Relevance of the CD?
Anina Dalbert | Reaching Critical Will of WILPF 4 June 2013
The Conference on Disarmament (CD) met on Tuesday 4 June, under the Presidency of Ambassador Mohsen Naziri Asl of Iran. Statements were delivered by the CD President, followed by Ireland on behalf of the European Union, France, Germany, Japan, Zimbabwe on behalf of the Group of 21, Netherlands, Finland, India, Cuba, Sweden, Slovakia, Australia, Algeria, South Africa, Spain, Indonesia, Pakistan and Iran. The plenary meeting then closed to continue in an informal setting.
Discussion on a programme of work
The CD president, Ambassador Mohsen Naziri Asl of Iran started by defining the topic of todays plenary. The plenary was split in two parts, the first one being a formal session on the program of work the second part an interactive informal debate on the same topic.
Asserting that his delegation had reviewed all formal as well as informal initiatives on getting an agreement on a programme of work, the CD president believed there were two categories of approaches. Either a so-called “maximalist approach”, which includes a negotiating mandate, or a pragmatic or “minimalist approach” which does not always have to include a negotiating mandate. Putting a “national hat” on as he called it, Ambassador Mohsen Naziri Asl reiterated Iran’s clear preference of nuclear disarmament as a priority and to negotiate a nuclear disarmament convention. However, as a president he stated to be ready to accept any formula that would achieve consensus.
FMCT vs. Nuclear disarmament?
Once again the Mr. Kos from the European Union, in line with Ambassador Simon-Michel of France, Ambassador Mari Amano of Japan, Ambassador Paul van der Ijssel of the Netherlands, Mr. Jyri Järviaho Finland, Ambassador Ulf Lindell of Sweden, the representative of Slovakia and Paul Wilson of Australia reiterated that immediate negotiations on an FMCT should start.
Ambassador Sujata Mehta of India, and Mr. Michiel Combrink of South Africa argued that nuclear disarmament was their first priority, but noted that their delegations would nevertheless support discussions on an FMCT as well. Ambassador Anayansi Rodríguez Camejo of Cuba pointed out that the Cuban delegation was also prepared to start negotiating a treaty on prevention of an arms race in outer space and Negative Security Assurances (NSA).
As the second last speaker of the formal plenary, Ambassador Zamir Akram of Pakistan, felt the need to once again briefly state his position. He highlighted that nuclear disarmament is the priority, and stressed NSAs could be consider ripe for negotiations too, especially since there obviously is no common ground on an FMCT. He argued that it was counterproductive to link the survival of the CD to FMCT discussions.
Many delegations mentioned CD/1864 the last adopted program of work. However, as Ambassador Javier Gil Catalina of Spain cogently reminded the CD, member states were incapable of implementing it.
Notes from the gallery
After the very repetitive statements on a programme of work, the CD President requested a more interactive debate to take place in an informal mode. At this point, the security guards ask civil society representatives to leave the gallery.
When comparing the role that civil society plays in the CD with other fora, such as the open-ended working group, we are constantly reminded of the outdated manner in which the CD is working. Even though civil society appreciates intentions and expressions of support for increased civil society participation, we are reaching a point where most civil society actors no longer care. The CD has not negotiated any treaty since 1996 and has proven for over 16 years that it cannot work under current conditions. It no longer runs the risk of becoming irrelevant, it is irrelevant.
Next plenary meeting
The next plenary meeting will be held on Tuesday, 11 June at 10:00 in the Council Chamber.