Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!philmtl!philabs!ccnysci!unitex@rubbs.fidonet.org
From: unitex@rubbs.fidonet.org (unitex)
Newsgroups: misc.headlines.unitex
Subject: (2/2) Committee on Science & Technology
Message-ID: <2879@ccnysci.UUCP>
Date: 3 Sep 89 12:03:18 GMT
Sender: patth@ccnysci.UUCP
Lines: 76
Approved: patth@sci.ccny.cuny.edu


     It would also be recommended that the Fund accord priority to:  support
of projects in new and emerging areas of science and technology, such as
informatics, micro-electronics, biotechnology, renewable energy and new
materials; projects aimed at fostering co-operation among developing
countries; pilot projects on endogenous capacity building of developing
countries; and activities directly related to the follow-up to substantive
themes considered by the Intergovernmental Committee.

     By draft resolution E, the General Assembly would request that the Centre
for Science and Technology for Development study ways of assisting developing
countries in enhancing their assessment capabilities on new technology,
particularly regarding new material technology and the processing of raw
materials.  That study would make use of the Centre's on-going programme on
materials technology and would be the subject of a report by the
Secretary-General to the Intergovernmental Committee at its eleventh session.

     A further resolution, also submitted by Malaysia on behalf of the Group
of 77 (document A/CN.11/L.130), concerns the activities of the Centre for
Science and Technology for Development.  By the terms of that draft, the
Committee would at its next session focus on research, development and the
concessional transfer of environmentally sound technologies to developing
countries.  It would also consider United Nations system activities to promote
endogenous science and technology capacity building in developing countries.
In addition, the Centre for Science and Technology would be asked to submit an
analytical report to the Committee on science and technology for development
policies in developing countries.  The Centre would also be asked to enhance
its efforts to promote science and technology for development in the least
developed countries and to assist developing countries in their efforts to
involve women in science and technology activities.

     Introduction of Drafts

     HUSSEIN HANIFF (Malaysia) introduced the proposals on the end-of-decade
review (document A/CN.11/L.129) and on the activities of the Centre for
Science and Technology for Development (document A/CN.11/L.130) on behalf of
the "Group of 77" developing countries.  He felt that sufficient discussions
had already taken place during preceding informal consultations.

     PAUL LEMERLE (France) speaking on behalf of the 12 member States of the
European Community (Belgium, Denmark, France, Federal Republic of Germany,
Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and United
Kingdom), said the Twelve were disappointed by the circumstances in which the
resolutions had been proposed.  He was not only referring to the fact that
they had been received late in the Committee's session, and were too long.
The text itself was repetitive, vague and too general.  What was most
disappointing was that the drafts appeared not to have taken into account the
last week's deliberations.  They did not take account of the reservations
expressed by many Committee members regarding the purpose and work of the
Committee itself.  Such an approach was not the best way to reach consensus.
He assured the Committee of the Twelve's goodwill in the forthcoming
consultations and its desire to reach consensus, in order to obtain respect
for the Committee's work in the General Assembly.  Substantial amendments
would be proposed in order to achieve respectability.

     STEVEN MCGANN (United States) said he associated himself with the remarks
made by France on behalf of the Twelve.  The resolutions contained arguments
which were contrary to the precision and accuracy normally associated with the
field of science and technology, and many amendments would be needed.

     Mr. Huseein said the "Group of 77" was surprised to hear the statements
made by France, on behalf of the EEC, and by the United States.  Those
comments were not appropriate for a formal meeting.  The resolutions did
indeed cover the topics discussed by the Committee, and it was with regret
that the "Group of 77" heard those comments.

     The Chairman, CELSO LAFER (Brazil), then proposed that the Committee
reconvene its informal consultations.

 * Origin: UNITEX --> Toward a United Species (1:107/501)

---
Patt Haring                | UNITEX : United Nations 
patth@sci.ccny.cuny.edu    |          Information
patth@ccnysci.BITNET       |          Transfer Exchange 
  -=- Every child smiles in the same language. -=-