CD Reconvenes, Stalemate Likely to Continue

The UN Conference on Disarmament (CD) started the second third of its 2001 negotiating session on May 17. The 66 members of the conference are trying to find consensus on a work program, which would enable the delegations to begin negotiations for the first time in nearly three years. That consensus, however, is proving elusive.

China and Russia are continuing to lead the charge for formal negotiations on the prevention of an arms race in outer space, an effort the United States staunchly opposes. Washington, which says it is more than happy to hold less formal discussions on outer space but no more, wants immediate negotiations on a fissile material cutoff treaty. But Moscow and Beijing tie negotiations on a fissile cutoff with negotiations on outer space. None of the three powers shows any sign of giving ground.

Chinese Ambassador Hu Xiaodi, who just completed his rotation as conference president, said May 23 that his recent consultations with more than 40 delegations revealed a “deep concern” about the conference’s inactivity. Delegations have until June 29 to pass a work program before this current portion of the 2001 negotiating session ends. The third and final working part of the session is scheduled to take place from July 30 to September 14.