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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 07 USUN NEW YORK 000994 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CD CDG KN PARM PREL UNGA
SUBJECT: 63RD UNGA/FIRST COMMITTEE (UNFC):DAY FIVE, SIX AND 
SEVEN OF GENERAL DEBATE 
 
This is UNFC-4 
 
--------------------------------------------- 
C1 Days 5, 6 and 7; 
10-10, 10-13 and 10-14 General Debate Summary 
--------------------------------------------- 
 
¶1. (U) Summary: The First Committee on Disarmament and 
International Security conducted its general debate from 
October 6 to October 14.  This summary comprises statements 
from Days 5, 6 and 7 (October 10, 13 and 14) of the debate. 
The following states spoke on Day 5: Belarus, Philippines, 
Israel, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Singapore, 
Kenya, India, Senegal, Zambia, South Africa, and Republic of 
the Congo.  Iran spoke in a right of reply to Israel's 
statement, accusing it of stating "baseless allegations." 
Syria also spoke in a right of reply to Israel, accusing it 
of distracting states from its nuclear program and its 
violations of 2006 Security Council Resolution 1701 on 
Lebanon.  The following states spoke on Day 6: Haiti on 
behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Nepal, Armenia, 
Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Papua New 
Guinea, Libya, Burkina Faso, Nicaragua, Eritrea, Oman, San 
Marino, Jordan, Iran, Morocco, and Benin.  The Republic of 
Korea (ROK) spoke in a right of reply to the DPRK's 
statement, stating that it had not undertaken any military 
exercises since 1982.  The following states, observer 
mission, and organization spoke on Day 7: Georgia, Bahrain, 
Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the UN, and the 
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).  The 
Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) spoke in a right 
of reply to the Republic of Korea's (ROK) October 13 
statement, stating that it doubted the ROK's intent to 
resolve the nuclear issue.  Russia spoke in a right of reply 
to Georgia, accusing it of using cluster bombs and increasing 
its military budget.  Georgia replied, arguing that Russia 
withdrew from resolving the crisis on March 6 and stating 
that it had not used cluster munitions against civilians. 
End Summary. 
 
--------------------------------------------- ----------- 
10/10, Day 5 - Belarus, Philippines, Israel, Sri Lanka, 
Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Singapore, Kenya, India, 
Senegal, Zambia, South Africa, and Republic of the Congo 
--------------------------------------------- ----------- 
 
¶2. (U) Belarus: Expressed support for Russia's proposal on 
creating a new "security architecture," while remarking on 
the situation in the Caucasus.  Belarus called on the United 
States and Russia to develop an agreement to replace the 
Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START).  It urged states to 
ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), provide 
negative security assurances (NSAs) to non-nuclear weapon 
states (NNWS), and recognize states' right to use nuclear 
energy for peaceful purposes.  It added that it supported the 
prevention of an arms race in outer space (PAROS), as well as 
the UN Program of Action (PoA) on small arms and light 
weapons (SA/LW).  Belarus also stated that it would be 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000994  002 OF 007 
 
 
difficult to destroy its anti-personnel mines without 
international assistance. 
 
¶3. (U) Philippines: Welcomed the UN PoA on SA/LW.  It called 
on nuclear weapons states (NWS) to denuclearize.  The 
Philippines urged states to ratify the CTBT and expressed 
support for establishing a South East Asia Nuclear Weapon 
Free Zone (SEANWFZ).  The Philippines underscored the 
importance of strengthening the Biological and Chemical 
Weapons Conventions (BWC and CWC).  It noted that it was 
Southeast Asia's turn to assume and hold the NPT Review 
Conference (RevCon) Presidency, and stated that the 
Philippines would field a qualified candidate who would "ably 
steer negotiations and lead the RevCon to a favorable 
decision." 
 
¶4. (U) Israel: Lamented Iran's failure to halt its nuclear 
program and stated that it was the target of Iran's calls for 
destruction. Israel expressed concern over arms transfers 
from Iran and Syria to Hezbollah.  It highlighted its efforts 
to prevent non-conventional arms proliferation, as well as 
illicit transfers of conventional weapons and dual-use items. 
 It expressed satisfaction for the successful outcome of the 
SA/LW Biennial Meeting of States but regretted the group's 
inability to produce a final document. 
 
¶5. (U) Sri Lanka: Expressed disappointment over the poor 
outcome of past NPT Review Conferences and hoped for a 
successful 2010 Review Conference that would focus on 
"de-weaponizing security."  Sri Lanka advocated initiatives 
that eliminate SA/LW, including the UN PoA. It called on NWS 
to ensure that there are safety features built into their 
programs.  Sri Lanka complained of states' increasing 
military expenditures. 
 
¶6. (U) Mongolia: Expressed hope that the Conference on 
Disarmament (CD) would yield "positive results."  It stated 
that it supported multilateral efforts to resolve the Iran 
and DPRK nuclear issues. It expressed interest in the use of 
nuclear power.  Mongolia urged states to ratify the 
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and conclude International 
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Additional Protocols. 
 
¶7. (U) Kazakhstan: Called on states to ensure the 
effectiveness of the NPT, as well as a successful 2010 NPT 
Review Conference.  It expressed support for the CTBT, 
highlighting its hosting of an integrated field exercise of 
an on-site inspection.  Kazakhstan stated that its Parliament 
is ratifying the Central Asian NWFZ Treaty.  It urged NWS to 
sign the Protocol providing NSAs to NNWS.  Kazakhstan 
advocated states' use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes 
while adding that it "intends to pursue that path."  It noted 
its outer space program and stated that it supports the 
pursuit of the prevention of an arms race in outer space 
(PAROS). 
 
¶8. (U) Ethiopia:  Expressed support for the UN PoA on SA/LW, 
as well as the Regional Center on Small Arms and Light 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000994  003 OF 007 
 
 
Weapons (RECSA), of which it is a member.  It highlighted its 
efforts to address that issue, including conducting public 
awareness and confidence building programs, and confiscating 
and destroying 20,000 SA/LW between May 2006 and February 
¶2007. 
 
¶9. (U) Singapore: Noted its participation in the Container 
Security Initiative (CSI) and Proliferation Security 
Initiative (PSI) to stem the flow of WMD-related materials. 
It also reiterated its support for the NPT, CTBT, CWC, and 
BWC.  Singapore advocated establishing a SEANWFZ. 
 
¶10. (U) Kenya: Expressed support for the UN PoA on SA/LW and 
the RECSA.  Kenya argued that disarmament and development are 
"inextricably linked."  It stated concern over a lack of 
progress in the CD but expressed hope regarding the upcoming 
session.  It welcomed the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) 
report on an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). 
 
¶11. (U) India: Reinforced commitment to the "Action Plan for 
Ushering in a Nuclear-weapon free and Non-Violent World 
Order, " first enunciated by PM Rajiv Gandhi in 1988 and 
stated that it held as the highest priority the first Special 
Session of the UN General Assembly on Disarmament (SSOD-I) 
final document.  It reiterated India's proposal for a Nuclear 
Weapons Convention.  India spoke on its "set of practical 
measures," including an agreement on no-first-use and non-use 
of nuclear weapons against NNWS.   It underscored that it 
continues to observe a moratorium on nuclear tests.  India 
stated that it seeks support on three resolutions: the 
Convention on the Prohibition of Use of Nuclear Weapons, 
reducing nuclear danger, and measures to prevent terrorists 
from acquiring WMD. 
 
¶12. (U) Senegal: Called on states to strengthen the authority 
of the NPT and advance the entry into force the CTBT. 
Senegal urged NWS to provide NSAs to NNWS.  It advocated 
states' use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.  Senegal 
expressed support for the Cluster Munitions Convention (CMC) 
and encouraged states to accede to the Mine Ban Convention. 
It called for "appropriate management" of the CWC and the BWC. 
 
¶13. (U) Zambia: Urged NWS to develop measures to ensure 
compliance with the NPT and also called on Annex 2 states to 
ratify the CTBT.  It highlighted the need to stem illicit 
trade of SA/LW, expressed support for the UN PoA on SA/LW, 
and called for full implementation of an International 
Tracing Instrument (ITI).  Zambia appeals to states to sign 
the CMC.  It welcomed efforts to conclude an ATT. 
 
¶14. (U) South Africa: Argued that states parties to the NPT 
could not selectively apply its outcome in particular 
circumstances.  It called on states possessing chemical 
weapons to fulfill their obligations under the CWC.  South 
Africa underscored the importance of the CTBT.  It expressed 
support for the Mine Ban Treaty.  It praised the work of IAEA 
Director General Mohamed ElBaradei and stated that it was 
nominating Ambassador Abdul Samad Minty as ElBaradei's 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000994  004 OF 007 
 
 
successor. 
 
¶15. (U) Republic of Congo:  Expressed hope that the upcoming 
NPT Review Conference would help facilitate states' 
implementation of NPT Article VI.  The Congo called on states 
to accede to and ratify the CTBT.  It reiterated its support 
for the CMC and the Mine Ban Convention, and called on the 
international community to assist Africa in de-mining.  It 
praised the Third Biennial Meeting of States on SA/LW for 
having achieved a "historic consensus." 
 
¶16. (U) Right of Reply: 
 
Iran: Responded to Israel's statement, stating that it was a 
"Zionist Regime" that based its allegations on "violence, 
aggression, occupation, state terrorism, and bloodshed." 
Iran stated that no amount of campaigning could "cloud its 
(Israel's) dark history."  It then reiterated its commitment 
to its NPT obligations. 
 
Syria: Responded to Israel's statement, accusing it of 
introducing issues unrelated to disarmament and WMD in order 
to distract states from the fact that it had nuclear weapons 
and had not joined the NPT.  Syria stated that Israel's 
allegations sought to hide violations of 2006 Security 
Council Resolution 1701 on Lebanon.  It underscored that the 
UN Secretary General's sixth report on the implementation of 
that resolution stated that the joint force had not found 
evidence of weapon's smuggling on the Lebanese border. 
 
--------------------------------------------- ------- 
10/13, Day 6 - Haiti on behalf of the Caribbean 
Community (CARICOM), Nepal, Armenia, Democratic 
People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Papua New Guinea, 
Libya, Burkina Faso, Nicaragua, Eritrea, Oman, 
San Marino, Jordan, Iran, Morocco, and Benin 
--------------------------------------------- ------- 
 
¶17. (U) Haiti on behalf of CARICOM: Called on NWS to abide by 
their NPT obligations and to provide security assurances to 
NNWS.  It expressed support for NWFZs and underscored the 
need to address concerns about shipment of "nuclear waste" 
through Caribbean waters.  CARICOM welcomed the outcome of 
the Third Biennial Meeting of 
States. 
 
¶18. (U) Nepal: Urged states to realize more tangible progress 
as they prepare for the 2010 NPT Review Conference.  Nepal 
called for the entry into force of the CTBT.   It stated that 
it opposed any encroachment into outer space for military 
purposes.  Nepal expressed support for the UN PoA on SA/LW. 
 
¶19. (U) Armenia: Expressed concern about Iran's nuclear 
program.  Armenia called for the entry into force of the 
CTBT.  It expressed support for international efforts to 
eliminate anti-personnel mines and stated that it was willing 
to accede to the Mine Ban Treaty.  Armenia urged states to 
observe the provisions of the Treaty on Conventional Armed 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000994  005 OF 007 
 
 
Forces in Europe. 
 
¶20. (U) Democratic People's Republic of Korea:  Alleged that 
behind the scenes of dialogue, there occurred "large-scale 
joint military exercises envisaging pre-emptive nuclear 
strikes" at the DPRK.  The DPRK stated that it possessed a 
nuclear deterrent "due to the deep-rooted U.S. hostile policy 
and nuclear threats."  It stated that it remained consistent 
in its position to resolve the nuclear issue and denuclearize 
the Korean Peninsula.  The DPRK added that denuclearization 
was "directly linked with the elimination of U.S. hostile 
policy and nuclear threat." 
 
¶21. (U) Papua New Guinea: Welcomed the adoption of the report 
from the Third Biennial Meeting of States on small arms. 
Papua New Guinea also expressed support for negotiating an 
ATT. 
 
¶22. (U) Libya: Called for the "non-selective" implementation 
of the NPT.  Libya advocated states' right to use nuclear 
energy for peaceful purposes.  It called on NWS to provide 
NNWS with assurances that they would not use or threaten to 
use their nuclear weapons against them.  Libya argued that 
Israel's possession of modern military capabilities 
threatened peace and security in the Middle East.  It called 
on states to do more to address the problem of de-mining, 
stating that the Mine Ban Convention addressed the problem of 
anti-personnel mines in a truncated manner. 
 
¶23. (U) Burkina Faso: Stated that illicit arms trade fueled 
terrorist networks in the Sahel-Sahara region.  Burkina Faso 
called on states to assist it with preventing further 
proliferation of SA/LW in its country and sub-region.   It 
stated that it ratified the African NWFZ Treaty and urged 
other states to do the same. 
 
¶24. (U) Nicaragua: Lamented states' increasing military 
expenditures while poverty continued to worsen.  It advocated 
states' rights to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. 
Nicaragua expressed hope that the upcoming NPT Review 
Conference would accelerate NWS' adherence to the NPT. 
Nicaragua highlighted its efforts to regulate arms, including 
passing laws that would facilitate the destruction of 
approximately 13,000 confiscated illegal weapons. 
 
¶25. (U) Eritrea: Eritrea stated that the NPT was critical to 
achieving nuclear disarmament.  It advocated states' right to 
the peaceful use of nuclear energy.  Eritrea also expressed 
support for the UN PoA on SA/LW. 
 
¶26. (U) Oman:  Expressed hope for a successful 2010 NPT 
Review Conference and called on states to ratify the Treaty. 
Oman advocated establishing a Middle East NWFZ and called on 
Israel to accede to the NPT.  It expressed hope that the 
negotiating process would permit Iran to use nuclear energy 
for peaceful purposes.  Oman welcomed the recent developments 
to resolve the nuclear issue in the Korean Peninsula. 
 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000994  006 OF 007 
 
 
¶27. (U) San Marino: Called on the international community to 
work toward eliminating nuclear weapons and demonstrate a 
strong commitment to the NPT.  It reconfirmed its commitment 
to disarmament and commended the CMC 
 
¶28. (U) Jordan: Urged states, specifically referencing 
Israel, to accede to or ratify the NPT.  Jordan also called 
on states to join the CTBT, and accede to and ratify the CWC 
and BWC.  It expressed support for the Mine Ban Convention 
and stated that it hoped to fulfill its treaty obligations by 
May 2009. 
 
¶29. (U) Iran: Referring to itself as "the last victim of the 
use of " WMD, it stated that it was highly motivated to 
pursue a world free from such weapons by adhering to the NPT, 
BWC, and CWC.  It claimed that the United States continued to 
use nuclear weapons as a "tool for achieving security" and 
"threatens to target" NNWS.  It criticized the United States 
for pursuing agreements with non-parties to the NPT, and in 
particular the "Zionist regime."  It accused the United 
States of putting into jeopardy the entire non-proliferation 
regime and destabilizing international security by "building 
a missile shield in Eastern Europe."  On resolving the 
nuclear issue, Iran stated that it had presented various 
packages to which the 5  1 Group had not replied.  Iran 
stated that the "Zionist regime" continued to be the only 
impediment to establishing a Middle East NWFZ. 
 
¶30. (U) Morocco: Lamented that significant obstacles are in 
the way of holding the General Assembly's Fourth Special 
Session on Disarmament.  It advocated states' right to use 
nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.  Morocco stated that it 
had worked hard to combat nuclear terrorism and attached 
great importance to 2004 Council resolution 1540 on 
non-proliferation.  It welcomed the results of the Third 
Biennial Meeting of States. 
 
¶31. (U) Benin:  Called on states to reverse the trend of 
increasing military expenditures.  It stated the importance 
of the entry into force of the CTBT, establishing an ATT, 
promoting an FMCT, and pursuing the small arms PoA.  Benin 
also urged states to pay close attention to UN Charter 
Article 26 on arms regulation. 
 
¶32. (U) Right of Reply: 
 
Republic of Korea: Responded to the DPRK's statement, stating 
that its reference to the ROK's "military exercises" was 
incorrect, as it had not undertaken any such exercises since 
¶1982. 
 
--------------------------------------------- -------------- 
10/14, Day 7 - Georgia, Bahrain, Permanent Observer Mission 
of Palestine to the UN, and the International Committee of 
the Red Cross (ICRC) 
--------------------------------------------- -------------- 
 
¶33. (U) Georgia: Welcomed preparations for the 2010 Nuclear 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000994  007 OF 007 
 
 
Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference.  Georgia 
stated that it had joined the Global Initiative to Combat 
Nuclear Terrorism.  It cited illicit arms trade as a problem 
and suggested an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) as a solution. 
Georgia complained of Russia's military base in Abkhazia.  It 
also criticized Russia for its recent actions in Georgia, 
stating that the Human Rights Watch's findings suggest it 
used cluster munitions during its "invasion."  As with last 
year, Georgia expressed concern about Russia's suspension of 
the Treaty on Conventional Forces in Europe and stated that 
it would complicate "processes" in the South Caucasus. 
 
¶34. (U) Bahrain: Praised the work of the International Atomic 
Energy Agency to end the use of nuclear energy for 
non-peaceful uses.  To that end, Bahrain stated that it had 
acceded to the NPT and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. It 
called on Israel to accede to the NPT.  Bahrain expressed 
support for the UN Program of Action (PoA) on small arms and 
light weapons (SA/LW), as well as for the Third Biennial 
Meeting of States to combat those weapons. 
 
¶35. (U) Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the UN: 
Called on member states to combat illicit arms trade and pay 
close attention to "state arming and forming of militias" on 
occupied territory.  It advocated for a Middle East nuclear 
weapons free zone, called on Israel to accede to the NPT, and 
warned of selective efforts to rid the Middle East of nuclear 
weapons.  It also expressed support for states' right to the 
peaceful use of nuclear energy. 
 
¶36. (U) ICRC: The ICRC praised the Convention on Cluster 
Munitions and the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons 
as instruments to address the problem of cluster munitions. 
It encouraged states to view the Mine Ban Convention as a 
model for addressing such issues.  The ICRC expressed support 
for the UN PoA on SA/LW and the GGE report on an ATT. 
 
¶37. (U) Rights of Reply: 
 
DPRK: Responded to the ROK's October 13 statement, stating 
that it doubted the ROK's intent to resolve the nuclear 
issue, as well as the ROK's remark that its military bases 
were not targeting the DPRK. 
 
Russia (followed by Georgia): Responded to Georgia's 
statement, stating that Georgia used cluster bombs.  Russia 
also criticized it for increasing its military budget, which 
it claimed called into question Georgia's intent to stabilize 
the region. Georgia replied, recalling Russia's March 6 
withdrawal from settling the Abkhazia conflict.  It added, in 
contrast to Russia, that no international organization had 
said that Georgia used cluster munitions against civilians. 
Khalilzad