Prevention of an arms race in outer space

Reaffirms the importance and urgency of preventing an arms race in outer space, and the readiness of all States to contribute to that common objective; calls upon all States, in particular those with major space capabilities, to contribute actively to the objective of the peaceful use of outer space and of the prevention of an arms race in outer space and to refrain from actions contrary to that objective and to the relevant existing treaties in the interest of maintaining international peace and security and promoting international cooperation; reiterates that the Conference on Disarmament, as the single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum, has the primary role in the negotiation of a multilateral agreement or agreements, as appropriate, on the prevention of an arms race in outer space in all its aspects; invites the Conference on Disarmament to finalize the examination of the mandate contained in its decision of 13 Feb. 1992, with a view to updating it as appropriate, thus providing for the reestablishment of the Ad Hoc Committee during the 1999 session of the Conference on Disarmament; recognizes, in this respect, the growing convergence of views on the elaboration of measures designated to strengthen transparency, confidence and security in the peaceful uses of outer space; urges States conducting activities in outer space, as well as States interested in conducting such activities, to keep the Conference on Disarmament informed of the progress of bilateral and multilateral negotiations on the matter, if any, so as to facilitate its work.

Adopted 165-0-4, 79th meeting

3 p.

Adopted at the 79th plenary meeting, 4 Dec. 1998.