Transcribed Statement of the Ambassador of China
Mr. Hu Xiaodi, President of the CD 22/3/01

Distinguished Colleagues,

Before going into the substance of arrangements for today, allow me to make a few opening remarks as the President of the Conference. At the outset, I would like to express my deep appreciation of gratitude to my predecessors. They spared no efforts in consulting with delegations in gathering opinions as widely as possible in order to reach consensus on a program of work for the CD. In order to maintain a delicate balance they weighed every word in a sentence. And in the interest of finding a compromise they labored over their choice of options, strategies and timing. Unfortunately, even if blue roses may blossom thanks to the wonder of genetic engineering, the Conference on Disarmament is still deadlocked on its program of work.

However, this cannot overshadow the wisdom, tenacity competence and dedication that was demonstrated by previous Presidents during their arduous terms of office. Here I am particularly grateful to my predecessor, distinguished Ambassador Juan Enrique Vega Patri for his valuable advice and useful suggestions. Furthermore, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Secretary General of our Conference and Personal Representative of the United Nations Secretary General Mr. Vladimir Petrovsky, our Deputy Secretary General Mr. Enrique Roman-Morey and the entire staff of the Secretariat for the generous help and support, which they lend me.

Starting this week the rotating presidency of the Conference falls on China. As China's Ambassador for Disarmament Affairs I feel greatly honored to assume this post. But at the same time I am aware of the responsibilities that it entails. It is known to all that the Conference on Disarmament is the sole multilateral negotiating forum on international arms control and disarmament. Its membership encompasses nearly all the politically and militarily influential states. Its mandate deals with the weighty issues of international peace and security. And its achievements include the conclusion of a Convention on Chemical Weapons and the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty. As for its potentials, the Conference, drawing on the support of and inspired by the great expectations of the international community, can bring together experts on arms control and disarmament from all over the world to negotiate highly complicated disarmament treaties. Needless to say, the Conference on Disarmament faces a difficult situation. Its past glories cannot make up for its current lack of progress. For all its large membership, it is accomplishing little. The international community has high hopes but the Conference remains paralyzed. This cannot but cause worry and concern. How can the Conference regain its past glory? People have explored and devised various options including reform of procedures to clear the way for the CD to resume substantive work. At the same time, many have examined in depth why the Conference has been in such a deadlock. Here I have no intention to elaborate on the big topic of the fundamental reasons for the deadlock in the CD. As I recall, in his farewell speech last September our former Deputy Secretary General, Mr. Abdelkader Bensmail made a few thought provoking remarks when he said, I quote, "Multilateral disarmament forams have always evolved over the

years in response to changed political realities. The Conference on Disarmament is no exception in this respect. And the difficulties it now faces are not due to what is perceived by some as the rigidity of its rules of procedure and working methods and the group system. They are rather, a reflection of the complexity and dynamics of contemporary international relations and therefore all efforts should focus on the creation of a political climate conducive to the full use of the Conference as a negotiating forum, in particular on the restoration of a minimum harmony among the major players," end of quote. The situation is more powerful than individual efforts. This may be an appropriate summary of Mr. Bensmail's remarks.

The Conference on Disarmament handles the important topics of arms control and disarmament, which have a bearing on international peace and security and are closely related to the overall international security situation and the security of each country. Any talks of arms control and disarmament in isolation from the international security situation, is nothing more than an attempt to build castles in the air. Similarly, efforts to tackle arms control and disarmament without coming to grips with the important issues influencing the overall situation or without considering individual countries' fundamental security concerns are like streams without sources or trees without roots. This is an exercise devoid of meaning.

Then, where is the CD heading? From the Presidency, I cannot offer a clear answer. Arms control and disarmament efforts are at a crossroads. The direction of the CD is determined not by any individual nor any country or group of countries. It depends upon the joint efforts of the whole international community, all states and all delegations.

As I assume the Presidency, what I wish to convey to you is neither a sense of pessimism, which may make you lose confidence, nor a sense of euphoria, which may disappoint you later. In seeking consultations in cooperation with all delegations to advance the work of the CD, I shall be guided by the principles of fairness, justice and openness. Now, I would like to turn to some considerations of our program of work and seek your responses.

Basically, the duties of the President are defined in Paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the Rules of Procedure of the Conference on Disarmament. In this regard Paragraphs 29, 34 and 42 are also relevant. Besides, can Paragraph 5d of document CD 1036 be put into practice? And how? This still remains a question.

I intend to build upon the work done by my predecessor, distinguished Ambassador Vega, who in his statement last Thursday outlined three scenarios regarding the question of our work program and four proposals or assumptions about complementary actions. This can be a fair description of the present situation. I intend to continue exploring these three scenarios and four proposals to see if there is within them something on which everyone can agree. That is to say to find that precious consensus. Of course during the process any new ideas and proposals, additions or concrete steps related to the seven options will be welcome. I wish to explore the program of work and complementary actions in parallel without giving priority to one or the other. The reason is that my term
of office covers the last two weeks of March and the two weeks in mid to late May. It seems inappropriate to mechanically assign the first period to the work program and if no progress is made, continue to discuss the supporting actions in May.

As for the work program, the Conference on Disarmament recognizes the support of the Conference for CD 1624 as a basis for further intensified consultation. This is still shared by all in the Conference. In this regard the picture seems to be quite clear. Most delegations either agree with or go along with all the options. A few delegations are either strongly opposed to one or the other option or accept no consensus on any of them. I shall see if the situation remains the same or if there could be any changes.

Regarding the complementary action the situation is more confused. There have been some ideas put forward. But we have also heard some opposing views. But are these objections actually a case of everybody agreeing and one party holding out. Do they mean that no negotiated agreement can emerge? These are questions I shall be putting to every delegation. At the same time I shall see whether there are any further additions to or moves to give effect to the existing four complementary actions and whether there are any new proposals besides them.

During my term of office I shall conduct wide consultations with delegations, listen to their opinions and convey to them the ideas and proposals of other delegations. I shall naturally attach great importance to the exchanges of views with the three group coordinators because they represent the positions and views of their respective groups. I hope all delegations and groups will take the initiative in putting forward ideas, solutions and proposals and join me in holding consultations between countries and groups in a common effort to further the work of the CD. During my consultations I shall state the position of China as and when appropriate. In so doing I will do my best to distinguish clearly between when I'm speaking as the President of the Conference and when I'm stating China's position. I shall seek to avoid confusion. We shall be circumspect about submitting proposals by the President. Most probably, we shall make concrete proposals as the President only when there apparently exists a basis for consensus. One consideration is to avoid playing a misplaced role.

Distinguished Colleagues,

We can only proceed with our work in accordance with the principle of consensus contained in Rule 18 of our Rules of Procedure. I'm looking forward to closely cooperating with all of delegations and shall rely on your understanding, cooperation and support. Our objective is to work together to make progress in the Conference on Disarmament, which is so valuable to us. Thank you.