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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 USUN NEW YORK 000950 
 
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 2 
 
REF: USUN XXX 
 
1.(U) Summary: The UNGA first committee conducted its general 
debate on disarmament and international security issues on 
October 5.  This summary comprises day 2 of the general 
debate (October 6) 
 
¶2. Republic of Korea 
 
South Korea noted the "growing expectations for progress in 
the field of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation," 
citing the five point plan put forth by Secretary-General Ban 
Ki-Moon, President Obama's vision of a world free of nuclear 
weapons, the adoption of a program of work for the CD, and 
prospective entry into force of the CTBT.  It called for the 
central role of the NPT to be reinforced.  Korea noted that 
the DPRK and Iranian nuclear issues pose a pressing challenge 
to the international non-proliferation regime.  It called for 
the DPRK to rejoin the six party talks and abandon all its 
nuclear weapons.  Korea was encouraged by the recent talks 
between Iran and the P5 plus 1 held in Geneva.  It stated 
that Korea believed that conventional weapons warrant the 
constant attention of the international community. 
 
¶3. Brazil 
 
Brazil said it was encouraged by the re-launching of 
strategic talks between the U.S. and Russia and the adoption 
of a program of work for the CD.  It called for all countries 
to abide by their obligations to the NPT, but warned that 
"efforts to impose additional responsibilities on 
non-nuclear-weapon states, coupled with selective 
implementation of existing disarmament commitments, will 
affect the credibility of the regime and undermine its 
effectiveness".  Brazil supported an international, legally 
binding instrument that would allow states to identify and 
track SA/LW.  It also called for a conventional arms trade 
treaty that would regulate the legal trade of arms.  This 
treaty would define criteria and responsibilities among 
export, import and transit countries yet "not affect the 
right of states to manufacture, import export, transfer and 
retain such weapons and ammunition". 
 
¶4. Japan 
 
Japan noted the improved atmosphere in disarmament citing 
negotiations toward a new START treaty, the recent Security 
Council resolution on disarmament, and President Obama's 
speech in Prague.  It stated that NWS must take concrete 
measures to reduce their nuclear arsenals and NNWS must 
comply with non-proliferation obligations.  Japan warned 
against terrorists acquiring nuclear weapons and another 
failed NPT review conference.  It called for entry into force 
of the CTBT without delay and immediate commencement of FMCT 
negotiations  Japan stated that the DPRK's nuclear tests and 
missile launches were a serious threat to peace in the 
region.  It noted with concern Iran's recent disclosure of 
the Qom facility, but was encouraged by the negotiations 
between the EU3 plus 3 and Iran in Geneva.  Japan called for 
treaties on cluster munitions, SA/LW, anti-personnel 
landmines and an arms trade treaty. 
 
¶5. China 
 
China noted that the atmosphere is changing and that 
multilateralism is needed to move forward.  It endorsed 
continued U.S. and Russian negotiations toward reduction of 
their nuclear arsenals.  It called for the international 
community to "negotiate and conclude an international legal 
instrument on security assurances for Non Nuclear Weapon 
States as early as possible.  NWS should negotiate and 
conclude a treaty on no-first-use of nuclear weapons against 
one another".  China called for the early entry into force of 
the CTBT and early commencement of negotiations on FMCT.  It 
called for a strengthening of the IAEA but an end to the 
practice of double standards.  It supported the inalienable 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000950  002 OF 004 
 
 
right of NNWS to pursue peaceful uses of nuclear energy. 
China, while encouraged by the adoption of a CD program of 
work, hoped that it will soon start "substantive discussion 
on the draft treaty on the prevention of the placement of 
weapons in Outer Space, and the Threat or Use of Force 
against outer space objects".  It called for the 
denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and a continuation 
of talks about Iranian nuclear issues. 
 
¶6. Cuba 
 
Cuba stated that world military spending is increasing while 
the UN Millennium Development Goals are not being met and 
urged a switch from defense to humanitarian spending.  It 
said that nuclear disarmament is an urgent task but rejected 
the "selective enforcement of the NPT."  Cuba stated that 
"White House statements have not been followed by concrete 
actions".  It attacked seven planned military bases in 
Columbia and the U.S. Base at Guantanamo Bay, saying it 
impinged on Cuban sovereign territory, and the repositioning 
of the U.S. fourth fleet in the region.  It called for a 
timeline for the destruction of nuclear weapons and stated 
that the IAEA should be the only organ of verification.  It 
was encouraged by the program of work for the CD. 
 
¶7. Kenya 
 
Kenya cited the new atmosphere in disarmament and the program 
of work for the CD after a 12 year stalemate.  It supported 
the early entry into force for the CTBT.  Kenya stated that 
Africa is now a nuclear-weapon-free zone but advocated for 
the peaceful use of nuclear energy to help with the energy 
needs of countries.  It called for work at the national and 
regional level against the illicit transfer and black market 
of SA/LW.  It supported the treaties on cluster munitions and 
anti-personnel landmines. 
 
¶8. Bulgaria 
 
 
Bulgaria noted the improving atmosphere and placed "great 
value on the work of multilateral mechanisms in the sphere of 
disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation."  Bulgaria 
said it was encouraged by the adoption of a program of work 
for the CD and hopes for a successful NPT review conference. 
It called for the early entry into force of the CTBT and 
negotiations on a FMCT once the CD session begins in January 
¶2010.  Bulgaria advocated treaties on CCW, cluster munitions, 
SA/LW and an Arms Trade Treaty. 
 
¶9. Norway 
 
Norway judged that it is a historical time for pursuing the 
goal of a world without nuclear weapons and cited the recent 
Security Council resolution in this connection.  It hopes 
that the NPT review process will outline a "clear path" 
toward the irreversible and unequivocal elimination of 
nuclear arms, and close any loophole in the nuclear 
nonproliferation and security regimes.  Norway doubted "the 
utility of continued deliberations on cluster munitions in 
the context of the CCW" because the Convention on Cluster 
Munitions already exists and is open for signature.  It 
lamented the inaction of the CD for the last 12 years and the 
fact that 120 states are not members of this body.  It 
believes that the United Nations Disarmament Commission is 
not delivering on its mandate and urges more governmental 
involvement in this body. 
 
¶10. Jordan 
 
Jordan noted the adoption of the program of work in the CD, 
supported the NPT and noted the recent Security Council 
resolution on disarmament and nonproliferation.  It called 
for the early entry into force of the CTBT and advocated a 
nuclear weapon-free Middle East.  Jordan said it is working 
towards eliminating its stockpile of anti-personnel mines. 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000950  003 OF 004 
 
 
 
¶11. Saudi Arabia 
 
Saudi Arabia stated that it is an NPT party but that the 
treaty has been meaningless because states are not fulfilling 
their responsibilities.  It is encouraged by the recent 
Security Council resolution on disarmament and 
nonproliferation.  It supported the treaty on Chemical 
Weapons, one for SA/LW,  called for a nuclear weapon-free 
zone in the Middle East, and noted there are "double 
standards on enforcement" of agreements. 
 
¶12. Algeria 
 
Algeria noted the recent entry into force of a nuclear 
weapons free zone in Africa,  It supported the NPT, and 
encouraged states to work towards an FMCT.  It noted the 
adoption of a program of work by the CD after a 12 year 
deadlock, and said it was worried about terrorist and 
organized crime groups acquiring nuclear weapons and the 
illicit trade in SA/LW. 
 
¶13. South Africa 
 
South Africa congratulated fellow African states on the entry 
into force of the Treaty of Pelindaba.  It said it thought 
that the recent Security Council resolution was good but more 
effort was need on non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament. 
It advocated for the entry into force of the CTBT and noted 
the adoption of a program of work in the CD.  On conventional 
weapons, South Africa said it believes that more work must be 
done on SA/LW, landmines and cluster munitions. 
 
¶14. Australia 
 
Australia noted the encouraging signals in the world of 
disarmament over the last twelve months but stated that 
countries need to be pragmatic in order to make genuine 
progress.  It cited the adoption of the program of work for 
the CD, and said it hopes that the CD will move forward on 
FMCT negotiations and its other areas or work.  Australia 
sees the DPRK nuclear test as a reason to strengthen the NPT 
and urged the DPRK to comply with its international 
obligations.  It called on Iran to work with the IAEA and 
allow it full access to the Qom facility.  SA/LW should also 
remain a focus.  Australia advocated for the early entry in 
force of the treaty on cluster munitions and supported the 
Arms Trade Treaty. 
 
¶15. Nigeria 
 
Nigeria stated that military expenditures are increasing at a 
time when aid is needed for health and education.  Nigeria 
showed particular concern with the trafficking of SA/LW and 
drugs in the region, which are threats to security. 
¶16. Bangladesh 
 
Bangladesh said it was encouraged by the recent adoption of a 
program of work for the CD, that it viewed the NPT as the 
"cornerstone" of the nuclear non-proliferation regime, and 
that it  recognized the inalienable right of countries to 
pursue the peaceful use nuclear energy.  It called for entry 
into force of the CTBT, supported the recent entry into force 
of a nuclear weapons free zone in Africa, and advocated for 
one in the Middle East.  Bangladesh said it is worried about 
the proliferation of SA/LW, and noted with concern that 
military expenditures continue to rise at a time of increased 
social needs and requirements for development.  (Note: 
Bangladesh barely mentioned the CD despite the fact that it 
will serve as the first of six rotational CD presidents next 
year. End note.) 
 
¶17. Right of Reply by DPRK 
 
The DPRK replied to Korea and Japan's statements about the 
de-nuclearization of the Korean peninsula, saying that this 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000950  004 OF 004 
 
 
was in direct response to U.S. policy.  The DPRK said it 
wants peace and stability on the peninsula and had made 
proposals on non-aggression to the U.S.  However, the U.S. 
had stated that the DPRK could not launch peaceful satellites 
and the six party talks collapsed because of this.  The DPRK 
noted that the Security Council cannot stand above 
international law.  The DPRK must rely on the nuclear option 
for defense to stop a war.  The DPRK said that it was more 
secure now and will act in a responsible manner. 
Rice