Explanation of Vote - Relationship between Disarmament and Development

Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

Conference on Disarmament

General Assembly First Committee

UN Disarmament Commission

Special Session on Disarmament

Explanation of Vote –
Relationship between Disarmament and Development

Germany again this year votes in favour of the resolution "Disarmament and Development".

Disarmament and Development are urgent challenges facing the world today. They constitute priority concerns of the international community. Both strengthen international peace and security and promote prosperity. However, they are distinct processes. As such each must be pursued regardless of the pace of progress in the other.

While recognizing the considerable benefit that may accrue from disarmament, there is no simple, automatic link between commitments to economic and social development and to savings which may be made in other areas, including disarmament.

Unlike last year's resolution the resolution this year contains the request addressed to the Secretary-General to present for consideration of the General Assembly at its 59^th Session a Report with recommondations for the reappraisal of the relationship between disarmament and development in the current international context. We expect this report to take account of the multidimensional relationship between disarmament and development. It should also take a look at the significant problems arising from over armament in many regions of the developing world and at the benefits which would result from regional disarmament agreements to be negotiated in these regions.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman !