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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 USUN NEW YORK 000949 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CD CDG KN PARM PREL UNGA
SUBJECT: 64TH UNGA/FIRST COMMITTEE BEGINS GENERAL DEBATE: 
OVER 100 SPEAKERS - DAY 3 
 
REF: USUN XXX 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000949  001.2 OF 003 
 
 
1.(U) Summary: The UNGA first committee conducted its general 
debate on disarmament and international security issues on 
October 5.  This summary comprises day 3 of the general 
debate (October 7) 
 
¶2. Russian Federation 
 
Russia noted the changing environment in the field of nuclear 
disarmament and non-proliferation, citing the U.S. - Russian 
negotiations on the START treaty, the adoption of a program 
of work for the CD, and the recent Security Council 
resolution.  It regretted that while the program of work by 
the CD was adopted, substantive work has not begun.  Russia 
called for "predictability of the strategic situation" that 
would allow for the reduction of nuclear arsenals. It opposed 
any strategic missile defense systems and weapons in outer 
space, as these are strategic advantages that undermine the 
strategic situation.  Russia is working towards strengthening 
the three pillars of the NPT, non-proliferation, disarmament 
and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. It supported nuclear 
weapon free zones, particularly in the Middle East, and 
believes that the IAEA should be the body that verifies 
compliance.  It believes that the UN has a leading role to 
play in preventing the illicit trafficking of SA/LW.  It 
raised the treaty on Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) and 
called for Western states to present firm positions instead 
of promises to examine Russia's concerns at a later date. 
 
¶3. Israel 
 
Israel said it believes that disarmament must be based on the 
reality of the regional context.  It is only in comprehensive 
and durable peace that arms reduction can happen.  When there 
is peace between Israel and its neighbors this will lead to a 
Middle East free of ballistic missiles and of biological, 
chemical and nuclear weapons.  Israel is in favor of the CTBT 
and advocated its early entry into force.  It views the 
nuclear weapons program in Iran as a threat to peace in the 
Middle East.  It stated that Iran and Syria's arms transfers 
to the Hizbullah terrorist groups and Hizbullah's use of 
these arms against civilian populations is undermining peace 
in the Middle East.  Israel said it believes that these 
transfers should be addressed by the international community. 
 It favored the discussion of cluster munitions within the 
framework of the CCW and it supported an Arms Trade Treaty 
that includes measures to combat arms transfers to terrorist. 
 
 
¶4. Dominican Republic 
 
The Dominican Republic said it recognized the links between 
disarmament and development and advocated  using more 
resources on development and less on arms.  It supported the 
NPT but recognizes the inalienable right of states to pursue 
peaceful nuclear energy.  It was concerned by the illicit 
trafficking of SA/LW because it affects safety and social 
stability, which has links to organized crime, drug 
trafficking and terrorism.  The Dominican Republic noted 
concern about the transportation of radioactive materials and 
the possible effects spillage of radioactive materials could 
have on the Caribbean Sea. 
 
¶5. Turkey 
 
Turkey said it attaches great significance to global 
disarmament and is party to all major international 
non-proliferation instruments and export controls regimes. 
Turkey sees positive momentum in the adoption of a program of 
work by the CD.  It stated that it believes that the three 
pillars of the NPT need to be reinforced and that the pursuit 
of nuclear weapons undermines security and called for the 
establishment of nuclear weapon free zones, specifically in 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000949  002.2 OF 003 
 
 
the Middle East.  It is concerned by recent actions by the 
DPRK and Iran.  Turkey views the issues of anti-personnel 
mines, cluster munitions and SALW as important to world 
peace. 
 
¶6. Philippines 
 
The Philippines said it saw positive developments in 
disarmament, citing the recent adoption of the IAEA General 
Conference of a resolution calling for a nuclear weapon free 
Middle East.  The Philippines believes that the world must 
move towards a world free of nuclear weapons and will push 
for a "concrete action plan with specific phases that would 
lead to a world free of nuclear arms" at the 2010 NPT review 
conference (Note: Philippines will chair this conference. End 
Note).  It is also concerned about SA/LW, land mines, and 
cluster munitions, and hopes that nations meet the 2012 
deadline for destroying munitions under the CWC. 
 
¶7. Egypt 
 
Egypt said it looks forward to the successful conclusion of 
negotiations between the U.S. and Russia on strategic arms. 
It noted the adoption of a program of work for the CD.  Egypt 
believes that the NPT is the key pillar of nuclear 
disarmament and non-proliferation but questions NWS efforts 
to continue to upgrade and expand their inventories and the 
double standards applied in the enforcement of the NPT. 
Egypt was particularly harsh on Israel's nuclear weapon 
program, pointing out that it has not joined the NPT yet 
demands that the IAEA investigate Iran.  Egypt called for the 
establishment of a nuclear-weapons-free zone in the Middle 
East.  It expressed hope that the 2010 NPT review will be 
successful and that NNWS will receive legally binding 
negative security assurances.  It reiterated its belief that 
all states have to right to pursue the peaceful application 
of nuclear energy. 
 
¶8. Indonesia 
 
Indonesia said it is encouraged by the present momentum in 
the NPT review process.  It said it wants the START treaty 
negotiations between the U.S. and Russia to be transparent 
and believes that the collective security of all nations is 
more important that the narrow interest of countries.  It is 
encouraged by the adoption of a program of work by the CD 
after a 12 year deadlock.  It favors nuclear-free zones.  On 
conventional weapons, Indonesia said it had removed 
anti-personnel mines from its military arsenal and is in 
working against the illicit trade of SA/LW. 
 
¶9. Burma 
 
Burma said it sees this year as one of hope for nuclear 
disarmament, citing the adoption of a program of work for the 
CD, statements by leaders from NWS, and the recent Security 
Council resolution.  It welcomed the five-point proposal by 
Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.  Burma is a signatory to the 
NPT and believes that it is the cornerstone of international 
efforts to prevent proliferation of nuclear weapons, further 
nuclear disarmament,  promote cooperation, and ensure access 
to nuclear energy. 
 
¶10. Nepal 
 
Nepal said it is encouraged by the positive atmosphere in the 
area of disarmament, noted the adoption of the program of 
work for the CD,  and said it is particularly concerned by 
the trafficking of SA/LW. 
 
¶11. Congo 
 
Congo said it is worried about the ability of non-state 
actors to acquire WMD and the illicit trade in SA/LW.  It was 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000949  003.2 OF 003 
 
 
encouraged by the recent adoption of a program of work by the 
CD and the entry into force of the Africa nuclear-weapon-free 
zone. 
 
¶12. Jamaica 
 
Jamaica said it is encouraged by developments in nuclear 
disarmament, citing President Obama's speech in Prague, U.S. 
- Russian negotiations towards a reduction in strategic 
arsenals, and the adoption of a program of work after a 12 
year impasse in the CD.  It called for a diplomatic solution 
to the DPRK's recent activities, supported the establishment 
of nuclear-weapons-free zones and stated it is concerned by 
the illicit trade in SA/LW. 
 
¶13. Belarus 
 
Belarus noted a decline in international relations and the 
NPT.  It asseses the NPT to be the cornerstone of 
international relations and was hopeful of a positive NPT 
review conference in 2010.  It supported the inalienable 
right of states to pursue the peaceful uses of nuclear energy 
and advocated for the early entry into force of the CTBT. 
Belarus is encouraged by the adoption of a program of action 
for the CD after a 12 year impasse and supports more UN 
action in the fight against the illicit trafficking of SA/LW. 
 
 
¶14. Sudan 
 
Sudan said it views the functioning of multilateral 
disarmament mechanisms as "disappointing," citing the 
selective enforcement of the NPT and the paternalistic 
attitude of the nuclear states.  Sudan views the lack of 
progress towards the Millennium Development Goals as a 
pressing issue.  It is showed concern about the illicit trade 
in SA/LW. 
 
¶15. Thailand 
 
Thailand said it sees positive developments in the field of 
nuclear disarmament, citing U.S. - Russian negotiations on 
START, the adoption of a program of work in the CD, and the 
recent Security Council Resolution.  It recognizes the IAEA 
as the sole international body for verification under the NPT 
and urges all states to cooperate with it.  Thailand is in 
favor of the CWC, BWC, an Arms Trade Treaty and the ban on 
anti-personnel mines. 
 
¶16. New Zealand 
 
New Zealand said 2009 was a year of promise in nuclear 
disarmament citing U.S. - Russia negotiations, President 
Obama's commitment to seek US ratification to the CTBT, the 
recent Security Council resolution and the adoption of a 
program of work by the CD.  New Zealand said it is worried by 
Iran's and the DPRK's nuclear-weapons programs, urged Iran to 
put its Qom facility under IAEA safeguards, and called on the 
DPRK to rejoin the six-party talks.  New Zealand stated that 
it is worried about the effects of illicit trade in SA/LW on 
global security and supports an ATT, the convention on 
cluster munitions and the anti-personnel mine convention. 
 
¶17. Right of Reply by Iran and Syria 
 
Iran stated that allegations by Israel are not legitimate. 
Syria said that Israel needed to allow IAEA inspection of its 
facilities.  Syria also stated that Israel used cluster 
munitions during its war in Lebanon in 2008 and that Israel 
is the fourth largest weapons trader. 
Rice