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Statement by Mr. XU Yu, Chinese Delegate, at the Sixth Committee of the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly, on Item 82: Report of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization

2009-10-19 16:00

Statement by Mr. XU YU

Chinese Delegate

At the Sixth Committee

of the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly

On Item 82: Report of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations
and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization

New York, 19 October 2009

Mr. Chairman,

At its 2009 session, the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization continued its consideration of the conditions and criteria for sanctions. On the basis of the proposal submitted by the Russian Federation, the working paper entitled "Introduction and implementation of sanctions imposed by the United Nations" has basically gained consensus. The Chinese delegation welcomes the progress made in the work of the Special Committee.

Mr. Chairman,

China has always advocated the prudent use of sanctions, which should be a last resort after the exhaustion of all means of peaceful settlement. The Chinese government supports the improvement of the UN sanctions regime by establishing strict criteria, making the sanctions more targeted, setting clear time limits, and minimizing as much as possible any humanitarian crisis or negative impact on third States caused by sanctions. It is our opinion that the strict observance and compliance with the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law by the sanctions regime could greatly facilitate the effective implementation of the sanctions resolution and enhance the role of UN in effectively maintaining international peace and security. After many rounds of consultations, the working paper entitled "Introduction and implementation of sanctions imposed by the United Nations" has incorporated the views of all sides and is thus quite mature. We support its adoption at this session of the GA.

Regarding the issue of assistance to third States affected by the application of sanctions, the Chinese delegation has taken note of the report on this question submitted by the Secretary General to this session of the GA. In recent years, the Security Council has been continually improving working methods on sanctions, with positive effects in reducing negative impacts on third States. However, since sanction measures radiate across a certain scope, their potential negative impacts on third states still remains, it is indeed necessary to establish a mechanism for assessing the impact of sanctions on third States or to explore practical measures to assist the affected third States. The Chinese delegation supports the continued consideration of this item by the Special Committee on a priority basis with a view to achieving positive results at an early date.

The Chinese delegation is pleased to see the progress made in compiling the Repertory of Practice of United Nations Organs and expanding the Repertoire of the Practice of the Security Council. We appreciate the effective work done by the Secretariat and hope that further efforts be made for the synchronized publication of these two documents in all UN official languages.

Mr. Chairman,

Since its establishment, the Special Committee has played a positive role in safeguarding the authority of the Charter, maintaining international peace and security, and promoting peaceful settlement of disputes. The Chinese delegation appreciates the work of the Special Committee and supports its consideration of new items that are relevant and feasible. At the same time, we maintain that, in the absence of a clear mandate given by the GA, no new item should involve the issue of amending the UN Charter, which can only be considered in an integrated manner within the overall framework of the reform of the UN.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

 

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