[Disarmament] UNGA First Committee, Panel Discussion on disarmament machinery

UNGA First Committee
Panel Discussion on disarmament machinery

Introductory Statement
Ambassador Christian Strohal, Austria
President of the Conference on Disarmament
22 October 2009

Check against delivery

Mr. Chairman,
Distinguished delegates,

At the outset, I would like to thank the Special Representative, Ambassador Sergio Duarte, for inviting me in my function as President of the Conference on Disarmament (CD) to this panel. It is a pleasure to discuss the work of the CD here at the core of the UN disarmament machinery, the General Assembly. Austria has assumed this Presidency in August 2009, following Viet Nam, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Argentina and Australia. It has been an honor for me to preside over the Conference. And it has been a particular pleasure to work with all CD delegations and especially closely with my P6-colleagues.

We have already heard very relevant introductory remarks on the Conference on Disarmament by the distinguished Secretary-General of the Conference, Ambassador Sergei Ordzhonikidze. This has made my task today much easier. I will be guided by two questions: first of all, “what did we achieve this year?” and secondly, “how are we to proceed next year?”

So, what did we achieve this year?

When we speak about 2009 and the Conference on Disarmament, we certainly hear words of praise about doc. CD/1864, the Programme of Work adopted on 29^th May 2009, but also words of lament about its lack of implementation. It is understandable that commentators are surprised that the same delegations who agreed on a Programme of Work in May could not agree on its implementation a few weeks later. This is indeed regrettable, given the masterful and successful conduct of the consultations on the Programme of Work by my distinguished colleague from Algeria; it is to be hoped, however, that the difficulties we encountered subsequently are only of a technical nature and can be overcome swiftly.

The Conference on Disarmament has 65 members with differing views and preferences. It is unique in gathering practically all relevant States around one table, States with different positions, concerns and priorities, working on the basis of consensus. We have to keep this in mind when we look back and think about 12 years of stalemate. Therefore, one cannot refer to our achievement of this year as the-Programme-of-Work-that-was-not-implemented – rather, it has to be seen as a carefully crafted compromise which is thus also a precious resource for the future: in other words, not a small achievement, but a momentous step which is opening up a new chapter in the life of the Conference.

So I can turn to my second question: How should we proceed?

Allow me to start with one insight gained during our Presidency: The Conference on Disarmament cannot act in isolation. Our negotiations do not take place in a vacuum; they are framed by overall security concerns and considerations. They are also subject to external developments. We are currently witnessing a major development in international relations, which has been remarked upon in practically all your interventions before this Committee: a situation where the five recognized nuclear powers share one vision and air a new willingness to move forward in the realm of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. The Conference on Disarmament has to respond to this new willingness and prove to the world its real relevance as the sole or single permanent multilateral disarmament negotiating forum, as it is often referred to.

In this respect, the Secretary-General of the Conference has already made several recommendations, which I share. Allow me to make some recommendations of my own:

1) Use and strengthen the P6-format

The cooperation between the six successive Presidencies may be a relatively young practice in CD-terms, but it has more than proven its value. the CD cannot be managed by rotating chairs on a one-month time horizon alone. A clear sense of continuity is necessary for the successful conduct of negotiations. And this format has been very helpful indeed. In this respect, I wish next year’s P6 – Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria and Cameroon – all the success and a fruitful cooperation.

2) Open up consultations

Consensus is a precious currency – it has to be dealt with in good faith and with good housekeeping methods. It places a high responsibility not only on the Presidency, but on every single member of the Conference. Certainly, Presidents will continue to consult with all CD Members on a bilateral basis, as well as conduct regular consultations with regional coordinators. In addition, however, delegations should take all opportunities to voice their concerns and explain their positions openly, and in an informal setting, to all. Only thus will we be able to give other delegations the chance to engage in discussions and to react to arguments directly. As President one is often faced with diametrically opposed positions, and the most honest broker might reach his or her limits in certain situations. Delegates are not always aware of red lines of their counterparts and thus encounter difficulties in identifying room for compromise. Only open and transparent engagement can strengthen and maintain the necessary trust and help us to achieve our common interest – to ensure that the CD conduct concrete work and meet the expectations of the international community.

3) Integrate civil society

There is no doubt about the amount and quality of relevant expertise outside CD delegations: other international organizations, experts, and civil society. I think it is only beneficial to give these voices a hearing, to allow them the possibility to engage with the CD on a regular basis. Given the importance of the tasks ahead of us we cannot afford not to make use of this vast knowledge. This year, we have invited non-governmental organizations to address the Conference on two occasions; I think it important to continue and expand this practice, and to allow them to take part in our discussions and regularly present their ideas.

4) Resume work now

There is no doubt that there are high expectations vis-à-vis the CD. There is also no doubt that we, in the CD, want to live up to these expectations. In order to achieve this, we have to find a way to respond quickly to developments and to continue to work also outside formal sessions. I encourage all CD members to make the best use of the inter-sessional period to prepare ourselves for next January. The Conference has requested the current and the incoming presidents to conduct consultations during the intersessional period. My colleague from Bangladesh and myself have already been in contact in Geneva and we will cooperate closely and engage with all in order to prepare the ground well, with a view to a swift adoption of the Agenda and the Programme of Work early in the 2010 session. These are just tools for the real objective of the Conference, that is an early commencement of substantive work. This would include, not only in my mind, the start of negotiations without further delay.

This brings me to my last point:

5) Strengthen political engagement:

As I have said at the outset, this year has brought a new political environment for disarmament and non-proliferation, which has been manifest in several fora including, in particular, the Security Council. Also at the CD, we were able to receive a number of high-level visitors, Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and several Foreign Ministers. Also, the Foreign Ministers of the countries holding this year’s presidencies of the CD have made a joint declaration. We certainly need, and should look forward, to continued such engagement. With this, we should be able to prepare for a successful 2010 session of the CD, building on this year’s achievements.

Thank you.