General debate on observer – Letter from Canada

GENERAL DEBATE

Letter dated 25 October 1977 from the Permanent Representative of

Canada to the United Nations addressed to the President of the

General Assembly

At the 29th plenary meeting of the General Assembly, held on 11 October 1977, a procedural question arose regarding the request of an observer to reply to remarks made during the general debate.

I had intended at that time to deliver a very brief statement reiterating the views of the Government of Canada on this question.  The fact that I was unable to debate the position of Canada should not be construed as representing a change in my Government's position.  I wish to record once again that Canada continues to be opposed to granting observers the same rights as those enjoyed by Member States alone. We hold firmly to the view that only representatives of Member States are qualified to speak in the general debate and that any departure from this practice derogates from the stature of our deliberations.

I should be grateful if you would have this letter distributed as a document of  the General Assembly under agenda item 9.