Disarmament Reform Resolution Delayed

New York, 9 March 2007 – The General Assembly held informal consultations on the Secretary-General’s proposal to restructure the Department of Disarmament Affairs (DDA) today, 9 March.  The co-chairs’ intention reportedly was to gain approval for the draft text of a supportive “Framework Resolution” on the reform. 

The majority of delegations speaking at this afternoon’s meeting offered the co-chairs (permanent representatives of Norway and Sri Lanka) their support for the draft resolution in its current form, including some states who maintained minor reservations with portions of the text.  The desire to show support for the Secretary-General and move forward with DDA reform overrode their textual concerns – this was the view of European Union, Non-aligned Movement, and CANZ (Canada-Australia-New Zealand) member states. 

At least three delegations were at the stage of proposing qualifications for the individual who would be appointed to head the new office of disarmament affairs (relevant experience, an international profile, and gender should be considered, said these delegations; one emphasized the importance of an “early, transparent selection”).

Two delegations, however – the US and France, reportedly – were not ready to accept the text and asked the co-chairs for another revision and more time for discussion.  But because the co-chairs’ mandate from the President of the General Assembly is expiring, they planned to take the text and today’s reactions to it to President Al Khalifa on Monday (12 March).  She could extend their mandate to facilitate discussions on the text or take another route. 

The reasons for the two states’ objections were not specified, and both emphasized that the Secretary-General should be given the space to carry out his managerial and administrative duties. 

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