UNOL Issue Statements

The Issue Statements listed below have been brought up in the UNOL Lobbying Area and are gathered here for the convenience of our participants, to enable them to see which topics have been covered by the group within a certain time-frame.

Working Paper Bulletin Board

Submit Issue Statements to issuestatements@unol.org

10/10/01
The following issue statement was submitted by The Republic Of Angola, seconded by Libya, Israel, Ghana, and many others, and opposed by Nauru:
"The General Assembly strongly condemns the acts of atrocity perpetrated by UNITA, these exploits against noncombatants will not be tolerated. The General Assembly also condones any angolan assault to prevent further instances."
Determination: FAILS 5-2

10/07/01
The following issue statement was submitted by Jamaica, seconded by Iceland and South Africa, and others, and opposed by Uzbekistan, Nauru, Ghana, and others:
"The General Assembly supports the over-throw of the Taliban regime and we also urge the democratic election of Government, which will address employment, education for all gender, economic growth and prosperity"
Determination: FAILS 12-6

9/29/01
The following issue statement was submitted by the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, seconded by Libya, Thailand, Jordan,and others, and opposed by Croatia, Jamaica, Bulgaria, and others:
"The international community condemns the illegal drug trade, but realizes that the only way to combat the international flow of narcotics is to decrease the demand through education and prevention."
Determination: PASSES 9-7

9/19/01
The following issue statement was submitted by Jamaica, seconded by Uganda, Marshall Islands, Libya, and others, and opposed by Mauritius, Jordan, and Bulgaria:
"The General Assembly urges Afghanistan to immediately apprehend known terroist Osama Bin-Landen and hand him over to the United States of America. However, if Afghanistan should refuse to extradite Bin-Laden, then the General Assembly would support the United States to respond against Afghanistan for their refusal."
Determination: PASSES 9-2

9/16/01
The following issue statement was submitted by the Commonwealth of the Bahamas:
"The General Assembly requests that any nation currently granting amnesty to known terrorist, Osama bin Laden, place him under arrest and present him to the proper international authorities. Any offending nation who refuses to comply with this request is abetting an international criminal responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent men, women and children."
Determination: PASSES UNANIMOUSLY

9/15/01
The following issue statement was submitted by Uganda:
"The General Assembly condemns any nations that should support terrorist acts."
Determination: PASSES UNANIMOUSLY

9/15/01
The following issue statement was submitted by Uganda:
"The General Assembly asks that all nations denounce terrorism, and assist the United States anyway they can."
Determination: PASSES UNANIMOUSLY

9/15/01
The following issue statement was submitted by Japan and Uganda:
"The General Assembly condemns the attack on the United States as cowardly acts of terrorism, and urges all nations to cooperate with US autxhorities in their attempts to locate those guilty."
Determination: PASSES UNANIMOUSLY

9/9/01
The following issue statement was submitted by the Marshall Islands, seconded by Switzerland, Bahamas, Libya, and others, and opposed by Israel, Poland, Uganda, and many others::
"The GA requests that the offending states responsible pay appropriate reparations to the states of Africa and the Caribbean whose populations were affected by the slave trade."
Determination: Fails 12-2.

9/5/01
The following issue statement was submitted by the Marshall Islands:
"The GA requests that the offending states responsible issue a formal apology to the states of Africa and the Caribbean whose populations were affected by the slave trade."
Determination: Passes without opposition

Aug 31
The following issue statement was recommended by the delegation from the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, seconded by Jamaica, Poland, Israel, and others, and opposed by Croatia:
"The international community condemns the actions of the Afghani Taliban concerning the arrest and detention of several international aid workers suspected of being Christian missionaries. The imprisoned foreigners are being refused access to legal consul as well as any communication with officials from their government while awaiting imminent execution."
Determination: Passed 10-3

Aug 31
The following issue statement was recommended by Spain:
"The GA is appalled by the brutal attack perpetrated on Friday 10 August by UNITA on civilians travelling on the regular train between Luanda and Dondo. This terrorist act against innocent men, women and children, cannot but be strongly condemned by the GA. The GA believes that the continuation of such course of action does not contribute to create the necessary confidence building measures towards a serious and effective dialogue that can lead to peace and national reconciliation in Angola."
Determination: Passed unanimously without opposition.

Aug 31
The following issue statement was recommended by Spain, seconded by Poland, the Bahamas, and Israel, and opposed by China and Croatia:
"The GA welcomes the domestic legislation of Cambodia that seeks to prosecute thos responsible for the genocide supervised by the Khmer Rouge."
Determination: Passed 9-4

Aug 24th
The following issue statement was recommended by Spain.
"The GA welcomes the holding of the meeting in Gaborone on 20 August, and urges all those participants in the inter-Congolese dialogue who have been invited by the facilitator, Sr. Masire, to go to that meeting and to take part in proceedings in a constructive spirit."
Determination: Passed without proceeding to a formal vote because no oppositions were posted.

Aug 24th
The following issue statement was recommended by Spain.
"The GA condemns in the strongest terms the recent suicide-bombing attacks in Israel. The GA finds these attacks, in particular those targeted at Israeli civilians, hateful and repugnant in the extreme."
Determination: Passed without proceeding to a formal vote because no oppositions were posted.

July 29th
The following issue statement was recommended by Uganda, Seconded by Japan and the Bahamas, opposed by Israel, Poland, Croatia, and many others.
"The General Assembly asks that Israel return the Orient House (PLO Headquarters) and other key Palestinian centers back to Palestinian Authority, to stay on the path of peace."
Determination: Passed 8-5

July 29th
The following Issue Statement was recommended by the Lobby Area Moderator , Seconded by Nauru, and Opposed by Bolivia:
"The UNOL endorses the Earth Charter Summit, and the draft Charter that has been compiled".
Determination: passed 4-0

July 12th:
The following Issue Statement was recommended by the People's Republic of China, Seconded by South Africa and Others, and Opposed by Thailand and Others:
"The General Assembly strongly condemns member states who use their national curriculum to spread ideas of violence, discrimination, and intolerance, and to cover up historical fact".
Determination: passed 6-2

July 7th
The following Issue Statement was recommended by the European Union, Seconded by Israel, Japan and others, and Opposed by Poland and Malaysia:
"The UNOL General Assembly welcomes the transfer of Slobodan Milosevic to the International War Crimes Tribunal in the Hague. The Assembly acknowledges this move by the authorities in Belgrade as a decisive step towards justice for the people of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, as well as for all those who have suffered from the violent conflict in the region. Furthermore, the Assembly appeals to all political forces in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to seize this historic opportunity for peace and reconciliation."
Determination: passed 10-1

May 28
The Issue Statement was recommended by Egypt and seconded by Poland, Liechtenstein, Japan, China and Spain, and oppossed by Israel, USA and Austria;
"The UNOL General Assembly commends the United States' commitment to reducing it's nuclear arms stockpile, but remains concerned over its National missile defense system and hopes that it will reconsider withdrawing from the Anti-Ballistic missile treaty."
Determination: Passed 8-6

May 28
The Issue Statement was recommended by Israel, seconded by Liechtenstein, USA, Austria and Thailand; and oppossed by Japan, and France;
"The International Community condemns the continuing provocation of Israel by the PNA, most recently shown by the intentional and brutal stoning to death of 2 Israeli Schoolboys. The actions of the PNA are a major block to Peace talks as their actions prompt reactions from Israeli Military. An explaination for their actions is demanded"
Determination: Failed 5-9

May 14
The Issue Statement was recommended by Thailand and Marshall Island and opposed by Austria, China, Liechtenstein, Egypt, Poland, Bangladesh and Singapore;
"The UNOL General Assembly appeals to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia not to declare a state of war in light of the fightings between government forces and ethnic Albanian rebels. According to the Macedonian constitution, a state of war would give wide powers to the president and security forces which might lead to even more violence."
Determination: Failed 4-6

May 7
The Issue Statement was recommended by Liechtenstein, Seconded by Thailand, Colombia and Uzbekistan; Opposed by Israel, Sao Tome and Bangladesh:
"The General Assembly deeply regrets and condemns the activities of the violent protestors at the Summit of the America's, held in Quebec City April 20th, 22nd, and 23rd."
Determination: Passed 5-3

April 27
The Issue Statement was recommended by the European Union, Seconded by Bangladesh, liechtenstein, China, and others; Opposed by Cuba, Poland and USA:
"The UNOL General Assembly regrets recent statements by the US administration to the effect that the USA might not be ready to implement the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Assembly urges all member states to actively participate in the Kyoto process and to support the resumption of a global environment action plan in Bonn in July (Conference of the Parties at its sixth session)". Determination: Passed 9-3

April 22
The Issue Statement was recommended by the Lobby Area Moderator, Seconded by Barbados, Opposed by China, Thailand and Iraq: "The General Assembly encourages the participation of the Organization of American Sates as an observer intergovernmental delegation at the United Nations."
Determination: Passed 3-0

April 4
The Issue Statement was recommended by the Lobby Area Moderator, Seconded by Iraq, and Opposed by China, Bangladesh, Russian Federation and others:
"The General Assembly questions the Security Council inactivity, especially in light of the current situation in Macedonia".
Determination: Failed 2-10

April 4
The Issue Statement was recommended by LobbyArea Moderator, Seconded by Bangladesh, Austria,Thailand and others, and Opposed by China, Colombia, France and others:
"The General Assembly condemns the sale of fiber-optic equipment to Iraq by Chinese firms-- a clear violation of U.N. sanctions against Iraq".
Determination: Failed 5-7

April 2, 2001
The Issue Statement was recommended by the Lobby Area Moderator, Opposed by China, Thailand, Poland, Austria, Iraq, Japan and Barbados and it didn't receive seconds:
"The General Assembly encourages the Macedonian government to consult with all nonviolent parties before taking further military action against Albanian guerillas."
Determination: Failed 0-7

March 26, 2001
The Issue Statement was recommended by Bangladesh , Seconded by Monaco and Opposed by Israel, Egypt, Estonia, United Kingdom, Japan, Thailand, Poland, Singapore, Austria, Iraq, Russian Federation and Sweden:
"The General Assembly would like to know why the US accidentally dropped a bomb on 5 US and one foreign soldier, killing them, and if it can ever occur again."
Determination: Failed 0-12

March 26, 2001
The Issue Statement was recommended by Russian Federation, Seconded by Iraq and Monaco, and Opposed by Israel, Marshall Islands, Cuba, China, Poland, Egypt, Japan, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Estonia, Sweden:
"The United Nations condems the election of John D. Negroponte as the US Ambassador at the United Nations considering that Negroponte encovered several violations to human rights and murders in Honduras during his period of US Ambassador on Honduras."
Determination: Failed 2-10

March 26, 2001
The Issue Statement was recommended by Marshall Islands, Seconded by Russian Federation, Japan, Bangladesh, Estonia, Iraq, Sweden, and Singapur, and Opposed by China:
"The General Assembly condemns the destruction of the two great Buddha statues as well as other relics which are considered world treasures by the Taliban in spite of numerous, generous offers by the international community to remove and take care of these historically significant artifacts."
Determination: Passed 10-2

March 26, 2001
The Issue Statement was recommended by Marshall Islands, Seconded by Japan, Bangladesh, and Sweden, and Opposed by Egypt and Austria:
"The General Assembly condemns espionage on the diplomatic missions of member nations and views such acts as counterproductive to the effort to build trust amongst the nations of the world."
Determination: Passed 6-3

February 23, 2001
"The UNOL General Assembly welcomes the efforts by the participants of the Lusaka peace summit to achieve a new peace agreement on the question of the Democratic Republic of Congo. "
Determination: Adopted Unanimously

February 11, 2001
"The GA welcomes and fully support the new government of Phillipines under President Arroyo and hopes that political stability can return to the country again."
Determination: Failed 4-4

February 11, 2001
"The UNOL General Assembly calls for the lifting of sanctions against Iraq in the light of the deteriorating humanitarian situation resulting from the economic sanctions as well as due to the inefficiency of the sanctions, which do not push the Iraqi regime to co-operate. Therefore, the Assembly proposes the creation of a new weapons monitoring program (to be worked out soon) aimed at preventing Baghdad from rearming."
Determination: Failed 6-8

February 11, 2001
"The General Assembly condemns Iraq's refusal to allow weapons inspectors to do their job. All nations deserve to know what weapons others have."
Determination: Passed 11-5

February 11, 2001
"With greatest sympathy to the families and friends of all those who have perished in this devastating disaster, we, the United Nations, offer our condolences. Having observed first hand the awful extent of the damage inflicted on India and surrounding nations, but epically in the state of Gujarat, the United Nations thanks all nations, corporations, and non-governmental organizations, which have supported rescue operations to this point and those continuing to turn there attention to providing the basic human rights of the survivors, namely to water, shelter, and medical attention."
Determination: approved unanimously

January 28, 2001
"The UNOL General Assembly urges Uganda and Rwanda not to take advantage of the upheaval in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) to break up the country and reminds all concerned parties of the Ceasefire Agreement for a cessation of hostilities between all belligerent forces in the DRC (also known as the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement)."
Determination: adopted without opposition

January 05, 2001
"The General Assembly condemns the recent statements of U.S. Senator Jesse Helms in which he criticized the UN and threatened U.S. withdrawal, and also feels any further statements on this matter should be met by prior consultation not only with US delegates but also with other Senators and members of his nation."
Determination: failed to secure passage (4-7)

December 21, 2000
"The General Assembly condemns Zimbawbian President Robert Mugabe's lastest statements, and strongly urges the Zimbawbian authorities to refrain from presecuting the country's white minority."
Determination: adopted without opposition

December 13, 2000
"The General Assembly reminds all delegations of their obligations to respect the installed no-fly zone over Iraq, and urges states in the Middle East against any further breaches."
Determination: secured passage (9-4)

December 13, 2000
"The UN herebys condemns the serious breaches of Human Rights in the states of Iran and Iraq."
Determination: failed to secure a majority vote (8-8)

December 13, 2000
"The General Assembly condemns Iraq's threat to sever oil supplies, and calls for the immediate return to the 'oil for food' UN-endorsed programme."
Determination: secured passage (9-4)

December 10, 2000
"The General Assembly deplores the transfer by some States of their diplomatic missions to the Holy City of Al-Quds, also known as Jerusalem, in violation of Security Council resolution 478 (1980) and their refusal to comply with the provisions of that resolution."
Determination: failed to secure a majority vote (5-5)

December 10, 2000
"The General Assembly determines that the decision of israel to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the Holy City of Al Quds, also known as Jerusalem, is illegal and therefore null and void and has no validity whatsoever."
Determination: failed to secure passage (3-9)

December 04, 2000
"The General Assembly encourages all SC member states to take an active role in the debate on the Middle East Crisis and recommends that a resolution and/or an action paper on the topic should be worked out as soon as possible".
Determination: secured passage (8-3)

December 01, 2000
"The General Assembly condemns the complacent attitude and inactivity of the Members of The Security Council in the face of the continuing and worsening crisis in Israel, and the growing deaths of both Palestinians and Israelis."
Determination: failed to secure passage (6-9)

November 29, 2000
"The General Assembly condemns the terrorist groups Waj Djihad and Islamic Armed Group, citing their willingness to randomly terrorize and kill their own Algerian countrymen as means to illegally placing themselves in power."
Determination: adopted without opposition

November 29, 2000
"The General Assembly condemns the recent attacks by ETA on Spanish soil."
Determination: adopted without opposition

November 24, 2000
"The General Assembly calls for Taiwanese authorities to end their indefinite retention of the pilots of the ill-fated SQ 006".
Determination: secured passage (5-3)

November 19, 2000
"The General Assembly commends and thanks the outgoing US President, Bill Clinton, for his hard work and personal commitment in obtaining an everlasting Peace in Israel".
Determination: secured passage (9-2)

November 16, 2000
"The General Assembly implores both Israel and Palestine to consent to the insertion of an international peace keeping force in the disputed areas to act as a buffer until such time as a peaceful settlement can be reached".
Determination: failed to secure a majority vote (6-6)

November 06, 2000
"The General Assembly places blame on the PLO and Yasser Arafat for the ongoing violence in the Middle East."
Determination: failed to secure passage (1-10)

October 18, 2000
"The General Assembly strongly condemns the recent outbreak of violence in the Middle-East, and urges to the utmost that both Israel and the PLO exercise restraint and discuss the situation peacefully".
Determination: secured passage (7-2)

October 03, 2000
"The GA calls for the immediate resignation of President Milosovic in accordance with his apparent defeat in the September 2000 national elections".
Determination: secured passage (8-2)

September 24, 2000
"The GA calls for the enforcement of charter restrictions for membership and the expulsion of states not in compliance by the end of the first decade of the new millenium."
Determination: secured passage (6-4)

September 20, 2000
"The GA condemns the government of Iraq for threatening its neighbor, the soveriegn state of Kuwait."
Determination: adopted without opposition

September 07, 2000
"The UNOL General Assembly demands that the shipment of weaponry and military aid to countries suffering from civil war or civil-war-like situations (e.g. Colombia) has to be tied to strictly regarded Human Rights requirements in the concerned countries."
Determination: failed to secure passage (2-5)

September 02, 2000
"The General Assembly expresses its support for the International Commission for Missing Persons efforts in Bosnia and encourages member states to support its work."
Determination: adopted without opposition

August 26, 2000
"The GA urges the United States of America to reconsider its shipment of weaponry and military aid to Colombia, in light of the potential for increased displacement of the civilian population and encouragement of civil war."
Determination: failed passage (no seconds were lodged)

August 06, 2000
"The UNOL General Assembly acknowledges Israel�s and Palestine�s efforts to achieve a compromise at the Camp David peace summit but the Assembly also regrets that an overall peace agreement has been shifted to future discussions".
Determination: secured passage (6-5)

August 05, 2000
"The General Assembly acknowledges that the UN is dangerously over-extended in peace keeping missions due to financial constraints. The GA also acknowledges that its missions in such places as Kosovo and East Timor may not succeed if the financial crisis is not remedied. And finally the GA pledges to exercise fiscal responsibility in the future."
Determination: adopted without opposition

July 17, 2000
"The General Assembly acknowledges the productive role of the Group of 77 within the United Nations."
Determination: adopted without opposition

June 15, 2000
"The GA lauds the actions of the Security Council in starting the process of disarmament of nuclear arsenals."
Determination: adopted

June 02, 2000
"The GA condemns the attempted coup in Fiji and urges immediate release of hostages and restoration of duly elected civil government."
Determination: secured passage (7-3)

May 25, 2000
"The UNOL General Assembly urges the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to support the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) with equipment, personnel and financial aid in the removal of all kinds of not yet exploded bombs and mines material, especially cluster bombs and anti-personnel mines, in the Kosovo resulting from NATO�s air bombardments in 1999."
Determination: adopted

May 23, 2000
"The UN condemns all military practices on non-self governing territories, which, as a direct or indirect result, have stunted social and economic growth."
Determination: adopted

May 21, 2000
"The GA condemns the government of Zimbabwe for condoning racial violence and calls for a restoration of the rule of law."
Determination: adopted without opposition

May 19, 2000
"The GA condemns any attack on the computer and networking systems of the world for the purpose of widespread destruction of data or disruption of the transfer of information."
Determination: secured passage (10-6)

May 11, 2000
"The GA demands the immediate release of all UN personnel being held captive in Sierra Leone."
Determination: adopted without opposition

Please send any mail or comments to UNOL Staff.