As this is the first time I take the floor under your Presidency, allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, following the Ambassador of Australia on assuming the Presidency at this particular moment in its work. We wish you success in our endeavours and look forward to working closely with you towards the end. I would like to also thank Ambassador Caroline Millar of Australia and the other previous Presidents for their efforts in achieving consensus in the CD on the Programme of Work, as agreed in document CD/1864.

As we have stated before in this august body, my Delegation looks forward to an early consensus in the CD for the beginning of substantive work. As the next president in 2010, we would like to see that the CD has overcome its twelve year deadlock and is proceeding with its work.

The world outside has been waiting for a long time for the Conference to embark on its mandated task as the sole multilateral negotiating forum on disarmament and arms control issues. We are hopeful that this Conference will be able to achieve consensus for assuming substantive work at an early date. The progress made so far, on the basis of consensus, should only enforce our commitment for achieving it.

It is our understanding that negotiations have been making some progress in addressing the remaining concerns. I agree with the others that we must all fight to overcome the final hurdle and achieve convergence of opinion with collective diplomatic skill and wisdom. And remember that failure to achieve consensus is not an option us.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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