Summary: November 5, 2003: Statement on behalf of the European Union by Professor Giuseppe Nesi, Legal Adviser of the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations - Sixth Committee - Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country ITEM 153 (New York)
Mr. Chairman,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The acceding countries Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia, the associated countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey, and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area, Iceland and Norway, align themselves with this statement.
Mr. Chairman,
The European Union wishes to express its appreciation for the work of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country. The Committee continued efficiently to pursue its mandate to discuss and resolve practical issues relating to the implementation of the Headquarters Agreement and the Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations thus contributing to the effective functioning of both missions accredited to the United Nations and, consequently, the Organization itself. Our sense
of gratitude, of course, equally goes to the host country whose commitment to the discussion and solution of problems that have arisen has been essential in achieving a better reciprocal understanding and to meet the needs of diplomatic missions in New York.
Mr. Chairman,
This year the Committee discussed a number of problems arising mainly in relation to entry visas, transportation, security of missions and their personnel and host country travel regulations. In particular, many delegations have expressed concerns at the modalities of implementation of the Parking Programme for Diplomatic Vehicles adopted in 2002. Practical difficulties have occurred that, if left unresolved, might end up compromising the efficacy of the programme and its consistency with
international law. In this regard, although the European Union highly appreciates efforts made by the host country to improve the implementation of the Programme and to ensure that missions are properly informed on its functioning as well as assisted in solving problems encountered, we would like to stress once again the necessity that the programme be carefully monitored. The European Union recalls in particular the host State's assurance that the Parking Programme would be reviewed with a
view to address fully difficulties experienced by permanent missions.
Mr. Chairman,
The European Union naturally understands the security concerns of the host country. However, we also believe it is important that, in order for missions efficiently to carry out their mandate, entry visas of representatives of Member States be issued in a timely fashion. Some delegations have also experienced restrictions to travel and movements of their representatives. The European Union recalls that any issues arising in this regard need to be settled in conformity with the relevant
provisions of the Headquarters Agreement.
On the other hand, the European Union would like to express its gratitude for the host country's efforts, after the events of September 11th 2001, to continue to ensure the security of the missions accredited to the United Nations and their personnel. The European Union understands and fully supports the extraordinary measures that have been introduced after the terrorist acts. The European Union remains committed to fully co-operate with the host country in this area.
Mr. Chairman,
The European Union fully endorses the recommendations of the Committee and, in particular, its reminder that "the maintenance of appropriate conditions for the delegations and missions accredited to the United Nations is in the interest of the United Nations and all Member States" (A/58/26, p. 17, par. b).
In this regard the European Union trusts and commends the assurance from the Host Country that - as anticipated in the Report - it will do whatever possible to take all measures necessary to guarantee the smooth functioning of permanent missions in the spirit of co-operation and respect that has characterised the work done so far.
Thank you Mr. Chairman.
| Top |
European Union Member States
Alerts by email
Email this page
Print this page