Transcribed Statement of the Ambassador of China
Mr. Hu Xiaodi, President of the CD 27/3/01

This is the last Plenary meeting of the first part of the CD this year, and my secondary Plenary as President of the Conference. After this week the CD will enter a six week inter sessional period. It is my intention to give you a brief review of the relevant matters that have transpired during our session and at the same time to inform you of the consultations I have had with all parties since becoming President. As you all know the CD has been at an impasse for a while now, being unable to arrive at a consensus on its program of work. Everyone is displeased and anxious. To break the deadlock my predecessors, in particular distinguished Ambassadors Westdal and Vega stove tirelessly and explored different options boldly. Their dedication and diplomatic wisdom are well known to all. Although they were unable to obtain the consensus on a program of work that we have long sought , a number of options that may advance the course of the CD have emerged thanks to the efforts and the joint efforts of all the delegations.

Since becoming President a week ago I have held consultations on the CD program of work and related questions with all the group coordinators and with colleagues from more than a dozen delegations based on the work done by my predecessors and the principles of fairness, equity and openness. The consultations I have conducted have shown that on a matter of work program, the basic differences in viewpoints still persist and center around the approach to the mandate on important issues, namely whether to negotiate on these matters, or to pursue negotiations as objectives in themselves, or to discuss such matters. The different views and the deadlock are undoubtedly related to the prevailing international security situation and different strategic considerations. In this regard all sides share the view that the CD recognizes the support of the Conference for CD/1624 as a basis for further intensified consultations and are continuously exploring different solutions.

As for complementary actions, my consultations have also revealed notable differences of view. According to some, based on the Conference Rules of Procedure and CD/1036, there are a number of courses of actions that may be explored. According to others, consensus on a choice of any complementary action is still a long way off in view of a number of basic considerations. However, relevant efforts have also been underway.

Distinguished Colleagues, As your President, I shall continue to cooperate sincerely with all sides as I stated at the Plenary meeting last Thursday, objectively reflecting and transmitting everyone's positions and suggestions. I would like to reiterate my hope here that every delegation and group will constructively put forward ideas, devise different methods and propose suggestions whether to me, among states or among groups thus consulting widely on a collective work to promote the work of the CD. During the first, fourth, fifth, and the sixth week of the inter sessional period I will be in Geneva. And for the second and third week I shall be in New York to attend the UNDC meeting. I shall stay in contact with all parties so as to gather their opinions and reactions in preparation for the opening of our second session. Thank you.