GA/SPD/187

FOURTH COMMITTEE APPROVES NINE DECOLONIZATION DRAFTS

The General Assembly would reaffirm its concern that exploitation of the natural resources of the Non-Self-Governing Territories in the Caribbean, Pacific and other regions deprives their people of their right to those resources, according to a draft resolution approved by the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) this morning.

It approved that text on economic and other activities affecting the interests of non-self-governing peoples, as it met to take action on seven draft resolutions and two draft decisions relating to decolonization issues. By other terms of the text, approved by a recorded vote of 110 in favour, 2 against (United States, Israel) and 2 abstentions (United Kingdom, France), the Assembly would also affirm the value of foreign economic investment undertaken in collaboration with those peoples, and in accordance with their wishes. (Annex II)

Before approving the draft resolution, the representative of the United States proposed the deletion of its operative paragraph 7, saying that the existence of economic activities was not against the interests of the peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories. In a separate vote, the Committee rejected the proposal by a recorded vote of 3 in favour (United States, United Kingdom, Israel), 42 against and 56 abstentions. (Annex III)

By a draft decision on military activities in Non-Self-Governing Territories, approved by a recorded vote of 71 in favour and 41 against, the General Assembly would deplore the continued alienation of land in the small island territories of the Pacific and Caribbean regions, for military installations. It would reiterate that they should not be used for nuclear testing, dumping of nuclear wastes, or deployment of nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction. Also, the Assembly would reiterate its concern that such military activities might run counter to the rights and interests of the peoples concerned, especially their right to self-determination and independence. (Annex IV)

Acting on another draft, the Committee approved, by a recorded 74 votes in favour, none against and 40 abstentions, a draft on implementation by United Nations specialized agencies and associated institutions of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.

By that text, the General Assembly would request those bodies to provide information on environmental problems facing the Non-Self-Governing Territories; the impact of natural disasters; ways to assist in fighting drug trafficking, money laundering and other criminal offences; and illegal exploitation of their marine

Fourth Committee - 1a - Press Release GA/SPD/187 8th Meeting (AM) 3 October 2000

resources. Further, the Assembly would encourage the Non-Self-Governing Territories to establish and/or strengthen disaster-preparedness and management institutions and policies. (Annex V)

In another action, the Committee approved a draft by which the Assembly would request the administering Powers to transmit to the Secretary-General information prescribed in Article 73 e of the United Nations Charter, and the fullest possible information on the political and constitutional developments in the Territories concerned, within six months following the expiration of the administrative year in those Territories. That text was approved by a recorded 105 votes in favour, none against and 5 abstentions (the United States, United Kingdom, France, Estonia, Israel). (Annex I)

Acting without a vote, the Committee approved a draft by which the General Assembly would express its appreciation to those Member States that had made scholarships available to the inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories. Other draft resolutions approved without a vote were texts on the questions of Western Sahara, New Caledonia, and Tokelau, as well as a draft decision on the question of Gibraltar.

By the text on Western Sahara, the General Assembly would reiterate its support for the Secretary-General's further efforts to organize and supervise, in cooperation with the Organization of African Unity (OAU), an impartial and free self-determination referendum in that territory. The Assembly would, by other terms, urge Morocco and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el-Hamra and Rio de Oro (POLISARIO Front) to implement the Secretary-General's package of measures for the identification of voters and the appeals process. It would call upon the two parties to cooperate fully in implementing the Settlement Plan's various phases and in overcoming the remaining difficulties.

Regarding New Caledonia, the Assembly would urge all parties to maintain dialogue in the framework of the Noumea Accord of 5 May 1998. It would note the relevant provisions of that Accord aimed at taking more broadly into account the Kanak identity in the political and social organization of New Caledonia, and those provisions relating to control of immigration and protection of local employment.

By the terms of the text on Tokelau, the General Assembly would acknowledge the need to balance Tokelau�s desire for the greatest possible self-reliance with its need for external assistance.

The Committee also had before it a consolidated draft resolution on the questions of American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.

However, the Acting Committee Chairman Patrick Lewis (Antigua and Barbuda), said that necessary consultations concerning that draft had not been concluded, and proposed that action on it be postponed.

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As the Committee took action on the drafts, the representatives of the United States, United Kingdom, France (on behalf of the European Union and associated countries), Morocco, Algeria and Senegal made statements in explanation of position.

Mohammad Sattar, Secretary to the Committee, made a statement on the budgetary implications of the draft resolutions concerning specific Non-Self- Governing Territories.

The Fourth Committee will hold its next meeting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, 5 October, when it is expected to take action on the consolidated draft resolution and to exchange views on the medium-term plan for the period 2002 to 2005.

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Committee Work Programme

When the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) met this morning, it was expected to take action on decolonization draft resolutions.

Among the drafts was a text on the question of Western Sahara (document A/C.4/55/L.3). By its terms, the General Assembly would reiterate its support for the Secretary-General's further efforts to organize and supervise, in cooperation with the Organization of African Unity (OAU), an impartial and free self- determination referendum in conformity with Security Council resolutions 658 (1990) and 690 (1991), by which the Council approved the Settlement Plan for Western Sahara.

Also by that draft, the Assembly would reaffirm the responsibility of the United Nations towards the people of Western Sahara, as provided for in the Settlement Plan. It would urge Morocco and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el-Hamra and Rio de Oro (POLISARIO Front) to implement faithfully and loyally the Secretary-General's package of measures for the identification of voters and the appeals process. Further, the Assembly would urge the two parties to continue cooperating with the Secretary-General, his Personal Envoy and his Special Representative, and to refrain from undertaking anything that would undermine the implementation of the Settlement Plan. It would call upon the two parties to cooperate fully in implementing the Settlement Plan's various phases and in overcoming the remaining difficulties.

By draft resolution I on information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the United Nations Charter (document A/55/23 (Part III), chap.XIII), the Assembly would reaffirm that, in the absence of its decision that a Territory has attained a full measure of self-government, the administering Power concerned should continue to transmit information under Article 73 e with respect to that Territory. The Assembly would request the administering Powers to transmit to the Secretary-General the information prescribed in Article 73 e of the Charter, and the fullest possible information on the political and constitutional developments in the Territories concerned, within six months following the expiration of the administrative year.

Draft resolution II on economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories (document A/55/23 (Part III), chap. XIII) recommends that the Assembly reaffirm its concern about activities aimed at exploiting the natural resources that are the heritage of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories in the Caribbean, Pacific and other regions to the detriment of their interests, and in such a way as to deprive them of their right to dispose of those resources.

The Assembly would, by other terms, affirm the need to avoid any economic and other activities that adversely affect the interests of those peoples. It would affirm the value of foreign economic investment undertaken in collaboration with them, and in accordance with their wishes, in order to make a valid contribution to the socio-economic development of the Territories. It would urge that the administering Powers take effective measures to safeguard the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories in all these areas.

By a draft decision on military activities and arrangements by colonial Powers in Territories under their administration (document A/55/23 Part III), chap. XIII), the Assembly would deplore the continued alienation of land in those Territories, particularly the small island Territories of the Pacific and Caribbean regions, for military installations. It would reiterate that they should not be used for nuclear testing, dumping of nuclear wastes or deployment of nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction.

Also by that draft decision, the General Assembly would reiterate its concern that such military activities and arrangements might run counter to the rights and interests of the peoples concerned, especially their right to self- determination and independence. The Assembly would once again call upon the administering Powers concerned to terminate such activities and to eliminate such military bases. Alternative sources of livelihood for the peoples of the Territories should be provided. The Assembly would take note of the decision by some administering Powers to close or downsize some military bases in the Non- Self-Governing Territories, by other terms.

Draft resolution III concerns implementation of the decolonization Declaration by United Nations specialized agencies and associated international institutions (A/55/23 (Part III), chap. XIII). By its terms, the Assembly would request those bodies to provide information on environmental problems facing the Non-Self-Governing Territories; the impact of natural disasters; ways to assist in fighting drug trafficking, money laundering and other criminal offences; and illegal exploitation of their marine resources. Further, the Assembly would encourage the Non-Self-Governing Territories to establish and/or strengthen disaster-preparedness and management institutions and policies.

Also by that text, the General Assembly would request the administering Powers to facilitate the participation of representatives of Non-Self-Governing Territories in meetings and conferences of United Nations agencies and other bodies, including resolutions and decisions of the General Assembly and the Special Committee on Decolonization.

By the terms of a draft resolution on offers by Member States of study and training facilities (document A/C.4/55/L.2), the General Assembly would express its appreciation to those Member States that have made scholarships available to the inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories.

The draft is sponsored by Algeria, Argentina, China, Cuba, Egypt, Ghana, India, Iran, Jamaica, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and the United Republic of Tanzania.

By a draft decision on Gibraltar (document A/C.4/55/L.4), the General Assembly would take note of the fact that the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Spain and the United Kingdom hold annual meetings, alternately in each capital, the most recent of which took place in London on 10 December 1997. It would urge both Governments to continue their negotiations with the object of reaching a definitive solution to the problem of Gibraltar.

Draft resolution IV on New Caledonia (document A/55/23 (Part III), chap. XIII) recommends that the Assembly urge all parties involved, in the interest of all the people of New Caledonia, to maintain in the framework of the Noumea Accord of 5 May 1998 their dialogue in a spirit of harmony. The Assembly would note the relevant provisions of the Noumea Accord aimed at taking more broadly into account the Kanak identity in the political and social organization of New Caledonia, and those provisions relating to control of immigration and protection of local employment.

Also, the Assembly would invite all the parties to continue promoting a framework for peaceful progress towards an act of self-determination, in which all options are open and which would safeguard the rights of all New Caledonians according to the letter and spirit of the Matignon and Noumea Accords, which are based on the principle that it is for the populations of New Caledonia to choose how to control their destiny. Further, the Assembly would acknowledge the close links between New Caledonia and the peoples of the South Pacific, and the positive actions being taken by the French and territorial authorities to facilitate the further development of those links, including the development of closer relations with the South Pacific Forum.

A draft on Tokelau (document A/55/23 (Part III), chap. XIII), recommends that the Assembly acknowledge the participation of the Ulu-o-Tokelau in the Pacific regional seminar held at Majuro, Marshall Islands, and his account of how the Modern House of Tokelau project is seen by Tokelauans as the means to an act of self-determination. The Assembly would also note the confirmation by the Council of Faipule that there will be significant movement in implementing the project in conjunction with New Zealand. It would acknowledge, by further terms, that New Zealand has committed substantial additional funding to the project in 2000-2001.

By other terms, the Assembly would acknowledge Tokelau�s need for reassurance, as local resources cannot adequately cover the material side of self- determination, and the ongoing responsibility of Tokelau�s external partners to assist in balancing Tokelau's desire to be self-reliant -- to the greatest extent possible -- with its need for external assistance.

The Committee also had before it draft resolution VI; a consolidated text concerning American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands (document A/55/23 (Part III), chap. XIII).

By Part A of that draft, the General Assembly would reaffirm the inalienable right of the peoples of the Territories to self-determination, including -- if they so wish -- independence. It would reaffirm also that it is, ultimately, for those peoples to determine freely their future political status and, in that connection, call upon the administering Powers, in cooperation with the territorial governments, to facilitate political education programmes in the Territories to foster awareness of the right to self-determination.

Also by that text, the Assembly would reaffirm that United Nations visiting missions to the Territories, in consultation with the administering Powers, are an effective means of ascertaining the situation in the Territories. The administering Powers and the peoples� elected representatives would be requested to assist the Special Committee in this regard. The Assembly would reaffirm also the responsibility of the administering Powers to promote the Territories� economic and social development, preserve their cultural identity, and give priority, in consultation with the territorial governments, to strengthening and diversifying their economies.

Further, the Assembly would note with concern that the Plan of Action of the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism cannot be concluded by the year 2000. It would call upon the administering Powers to enter into constructive dialogue with the Special Committee before the fifty-sixth General Assembly session to develop a framework to implement provisions of Article 73 e of the Charter and the decolonization Declaration, for the period beyond 2000.

By other terms, the Assembly would take note of statements by the elected territorial representatives that their respective Territories have repeatedly shown their willingness to cooperate with all international efforts aimed at preventing abuse of the international financial system. The classification of the Territories by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering were not based on objective assessments and seemed to ignore the high standards of the Territories� regulatory environments with their highly selective licensing procedures, robust supervisory practices and well-established anti-money-laundering regimes.

The Assembly would, by further terms of the text, call upon the OECD to engage the concerned territorial governments in a constructive dialogue, with a view to removing them from the list of harmful tax jurisdictions, and request the administering Power concerned to assist those Non-Self-Governing Territories in resolving the matter.

Part B of the consolidated draft resolution deals with the individual Territories. Regarding American Samoa, the Fourth Committee would recommend the General Assembly call upon the administering Power to continue to assist the territorial government in the economic and social development of American Samoa, including measures to rebuild financial management capabilities and strengthen other functions of the territorial government. Also, the Assembly would welcome the invitation from the territorial governor to the Special Committee to send a visiting mission to the Territory.

By the text on Anguilla, the General Assembly would request the administering Power, bearing in mind the views of the people of the Territory ascertained through a democratic process, to keep the Secretary-General informed of the wishes and aspirations of the people regarding their future political status. It would call upon the administering Power and all States, organizations and United Nations agencies to continue to assist the Territory in social and economic development.

By the draft on Bermuda, the Assembly would call upon the administering Power to continue to work with the Territory for its socio-economic development. It would also request the administering Power to elaborate, in consultation with the territorial government, programmes specifically intended to alleviate the economic, social and environmental consequences of the closure of the United States military bases and installations in the Territory;

According to the text on the British Virgin Islands, the General Assembly would request the administering Power, the specialized agencies and other United Nations bodies, and all financial institutions to continue to assist the Territory�s socio-economic and human resources development, bearing in mind the vulnerability of the Territory to external factors.

By the draft on the Cayman Islands, the Assembly would call upon the administering Power and the territorial government to cooperate in countering problems related to money laundering, and smuggling of funds and other related crimes, as well as drug trafficking. It would request the administering Power, in consultation with the territorial government, to continue to facilitate the expansion of the current programme of securing employment for the local population, in particular, at the decision-making level.

Under the provisions relating to Guam, the General Assembly would call upon the administering Power to take into consideration the expressed will of the Chamorro people as supported by Guam voters in the plebiscite of 1987 and as provided for in Guam law, and encourage the administering Power and the territorial government to enter into negotiations on the matter. It would request the administering Power to cooperate with Guam's Commission on Decolonization for the Implementation and Exercise of Chamorro Self-Determination, with a view to facilitating Guam�s decolonization and to keep the Secretary-General informed of progress to that end.

Also by the text, the Assembly would further request the administering Power to continue to recognize and respect the political rights -- and the cultural and ethnic identity -- of the Chamorro people of Guam, and take all necessary measures to respond to the concerns of the territorial government with regard to the immigration issue. The administering Power would be requested to continue to transfer land to the people of the Territory. The Assembly would request the administering Power to cooperate in establishing programmes specifically intended to promote the sustainable development of economic activities and enterprises, noting the special role of the Chamorro people in Guam's development.

The text on Montserrat would have the General Assembly call upon the administering Power, the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system, as well as regional and other organizations, to continue to provide urgent emergency assistance to the Territory to alleviate the consequences of the 1996 volcanic eruption. It would welcome the support of the Caribbean community in the construction of housing in the safe zone, to alleviate a shortage caused by the eruption of Montsoufriere volcano, as well as material and financial support from the international community.

By terms of the draft on Pitcairn, the Assembly would request the administering Power to continue its assistance for the improvement of the economic, social, educational and other conditions of the Territory�s population. It would call upon the administering Power to continue its discussion with the representatives of Pitcairn Island on how best to support their economic security.

Regarding Saint Helena, the Assembly would request the administering Power, and relevant regional and international organizations, to continue to support the efforts of the territorial government to address the Territory�s socio-economic development. It would note that the administering Power had taken note of statements made by members of the Legislative Council of Saint Helena about the constitution and is prepared to discuss them further with the people of Saint Helena. It would request the administering Power, and relevant regional and international organizations, to continue to support the efforts of the territorial government to address the Territory�s high unemployment, limited transport, communications and other socio-economic development problems.

According to the text on the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Assembly would invite the administering Power to take fully into account the wishes and interests of the Government and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands in the governance of the Territory. It would welcome the assessment of the Caribbean Development Bank, in its 1998 report, that the economy continued to expand with considerable output and low inflation.

The draft on the United States Virgin Islands would have the General Assembly express concern that the Territory, which is already heavily indebted, had to borrow $21 million from a commercial bank to carry out its year 2000 computer compliance programme, and call for the United Nations year 2000 programme to be made available to the Non-Self-Governing Territories. Further, the Assembly would express concern that the territorial government is facing severe fiscal problems, which has resulted in accumulated debt of more than $1 billion. It would welcome the measures being taken by the newly elected territorial government in addressing the crisis, including the adoption of a five-year operating and strategic financial plan, and call upon the administering Power to provide every assistance required by the Territory to alleviate the financial crisis, including the provision of debt relief and loans.

Action on drafts

The Committee took up draft resolution I on information from Non-Self- Governing Territories, transmitted under Article 73 e of the United Nations Charter.

Speaking in explanation of position before the vote, the representative of the United States said his country would abstain as in previous years. It was for the administering Power to determine whether its Charter obligations had ceased.

The Committee then approved the draft by a recorded vote of 105 in favour and none against, with 5 abstentions.

Explaining her delegation's vote after the action, the representative of the United Kingdom said it was, ultimately, for the government of a Non-Self-Governing Territory, along with its administering Power, to decide whether that Territory had reached a level of self-government sufficient to relieve the administering Power of the obligation to submit information as prescribed by the Charter.

The Committee then took up draft resolution II on economic activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories.

Before the vote, the representative of the United States proposed that operative paragraph 7 of the text be deleted. The United States did not agree that the very existence of those economic activities was against the interests of the peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories. Unless the paragraph was deleted or amended, he would be forced to vote against the draft.

By a separate recorded vote of 3 in favour (United States, United Kingdom, Israel), 42 against and 56 abstentions, the Committee rejected the proposed deletion of operative paragraph 7.

The Committee then approved the draft resolution as a whole by a recorded vote of 110 in favour, 2 against (United States, Israel) and 2 abstentions (United Kingdom, France).

Taking up a draft decision on military arrangements and activities by colonial Powers in the Territories under their administration, the Committee approved the text by a recorded vote of 71 in favour, 41 against and no abstentions.

Explaining his vote against the draft, the representative of France, on behalf of the European Union, said that it did not fall within the competence of the Fourth Committee, according to the items assigned to it by the General Assembly.

Also explaining his vote, the representative of the United States said he had voted against the draft because the United States did not agree with the premise that the very existence of military bases violated the right to self- determination. The United Nations Charter allowed the right of collective defence, and United States bases had proved very useful in the East Timor crisis last year.

The representative of Togo said she had intended to vote in favour of the draft, but had accidentally pushed the wrong voting button.

PATRICK LEWIS (Antigua and Barbuda), Acting Committee Chairman, said he had taken note.

The Committee then took up draft resolution III on implementation of the decolonization Declaration by the specialized agencies and institutions associated with the United Nations.

Explaining his delegation�s position before the vote, the representative of the United States said he would abstain because his country considered that the draft was unnecessary and inappropriately linked the agencies� work to the Declaration. The United States was not opposed to the work of the agencies, but only to that linking.

The Committee then approved the text by a recorded vote of 74 in favour, none against and 40 abstentions.

On behalf of the European Union, the representative of France said in explanation of position that he had abstained out of respect for the statutes of those agencies. However, he reiterated the European Union's support for the agencies in their respective efforts to offer assistance to Non-Self-Governing Territories.

Mr. LEWIS (Antigua and Barbuda) took note that the representative of Chad wished to vote in favour of the draft, but that his button was not working.

The Committee then approved, without a vote, a draft resolution on offers of study and training facilities to the inhabitants of the Non-Self-Governing Territories.

The Committee then took up draft resolutions concerning implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.

MOHAMMAD SATTAR, Secretary to the Committee, stated that the Secretary- General had reviewed the recommendations of the Special Committee on Decolonization regarding the Non-Self-Governing Territories of New Caledonia, Tokelau, American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands. It was assumed that the draft resolutions concerning those Territories would have no additional budgetary or programmatic implications.

He said the Secretary-General had submitted his reports on Western Sahara to the Security Council and outlined his recommendations for the implementation of the Settlement Plan for that Territory. Provisions for the financing of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) were under separate funding and, therefore, had no additional budgetary implications.

The Committee then took up a draft resolution on the question of Western Sahara, approving it without a vote.

In explanation of position after that action, the representative of France, on behalf of the European Union and associated countries, welcomed the fact that the text had again been submitted by the Chairman and adopted without a vote. The European Union shared the Secretary-General�s concern about the possibility of achieving a consensual implementation of the Settlement Plan and agreements adopted by the parties, due to the developments of the past nine years and of the past few months, in particular. Nevertheless, the Union supported efforts by the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to overcome obstacles to the earliest, mutually acceptable political solution. It called upon both parties to cooperate with the Envoy in that effort, as well as with the efforts of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to prepare for the repatriation of Saharawi refugees.

Also speaking in explanation of position, the representative of Morocco said that although Morocco had, as usual, facilitated the elaboration of the draft, it needed again to reiterate its reservations on all aspects of the text. Morocco did not consider the so-called Western Sahara issue a question of decolonization, but rather one of territorial integrity. The colonization of those southern provinces of Morocco had ended after the opinion of the International Court of Justice and the Madrid Agreements and, thus, the question no longer fell within the competence of the Fourth Committee -- particularly given that the Security Council was engaged in the search for a just and permanent resolution. Therefore, Morocco could not be legally, morally or politically bound by the provisions of the draft resolution.

He said the draft noted the serious difficulties in implementing the referendum process. Morocco would, as always, cooperate with the United Nations to assure a solution that allowed the participation of all Saharawis without discrimination. Moreover, Morocco regretted that the last meeting held in Berlin had produced no positive results, though the Kingdom had participated in good faith and brought a new proposal in an attempt to break the current impasse. However, the hoped for reaction from the other side had not been forthcoming. Morocco would continue to cooperate in efforts to put an end to the artificial dispute.

The representative of Algeria, also explaining his position, said that the Committee's consensus approval of the draft resolution was a reassertion of the rights of the Saharawi people to dignity and liberty, for which they had fought

for more than 25 years. It also reaffirmed strongly that the question was one of decolonization and of their inalienable right to self-determination. It reconfirmed the validity of the United Nations Settlement Plan and the Houston accords as the framework under which a just and final solution of the problem must fall.

The Committee, he said, had also reaffirmed the content and tenor of the mandate given to the Secretary-General, by calling for the two parties to collaborate completely with him and his representatives in implementing the various phases of the Settlement Plan, including his proposed measures to overcome voter identification problems for the self-determination referendum under the auspices of the United Nations in cooperation with the OAU. It was hoped that, with such strong support from the international community, the Saharawi people would finally be able to choose their destiny freely, allowing the Arab Maghreb to work towards stability, reconciliation and prosperity.

The representative of Senegal, explaining his position, said that following the Committee's approval of the text, there could be no doubt that the question of Western Sahara had already seen its fate sealed by the opinion of the International Court of Justice and by the Madrid Agreements. The question was no longer an issue of decolonization and should be confined to the Security Council, where a lasting and fair settlement would be found.

The Committee then approved a draft resolution on the question of Gibraltar without a vote.

It also approved, without a vote, a draft resolution on the question of New Caledonia.

Taking up a draft resolution on the question of Tokelau, the Committee also approved that text without a vote.

The Committee then took up a consolidated text on American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.

Mr. LEWIS (Antigua and Barbuda), Acting Chairman, said that necessary consultations concerning that draft had not been concluded, and proposed that action on it be postponed until the conclusion of consultations.

The Acting Chairman took note of a statement by the representative of Kuwait, explaining his position on the Western Sahara text. He said he had not been present during the vote on the first draft resolution. Had he been present, he would have voted in favour.

(annexes follow)

Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/187 8th Meeting (AM) 3 October 2000

ANNEX I

Vote on information from Non-Self-Governing Territories

The draft resolution on information from the Non-Self-Governing Territories (document A/55/23 (Part III), Chapter XIII) was approved by a recorded vote of 103 in favour to none against, with 5 abstentions, as follows:

In favour: Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, C�te d�Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People�s Republic Korea, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lao People�s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia.

Against: None.

Abstain: Estonia, France, Israel, United Kingdom, United States.

Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central Africa Republic, Chad, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Federated States of Micronesia, Gambia, Georgia, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Jordan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palau, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Tajikistan, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Yugoslavia, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX I)

Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/187 8th Meeting (AM) 3 October 2000

ANNEX II

Vote on economic and other activities

The draft resolution on economic and other activities affecting the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories (document A/55/23 (Part III), Chapter XIII) was approved by a recorded vote of 110 in favour to 2 against, with 2 abstentions, as follows:

In favour: Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Carpe Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, C�te d�Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People�s Republic Korea, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People�s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia.

Against: Israel, United States.

Abstain: France, United Kingdom.

Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Gambia, Georgia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Jordan, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Nicaragua, Niger, Pakistan, Palau, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Tajikistan, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Yugoslavia, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX II)

Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/187 8th Meeting (AM) 3 October 2000

ANNEX III

Vote on economic and other activities, amendment

The proposal to delete paragraph 7 of the draft resolution on economic and other activities in the Non-Self-Governing Territories (document A/55/23 (Part III), Chapter XIII) was rejected by a recorded vote of 3 in favour to 42 against, with 56 abstentions, as follows:

In favour: Israel, United Kingdom, United States.

Against: Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Chile, China, C�te d�Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People�s Republic of Korea, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Lao People�s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mexico, Nauru, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Swaziland, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia.

Abstain: Andorra, Angola, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malta, Monaco, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine.

Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Federated States of Micronesia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nicaragua, Niger, Pakistan, Palau, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Tajikistan, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Yugoslavia, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX III)

Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/187 8th Meeting (AM) 3 October 2000

ANNEX IV

Vote on military activities

The draft resolution on military activities and arrangements by colonial Powers in territories under their administration (document A/55/23 (Part III), Chapter XIII) was approved by a recorded vote of 71 in favour to 41 against, with no abstentions, as follows:

In favour: Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, C�te d�Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People�s Republic of Korea, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People�s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Swaziland, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia.

Against: Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States.

Abstain: None.

Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Federated States of Micronesia, Gambia, Georgia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Nicaragua, Niger, Pakistan, Palau, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Tajikistan, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Yugoslavia, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX IV)

Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/187 8th Meeting (AM) 3 October 2000

ANNEX V

Vote on implementation of Declaration

The draft resolution on implementation of the decolonization Declaration by United Nations specialized agencies and associated international institutions (document A/55/23 (Part III), Chapter XIII) was approved by a recorded vote of 74 in favour to none against, with 40 abstentions, as follows :

In favour: Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, C�te d�Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People�s Republic of Korea, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People�s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Swaziland, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia.

Against: None.

Abstain: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States.

Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Federated States of Micronesia, Gambia, Georgia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Nicaragua, Niger, Pakistan, Palau, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Tajikistan, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Yugoslavia, Zimbabwe.

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United Nations