Summary: October 27, 2004: Explanation of vote by H.E. Ambassador Chris Sanders, the Netherlands, on behalf of the European Union, on the draft Resolution of the "Report of the Disarmament Commission" (L.42*) at the United Nations General Assembly 59th Session - First Committee (New York)
Mr. Chairman,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union on draft resolution L. 42* entitled "Report of the Disarmament Commission". The Candidate Countries Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Croatia, the countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA country Norway, member of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this explanation of
vote.
The EU attaches special importance to the work of the Disarmament Commission. It is an important deliberative body aimed at promoting fruitful, multilateral dialogue in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation. However, the EU must express its deep disappointment that the UNDC has been unable to reach agreement on substantive agenda items for the current cycle. In our view the UNDC should adopt a more constructive and realistic approach to its next phase of work.
While the EU continues to support the UNDC, we believe that the failure to reach consensus on agenda items this year has rendered a disservice to it. It also shows the relevance of discussing efforts to enhance the work and working methods of the UNDC.
The EU reaffirms its commitment to a succesful outcome of the Disarmament Commission's work and to every possible effort in order to promote topical, concrete and useful recommendations. This, Mr. Chairman, is the reason why the EU supports draft resolution L. 42*.
I thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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