I turn now to the subject of our thematic debate.

Talking about our ending when there wasn't even a beginning...

We shall now begin our thematic discussion on the issue of nuclear weapons.

It has thus enriched our discussion on sustainable development.

Amid all the noise and passions and rancor of our public debate,

This is the background for today's debate.

Only if you promise to limit our discussions... to the Corinth assembly.

Thanks to his energy and skill, the debate is shaping up well and promises to yield tangible results.

Let us now begin our thematic discussion on the subject of other weapons of mass destruction and outer space.

Our debate here today cannot merely express our anguish.

Accordingly, we hope that our debate will lead to concrete recommendations.

Your wealth of experience in matters of security, human rights and development augur well for the success of our discussions.

Our discussion on the question of Palestine this year leaves us with mixed feelings of hope and an awareness of the challenges that lie ahead.

The question of financing from assessed or voluntary contributions is at the centre of our discussion.

There is a danger that this discussion will stagnate if it remains on an abstract level.

I therefore thank Mr. Corbin for having participated in our work and contributed to our discussion.

We would like to say how pleased we were to see him present at the beginning of our debate.

Your vast experience and able leadership will greatly contribute to the success of our discussion.

It doesn't say anything about what the size of your company is.

In our discussion, accessible refers to demands in addition to education being free.

We hope that during our debate, the issue of greater transparency, accountability and effectiveness will be further explored.

The Chairman Tomorrow at 3 p.m. we will proceed with our thematic discussion on the subject of conventional weapons.

We recall that our debate last year focused on gender based violence.

In our discussion of agenda item 33 my delegation stated its views on reforming that body.

I would, of course, suggest that the quicker this paper is placed on everybody apos s desk, the more objective oriented our discussion will be.

Following the adjournment of this meeting, a private meeting of the Security Council will be held to continue our discussion of the item.

We have agreed to continue our discussions on ways to reach accord with the developed nations.

I believe that our discussion will lay the foundation for necessary reforms of the United Nations system and for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

If not, then the state of affairs when we complete discussion is what we hope delegations will discuss with their respective capitals.

However, our general debate today could be a useful input for the informal group apos s deliberations.

Mr. Braithwaite (Australia) Australia welcomes the opportunity to resume our discussion of the Organization apos s financial situation.

The role of regional organizations in the maintenance of international peace and security is an important dimension of our debate.

The topic of today's thematic debate, disarmament machinery, is of very great interest to my delegation.

Mr. Almansoor (Bahrain) (spoke in Arabic) The debate on the question of Palestine coincides with the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

I would note that there was also considerable support during our discussion to including a reference to families and caregivers here.

Mr. KEATING (New Zealand) When we debate this item next year, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea will have entered into force.

I therefore suggest that we continue our discussion on it next year at a the resumption of the present session of the General Assembly.

These are at the centre of a large part of our debate today, as was thoroughly analysed in the reports of the Secretary General, which we appreciate.

Mr. ELARABY (Egypt) (interpretation from Arabic) Our debate on the situation in the Middle East takes place at an important juncture in the region apos s history.

I will be reviewing our discussion on how to increase participation in the current Register and, in particular, how to improve communication with Member States.

One of the major issues in our debate on the Agenda for Development is the interaction between the United Nations and the Bretton Woods institutions.

I hope that our debate may serve to further strengthen the substantive case for establishing a Peacebuilding Commission at the September summit.

The adoption by consensus of draft resolution A 48 L.35 at the end of our debate will be an important step in that direction.

The fact that we debate such questions passionately suggests that we all have varying conceptions of where self interest lies.

1. We have had a rich and broad ranging discussion covering practically every aspect of the relationship between the United Nations and non governmental organizations.