UNESCO. General Conference; 30th; Records ... - unesdoc - Unesco

15. The PRESIDENT:
Thank you, but I have to ask Mr Koch for his view. I believe the letter was submitted very shortly after
the deadline, so we might be able to consider it, Sir.
16. Mr KOCH (Germany), Vice-Chairperson of the Administrative Commission:
Thank you very much, Madam. Yes, to give you the answer before attempting an explanation, I would
indeed recommend that we include Kyrgyzstan in the group of countries that should be granted the right to vote,
on the basis of this latest information, which we did not have at the time we discussed the matter. We discussed
the situation with the representatives of Kyrgyzstan but they were unable to give us such detailed information and
promises, and that is why the problem arose. But on the basis of what we now hear and see, I would, as in the
case of Grenada, propose that we put Kyrgyzstan into the group of countries which should be granted the right to
vote. Thank you very much.
17. The PRESIDENT:
It is with pleasure I shall include Kyrgyzstan in that particular group. I understand that Turkey is asking
for the floor. Sir, it is yours.
18. Mr Gőker (Turkey):
Thank you, Madam President. I just wanted to add the view of Turkey, that Kyrgystan became a fullyfledged
member of the international community from the very day of its independence and attaches great
importance to this. We greatly appreciate their presence and if for many economic reasons they have had
difficulty in complying with formalities, it should not be overlooked that they are part of this august
Organization, and have made far greater contributions than some countries that have been with the Organization
since the 1940s. Thank you.
19. The PRESIDENT:
Sir, thank you for your support of the Kyrgyz people. Italy is asking for the floor.
20. Mr SARDO (Italy):
Thank you Madam President. The Italian delegation does not wish to express its views on either the case
of Grenada or the case of Kyrgyzstan which, anyway, we support. We would like to draw the President’s
attention, and indeed the General Conference’s attention to the fact that this is not, for many reasons, an ordinary
meeting of this body. We are living in a very sensitive, very important transitional phase in the life of this
Organization. It would not add, we believe, to the dignity and vision of this Organization if we were to discuss
this matter further, not because we do not pay all due respect to rules of procedure and financial regulations but
because we feel that at this time all the remaining five Member States should be granted the right to vote if we
consider that, at this stage, their voice is just as necessary to a consensus as anybody else’s voice. Therefore, I
strongly urge you, Madam President, to suggest that the General Conference should reach a consensus, a special
consensus, by acclamation on this item. Thank you.
21. The PRESIDENT:
Sir, I shall have to consult with Mr Koch on this, because we must adhere to our rules. We cannot totally
disregard rules that we have agreed upon. I can understand your sentiments and I think that, from the way the
discussion has gone, we could easily start voting if it were not for your proposal. I understand it was a formal
proposal. Mr Koch has the floor.
22. Mr KOCH (Germany), Vice-Chairperson of the Administrative Commission:
Thank you, Madam. Like you, I do of course understand the idea behind the suggestion made by the
representative of Italy. But again, like you, Madam, I would also draw attention to the fact that each and every
community lives on the basis of rules and regulations. I might also remind you that at the last session of the
General Conference, a group on this particular item was established, the so-called “Portella group”, as you may
remember. There were people who worked very hard to find a procedure acceptable to this community which is
UNESCO, and I would really voice caution about going in the direction just proposed by the representative of
Italy, because to do away with the rules and with the Constitution is a dangerous development, even though, as I
said, I can understand the feeling behind it. But it would also, as I see it, discriminate in a way against those
countries that have made an effort, on the basis of the Director-General’s appeals, to honour their obligations and
try to help us and go through with the payment plans exercise. I would, as I said, be very, very reluctant to go
along with this idea, Madam. Thank you very much.
23. The PRESIDENT:
Sir, I share your opinion. We did after all accept these rules. I shall put your proposal to the vote. Do
youwanthaveavoteonthis?
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