unitex@rubbs.fidonet.org (unitex) (10/25/89)
issue of naval arms should be approached in the same way as
other disarmament questions, by adopting
confidence-building-measures. Recent contacts between the
Soviet and United States navies were steps in the right
direction. He called for the revitalization of the Disarmament
Commission,
the implementation by all countries of General Assembly
disarmament resolutions and greater involvement by
non-governmental organizations, mass media and Governments in
the World Disarmament Campaign. The Ukraine, he said, would be
pledging 300,000 rubles to the Campaign's Fund this year.
HOU ZHITONG (China) said that improved East-West relations,
lessening of military confrontation and increased dialogue were
promising developments. Implementation of the INF Treaty,
conventional force reductions talks in Europe, and multilateral
disarmament efforts, particularly with regard to chemical
weapons, were also encouraging. But resolution of regional
conflicts called for urgent solutions. Interference in the
internal affairs of States still occurred, and the super-Powers
were still improving the quality of their weapons, while
extending the arms race into outer space.
China supported the complete prohibition and destruction of
nuclear, chemical, biological and space weapons, as well as the
non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. An effective first step
to prevent nuclear war would be for all nuclear-weapon States to
undertake not to be the first to use those weapons. The nuclear
disarmament process should be complemented by a substantial
reduction in conventional armaments. He welcomed the progress in
conventional force reductions in Europe, where a high
concentration of weapons and troops existed. Many third world
countries had also taken steps to promote conventional
disarmament, at the unilateral, regional and global levels. In
addition, it was imperative to call for cessation of the outer
space arms race.
The Conference on Disarmament had given emphasis in recent years
to banning chemical weapons, but some difficult points remained
unresolved. China was a non-chemical-weapon State. It did not
possess or manufacture such weapons and did not export chemicals
to be used to make them, even though it had itself been a victim
of chemical weapons. China supported early conclusion of an
international convention banning such weapons, which should
ensure that the civilian chemical industry did not produce
chemical weapons. It should also contain provisions against the
abuse of verification measures that could interfere in the
internal affairs of other countries. All States had a stake in
participating on an equal footing in discussion of disarmament
questions. Such efforts could be bilateral, multilateral,
regional or global; but bilateral agreements should not
compromise the interests of other countries, and regional
agreements should not infringe on the security of other
regions. He supported proposals to strengthen the role of the
United Nations and multilateral disarmament agencies.
MITSURO DONOWAKI (Japan) said his country sought to establish an
international verification network to monitor nuclear testing,
mobilizing all available technologies. Such a network would
facilitate a nuclear test ban without jeopardizing the security
of any nation. Multilateral and bilateral efforts must be
co-ordinated to ensure against the proliferation of nuclear
weapons. The ratification of the 1974 threshold test ban and
1976 peaceful nuclear explosion treaties should be followed by
talks on additional limitations on nuclear testing. He urged
flexibility in the Conference on Disarmament so that a
substantive dialogue could begin on a comprehensive test ban.
Nuclear and non-nuclear weapons States party to NPT should
reconfirm their treaty obligations and non-Party States should
subscribe to it. Meanwhile he hoped that negotiations between
the United States and the Soviet Union would progress without
jeopardizing deterrence and parity. Pending the conclusion of a
chemical weapons convention, all countries should exercise
restraint. A deadline should be set for the conclusion of the
convention. He welcomed President Bush's commitment for the
destruction of United States chemical weapons stockpiles prior
to the conclusion of a treaty. An effective and reliable
verification regime must be worked out for a truly universal
chemical weapons convention.
His country was pleased by the progress in the European
conventional disarmament talks in Vienna. Security and
confidence in Europe would promote international peace and
security. It was clear that disarmament was only one part of a
larger dialogue between the major military alliances. It was
important to resolve regional and territorial conflicts
one-by-one to build mutual confidence. Although Japan had
maintained moderate and reasonable defense capabilities it had
resolved never again to become a military power threatening its
neighbours. It would do all it could to promote peace and
stability in Asia. He urged the Committee to avoid adopting too
many resolutions. It should, wherever possible, merge similar
resolutions and adopt them by consensus.
* Origin: UNITEX --> Toward a United Species (1:107/501)
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