Security in Space The Next Generation - UNIDIR
Security in Space The Next Generation - UNIDIR
Security in Space The Next Generation - UNIDIR
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4<br />
<strong>in</strong> Outer <strong>Space</strong>, the Threat or Use of Force Aga<strong>in</strong>st Outer <strong>Space</strong> Objects.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re was considerable <strong>in</strong>terest among the membership <strong>in</strong> discuss<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
provisions of this draft treaty. As you all know, the draft treaty has been<br />
submitted with a research mandate. This approach is supported by the<br />
Conference on Disarmament member states. Thus, the Conference—after<br />
carefully consider<strong>in</strong>g all types of proposals—should start negotiations on<br />
the treaty.<br />
Moreover, the Conference had an opportunity to <strong>in</strong>teract with COPUOS,<br />
when its current Chairman, Gérard Brachet, briefed Conference members<br />
on the work of the Committee at the <strong>in</strong>formal meet<strong>in</strong>g held on 22 February<br />
2008 <strong>in</strong> this chamber.<br />
It is my s<strong>in</strong>cere hope that the Conference on Disarmament will reach<br />
agreement quickly on its priorities and beg<strong>in</strong> substantive work on the issue<br />
of outer space, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g consideration of the draft treaty, without delay.<br />
<strong>Next</strong> month, the United Nations fl ag will make a historic trip to the<br />
International <strong>Space</strong> Station. This is a symbolic rem<strong>in</strong>der that outer space<br />
belongs to the human family, and that our exploration and use of outer<br />
space should be guided by the shared values and pr<strong>in</strong>ciples underp<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g<br />
our organization. As the <strong>in</strong>ternational community, it is our collective<br />
responsibility to fi nd a universal approach to space security.<br />
I trust that your exchanges here will make a valuable contribution to the<br />
ongo<strong>in</strong>g debates on this vital issue.