UNGA 66 First Committee: Statement on Disarmament Machinery
United Nations General Assembly
66th session
First Committee
Statement by the Republic of Lithuania
Thematic discussion on Disarmament Machinery
25 October 2011, New York
Mr. Chairman,
As a Member State of the European Union, Lithuania fully subscribes to and actively supports the EU policies in the domain of international security, disarmament and non-proliferation.
Let me now elaborate on some matters of particular importance to Lithuania.
Lithuania believes that multilateral approach to disarmament and non-proliferation is essential in developing, maintaining and further strengthening fundamental norms. Being a firm supporter of effective multilateralism, Lithuania regards the UNGA First Committee, the Conference on Disarmament (CD), the Disarmament Commission (UNDC), and relevant international treaties as important mutually reinforcing elements of the disarmament machinery.
We regret that despite clear calls from the UN General Assembly, the 2010 NPT Review Conference and countless other forums, the CD has not yet been able to build upon the momentum and break the impasse. Since negotiations on CTBT in 1996, multilateral disarmament treaties, such as Antipersonnel Landmine Ban Treaty and Convention on Cluster Munitions, have been negotiated outside of the CD.
Given the continuing stalemate in the CD, the international community needs to reflect on options and, if necessary, identify other ways to ensure progress. Therefore we welcome initiatives put forward in this session of the First Committee aimed at exploring ways that could lead to negotiations on at least some issues on the current CD agenda.
Mr. Chairman,
The CD enlargement has been an outstanding issue for more than a decade and needs to be addressed without delay. This call is in line with the Rules of Procedure of the CD, which provide for the review of the membership question at regular intervals.
The Informal Group of the Observer States (IGOS) has repeatedly called for appointment of a special rapporteur or a coordinator, who could facilitate the discussion on the matter without pre-judging its outcome.
Lithuania is convinced that the expansion of the CD membership would promote transparency, inclusiveness and thus reflect the universal disarmament goals.
Thank you.