Statements and Speeches by Ministry Representatives 2004

United Nations General Assembly Second Committee - Explanation of Vote on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand on the Adoption of the Second Committee Resolution on Trade and Development, A/C.2/59/L.25/Rev.1

Statement by Mark Ramsden, Counsellor, 17 December 2004

CANZ regrets that consensus could not be reached on this resolution. The Second Committee has traditionally worked by consensus and there are sounds reasons to continue to do so should this body take to passing widely-polarised draft resolutions by vote, it risks completely undermining its broader relevance and credibility. For these reasons, CANZ has abstained on this vote.

Trade remains a principle driver of development, and CANZ remains fully committed to advancing the Doha Development Round, including through the implementation of the 1 August Decision of the General Council of the WTO. The principal forum for advancing discussions on trade, and on trade and development, is the World Trade Organisation. Whilst the General Assembly, as the universal body of UN members, has a legitimate role in commenting upon and encouraging progress in the WTO, it is not helpful for the General Assembly to seek to reinterpret agreements reached in the WTO.

Trade and development will remain a key issue for this Committee, and we urge all Members to seek to have this, and other, resolutions adopted by consensus in the future. We are fully committed to that end.

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