Disarmament themes/Mideast peace proces – First Cttee debate – Press release (excerpts)

FIRST COMMITTEE BEGINS DISCUSSION OF SPECIFIC DISARMAMENT THEMES

The First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) this afternoon began its thematic discussion and consideration of all disarmament and security-related draft resolutions.

The current phase of the Committee's work is expected to extend through Monday, 2 November, after which it will begin taking action on all disarmament drafts. During the current phase, the Committee will consider agenda items according to themes or categories, including nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, the disarmament aspects of outer space, conventional weapons, regional confidence-building and transparency measures, and the role of science and technology in international security.

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Statements were made by the representatives of Bulgaria, Kyrgyzstan, Israel and Brazil.

The Committee will meet again at 10 a.m. Monday, 26 October, to continue its thematic discussion and consideration of disarmament and security-related draft resolutions.

Committee Work Programme

The First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) met this afternoon to begin its thematic discussion and consideration of all disarmament and security-related draft resolutions.

The current phase will extend through Monday, 2 November. It combines the thematic discussion with consideration of drafts, as part of a reform to streamline the Committee's work. The third and final stage of its work, which is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, 3 November, will be action on all disarmament draft resolutions.

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ROBBIE SABEL (Israel) informed the Committee that he had received information that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chairman, Yasser Arafat, would shortly sign an agreement at the White House. On this occasion, he expressed his appreciation to United States President William Clinton and to the United States Government for its help in achieving that agreement. He also appreciated the leading role in the peace process played by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, and the continued support of the European Union in that process. Finally, he would express his appreciation to the personal intervention made by King Hussein of Jordan. He wished him and the people of Jordan good health and good wishes.

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