( 19 June 2006, Geneva )

 Mr. Chairman,

First of all, please allow me, on behalf of the Chinese delegation, to welcome you and the two Coordinators to continue to preside over the meeting of the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE).  You can rest assured of the full support of my delegation to your work.

Mr. Chairman,

Since the previous session of the GGE, thanks to the wise guidance of you and the two Coordinators and the joint efforts by all parties, the work of the GGE and the preparation for the Third Review Conference of the States Parties to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) have been moving forward smoothly.  We are delighted to see that the Protocol on Explosive Remnants of War (ERW), as one of the important achievements in the field of the CCW, will soon enter into force.  We believe the entry-into-force of this Protocol will encourage more countries to accede to it, and facilitate the early realization of its goal.  The Chinese Government is committed to ratifying the ERW Protocol at an early date, and is actively preparing for its ratification.

The success of the ERW Protocol and other protocols to the CCW demonstrates that the sustained vitality and momentum as well as the constant progress of the CCW process lie mostly on two principles that have been adhered by all States Parties.  The first one is "balance and pragmatism".  That is to say, to address the humanitarian concerns in an appropriate way, and at the same time, fully accommodate the legitimate military and security needs of all countries.  The second principle is "consensus", which means seeking common ground while shelving differences, and working out widely acceptable solutions through full and democratic discussions, so as to ensure the feasibility and universality of such solutions.  These are important enlightenment gained from the CCW process, and should also constitute the guiding principles for the work of the GGE.

Mr. Chairman,

Discussions on the AVL issue have been going on for 5 years. Remarkable progress has been achieved.  Common ground has been more or less reached on such issues as restricting the irresponsible use of AVL, sensitive fuzes, transparency and confidence building measures, cooperation and assistance.  On some key issues, such as detectability, self-destruction, self-neutralization, self-deactivation of AVL and perimeter-marked areas, divergent views still exist, some of which are quite serious.  This is no surprise.  The world is diversified and there are differences among countries in terms of security environment, military doctrine, and economic and scientific development.  Countries may think differently on possible ways to solve the AVL issue.  However, it should be pointed out that all parties share the same objective, namely, to seek proper solutions to the AVL issue and promote new substantial progress in the CCW process.   This is of special significance given the current overall sluggish situation in the field of international arms control and disarmament.

 Our work on the AVL issue is now at a crucial juncture.  Whether we can further narrow down divergences, enhance common ground and make breakthroughs relies on our confidence, determination and efforts.  So long as we can stick to the spirit of balance, pragmatism, consensus, mutual respect, and fully accommodate each other's concerns, we will certainly achieve the ultimate success.  The Questionnaire circulated by the Coordinator before this session is very necessary and timely.  It can help all parties further understand others' positions and concerns, and provide proper basis for our consideration on effective ways to move forward.

China fully understands the humanitarian concerns caused by AVL, and has been participating in the work of the GGE in a constructive manner.  Last August, with a view to pushing the AVL process forward, and by making great compromise, China presented a package solution to the AVL issue.  This package solution, which is inclusive, rather than exclusive, is aimed at seeking common ground while shelving differences.  It fully demonstrates China's sincerity in resolving the AVL issue.  We hope other parties can act in the same spirit and fully exercise flexibilities.   China is willing to further exchange views with other parties in a candid manner.

Mr. Chairman,

The Chinese Delegation would like to express its gratitude to you for your efforts in promoting universality of the CCW, establishing compliance mechanism of the Convention, and developing a sponsorship programme.  China will continue to actively participate in relevant discussions, and work with other parties to make its due contribution to promoting all the work of the GGE and a successful Review Conference of the CCW.  

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.