UN Human Rights Treaties

United Nations A/61/PV.83 General Assembly Sixty-first session 83rd plenary meeting Wednesday, 20 December 2006, 3 p.m. New York Official Records President: Ms. Al-Khalifa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Bahrain) The meeting was called to order at 3.30 p.m. Reports of the Second Committee The President: The General Assembly will consider the reports of the Second Committee on agenda items 40, 42, 50, 51 and its sub-items (a) to (d), 52, 53 and its sub-items (a) to (g), 54, 55 and its sub items (a) to (e), 56 and its sub-items (a) and (b), 57 and its sub-items (a) and (b), 58, 59 and its sub-items (a) and (b), 69 and its sub-items (b) and (c), 110 and 118. I request the Rapporteur of the Second Committee, Ms. Vanessa Gomes of Portugal, to introduce in one intervention the reports of the Second Committee. Ms. Gomes (Portugal), Rapporteur of the Second Committee: I have the honour to present for the Assembly’s consideration the following reports of the Second Committee on the agenda items allocated to it by the Assembly at its sixty-first session. Under agenda item 40, entitled “Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 15 of document A/61/418, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 42, entitled “Report of the Economic and Social Council”, which is allocated to the plenary, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/61/432, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 50, entitled “Information and communication technologies for development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/61/419, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 51, entitled “Macroeconomic policy questions”, the report of the Committee is issued in five parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/61/420, and the recommendations are contained in the following addenda: Under sub-item 51 (a), entitled “International trade and development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 6 of document A/61/420/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution. In connection with this report, I wish to make a correction: in paragraph 5, which falls under the consideration of the draft resolution, Australia, also on behalf of New Zealand, and Canada should be added to the list of representatives having made statements in explanation of vote before the vote. Under sub-item 51 (b), entitled “International financial system and development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 6 of document A/61/420/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 51 (c), entitled “External debt crisis and development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/61/420/Add.3, the adoption of one draft resolution. This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the interpretation of speeches delivered in the other languages. Corrections should be submitted to the original languages only. They should be incorporated in a copy of the record and sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Service, room C-154A. Corrections will be issued after the end of the session in a consolidated corrigendum. 06-67295 (E) A/61/PV.83 06- 67295 In connection with this report, I wish to make the following corrections. In paragraph 6 of the report, which falls under the consideration of the draft resolution, after New Zealand, “also on behalf of Australia and Canada” should be added. In the text of the draft resolution itself, the ninth preambular paragraph should read as follows: “Welcoming also the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative, which will enable a marked increase in expenditures on health, education and other social services consistent with national priorities and development plans by heavily indebted poor countries,”. I note that there is also a footnote in this paragraph. In the fourth line of the English text of operative paragraph 4, the word “underlines” should read “underscores”. In operative paragraph 8, “stresses” should be replaced by “underlines”. In the sixth line of operative paragraph 9, “underlines” should read “underscores”. In the fourth line of operative paragraph 15, the words “assistance under” should be deleted. Under sub-item 51 (d), entitled “Commodities”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 15 of document A/61/420/Add.4, the adoption of two draft resolutions. In connection with this report, I wish to make a correction to draft resolution II, entitled “Commodities”. The beginning of operative paragraph 12 should read as follows: “Calls for capacity-building support by the relevant international organizations and by developed countries, and also encourages the private sector....” Under agenda item 52, entitled “Follow-up to and implementation of the outcome of the International Conference on Financing for Development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 13 of document A/61/421, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 53, entitled “Sustainable development”, the report of the Second Committee is issued in eight parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/61/422, and the recommendations are contained in the following addenda. Under sub-item 53 (a), entitled “Implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 24 of document A/61/422/Add.1 and Corr.1, the adoption of four draft resolutions. Under sub-item 53 (b), entitled “Follow-up to and implementation of the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 15 of document A/61/422/Add.2, the adoption of two draft resolutions. Under sub-item 53 (c), entitled “International Strategy for Disaster Reduction”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 19 of document A/61/422/Add.3, the adoption of three draft resolutions. Under sub-item 53 (d), entitled “Protection of global climate for present and future generations of mankind”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 10 of document A/61/422/Add.4, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 53 (e), entitled “Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/61/422/Add.5, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 53 (f), entitled “Convention on Biological Diversity”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 13 of document A/61/422/Add.6, the adoption of two draft resolutions. In connection with this report, I wish to make the following corrections. In paragraph 3 of the report, which falls under the discussion of draft resolution A/C.2/61/L.29/Rev.1, entitled “International Year of Biodiversity, 2010”, the names of Israel, Japan and Mexico should be added to the list of sponsors. In the text of draft resolution I, entitled “International Year of Biodiversity, 2010”, the fifth preambular paragraph should read: “Further recalling the 2005 World Summit Outcome,”. The rest of the paragraph should be deleted. A/61/PV.83 06-67295 Under sub-item 53 (g), entitled “Report of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme on its ninth special session”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/61/422/Add.7, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 54, entitled “Implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) and strengthening of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 12 of document A/61/423, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 55, entitled “Globalization and interdependence”, the report of the Committee is issued in five parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/61/424, and the recommendations are contained in the following addenda. Under sub-item 55 (a), entitled “Globalization and interdependence”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/61/424/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 55 (b), entitled “International migration and development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/61/424/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 55 (d), entitled “Preventing and combating corrupt practices and transfer of assets of illicit origin and returning such assets, in particular to the countries of origin, consistent with the United Nations Convention against Corruption”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/61/424/Add.4, the adoption of one draft resolution. In connection with this report, I wish to make two corrections to paragraph 6, which falls under the consideration of the draft resolution. The names of all the countries that align themselves with the European Union should be inserted, and the name of the United States of America should be inserted after Canada. Under sub-item 55 (e), entitled “Integration of the economies in transition into the world economy”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/61/424/Add.5, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 56, entitled “Groups of countries in special situations”, the report of the Committee is issued in three parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/61/425, and the recommendations are contained in the following addenda. Under sub-item 56 (a), entitled “Third United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/61/425/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 56 (b), entitled “Specific actions related to the particular needs and problems of landlocked developing countries: outcome of the International Ministerial Conference of Landlocked and Transit Developing Countries and Donor Countries and International Financial and Development Institutions on Transit Transport Cooperation”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/61/425/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 57, entitled “Eradication of poverty and other development issues”, the report of the Committee is issued in three parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/61/426, and the recommendations are contained in the following addenda. Under sub-item 57 (a), entitled “Implementation of the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006)”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 14 of document A/61/426/Add.1, the adoption of two draft resolutions. In connection with this report, I wish to make the following correction to draft resolution I, entitled “Implementation of the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006)”. I draw the attention of the General Assembly to operative paragraph 4, which should read as follows: “Urges all Governments, the international community, including the United Nations system, and all other actors to continue to pursue seriously the objective of the eradication of poverty”. Under sub-item 57(b), entitled “Industrial development cooperation”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/61/426/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 58, entitled “Operational activities for development: operational activities for development of the United Nations system”, the A/61/PV.83 06- 67295 recommendation contained in the report in document A/61/427 has already been adopted by the Assembly at its 59th meeting, on 28 November. Moving on to agenda item 59, entitled “Training and research”, the report of the Committee is issued in three parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/61/428, and the recommendations are contained in the following addenda. Under sub-item 59 (a), entitled “United Nations University”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/61/428/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 59 (b), entitled “United Nations Institute for Training and Research”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 6 of document A/61/428/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution. I wish to make a correction to paragraph 5 of the report, under section II. “After the adoption” should be replaced with “Before the adoption”. Under agenda item 69, entitled “Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance”, the report of the Committee is issued in three parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/61/429, and the recommendations are contained in the following addenda: Under sub-item 69 (b), entitled “Special economic assistance to individual countries or regions”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 19 of document A/61/429/Add.1, the adoption of three draft resolutions. Under sub-item 69 (c), entitled “Participation of volunteers, ‘White Helmets’, in the activities of the United Nations in the field of humanitarian relief, rehabilitation and technical cooperation for development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 6 of document A/61/429/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 110, entitled “Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 5 of document A/61/430, the adoption of one draft decision. In light of the adoption by the General Assembly of resolution 61/134 on 14 December, in which it decided, inter alia, that the sub-items of its agenda relating to the strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations currently considered by the Second Committee should be reallocated to its plenary as of its sixty-second session, it is the understanding of the members of the Second Committee that the draft programme of work recommended for adoption in this report would be adjusted accordingly. Under agenda item 118, entitled “Programme planning”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 6 of document A/61/431, the adoption of one draft decision. First, I thank members for their patience while I write out some rather lengthy notes. I would like to request delegations having any queries about technical corrections to the texts of draft resolutions that were adopted by the Second Committee to communicate them as soon as possible to the secretariat of the Second Committee, in order for these corrections to be made prior to the final issuance of texts as resolutions of the General Assembly. Also, Madam President, may I take this opportunity to thank you most sincerely and to also express our thanks to the Chairperson, Her Excellency Mrs. Tiina Intelmann of Estonia, as well as the Vice- Chairmen, Mr. Benedicto Fonseca Filho of Brazil, Mr. Prayono Atiyanto of Indonesia and Mr. Aboubacar Sadikh Barry of Senegal, for their extraordinary collaboration and partnership during this most challenging and successful session of the Second Committee. Finally, I also thank sincerely the secretariat for the outstanding assistance provided to me and to the other members of the Bureau throughout the session. I take this opportunity before concluding to wish all delegations well-deserved happy holidays and hope to see you all in the New Year. The President: I thank the Rapporteur of the Second Committee. If there is no proposal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I shall take it that the General Assembly decides not to discuss the reports of the Second Committee which are before the Assembly today. It was so decided. The President: Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of A/61/PV.83 06-67295 delegations regarding the recommendations of the Second Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. May I remind members that, under paragraph 7 of decision 34/401, the General Assembly agreed that “When the same draft resolution is considered in a Main Committee and in plenary meeting, a delegation should, as far as possible, explain its vote only once, i.e., 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 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 Second Committee, I should like to advise representatives that we are going to proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Second Committee, unless the secretariat is notified otherwise in advance. That means that where recorded votes or separate 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 Second Committee. The Assembly is reminded that shortly we will be taking action on draft resolutions recommended for adoption by the Second Committee and as such, those draft resolutions can no longer be additionally cosponsored in plenary by Member States. Any corrections delegations may have concerning the reports of the Second Committee, including the listing of sponsors of a draft resolution contained in the reports of the Committee, should be submitted to the secretariat of the Second Committee for the issuance of corrigenda. Before proceeding further, I wish to draw the attention of members to a note by the secretariat distributed desk to desk. The note will serve as a reference guide for action on draft resolutions and decisions recommended by the Second Committee in its report. Members will find in column 6 of the note the numbers of the draft resolutions or decisions for action in the plenary, with the corresponding numbers of draft resolutions or decisions of the Second Committee in column 3 of the same note. Agenda item 40 Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources Report of the Second Committee (A/61/418) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 15 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra A/61/PV.83 06- 67295 Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: Australia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Palau, United States of America Abstaining: Cameroon, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Nauru, Tonga, Uganda, Vanuatu The draft resolution was adopted by 164 votes to 6, with 9 abstentions (resolution 61/184). [Subsequently, the delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina advised the Secretariat that it had in tended to vote in favour.] The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 40? It was so decided. Agenda item 42 Report of the Economic and Social Council Report of the Second Committee (A/61/432) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “Proclamation of international years”. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 61/185). The President: The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 42. Agenda item 50 Information and communication technologies for development Report of the Second Committee (A/61/419) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision, entitled “Report of the Secretary- General on information and communication technologies for development: progress in the implementation of General Assembly resolution 57/295”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee? The draft decision was adopted. The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 50? It was so decided. Agenda item 51 Macroeconomic policy questions Report of the Second Committee (A/61/420) The President: May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee? It was so decided. The President: The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 51. (a) International trade and development Report of the Second Committee (A/61/420/Add.1) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “International trade and development”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, A/61/PV.83 06-67295 Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia (Federated States of), Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: Moldova, United States of America Abstaining: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland The draft resolution was adopted by 129 votes to 2, with 52 abstentions (resolution 61/186). [Subsequently, the delegations of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Moldova advised the Secretariat that they had intended to abstain.] The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 51? It was so decided. (b) International financial system and development Report of the Second Committee (A/61/420/Add.2) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 61/187). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of subitem (b) of agenda item 51? It was so decided. (c) External debt crisis and development Report of the Second Committee (A/61/420/Add.3) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, as orally corrected. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft resolution, as orally corrected? The draft resolution, as orally corrected, was adopted (resolution 61/188). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of subitem (c) of agenda item 51? A/61/PV.83 06- 67295 It was so decided. (d) Commodities Report of the Second Committee (A/61/420/Add.4) The President: The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 15 of its report. We will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions. The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled “International Year of Natural Fibres”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 61/189). The President: Draft resolution II, entitled “Commodities”, was adopted by the Second Committee and has been orally corrected. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution II, as orally corrected? Draft resolution II, as orally corrected, was adopted (resolution 61/190). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 51 and of agenda item 51 as a whole? It was so decided. Agenda item 52 Follow-up to and implementation of the outcome of the International Conference on Financing for Development Report of the Second Committee (A/61/421) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 13 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 61/191). The President: 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. Agenda item 53 Sustainable development Report of the Second Committee (document A/61/422) The President: May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee? It was so decided. The President: The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 53. (a) Implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development Report of the Second Committee (A/61/422/Add.1 and Corr.1) The President: The Assembly has before it four draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 24 of its report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to IV. The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled “International Year of Sanitation 2008”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 61/192). The President: The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled “International Year of Forests, 2011”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 61/193). The President: Draft resolution III is entitled “Oil slick on Lebanese shores”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, A/61/PV.83 06-67295 Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: Australia, Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Palau, United States of America Draft resolution III was adopted by 170 votes to 6 (resolution 61/194). [Subsequently, the delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.] The President: The Second Committee adopted draft resolution IV, entitled “Implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 61/195). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 53? It was so decided. (b) Follow up to and implementation of the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States Report of the Second Committee (A/61/422/Add.2) The President: The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 15 of its report. Draft resolution I, entitled “Follow-up to and implementation of the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States”, was adopted by the Second Committee. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 61/196). The President: Draft resolution II, entitled “Towards the sustainable development of the Caribbean Sea for present and future generations”, was adopted by the Second Committee. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 61/197). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 53? A/61/PV.83 06- 67295 It was so decided. (c) International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Report of the Second Committee (A/61/422/Add.3) The President: The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 19 of its report. We will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions. Draft resolution I, entitled “International Strategy for Disaster Reduction”, was adopted by the Second Committee. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 61/198). The President: Draft resolution II, entitled “International cooperation to reduce the impact of the El Nino phenomenon”, was adopted by the Second Committee. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 61/199). The President: Draft resolution III, entitled “Natural disasters and vulnerability”, was adopted by the Second Committee. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 61/200). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 53? It was so decided. (d) Protection of global climate for present and future generations of mankind Report of the Second Committee (A/61/422/Add.4) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. In the Committee, a separate vote was taken on operative paragraph 10 of the draft resolution. However, the secretariat has just been informed by interested delegations that no vote will be requested on this operative paragraph. The Assembly will now vote on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: None A/61/PV.83 06-67295 Abstaining: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland The draft resolution was adopted by 137 votes to none, with 47 abstentions (resolution 61/201). [Subsequently the delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina advised the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain.] The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Japan for an explanation of vote after the vote. Mr. Ito (Japan): At the plenary meeting of the Second Committee on 8 December, my delegation requested a separate vote on this resolution. This time we did not call for a separate vote, but voted in favour of the resolution. However, Japan still has reservations about the structure of operative paragraph 10, which relates to the institutional linkage between the United Nations and the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Global warming is an urgent challenge, and the UNFCCC is one of the most important forums we have for international negotiation and action. The environment is one of the pillars of the work of the United Nations. To ensure urgent and effective action in this area, the knowledge and experience of this Organization should be put to full use in the activities of the UNFCCC. That said, the UNFCCC is an independent treaty body with its own budget and secretariat, which now consists of more than two hundred staff members. The Government of Japan has consistently maintained that the United Nations should not be called on to shoulder the expenses of the UNFCCC. My delegation believes that starting with the 2008-2009 biennial budget the UNFCCC should assume full responsibility for its complement of service-related costs. The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 53? It was so decided. (e) Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa Report of the Second Committee (A/61/422/Add.5) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 61/202). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 53? It was so decided. (f) Convention on Biological Diversity Report of the Second Committee (A/61/422/Add.6) The President: The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 13 of its report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I and II. Draft resolution I is entitled “International Year of Biodiversity, 2010”. It has been orally corrected. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution I, as orally corrected? Draft resolution I, as orally corrected, was adopted (resolution 61/203). The President: Draft resolution II, entitled “Convention on Biological Diversity”, was adopted by the Second Committee. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 61/204). A/61/PV.83 06- 67295 The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (f) of agenda item 53? It was so decided. (g) Report of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme on its ninth special session Report of the Second Committee (A/61/422/Add.7) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report, on which we will now take a decision. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 61/205). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (g) of agenda item 53 and of agenda item 53 as a whole? It was so decided. Agenda item 54 Implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) and strengthening of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Report of the Second Committee (A/61/423) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 61/206). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 54? It was so decided. Agenda item 55 Globalization and interdependence Report of the Second Committee (A/61/424) The President: May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee? It was so decided. The President: The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 55. (a) Globalization and interdependence Report of the Second Committee (A/61/424/Add.1) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 61/207). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of subitem (a) of agenda item 55? It was so decided. (b) International migration and development Report of the Second Committee (A/61/424/Add.2) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 61/208). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 55? A/61/PV.83 06-67295 It was so decided. (c) Culture and development Report of the Second Committee (A/61/424/Add.3) The President: May I take it that the Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee? It was so decided. The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 55? It was so decided. (d) Preventing and combating corrupt practices and transfer of assets of illicit origin and returning such assets, in particular to the countries of origin, consistent with the United Nations Convention against Corruption Report of the Second Committee (A/61/424/Add.4) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report, of which we will now take a decision. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 61/209). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 55? (e) Integration of the economies in transition into the world economy Report of the Second Committee (A/61/424/Add.5) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 61/210). The President: I give the floor to the representative of Poland, who wishes to speak in explanation of position on the draft resolution just adopted. Ms. Peksa-Krawiec (Poland): I would like to make a short statement in connection with sub-item (e), “Integration of the economies in transition into the world economy”, of agenda item 55, “Globalization and interdependence”. The delegation of Poland would like to put on record that Poland wishes to associate itself with the statement made by the representative of the Czech Republic at the 25th meeting of the Second Committee, on 7 November 2006. In connection with that statement, I would like to state that Poland has completed its transformation from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented economy, and should therefore no longer be considered as a country with an economy in transition. I would also like to take this opportunity to underline the fact that Poland, together with other States, will continue its support for countries with economies in transition in their efforts to transform and integrate themselves into the world economy. The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 55 and of agenda item 55 as a whole? It was so decided. Agenda item 56 Groups of countries in special situations Report of the Second Committee (A/61/425) The President: May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee? It was so decided. The President: The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 56. A/61/PV.83 06- 67295 (a) Third United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries Report of the Second Committee (A/61/425/Add.1) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 61/211). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 56? It was so decided. (b) Specific actions related to the particular needs and problems of landlocked developing countries: outcome of the International Ministerial Conference of Landlocked and Transit Developing Countries and Donor Countries and International Financial and Development Institutions on Transit Transport Cooperation Report of the Second Committee (A/61/425/Add.2) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “Groups of countries in special situations: specific actions related to the particular needs and problems of landlocked developing countries: outcome of the International Ministerial Conference of Landlocked and Transit Developing Countries and Donor Countries and International Financial and Development Institutions on Transit Transport Cooperation”. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 61/212). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 56 and of agenda item 56 as a whole? It was so decided. Agenda item 57 Eradication of poverty and other development issues Report of the Second Committee (A/61/426) The President: May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee? It was so decided. The President: The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 57. (a) Implementation of the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997- 2006) Report of the Second Committee (A/61/426/Add.1) The President: The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 14 of its report. We will now take a decision on draft resolution I, as orally corrected, and draft resolution II. Draft resolution I is entitled “Implementation of the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006)”. It has been orally corrected. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution I, as orally corrected? Draft resolution I, as orally corrected, was adopted (resolution 61/213). The President: Draft resolution II is entitled “Role of microcredit and microfinance in the eradication of poverty”. The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt it as well? Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 61/214). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 57? A/61/PV.83 06-67295 It was so decided. (b) Industrial development cooperation Report of the Second Committee (A/61/426/Add.2) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 61/215). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 57 and of agenda item 57 as a whole? It was so decided. Agenda item 58 Operational activities for development: operational activities for development of the United Nations system Report of the Second Committee (A/61/427) The President: The Assembly will recall that the General Assembly considered the report of the Second Committee on agenda item 58 at its 59th plenary meeting, on 28 November 2006. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 58? It was so decided. Agenda item 59 Training and research Report of the Second Committee (A/61/428) The President: May I take it that the Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee? It was so decided. The President: The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 59. (a) United Nations University Report of the Second Committee (A/61/428/Add.1) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 61/216). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 59? It was so decided. (b) United Nations Institute for Training and Research Report of the Second Committee (A/61/428/Add.2) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision. The Second Committee adopted the draft decision. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft decision was adopted. The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 59 and of agenda 59 as a whole? It was so decided. Agenda item 69 Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance Report of the Second Committee (A/61/429) The President: May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee? It was so decided. The President: The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 69. A/61/PV.83 06- 67295 (b) Special economic assistance to individual countries or regions Report of the Second Committee (A/61/429/Add.1) The President: The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 19 of its report. The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions. Draft resolution I, entitled “Special economic assistance for the Philippines”, was adopted by the Second Committee. May I take it that the Assembly too wishes to adopt it? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 61/217). The President: Draft resolution II, entitled “Humanitarian assistance and reconstruction of Liberia”, was adopted by the Second Committee. May I take it that the Assembly too wishes to adopt the draft resolution? Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 61/218). The President: Draft resolution III, entitled “International assistance for the economic rehabilitation of Angola”, was adopted by the Second Committee. May I take it that the Assembly too wishes to adopt the draft resolution? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 61/219). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 69? It was so decided. (c) Participation of volunteers, “White Helmets”, in the activities of the United Nations in the field of humanitarian relief, rehabilitation and technical cooperation for development Report of the Second Committee (A/61/429/Add.2) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 61/220). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 69 and of agenda item 69 as a whole? It was so decided. Agenda item 110 (continued) Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly Report of the Second Committee (A/61/430) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 5 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision. The draft decision, entitled “Programme of work of the Second Committee for the sixty-second session of the General Assembly”, was adopted by the Second Committee. May I take it that the Assembly wishes also to adopt it? The draft decision was adopted. The President: I should like to remind members of the statement made by the Rapporteur at the beginning of this meeting, namely, that the programme of work of the Second Committee just adopted will be adjusted in the light of resolution 61/134, of 14 December 2006. The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 110. Agenda item 118 (continued) Programme planning Report of the Second Committee (A/61/431) The President: The General Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft decision was adopted. A/61/PV.83 06-67295 The President: The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 118. The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Second Committee before it. Agenda item 44 (continued) Culture of peace Draft resolution (A/61/L.11/Rev.2) The President: Members will recall that the Assembly held its debate on this agenda item at its 47th and 48th plenary meetings, on 3 November 2006. I call on the representative of Pakistan. Mr. Hayee (Pakistan): I have requested the floor to introduce two oral revisions to draft resolution A/61/L.11/Rev.2, entitled “Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace”. These revisions are the result of our last-minute consultations with interested delegations. I am pleased to read out these revisions, which I believe are also being distributed to delegations in writing. The revisions relate to paragraphs 12 and 14 of the draft resolution. As revised, paragraph 12 should read as follows: “Encourages the promotion of dialogue among the media from all cultures and civilizations, emphasizes that everyone has the right to freedom of expression, and reaffirms that the exercise of this right carries with it special duties and responsibilities and may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and necessary for the respect of the rights or reputations of others, the protection of national security or of public order, or of public health or morals;”. The second revision is to operative paragraph 14 of the draft resolution. The final words of paragraph 14 should be deleted; the paragraph as revised should read as follows: “Decides to convene in 2007 a high-level dialogue on interreligious and intercultural cooperation for the promotion of tolerance, understanding and universal respect on matters of freedom of religion or belief and cultural diversity, in coordination with other similar initiatives in this area;”. I wish to thank all delegations for their intensive engagement in the process of consultations, which were conducted in a transparent and open manner for a considerably long time. I wish also to thank all the sponsors of the draft resolution. I hope that this important draft resolution can be adopted by consensus by the General Assembly today. The President: We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/61/L.11/Rev.2, as orally revised. In connection with the draft resolution, I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat. Mr. Botnaru (Chief, General Assembly Affairs Branch): I would like to inform members that, in connection with draft resolution A/61/L.11/Rev.2, entitled “Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace”, I wish to put on record the following statement of financial implications, on behalf of the Secretary- General and in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Under the terms of paragraph 14 of the draft resolution, as orally revised, the General Assembly “Decides to convene in 2007 a high-level dialogue on interreligious and intercultural cooperation for the promotion of tolerance, understanding and universal respect on matters of freedom of religion or belief and cultural diversity, in coordination with other similar initiatives in this area;”. Under the terms of paragraph 16 of the draft resolution, the General Assembly “Requests the Secretary-General to ensure the systematic and organizational follow-up of all interreligious, intercultural and intercivilizational matters within the United Nations system and overall coordination and coherence in its interreligious, intercultural and intercivilizational dialogue and cooperation efforts, inter alia, through the designation of a focal unit in the Secretariat to handle these matters;”. Should the General Assembly adopt the draft resolution, no additional conference servicing resources and no public information coverage would be required, as it is understood that the high-level A/61/PV.83 06- 67295 dialogue referred to in paragraph 14 of the draft resolution would be part of the work of the General Assembly, and would be held within the context of its plenary meetings, which are budgeted and provided for throughout the year. Since the exact requirements of the high-level dialogue have yet to be specified, any additional conference servicing requirements for related activities, such as parallel meetings of the General Assembly, round tables, hearings and panels, will be evaluated and submitted to the Assembly at a later stage, once the format and modalities of the highlevel dialogue have been determined. Secondly, the results of the Secretary-General’s efforts to designate a focal unit within the Secretariat to handle these matters will be addressed in his report to the General Assembly at its sixty-second session on the implementation of the draft resolution under consideration, as called for under paragraph 17 of the text. The President: We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/61/L.11/Rev.2, as orally revised. The Assembly will take action on draft resolution A/61/L.11/Rev.2, entitled “Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace”, as orally revised. I should like to announce that since the introduction of the draft resolution, the following countries have become sponsors: China, Eritrea and Lebanon. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/61/L.11/Rev.2, as orally revised? Draft resolution A/61/L.11/Rev.2, as orally revised, was adopted (resolution 61/221). The President: I shall now call on those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of position on the resolution just adopted. Mr. Jokinen (Finland): I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The acceding countries Bulgaria and Romania, the candidate countries Turkey and Croatia, the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania and Serbia and the European Free Trade Association countries Iceland and Liechtenstein, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and Moldova, align themselves with this declaration. Tolerance is one of the core values of the European Union, as reflected in the motto “United in diversity” and in our laws and policies. It is our firm belief that tolerance and the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms are key to relieving sensitivities and finding durable solutions to the tensions that sometimes surge in that regard. The European Union sees dialogue as an essential tool for laying firm foundations for mutual understanding and tolerance across religious and cultural lines. The European Union highly appreciates the intensive consultations that took place this year between us and the main sponsors of this resolution. The active exchange of views helped to bring about some, although not all, of the desired improvements in the wording of the resolution, thus strengthening its consensual basis. Owing to our genuine commitment to the underlying tenet of this resolution, the European Union joined the consensus on its adoption. We would, however, like to take this opportunity to underline the main principles that guide our understanding of the resolution. It is the European Union’s firm belief that the protection and promotion of all human rights and fundamental freedoms are central to our efforts to strengthen interreligious and intercultural dialogue, and that genuine mutual understanding can be built only on full respect for individual dignity and integrity. The European Union wishes to emphasize once again the paramount importance of the freedom of expression in the conduct of such dialogue. We are deeply convinced that a fruitful and genuine dialogue cannot be guided by Government authorities; it needs to be rooted in free and spontaneous participation in public debate reflecting a variety of opinions. In that regard, we are pleased to note that operative paragraph 12 of this resolution is fully in line with article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The European Union attaches great importance to the various United Nations initiatives aimed at enhancing dialogue and mutual understanding. Moreover, we would like to pay special tribute to the work conducted within the framework of the initiative for an Alliance of Civilizations. Just a couple of days ago, we heard the Secretary-General give his broad support to the implementation of the recommendations laid down in the report of the High-level Group. It is our understanding that, in order to most effectively move forward the agenda of dialogue and tolerance, A/61/PV.83 06-67295 these initiatives should be carried out in a coordinated, coherent and complementary manner, and with appropriate follow-up. In line with that approach, we therefore welcome the aim of coordinated and coherent follow-up within the United Nations system, as outlined in paragraph 16 of the resolution. However, when it comes to the concrete organization of the work of the United Nations Secretariat, the European Union fully trusts the Secretary-General to propose the most appropriate ways and means to that end, within the existing institutional framework. In the same spirit, we welcome the decision, reflected in paragraph 14 of the resolution, to closely coordinate the planned high-level dialogue with other comparable initiatives so as to ensure due visibility and centrality of the debate. Also, the need for an international year for interreligious and intercultural dialogue needs to be carefully assessed against the background of other ongoing initiatives, such as the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World and the Global Agenda for Dialogue among Civilizations, and with due regard for the guidelines for establishing international years. It is with that understanding that the European Union joined the consensus on this resolution. Mr. Miller (United States of America): The United States was founded on the principle of freedom of religion. Our pluralism of religions and a strong tradition of open dialogue have promoted tolerance and the growth and vitality of our society for over 400 years. The text just adopted has much to recommend it. It acknowledges the importance of religious and cultural diversity and affirms that mutual understanding and dialogue are important for achieving a true and lasting peace. It recognizes the importance of education, and it recognizes the vital role of the media, whose ability to work freely and objectively is crucial to open and honest dialogue, even when the news that they report is unpleasant or critical. We appreciate the sponsors’ agreement to modify operative paragraph 12 to reflect exactly the language in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. We are still disappointed, however, that the resolution highlights limitations on freedom of expression. We believe that in a resolution on interreligious dialogue and in a paragraph on the media, highlighting restrictions on speech creates a potentially chilling effect. We are greatly troubled by the potential for arbitrary, Government-imposed restrictions in these areas, where tolerance and diversity are vitally important. Our joining the consensus on this resolution as regards paragraph 12 is predicated upon the declaration made by the United States on article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and upon United States constitutional provisions concerning freedom of expression. We do not wish to fetter freedom of expression, particularly in the context of interreligious and intercultural dialogue; such dialogue can be effective only when it is completely open and free. We must be able to engage in an open exchange of views without fear of recrimination if we are to truly develop the understanding and trust necessary to get along and live with one another. Regarding paragraph 14, we understand that the provisions called for will not give rise to additional financial implications. We wish to note that the United States delegation also generally opposes any intersessional departures that would add to or alter the calendar of conferences and meetings or that would give rise to additional financial implications. Ms. Giménez-Jiménez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela) (spoke in Spanish): The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has always played a leading role in promoting the values of freedom, peace, solidarity, well-being and social coexistence. Today, we welcome the consensus adoption of resolution 61/221, which further commits us to the promotion of peace, dialogue, understanding and cooperation between religions. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the 2005 World Summit Outcome (resolution 60/1), which is referred to in the fourth preambular paragraph, does not constitute a mandate for my country. The President: We have heard the last speaker in explanation of position. The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 44. A/61/PV.83 06- 67295 Agenda item 71 (continued) Oceans and the law of the sea (a) Oceans and the law of the sea Draft resolution (A/61/L.30) The President: Members will recall that the Assembly held a debate on this item at its 68th, 69th and 71st plenary meetings, on 7 and 8 December 2006. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of draft resolution A/61/L.30 is contained in document A/61/624. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/61/L.30, entitled “Oceans and the law of the sea”. I should like to announce that, since the introduction of draft resolution A/61/L.30, the following countries have become sponsors of the draft resolution: Belgium, Belize, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Madagascar, Micronesia, Portugal, the Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine and Vanuatu. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor- Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Against: Turkey. Abstaining: Colombia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of). Draft resolution A/61/L.30 was adopted by 157 votes to 1, with 3 abstentions (resolution 61/222). [Subsequently, the delegations of Cameroon and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic advised the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour] The President: Before giving the floor to speakers in explanation of vote on the resolution just adopted, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. Mr. Erciyes (Turkey): Turkey voted against resolution 61/222, which is entitled “Oceans and the law of the sea” and which was submitted under subitem (a) of agenda item 71. My delegation would like to underline that the reasons that prevented Turkey from becoming a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea remain valid. Turkey supports international efforts to establish a regime of the sea that is based on the principle of equity and that can be acceptable to all States. However, in our opinion, the Convention does not make adequate provision for special geographic situations. As a consequence, it is not able to establish an acceptable balance between conflicting interests. Furthermore, the A/61/PV.83 06-67295 Convention makes no provision for registering reservations on specific clauses. Although Turkey agrees with the Convention in its general intent, and agrees with most of its provisions, it is unable to become a party to it because of those serious shortcomings. That being the case, Turkey could not support the resolution, which also calls upon States to become parties to the Convention and to harmonize their national legislation with its provisions. Mr. Palavicini-Guédez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela) (spoke in Spanish): My delegation would like to refer to resolution 61/222, which was introduced under sub-item (a) of agenda item 71, entitled “Oceans and the law of the sea” and which has just been adopted by Assembly. In that regard, the delegation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela would like to reiterate its commitment to cooperate with efforts aimed at promoting coordination on issues pertaining to oceans and the law of the sea, in keeping with international law but without reference to any particular convention. In this connection, we would like to repeat what we said during the informal consultative process that took place in February 2006 and during the recently concluded informal consultations: the reasons that prevented Venezuela from becoming a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea remain valid. It is for that reason that my delegation was not in a position to join other States in support of the resolution as a whole, as Venezuela is not a party to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Nor are we bound by the provisions of the Convention under customary international law, with the exception of those provisions that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has, or will have, explicitly recognized by incorporating them into our national legislation. My delegation would therefore like to reiterate its long-standing position with regard to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as some of the provisions of today’s resolution led my delegation to abstain in the voting. Nevertheless, my delegation would like to note that Venezuela supports section X of the resolution, which pertains to marine biodiversity, as it allows States not parties to the Convention to participate in the discussions to be held by the United Nations with regard to marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdictions. Venezuela believes the Convention on Biological Diversity to be a framework instrument for the regulation, conservation and use of biological diversity on all fronts. In that regard, we would like once again to thank delegations for their understanding during the informal consultations, as well as to reiterate our thanks for their support. We believe that it is through negotiation and understanding that consensus can be achieved, and that universality is achieved by marshalling will. Section X of the resolution just adopted by the Assembly is an example of that. Ms. Nworgu (Nigeria): As a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Nigeria believes that the international community has been well served by the provisions of the Convention, including those governing the rights of passage of vessels on the high seas and straits, consistent with international law. That has ensured navigational safety without compromising environmental concerns over pollution. Nigeria is satisfied that the occasional disputes that have arisen between States parties on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea have been immediately resolved within the ambit of international law. Nigeria recalls that, during the last meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization, held last October in London, the principle of the right of passage was again reaffirmed by the majority of participants, including Nigeria. The fact is that, unless that principle is affirmed and protected, the freedom of movement of vessels, and especially transit passage, would be set back. Nigeria does not therefore subscribe to interpretations of the Convention that are inconsistent with its spirit and letter. Nigeria therefore reiterates its support for paragraphs 65 to 67 of resolution we have just adopted, and rejects unilateral measures, howsoever conceived by States, that run counter to the letter and spirit of article 42 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and thereby jeopardize the multilateral cooperation envisaged in the Convention. The President: We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote. A/61/PV.83 06- 67295 May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 71? It was so decided. Agenda item 108 (continued) Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations (f) Cooperation between the United Nations and the Community of Portuguese-speaking countries Draft resolution (A/61/L.43) (n) Cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Draft resolution (A/61/L.49) The President: Members will recall that the Assembly held its debate on agenda item 108 and its sub-items (a) to (t) at its 38th and 39th plenary meetings, on 20 October 2006. I now give the floor to the representative of Brazil to introduce draft resolution A/61/L.43. Mr. Tarragô (Brazil): On behalf of the member States of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) — Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe and Timor-Leste — I have the honour to introduce draft resolution A/61/L.43, entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Community of Portuguese-peaking Countries”, under sub-item (f) of agenda item 108. I would also like to mention that the following countries have joined as cosponsors of the draft resolution: Argentina, Chile, the Czech Republic, the Gambia, Mauritius, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonian and Zambia. The CPLP brings together 240 million people in eight countries and four continents. Its members are active participants in various forums of the United Nations. The CPLP also includes members of important groupings or organizations, such as the African Union, the Common Market of the South, the European Union, the Organization of American States, the Southern African Development Community and the Association of South-East Asian Nations. One of the objectives of the Community is to expand cooperation among its members by means of concerted political and diplomatic actions, including in the context of international organizations, so as to give ever greater expression to their common interests and needs. Another important goal that we actively pursue is the intensification of bilateral and plurilateral cooperation among member States, especially in areas such as health, education, agriculture, public administration and technology. As a dynamic organization, the CPLP has been involved in many initiatives since its establishment — such as fighting HIV/AIDS in its five African member States; the organization of the conference on malaria that took place in Sao Tome and Principe; the establishment at Luanda, Angola, of a centre for the development of entrepreneurial skills; the establishment in Maputo, Mozambique, of a centre for the development of public administration; and the establishment of a centre of official languages in Timor-Leste to consolidate the use of Portuguese and Tetum. On the political front, the CPLP has been actively involved in Guinea-Bissau to help in the electoral process. It has also been in contact with international financial institutions in order to obtain funding for an emergency project in support of institutional rebuilding in that country. In Timor-Leste the CPLP is involved in rebuilding the country’s justice and public administration systems. The draft resolution I have the honour to introduce today on behalf of the CPLP members stresses the progress achieved in the area of cooperation between the CPLP and United Nations agencies and other bodies and programmes, in particular UNESCO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the International Labour Organization. That cooperation has been helpful in the implementation of programmes and in developing partnerships with projects aimed at fighting hunger and poverty, as well as HIV/AIDS, in CPLP countries. That action demonstrates the engagement of the CPLP in multilateral initiatives of the United Nations in the context of the implementation of the Millennium Declaration. Both individually and collectively, members of the CPLP are committed to the promotion and A/61/PV.83 06-67295 protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as set out in the CPLP’s Constitutive Declaration and Statutes. In that context, on 9 November 2006, we signed with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights an agreement regarding consultation, exchange of information and technical cooperation on activities in the field of human rights. Draft resolution A/61/L.43 has as its main feature, in the operative part, an invitation to the Secretary-General to continue to undertake consultations with the Executive Secretary of the Community, with a view to promoting cooperation between the two secretariats, as well as to start consultations for the establishment of a formal cooperation agreement. Members of CPLP would greatly appreciate it if the draft resolution could be considered with the following three corrections. The fourth preambular paragraph should read as follows: “Welcoming the participation of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries in the Seventh High-level Meeting between the United Nations and Regional and Other Intergovernmental Organizations, held in New York on 22 September 2006,”. The fifth preambular paragraph should read as follows: “Recalling the celebration by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the first time of the Portuguese Language Day on 5 May 2006,”. The third correction is to operative paragraph 2, which should read as follows: “Welcomes the signature on 9 November 2006 of the agreement between the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Community of Portuguesespeaking Countries regarding consultation, exchange of information and technical cooperation on their respective activities in the field of human rights;”. On behalf of the States members of the CPLP, I wish to express our gratitude to those countries that joined in sponsoring the draft resolution, which we hope can meet with the approval of the General Assembly. The President: I now give the floor to the representative of the Netherlands to introduce draft resolution A/61/L.49. Mr. Majoor (Netherlands): It is my honour and pleasure to introduce to the General Assembly draft resolution A/61/L.49, on cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). I hope that the draft resolution will shortly be adopted by consensus. The primary objective of the biennial draft resolutions on this item is to highlight the importance of continued cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, an organization that is coming closer and closer to matching the universality of the United Nations, with a current membership of 180 countries. The task of completing its full universalization still requires special efforts by all stakeholders. The adoption of this draft resolution will provide the basis for the General Assembly’s continued consideration of cooperation between the United Nations and the OPCW at its sixty-third session. There can be no doubt that one of the key objectives of the United Nations, namely, a safer world for all, is greatly enhanced by the OPCW’s activities in the areas of non-proliferation, protection and assistance to member States in the destruction of chemical stockpiles, as well as international cooperation in the peaceful uses of chemistry. The OPCW’s activities, which are often undertaken in cooperation with regional organizations, remain as valid today as when the organization was established 10 years ago, including those aimed at addressing new threats such as international terrorism, on which the General Assembly has recently adopted an important Strategy (resolution 60/288). It is against that background that the Netherlands, as initiator of this draft resolution and at the request of the OPCW, has included a reference to the upcoming celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the establishment of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. That important event will be celebrated in The Hague, the Netherlands, on 9 May 2007, with the unveiling by Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands of a permanent memorial to all victims of chemical weapons. It goes without saying that the OPCW is A/61/PV.83 06- 67295 aiming for appropriate political representation as a strong message of member-State support for the OPCW’s mission to finally free the world from the dangers of chemical weapons through the total elimination of these cruel instruments of death. Let me close by warmly thanking all Member States, including those that have sponsored this draft resolution. Their support is most valuable and highly appreciated. It is a pleasure to see that, as with the membership of the OPCW, the number of sponsors has also continued to grow, as we now have over 70 sponsors today, compared to 50 last year. The President: The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolutions A/61/L.43 and A/61/L.49. We turn first to draft resolution A/61/L.43, entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries”, as orally corrected. I should like to announce that, since the introduction of the draft resolution, the following countries have become sponsors of draft resolution A/61/L.43: Argentina, Chile, the Czech Republic, the Gambia, Mauritius, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Zambia. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/61/L.43, as orally corrected? Draft resolution A/61/L.43, as orally corrected, was adopted (resolution 61/223). The President: Draft resolution A/61/L.49 is entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons”. I should like to announce that, since the introduction of the draft resolution, the following countries have become sponsors of draft resolution A/61/L.49: Andorra, Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Moldova, San Marino, Senegal, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, Uruguay and Uzbekistan. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/61/L.49? Draft resolution A/61/L.49 was adopted (resolution 61/224). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-items (f) and (n) of agenda item 108? It was so decided. Agenda item 113 (continued) Follow-up to the outcome of the Millennium Summit Draft resolution (A/61/L.39/Rev.1) The President: I now give the floor to the representative of South Africa to introduce draft resolution A/61/L.39/Rev.1. Ms. Lazouras (South Africa): I have the honour to introduce, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, the draft resolution entitled “World Diabetes Day”, which is contained in document A/61/L.39/Rev.1. Diabetes is a silent epidemic that has immense human, social and economic costs. It spares no nation, and the threat it is beginning to pose to development is growing. More than 240 million people around the world now live with diabetes, which kills over 3.5 million people each year. An additional 7 million are falling victim every year. Furthermore, diabetes entails innumerable related diseases and conditions. Despite the growing numbers and the threat to life and well-being, its full dimension and impact remain unrecognized, in particular in low- and middleincome countries. The World Health Organization projects that, without remedial action, diabetes deaths will increase by more than 50 per cent over the next 10 year. Most notable, diabetes deaths are predicted to increase by over 80 per cent in upper-middle-income countries between 2006 and 2015. We are of the view that a General Assembly resolution on diabetes would strengthen awareness and facilitate immediate global action in addressing this pandemic. In that regard, by draft resolution A/61/L.39/Rev.1 the Assembly would decide that the current World Diabetes Day — 14 November — be designated as United Nations World Diabetes Day, to be observed every year beginning in 2007. The draft resolution encourages Member States to establish national policies focusing on the prevention, treatment and care of diabetes, in line with their health-care systems. Furthermore, Member States as well as other stakeholders are invited to observe the Day in an appropriate manner, in order to raise public awareness on diabetes and related complications, including through education and the mass media. A/61/PV.83 06-67295 Diabetes is incurable, but its management is within human reach. With good awareness, discipline and moderation in diet and lifestyle, affected people can lead normal lives. A United Nations Day will significantly contribute to awareness-building and draw the attention of the international community to the need for effective measures for the management, treatment and care of diabetes. We hope that this draft resolution will be adopted by consensus. We would also like to thank all the countries that sponsored the draft resolution. Before we take action on the draft resolution, I would like to make one correction to the first preambular paragraph. The words “resolution 60/265 of 30 June 2006” should be replaced by the words “resolution 60/35 of 30 November 2005”. The President: The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/61/L.39/Rev.1, entitled “World Diabetes Day”, as orally corrected. I should like to announce that, since the introduction of the draft resolution, the following countries have become sponsors of draft resolution A/61/L.39/Rev.1: Austria, Georgia, Malta, Portugal and Ukraine. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/61/L.39/Rev.1, as orally corrected? Draft resolution A/61/L.39/Rev.1, as orally corrected, was adopted (resolution 61/225). The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Bangladesh, who wishes to speak in explanation of position on the resolution just adopted. Mr. Chowdhury (Bangladesh): The Bangladesh delegation most warmly thanks all those who joined in the unanimous adoption of resolution 61/225. That adoption attests to the fact that the entirety of the membership can be united in combating any threat or possible threat to humankind. That is in consonance with the Charter of the United Nations. The Charter enjoins us to cooperate for the betterment of humanity in the social, cultural and economic spheres. A united front against diabetes is an example of that. We have now joined the cause to fight it. It is a quiet cause, for diabetes is a quiet killer. Statistics demonstrate that 246 million people around the world are now victims. It is emerging as a major public health challenge of the twenty-first century. Least developed countries, of which my country is one, do not have the wherewithal to confront this burgeoning menace. Indeed, unless we are able to alleviate poverty and reduce the incidence of debilitating diseases like diabetes, the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals will remain for most of us a consummation devoutly to be wished. Bangladesh views the United Nations as a tool for change and an instrument to help create a global community where peace and stability may reign, where conditions are appropriate for development, where the environment is protected and where poverty and disease are drastically reduced. We will not achieve the changes we seek tomorrow, or the day after, but eventually. We must continue to work towards them with dedication, diligence and patience. That is why Bangladesh champions causes at the United Nations — not lost causes but noble ones — and, often, as in this case, quiet ones. We fervently believe that this resolution is a milestone achievement. It is now our shared responsibility to pursue multilateral efforts to raise public awareness about diabetes and related complications, as well as to ensure prevention, treatment and care. We can fail to do so only at the cost of great peril to the humankind. Let me conclude by wishing all members the very best for the holidays: Eid mubarak, merry Christmas and happy Hanukkah. The President: The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 113. Programme of work The President: I would like to draw the attention of members to the date of recess of the current session. Members will recall that, at its 72nd plenary meeting, held on 11 December 2006, the General Assembly decided that the sixty-first session would recess on Thursday, 21 December. However, in view of the work that remains to be done for this part of the session, I would like to propose to the Assembly that it postpone the date of recess of the current session to Friday, 22 December. If there is no objection, I shall take it that the Assembly agrees to that proposal. It was so decided. The meeting rose at 6.05 p.m.