subjects relating to the programme budget for the biennium 2018–2019”, and specifically with regard to the section entitled “Thematic cluster I: special and personal envoys, advisers and representatives of the Secretary-General”. Nicaragua believes that it is inappropriate and without merit to allocate resources to the Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect. We recall that the concept of the responsibility to protect does not enjoy consensus in the General Assembly. For that reason, my delegation supports the oral amendments introduced by the delegation of Cuba. We urge other Member States to vote in favour of them.
Mr. Tavoli IRN Islamic Republic of Iran #87019
The Islamic Republic of Iran will vote in favour of the amendments proposed by the delegation of Cuba to section XIV of draft resolution I, on special political missions, and invites others to do the same. I would like to draw the attention of Member States to the serious risk of a biased interpretation and application of the responsibility to protect. My delegation reaffirms Iran’s unwavering commitment to the noble goal of protecting civilians. Needless to say, every State should embrace that responsibility vis-à-vis its population. That by no means whatsoever may imply permission to use force against other States under any pretext, such as humanitarian or pre-emptive intervention. Notwithstanding the formal discussion on the responsibility to protect that took place in the General Assembly, we are still far from a consensual understanding of its implementation. The formal discussion in the General Assembly is not an appropriate format for addressing existing conceptual differences among Member States.
Mr. Ri Song Chol PRK Democratic People's Republic of Korea #87020
The delegation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea strongly supports the amendment proposed by the Republic of Cuba to section XIV of the draft resolution contained in document A/C.5/73/L.20. As we are well aware, the concept of the responsibility to protect has not been agreed by consensus by all Member States in the General Assembly to date. It is still under discussion by Member States, as the concept entails some dangerous elements that can be, and have been, manipulated in practice for political purposes, as we have witnessed in recent history, to bring down legitimate Governments in developing countries. My delegation would therefore like to request that incorporating into the role of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide the narratives, functions, expected accomplishments, indicators of achievement, outputs and other information related to the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Responsibility to Protect should be deleted from the draft resolution and that we wait until the concept is agreed by all by consensus. Therefore, the delegation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea will vote in favour of the amendment proposed by delegation of the Republic of Cuba.
The President #87021
We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to II C, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Special subjects relating to the programme budget for the biennium 2018–2019”, the text of which, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/73/L.20. The representative of Cuba introduced a draft oral amendment to section XIV of draft resolution I. In accordance with rule 90 of the rules of procedure, the Assembly will now take a decision on the draft oral amendment. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft oral amendment was rejected by 73 votes to 22, with 53 abstentions.
The President #87022
I now give the floor to the representative of Israel to introduce a draft oral amendment to section XVIII of draft resolution I.
Mr. Wax ISR Israel #87023
My delegation would like to propose an oral amendment to section XVIII of draft resolution I, as contained in document A/C.5/73/L.20. The amendment shall read as the following operative paragraph: “Decides not to appropriate any resources for the implementation of Human Rights Council resolution A/HRC/RES/S-28/1.”
The President #87024
I shall now give the floor to delegations that wish to explain their vote or position before we take action on the proposals before us.
Mr. Alyahya KWT Kuwait on behalf of Group of Arab States [Arabic] #87025
On behalf of the Group of Arab States, I request that a recorded vote be taken on the draft oral amendment introduced by the delegation of Israel, as we asked during the meeting of the Fifth Committee. Human Rights Council resolution A/HRC/RES/S-28/1 seeks to mobilize resources for the Human Rights Council to investigate human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. In that regard, we emphasize the importance of mobilizing resources to finance the implementation of that resolution. We call on all Member States to vote accordingly.
The President #87026
The representative of Israel has introduced an oral amendment to section XVIII of draft resolution I. In accordance with rule 90 of the rules of procedure, the Assembly will now take a decision on the draft oral amendment. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft oral amendment was rejected by 125 votes to 4, with 24 abstentions.
The President #87027
The General Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution I, entitled “Special subjects relating to the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2018-2019”. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 73/279).
The President #87028
Draft resolution II A is entitled “Revised budget appropriations for the biennium 2018–2019”, the text of which, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/73/L.21. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II A was adopted (resolution 73/280 A).
The President #87029
Draft resolution II B is entitled “Revised income estimates for the biennium 2018– 2019”, the text of which, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/73/L.21. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II B was adopted (resolution 73/280 B).
The President #87030
Draft resolution II C is entitled “Financing of the appropriations for the year 2019”, the text of which, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/73/L.21. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II C was adopted (resolution 73/280 C).
The President #87031
Before giving the floor to speakers in explanation of vote or position, I would like to remind delegations that explanations are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.
Mr. Awad SYR Syrian Arab Republic [Arabic] #87032
My delegation joined the consensus on resolution 73/279, entitled “Special subjects relating to the programme budget for the biennium 2018-2019”. We also joined the consensus in favour of section XIV of the resolution, entitled “Estimates in respect of special political missions, good offices and other political initiatives authorized by the General Assembly and/or the Security Council”. However, my delegation would like to express its reservations about appropriating financial resources for the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General involved with the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004). Moreover, we note in that regard that Terje Rød-Larsen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, was going beyond the mandate that was entrusted to him by the Security Council in resolution 1559 (2004). Mr. Rød-Larsen did not have the necessary criteria stipulated in paragraph 12 of resolution 63/261. Nevertheless, until the day he resigned, on 13 January 2016, the Special Envoy continued to go beyond the mandate he was entrusted with by the Security Council in resolution 1559 (2004). Unfortunately, we have not seen any change in that approach in the preparation of the reports on that resolution since the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs temporarily took over the responsibility of submitting those reports, especially in terms of mentioning matters that are considered the internal affairs of two sovereign States, namely, Syria and Lebanon, and in terms of what was referred to in paragraphs 80 and 88 of the report of the Secretary- General contained in document A/73/352/Add.1. Those two paragraphs noted the demarcation of the joint borders between Syria and Lebanon and the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two States. It is as if to date it had not occurred to those who prepare the reports of the Secretary-General that there is a Lebanese Embassy in Damascus and a Syrian Embassy in Beirut. Those two Embassies have been operating at the ambassadorial level for more than 10 years. Therefore, such mistaken information prompts us to question the credibility of those reports. We consider the content of the reports in that regard to be in gross violation of the Charter of the United Nations, in particular a violation of sovereignty and blatant interference in the internal affairs of those two sisterly States. Moreover, we reaffirm that the reports of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 1559 (2004) continue to be blatantly biased towards Israel, the occupying Power. They intentionally disregard the fact that Israel has not implemented any of its obligations stipulated by resolution 1559 (2004), especially Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied Lebanese territories. While the Syrian delegation joined the consensus on resolution 73/279, when it comes to its section XVIII, entitled “Revised estimates resulting from resolutions and decisions adopted by the Human Rights Council at its thirty-seventh, thirty-eighth and thirty-ninth sessions and twenty-eighth special session”, the Syrian delegation would like to express its reservations on the appropriation of financial resources to implement the resolutions of the Human Rights Council on the situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic. That emanates from our principled and well-known stance, which rejects the use of human rights issues to target certain States in order to further the interests of some countries that are influential in this Organization and their allies in a selective manner that is illegitimate and politicized. That is aimed at interfering in the internal affairs of States using various pretexts and in a manner that runs counter to the purposes and principles of the Charter, especially sovereign equality and non-interference in the internal affairs of other Member States, keeping in mind the lack of credibility and the lack of impartiality of the Human Rights Council, which adopted those resolutions.
Mr. Fernández Rivera VEN Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela [Spanish] #87033
My delegation has requested the floor in reference to the subject matter of the report contained in document A/73/477, entitled “Revised estimates resulting from resolutions and decisions adopted by the Human Rights Council at its thirty-seventh, thirty-eighth and thirty-ninth sessions and twenty-eighth special session”, and resolution 73/280, on the same subject, which was just adopted by consensus and which my delegation supported. My delegation wishes to place on record that it disassociates itself from the document mentioned in the report — identified by the symbol A/HRC/39/1 — on the basis of the following positions of principle. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was in favour of the resolution concerning the report of the Human Rights Council contained in document A/73/53 as it pertains to the 2018 sessions, in accordance with its principled position reaffirming the importance of that subsidiary body of the General Assembly as the supreme forum responsible for addressing this vital issue from the perspective of cooperation and dialogue with States. However, Venezuela reiterates its condemnation of the adoption of resolutions and special procedures or any other mechanism on the human rights situation in specific countries. Furthermore, my country rejects selectivity in the handling of this issue for politically motivated purposes, which constitutes a violation of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. In that regard, Venezuela reiterates that it disassociates itself from the document contained in A/HRC/39/1. The continued practice of the selective adoption of resolutions regarding human rights situations in specific countries violates the principles of universality, objectivity and non-selectivity with which human rights issues must be addressed. Cooperation and dialogue are the appropriate channels and essential principles for the effective promotion and protection of human rights. In that regard, we support the ongoing calls of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries in relation to this issue. Venezuela urges that the positive progress that has been made since the establishment of the Human Rights Council be continued. The Universal Periodic Review mechanism should be the preferred formula for cooperation to address the issue of human rights. Venezuela also calls for the elimination of the practice of the selective adoption of resolutions by countries, which weakens the mandate of the Human Rights Council.
Mr. Wax ISR Israel #87034
I would like to state for the record that Israel disassociates itself from the decision to appropriate resources for the implementation of Human Rights Council resolution S-28/1.
The President #87035
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 136.

135.  Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations Report of the Fifth Committee (A/73/687)

The President #87036
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 9 of its report and a draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 10 of the same report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution and the draft decision. The General Assembly will turn first to the draft resolution entitled “Shifting the management paradigm in the United Nations: comparative assessment of human resources structures”, the text of which, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/73/L.14. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 73/281).
The President #87037
The draft decision is entitled “Questions deferred for future consideration”, the text of which, for the time being, is contained in document A/C.5/73/L.22, as orally revised. The Fifth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft decision was adopted (decision 73/547).
The President #87038
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 135.

117.  Appointments to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs and other appointments (h) Appointment of the judges of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal

The President #87039
Members will recall that by its resolution 73/276, of 22 December, the General Assembly decided, inter alia, to extend the positions of the two ad litem judges in Geneva and Nairobi whose current terms of office are about to expire. The Assembly also decided not to extend the ad litem judge position in New York. The three ad litem judges whose terms expire on 31 December are Rowan Downing of Australia, in Geneva; Alessandra Greceanu of Romania, in New York; and Nkemdilim Amelia Izuako of Nigeria, in Nairobi. The General Assembly will now proceed to the extension of the terms of the two ad litem judges in Geneva and Nairobi, in accordance with paragraph 37 of resolution 73/276, by which the Assembly decided to extend the positions of the two ad litem judges in Geneva and Nairobi and current incumbent judges, pending the nomination of candidates by the Internal Justice Council and the appointment of the aforementioned four half-time judges by the General Assembly, which should take place no later than 31 December 2019. May I therefore take it that the Assembly wishes to extend the terms of office of the two ad litem judges, namely, Rowan Downing of Australia, in Geneva, and Nkemdilim Amelia Izuako of Nigeria, in Nairobi? It was so decided (decision 73/408).
The President #87040
May I take that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (h) of agenda item 117?
It was so decided.

Programme of work

The President #87041
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, I should like to inform members that the following agenda items remain open for consideration during the seventy-third session of the General Assembly: agenda items 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 18 (d), 19, 20, 20 (a), 20 (b), 20 (d) and 20 (h), 22, 22 (b), 23, 23 (b), 25, 25 (b), 31-33, 34, 35-39, 41, 42, 44-50, 56, 65-68, 70, 70 (a), 71, 71 (a), 72, 75, 78, 78 (a), 88, 89, 101, 109, 113, 114, 115, 116 (a) and (b), 117 (g) and (h), 118-127, 128, 128 (a), (c), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (m), (p), (r), (s), (t), (x) and (z), 129-132, 134-166 and 168. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of those agenda items that remain open for consideration during the seventy-third session of the Assembly?
It was so decided.

Statement by the President

The President #87042
I think we are reaching the end. I will just say a few words in Spanish, because we are all very tired. (spoke in Spanish) We have reached the end of an important phase of our work. I am very satisfied with, and proud of, what we have achieved up to this point. I would like to congratulate all delegations for their dedication and their commitment to reaching the necessary agreements that allow our Organization, the United Nations, to be more relevant for all peoples. Members’ efforts were indeed worthwhile. I would also like to thank the Vice-Presidents of the General Assembly, the Chairs and the Bureaus of the Main Committees, as well as the Secretariat for its extraordinary work and support. Now is the time to take a break to recharge so that we can begin the new year with the necessary momentum. It will be a year replete not only with challenges, but also with opportunities. In 2019 we will have an intensive programme of work and will have to address many items in need of our attention. I count on Member States to continue to build together a promising future for the millions of people who expect from our Organization results that will have a positive impact on their lives. In the meantime, it is a time to rest, share and celebrate with our families and loved ones. I extend my best wishes for peace, happiness, health and prosperity for all throughout this holiday season and, once again, I express my sincerest thanks.
The meeting rose at 11.45 p.m.