Outer Space: Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Legal Subcommittee, 64th session, 1093rd meeting General Assembly Date: 16 May 2025 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/ar/asset/k1b/k1barau2je?lang=en Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- Legal Subcommittee · Chair [23:24]: Good afternoon. I now declare open the 1,093rd meeting of the Legal Subcommittee. Distinguished delegates, This afternoon we will continue and hopefully conclude our consideration of agenda item 14, report to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. I don't see any questions or comments on this proposed schedule. So distinguished delegates, let us now continue with our report. Muchas gracias. Thank you. Let us begin. Addendum 5. So as I was saying, let us go to Addendum 5 and paragraph 7 had said it wanted to add A text, and it has sent. Vamos a considerar este texto. Let. Distinguished delegation of Iran, you have the floor. Iran (Islamic Republic of) · Delegate [26:34]: Thank you, Chair. We just provided the Secretariat with the text, so I believe we can display it on the screen and the Secretariat can read it out and to see the outcome of it. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [26:50]: Thank you. UN · Secretariat [27:17]: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. The text provided by the distinguished delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran will be placed as paragraph 13-TER, and the text will read as follows. The view is expressed that consistent with Articles 1 and 2 of the Outer Space Treaty, no state, private entity, or individual may claim sovereign or exclusive ownership over celestial bodies or their resources. The delegation expressing the view was of the view that exclusionary approaches, unilateral actions, and establishment of national legal regimes seeking to regulate space activities through national frameworks, particularly concerning space resource exploration and extraction, pose serious threats to the fundamental principles of the Outer Space Treaty. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [28:19]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. Does any delegation have any comments to make on this paragraph proposed by Iran? Azerbaijan, you have the floor. Would any delegation like to take the floor? Asks the chair. This would be 13 ter. If not, then we can adopt it. Thank you. We'll proceed to— The Secretariat has the floor. UN · Secretariat [29:28]: Mr. Chairman, there's another paragraph proposed by the distinguished delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and we have received the text to be placed as paragraph 16bis. And the text reads as follows: The view was expressed that the challenge of technological divide among nations was a key issue in the exploitation of space resources, and that international cooperation Sharing of knowledge and transfer of technology could help reduce disparities in access to space activities and benefits among states. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [30:16]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. If there are no Comments? Or if there are— if no delegation wishes to make a comment on this 16 bis just introduced by Iran, we could proceed to its approval. It is so decided. That now concludes Addendum 5, which refers to Chapter 7, General Exchange of Views on Potential Legal Models. The UK has requested the floor. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [31:10]: Thank you, Chair, for giving me the floor. Could I ask the Secretariat to scroll down, I think, to paragraph 38? Yes, this, the paragraph 38, the view was also expressed by my delegation, so I believe this should be amended to some delegations expressed the view, sorry. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [31:39]: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So with that amendment, we can approve paragraph 38 if you all agree. And now the floor is for the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [32:08]: Thank you very much, Chair. I don't think that we have an objection. However, we do need to point out the second proposal for this para. I would suppose that that needs to be changed accordingly, right? Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [32:31]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. Very well. Can we now approve paragraph 38 as it now stands? And therefore, we have now concluded our consideration of Addendum 5, and it is therefore approved. Muchas gracias. Thank you. Another outstanding issue is on Addendum 14. We needed to have agreement with Leven of paragraph 15 of L335. Distinguished delegates, as I said, we will now consider Addendum 14 on the peaceful uses of outer space for new items to be considered by the Legal Subcommittee at its 65th session. And in this addendum, Australia— that the text of paragraph 11 Should align with paragraph 15 of L335. They both refer to a seminar by ECSL and IISL. en la pantalla. It will be up on the screen. Perdón, entonces llevo todo este rato hablando. So, if delegations Don't mind. Could you please check that the wording of paragraph 11 now agrees, and we can approve this point, this paragraph? Por consiguiente, aprobamos el. So paragraph 11 of Addendum 14 has now been approved. The US has requested the floor. United States of America [39:05]: Thank you. This is just a grammatical question. We're fine either way, but I believe in the earlier document it was particular factors to be taken into account. Either way is fine, but just requesting that we make sure that the two versions are aligned. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [39:21]: Thank you. Muchas gracias. Thank you. Damos por aprobados, si os parece, a las delegaciones. So if delegations agree, then paragraph 11 is approved and Addendum 14 as a whole. Thank you. Muchas gracias. A continuación, to the United Kingdom, as they had. requested amendments in Addendum 2, paragraph, paragraph 21. Thank you. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [40:33]: Thank you, Chair. Can you just clarify, um, which addendum we're looking at? Legal Subcommittee · Chair [40:38]: Thank you. By one of Sí, muchas gracias. Thank you. I understand that the United Kingdom paragraph 21 of the addendum. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [41:43]: Thank you, Chair. I believe we mentioned this in the morning session, but we're content to move forward. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [41:50]: Thank you very much. Pues muchísimas gracias a la delegación. Thank you very much to the United Kingdom. And I apologize. Let us now go on to, which is Addendum 8, which covers Agenda Item 3, General Exchange of Views. We have— We have— So in Addendum 8, Türkiye had requested the floor, paragraph 7bis. So you have the floor if you wish. Türkiye [43:26]: Thank you very much, Chair. Actually, we didn't ask for the floor But my colleague yesterday clarified this point. Since it is already covered in Addendum 5, there is no need for this paragraph because it was reflected as a whole in Addendum 5. I think it was paragraph 24 or 25. So as he said yesterday, there is no need. To add these 7Bs to this addendum. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [44:07]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. And so also under Addendum 8, we have to take into consideration Proposals for 13 bis, 13 ter, and 13 quarter, and 13 quinquiens. We have them here on the screen, and as they cover similar. Group together 13 bis and 13 ter in our consideration, and let's then go on to the next few paragraphs. So let's start with 13 bis, if you all agree. Aye. 13bis. Australia has the floor. Australia [45:37]: Thank you, Chair. Um, just in regards to one of the contributions my delegation made yesterday, On 13 ter, just with the first line, there's added text in 13 ter that says intended for consideration by the UNGA. We would just like that replicated in 13 bis as well, so it's consistent across both paragraphs, if that's okay. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [46:20]: So, do delegations have anything to say on 13 bis? Canada has the floor. Canada [46:32]: Thank you, Chair. So we discussed this issue yesterday of how to refer to this. Document, or whatever we're calling it. And I'd asked the question about how we refer to these texts, and a colleague of mine was actually able to refer me to guidance on the UN website about how we properly label these things. And the website says the General Assembly Rules of Procedure refer to such texts as proposals. So at the stage before they are adopted, they are considered proposals. So when referring to this document in both 13 bis and 13 ter, I would suggest then that we use the word proposal, that a proposal entitled, and then goes on. And the same thing in 13 ter, the proposal entitled X, and then the remainder of the paragraph is fine. And that way we're properly reflecting the status of what this is at this moment In time, thank you, Chair. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [47:35]: Muchas gracias. Con esta, thank you. Thank you for that information from Canada. So can we now approve 13 bis? Thank you. I would like to recall that what we are doing is recording the different points of view and statements made by delegations. So of course there is terminology to consider. I wanted to show that the points of view expressed by delegations, and thank you to Canada. For that comment and the correct wording. No sé si alguna delegación más quiere intervenir. I don't know if any other delegation would like to take the floor. So the proposal would be, and although I'm grateful to Canada, but. 13 bis is as proposed on the screen because this is accepted terminology and is more in line with what was expressed by the delegation. So let us now Approve 13 bis in this form. It is so decided. I now give the floor to Canada. Canada [51:08]: Some assistance because it looks like there's a little bit of confusion. Uh, what I was proposing, that some delegations expressed the view that the proposal entitled, quote, Space Science and technology for promoting peace would not be endorsed through consensus. That's the idea. Now, it could be proposal for draft United Nations resolution or just proposal. That's what I was proposing for both 13bis and 13ter. And if that's acceptable to everyone, then hopefully that then could be adopted in that form. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [51:38]: Thank you. Speaker 26 [51:39]: I would ask those delegations to express the view that's agreeable to them, because This view belongs to the delegation who expressed that. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [51:48]: Yeah, delegation to share this last proposal. Muchas gracias. Thank you. I would like to ask delegations whether you now approve the wording of 13bis. Very well. So this will be the wording used, and we have now approved 13bis in its new— with its new wording. Now 13 turns. So, Czech Republic has requested the floor. Czechia [53:25]: I would like to thank the distinguished delegate of Canada for his proposal. Therefore, I would like to take back our proposal from yesterday for the wording of intended for consideration by the UNGA. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [53:37]: Thank you. Muchas gracias a la delegación de Chequia. Thank you. Now I give the floor to Australia. Australia [53:49]: Thank you, Chair. I'm sorry just to take the floor for another time, but I think potentially grammatically it would read better if it was a draft. Unga resolution, but I'm happy to be corrected. I just thought grammatical sense that might be more effective here. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [54:14]: Would any other delegation like to take the floor on? This paragraph, the Russian Federation. No, you haven't requested the floor, but you can if you want. Russian Federation [54:43]: Thank you, Chair. We'd like clarification. and get qualified advice and a qualified opinion, probably from the legal services, as to what we're really dealing with. We had a proposal given by a delegation, in this case, this delegation. Now, changes are being made. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [55:13]: Thank you. Russian Federation [55:17]: I mean, by the distinguished members of the committee. We, in our proposal, made our statement just as it was reflected on the screen. And from our point of view, it appropriately reflects what we were seeking to express. We're grateful to delegates for their attempts to modify what we were trying to express, but we don't really think that that is appropriate. So we'd like to leave 13 TER just as we had proposed it. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [56:04]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. The Secretariat has the floor. UN · Secretariat [56:10]: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. This paragraph belongs to the delegation who expressed the view. Whether how it's expressed, any part of it belongs to that delegation. So it should remain as how it was expressed and already expressed. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [56:37]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. Australia has requested the floor. Australia [57:06]: Thank you, Chair, and I'm sorry to have to come in again. Um, I just wanted to thank the Russian delegation for its views. I fully appreciate that this is their view that they're expressing. I just have a couple of concerns with the way that the original drafting, um, characterizes the document in question. I think the original drafting, on its face, it could be read as if it has been already tabled at UN General Assembly. Thank you. So I just want to make sure that that's clear, the status of the document now, and there's no confusion there in the text. I'm flexible on how we do that, but I just want to make sure that that's clear in the text, appreciating at the same time that it's a view of a specific delegation. Thank you, Chair. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [57:57]: Thank you. Secretary, it has the floor. UN · Secretariat [58:00]: Mr. Chairman, according to the Our records, the draft resolution was at least once submitted to the General Assembly during its 78th session as A/C.4/78/L.5. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [58:26]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. Canada has the floor, and then the UK. Canada [59:29]: Uh, thank you, Chair. If I heard correctly, I think someone, perhaps the Secretariat, had said that it had been already tabled at the UN General Assembly. Therefore, it would have an L number, would it not? Does it have an L number? Okay, if that's the case, you can put that in there if you'd like. Um, but anyways, in, in the interest of showing maximum flexibility, if you want to keep 13 ter as expressed by that delegation, you know, we've said before we, we try to respect the views that are expressed, so that's fine. I discussed with the proponent of 13 bis, and they're happy to have the correct terminology reflected in the report so it's consistent with actual UN practice. So, um, from our point of view, uh, that could be the, the way out here. Thank you, Chair. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:00:14]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. The United Kingdom has the floor. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:00:24]: Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Of course, we're in your hands, but I think it's also important to consider the reader. Now, I understand that statements were made And that this expresses what was said in the room. But I think we also have to have a kind of editorial view on it, whether or not this is a statement of fact or whether it's an opinion. And if it's not a factual statement, then therefore we need to show that it was the opinion of the party that expressed the view rather than a reflection of the reality that we have in the world. That's our obligation to the reader, because otherwise it's misleading. And I would suggest that actually we need to retain the also expressed the view that, and I do think that we also need to show that the consultations that were happening on this draft resolution were so that we could prepare the way for the future discussions. So as far as I understand it, the Russian Federation asked us to consider and participate in informal sessions on this draft resolution so that we may prepare the way for their session at the General Assembly. I don't think that that's contradictory to what they actually said in their statement, but it isn't quite reflected in this draft. So of course we're happy to work on the language, of course we're flexible, but we do need to report in a way that isn't misleading to the reader, whilst also, of course, reflecting what was said in the room. We don't want to change the words of anybody. But at the moment, I don't think we're quite there. One way that we could do it is to say, as I think has been suggested elsewhere before, the draft UN General Assembly resolution that has been prepared for or that is being considered or something like this. But of course, we're happy to go with the proponents of this language and see what they would like to suggest. But I don't think that we can agree to something that is factually misleading. Otherwise, I think that's a kind of downward slope. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:04:01]: Sí, muchas gracias. Thank you. So this chair would like to thank all the delegations that have taken the floor on the wording of 13bis and the following paragraph. It's clear that there was never any aim to change the content of the paragraph. It was just to make the text clearer, but as you know, time is not on our side, and we have to consider, as pointed out, this proposal comes from a specific delegation. And the delegation of the Russian Federation, if they agree with the wording, then we could go ahead because the problem is not with the contents, and therefore hopefully we can approve this paragraph. The UK has the floor. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:05:27]: Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Unfortunately, I have to respectfully slightly disagree, not fully disagree, but slightly, because as an example, the view is expressed that the draft United Nations General Assembly resolution, then the title, was aimed— now it's a draft resolution that will be submitted to the General Assembly in the future. So it is aimed— Okay. This is where it's slightly misleading, and I think it's not a big deal. It's not something that we're hugely stressed about. It's just that we want to get the language right so that when somebody reads it, they understand the context and therefore are not misled by the words. And I do think that actually the statement from the Russian Federation that I heard was correct and factually correct. So I think the language is just slightly off from what was actually said in the room. We're very happy to work on it and in the full flexibility and also in the spirit of cooperation that governs our interactions here. It's just little, little mistakes like that that make it seem as if it's something that has been done when actually it's a discussion that is going to take place in the future. Yeah, so this is, this is our issue. So I think it's grammatical, it's technical, and it's something that we can work on in the margins, if that's okay with you, Mr. Chair. And apologies for taking the floor again. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:06:57]: Thank you. Thank you. Well, let's continue with the outstanding paragraphs of Addendum 8, which would be 13 quater and 13 quinquiens. Los tienen en pantalla. They are here on the screen. Y entonces consideran las delegaciones que. So, do delegations consider we can now adopt thirteen quarter? Okay, approved. And now 13, quinquennials, which you also have on the screen. Would any delegation like to take the floor? Okay, then we can now approve this paragraph. It is so decided. Thank you. So that brings us to the end of Addendum 8. Except for 13 bis and 13 ter. I'll give the floor to the Russian Federation and then Argentina. Russian Federation, please. Russian Federation [1:09:11]: Thank you, Chair. I see that in the 4th line there have been a lot of additions. I don't know if we need so many figures. If that's the official document number— no, I'm saying actually the opposite. So maybe what we would take out would be the 76/76 and instead leave what we have there. If, as I said, that was the official document number. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:09:48]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. Argentina has the floor. Argentina [1:09:58]: Gracias, señor presidente. Thank you, Chair. It's not on these paragraphs. It's before we We finish this. I would like to change what we said with eight bis and eight ter. I'd like to add something to that, please. If we could see it on the screen, please. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:10:25]: Sí, la delegación de Canadá. Canada has the floor. Se refiere al párrafo. Is it on paragraphs thirteen? No le importa entonces a la So, Argentina, can we go later? Canada [1:10:41]: The final line, I think there does need to be a correction. It's the delegation expressing that view also expressed the view that additional, etc., etc., etc. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:10:57]: Correcto. Muchas gracias. Thank you. Thank you. So now those 2 paragraphs have been approved. With the wording as it now stands, can we approve these 2 paragraphs? Muchas gracias. Thank you. That's 13 quater and 13 quinquiens. Now Argentina has the floor. Argentina [1:11:48]: It's 8 bis. We would just like to add at the end in English that this statement applies to all items of the agenda. That way it makes life easier for the Secretariat. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:12:36]: Thank you. Thank you. Do delegations agree? With this new wording for 8bis, then we can also adopt it. Thank you. And the Russian Federation has the floor. Russian Federation [1:13:23]: Thank you, Chairman. Perhaps it might make sense to look at what we have remaining to agree on in 13 of this document. 13. So on 13 ter and the way that it's reflected, we heard the view that the draft resolution to the UNGA Is listed as such in CRP 7. And I'll read it— I'll read out the index. A/AC.105/C.1. 2024. 2024, rather, /crp.7. And there it says, Draft Resolution, United Nations General Assembly, Space Science and Technology for Promoting Peace, which is how we have it Reflected in the text. Furthermore, we took a look in the search engine, and there the document is named the same, the same way. So the search system of the of USA draft General Assembly resolution Space Science and Technology for Promoting So we would have questions to those who are saying that it's something else and something isn't clear here. We think it's pretty clear. It's pretty clear where we got the name from, as well as the status of the document. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:15:45]: La delegación del Reino Unido. The UK has the floor. Thank you. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:15:50]: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank you too for this explanation to the distinguished delegate from the Russian Federation. I think this is where I'm slightly confused because they had submitted, and we discussed I think at the last STSC or the one before, a draft resolution. My understanding was that that was withdrawn, or it was submitted, I don't know, maybe that's the question for the, for the Russian Federation. And then they've held informals on an updated version of that resolution, which is now a draft resolution which they intend to submit. So this is where it gets a bit complicated, because I'm not sure if that— if this one is talking about the draft from last year that was submitted, or the new draft from this year, but it seems me with that number that was just given that we're talking about the one from last year. So maybe we need to just add a date or something to make it clear, because it's just— it's very unclear to me, and I've been following this, so I don't know what it would be like for the reader. And that's really my only concern, that we just reflect our discussions here in a way that's understandable to somebody that hasn't participated in the sessions, so that they're able to understand what's happening, what's been said, And of course, we need to reflect what was said by the distinguished delegates. I'm not trying to take words or change words that they've said. So is it the one from this year that we had informal consultations on, or the one from 2023? This is the question. But maybe through you, Chair, to the Russian Federation. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:17:29]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. If you agree, podemos adelantar a menos que la unless the Russian Federation would like to take the floor now, we could continue with the rest of our work and then go on go on to Addendum Eleven now. And then deal with these issues. Muchas gracias. Turno la palabra a la delegación. Thank you. I give the floor to the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [1:18:16]: Thank you very much, Chairman. We think that here. There's nothing secretive or unusual going on. It's all rather clear. I gave you the index. It's from 2024, and it's a draft resolution, and you'll find it under that name in 2024 as well as now. So I was just I'm told that indeed it did have an index, as the Secretariat said, A/C.4/78/L5. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:19:09]: Thank you. Russian Federation [1:19:23]: So the document from 2024 with that name came with that name into 2025. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:19:34]: Thank you. Very well. Thank you. The UK has the floor. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:19:45]: Apologies for taking the floor, and let me just thank the distinguished delegate from the Russian Federation for this explanation. Um, I don't think we thought there was anything secretive, so we just wanted to understand so that we can have clarity for ourselves. Maybe then we could include a footnote with the reference to the, to the document, and that would be— that would make it a lot clearer, and I thank for the explanation because it made it clearer for me also to understand. And with that, I think we can be flexible because it now is, is clearer, if that's okay for the distinguished delegation from the, from the Russian Federation. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:20:28]: Thank you. Russian Federation, you have the floor. Russian Federation [1:20:46]: Thank you again, Chairman. If that works and makes the situation clearer, then that's fine for us. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:21:00]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. Thank you to all delegations that have contributed to this. So So now I'd like to ask delegations whether, with the wording now on the screen, Can we adopt 13-Turn now? It is so decided. Thank you. So with the approval of those paragraphs, that means Addendum 8. So that's Addendum 8 of L335. The general exchange of views has now been adopted. Egypt has the floor. Egypt [1:22:53]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Can I make a small amendment to paragraph— if you allow me. May I suggest through you to the room that we welcome the establishment of ISARDAF was informed. This is a very important milestone for Africa and the first regional comprehensive space agency in the continent. And I think it would be important for all of us to reflect support. So instead of wording was informed, that we make it that the subcommittee welcomed the establishment of the African Space Agency. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:23:59]: Consideran las delegaciones. Do delegations? Queda por consiguiente. Therefore adopted. That amendment to paragraph 14 is adopted. So it's the subcommittee welcomes. Okay. Okay, so that paragraph is adopted. And as I was saying, that means that we can now close our consideration of Addendum 8. I'd like to ask delegations if we can now adopt Addendum 8 on the general exchange of views. So now let us go 1, 2, Addendum 11. 1, 2, Addendum 11. Muchas gracias. Thank you, distinguished delegates. Let us now go on to the outstanding questions of addendum 11, exchange of views on the legal aspects of space traffic management. And Germany has the floor with regards to paragraph 18. Thank you. Germany [1:26:35]: Thank you, Chair. I was just confused because I saw another flag in the room. So, after lunch, I can say that while we clearly do not dispute the accuracy of the wording suggested by the Secretariat, we hope that it could be easier adapted by consensus if the sentence ends after committee. And we hope that this would give the basis for consensus. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:27:07]: Thank you very much. Muchas gracias. Thank you. Mexico has requested the floor. Mexico [1:27:19]: Muchas gracias. Thank you, Chair. Our delegation sent the Secretariat a proposal to add 17 bis I don't know if now is the time to talk about that, or I guess I'm not sure how many paragraphs you have on your list. Perhaps the Secretariat could read out our paragraph. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:28:02]: Thank you. We will deal with Mexico's paragraph, but first we need to close paragraph 18 in the wording now up on the screen. Consideran las delegaciones que podemos aprobar. Can delegations now approve paragraph 18? Muy bien, queda por consiguiente aprobado. Muchas gracias. Okay, adopted. Volvemos entonces a Let us now go back to Mexico's proposal 17 bis. Which is now up on the screen. Do we have to read it? Si le pido a la. I will just ask the secretariat to read it out. UN · Secretariat [1:29:09]: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. The paragraph that was just introduced by the distinguished delegate of Mexico. The subcommittee noted the importance of further discussing legal and policy aspects of space traffic, including the interests of developing countries and emerging spacefaring nations, complementing the discussions on space situational awareness in the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, and that the committee should be able to rely on the expertise of both of its subcommittees with a view to produce tangible outcomes for the Unispace 4 process. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:29:52]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. Do delegations now consider that we can approve paragraph 17 bis? Quedan por consiguiente Egypt has the floor. Thank you. And then China. Egypt [1:30:16]: Thank you, Chair. Just to express our support to the inclusion of this paragraph and to thank our distinguished colleague from Mexico for introducing it, we believe that incorporating the element of the interests of developing countries and emerging spacefaring nations in our discussions, including in STM, is very crucial and important, and it's in line with what we have been calling for to consolidate support to developing countries. While Egypt is still studying the idea of establishing a study group, but at least when incorporate these elements will help us to move forward and together as per our idea to consolidate benefit sharing for developing countries. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:31:10]: Thank you to Egypt, and now I'll give the floor to China. China [1:31:17]: Thank you, Chair. We also welcome the new paragraph We're considering the relationship between the items on the 2 subcommittees. We're not so sure complementing is correctly reflecting the relationship between the items on the 2 subcommittees. We're also thinking of finding a more accurate term to describe this. Here, does complementing mean that we need to start the work at the scientific subcommittee in the first place to be followed by the discussions at the legal subcommittee, or these 2 things will be conducted simultaneously? So we are thinking about the term. So please give us some time to consider that. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:32:31]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. And the Russian Federation has also requested the floor. Russian Federation [1:32:45]: Thank you, Chairman. We have a rather positive view about this proposal. We have a number of clarifications. For an example, in the last line it says tangible outcomes for the Unispace 4 process. So we'd like to ask what process means here. What are you including? Might we not just put the period out after UNISPACE 4? Because we're talking about tangible outcomes of the conference for UNISPACE 4. So maybe we don't need the word process. I think it's pretty clear that we're talking about a conference here. And we would suggest an addition in the 3rd line where we talk about the discussions. The concept of space traffic management. And concept of space traffic management. On the concept of space traffic and, and space situational awareness. And it goes on as follows. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:34:25]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. Would any other delegation like to take the floor? Pakistan requested the floor. Pakistan [1:34:36]: Thank you, Chair. And we just wanted to echo support to this proposal by the delegation of Mexico. We think it's important to have this conversation. We just had this proposal just to add, add Perhaps Unispace 4 conference, but I think the delegation of the Russian Federation has a better proposal just to have a full stop at the end of Unispace 4. Thank you very much. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:35:06]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. Panama has the floor. Panama [1:35:14]: Muchas gracias, señor presidente. Speaker 85 [1:35:16]: Thank you, Chair, for giving us the floor. We would just like to support the proposal for 17 bis as tabled by Mexico because we do think this is an important discussion on really important issues regarding working groups within COPOS and its subcommittees. It reflects the importance of that work and space as something of interest to the whole of humanity. Thank you to Panama for that statement. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:36:18]: And now China has the floor. China [1:36:21]: Thank you, Chair. You use the term, uh, taking into account to take place complementing We are not native speakers, but the complementing here, it means that indicates the priority between the work of the 2 subcommittees. But we believe that we are not supposed to prejudge the— which is priority between these 2 working processes. So we suggest to— Panama [1:36:58]: Using the new term taking into account rather than complementing. Thank you. Muchas gracias. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:37:07]: Thank you. France has requested the floor. France [1:37:11]: Thank you, Chair. I would like to delete the word management. That's in 17 bis. Muchas gracias. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:37:28]: Thank you. Now Mexico has the floor. Mexico [1:37:34]: Thank you, Chair. I would like to thank the delegations who have made proposals and additions and those who have expressed their support for this paragraph. I'm trying to think of options that can include the ideas expressed so far. The proposal made by the Russian Federation was not in square brackets. That was on the concept of. So the Secretariat can Leave it in actually in brackets until we consult on how to take on board all the ideas expressed. So yes, up to on and then close the square bracket because the next bit of text was already in that proposed. So the square brackets would start before on, on the concept of. So on the concepts of would be in square brackets. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:38:55]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. Muchas gracias. Thank you. So for this Addendum 11, I think the United States had requested the floor this morning on this addendum. United States of America [1:39:34]: Thank you, Chair. We really appreciated the evolution of this addendum since then. And after further consultations, we have no further comments. It is all acceptable to us. The only small note we would ask is whether before in 17B, whether we should say UNISPACE for dropping the the before it. But we defer to the Secretariat on what the proper way to refer to UNISPACE is there. Either way is fine by us. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:40:09]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. Distinguished delegates, let us now continue. With some of the outstanding issues with Addendum 5, the Russian Federation had requested an amendment to paragraph 28. So we can give the floor to the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [1:44:26]: Thank you very much, Chairman. Yes, it's true, we would have a small amendment to 5, and we're sorry for the delay. Our proposal has to do with correcting the reflection of our position That would be para 28 ter. We would like to change the wording of the last sentence. We sent our proposal to the Secretariat, and I'll try. Yes, might I ask that you put that on the screen, please? What we sent. And I can read it out again. UN · Secretariat [1:45:16]: The delegation— that delegation also expressed the view that it was necessary to develop a mechanism to monitor space resource activities, which was an important task of the working group. Russian Federation [1:45:31]: This is the wording that most accurately reflects our position and what we said during during the discussion. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:45:46]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. Procede entonces. So may I ask delegations If they can approve 28 ter from Addendum 5. Podemos darlo por aprobado. Can we approve it? It is so decided. Thank you. Therefore, can we now go back to our consideration of 17bis? Mexico has the floor. Mexico [1:46:51]: Thank you, Chair. Believe the changes are correct, and so we can remove the square brackets. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:47:34]: Thank you to Mexico and the delegations that made contributions. And the Russian Federation now has the floor. Russian Federation [1:47:48]: Yes, thank you, Chairman. We had the impression that after consultations with the delegation of Mexico, we had understood one another, namely that we're talking about the same thing, that is management, space traffic management. So we don't think it's right to delete that. That, to delete management. And actually, that's what it is on the agenda: general exchange of view on the legal aspects of space traffic management. Uh, so we're not reinventing the wheel. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:48:41]: Thank you. France has the floor. France [1:48:45]: Thank you, Chair. I would, would like to thank the Russian Federation and to Mexico. I just wanted to recall that this paragraph refers to 2 initiatives that took place at the same time in the Legal Subcommittee, and the CRP referred to space traffic and not management. And another initiative was in the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee on space situational awareness. So to be consistent with that work, And to include all our comments, I would say we still need to keep the word management out. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:49:45]: Thank you. Pakistan has the floor. Pakistan [1:49:48]: Thank you, Chair. And this is just an attempt to facilitate. We heard that right now in the third line where it says taking into account, and perhaps to reflect that the, the equal footing of discussions at the STAC and LSE, perhaps if we could add instead of taking into account, alongside and on equal footing with. Okay. Just to reflect the equality of discussions, but we remain flexible with this proposal. Thank you very much. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:50:38]: Thank you. Perdón, la Federación Rusa. Russian Federation, you have the floor. Russian Federation [1:51:42]: Thank you very much, Chair. We would like to point out the attention of all distinguished delegates to the fact that on the agenda, the item for the discussion is called Space Traffic Management, and the working group also. And during the plenaries, we discussed just that, the legal and political aspects of space traffic management and not space traffic. Space traffic is a process. It is a physical process. How, I'm sorry, could there be legal or political aspects there too? The political and legal aspects pertain to some sort of regulatory instrument which we're trying to craft, and that Is what we discussed. We discussed what could be included in space traffic management. And I'd like to point out the document which was proposed by the initiators of the discussion, which reflects that we should be looking at the scope definition, which we all put that together and call a concept. And And that is the reason that we're saying concepts of space traffic management rather than the concept of space traffic, which is reactive motion and ballistics, mechanics. What could be discussed there? Thank you. Yes, one more thing. And the same change should be made in the second Also, policy aspects of space traffic management. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:53:38]: Argentina has the floor. Argentina [1:53:40]: Thank you, Chair. Just to say that we too consider that management— the word management should be kept, and I don't I don't want to split too many hairs, but we still don't have a UNISPACE 4. So I would say tangible outcomes for the future or the possible UNISPACE 4, or words to that effect. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:54:09]: Muchas gracias. France has the floor. France [1:54:28]: Thank you to the delegations who have expressed their views. As I said, there was not management included in the initiative So the subcommittee— we cannot accept the subcommittee's endorsement of that. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:55:25]: Brazil has the floor. Brazil [1:55:26]: Mr. Chair, Brazil as well understands that space waste management, it's the correct term, but if it works, we can arrange like some delegations express the view, the importance, and blah, blah, blah. That's it. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:55:52]: Thank you. Thank you. France has the floor. France [1:56:02]: Thank you to the distinguished delegate of Brazil, and we can accept that formulation. Thank you. With some delegations— the word some delegations. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:57:08]: The Secretariat has the floor in order to read out the text. China has requested the floor. China [1:57:25]: Thank you, Chair. We have no objection about the specific wording. Just one thing to clarify. My delegation just was— just tried to seek for the balance between the discussion in the Legal Subcommittee and SDSC. just now, but now the wording— again, we are not native speakers, but it looks like it's addressing the relation between legal policy aspects and the discussion about the concepts rather than talking about the relation between the 2 subcommittees. I'm not sure, just I need assistance from the native speaker in this regard offered from the Secretaries. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:58:22]: Would any delegation like to take the floor? The United States. United States of America [1:58:31]: We would just like to agree with the distinguished delegate of China that we would prefer that both paragraphs begin with subcommittee just to reflect the equal footing of the STSC and LSC proposals. We are also of the view, you know, our preferred term is not management, but we could live with it in this case, or if perhaps there needs to be a sentence at the end noting that some delegations Prefer the term space traffic or something. There could be a creative way to get everybody comfortable here, so I hope we can all be flexible with that regard. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:59:12]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. Muchas gracias. Thank you. The chair would like to remind you that we have to conclude our session by 6 PM. So I would encourage delegations to make progress with our consideration of outstanding agenda items. The Russian Federation has the floor. Russian Federation [2:03:48]: Thank you very much, Chair. We have an organizational question. Delegates are meeting. Perhaps the Secretariat might tell us what documents we still have left to look at. 1, 2, or 3, because we have our own list, but I'm not sure. Perhaps it's not correct. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:04:12]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. I'll give the floor to the Secretariat. UN · Secretariat [2:04:19]: Mr. Chairman, this paragraph 17 bis is the only substantive paragraph that's still pending, and the only other we're going The only decisional— procedural paragraph that's pending is the paragraph— Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:04:38]: where is it? UN · Secretariat [2:04:40]: The last paragraph in document L335. Sorry. Paragraph 18, which is to adapt the present reports. So those 2 paragraphs are still pending. Thank you very much. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:05:11]: Delegación Argentina, por favor. I give the floor to Argentina. Argentina [2:05:16]: Thank you, Chair. We would prefer it to say the subcommittee And secondly, there's an agenda item called Space Traffic Management, and it's referring to the Pact of the Future. And you know that Argentina has disassociated itself from that. I think Space Traffic would cover everything. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:06:01]: France has the floor. France [2:06:02]: Thank you, Chair. We didn't want space traffic management, and now I see that, that it's mentioned twice now, so I'm not sure if that is progress. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:07:52]: And now I give the floor to Greece. Greece [2:07:56]: No, no, Mr. Chairman, no, we didn't ask for the floor. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:08:00]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. France has the floor. France [2:08:30]: Thank you, Chair, and thank you to all delegations who try to help us reach consensus. In the spirit of consensus, we are ready to accept one reference to space traffic management, the first one, so we would keep the subcommittee, and but we want to delete the second reference to management towards the end of the paragraph. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:09:04]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. Perdón, la delegación de Indonesia, por favor. Indonesia has the floor. Indonesia [2:09:20]: Thank you, Chair. We would like to accelerate our discussion to have a report. For the 17bis, we could go along with France's position. I think we have to maintain the word management because the title of the item agenda is Space Traffic Management. So for the first part, we can use management, but the second part, we can omit the management. And probably if you want to further elaborate, some delegation would further elaborate the wording of management, they can also revise the 17th term. But in essence, we can second the opinion of France. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:10:03]: Thank you. Thank you. Greece has requested the floor. Greece [2:10:29]: Chairman, this time we ask for the floor just to offer an alternative proposal which might cover all the preoccupations expressed so far. If we say the The subcommittee noted the importance of further discussing legal and policy aspects of space traffic, because this is the concept, space traffic, comma, and after the word space traffic to put a comma and say, including space traffic management, comma, the interests of developing countries, and then up to the end as it is now. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:11:03]: Thank you. Thank you. Muchas gracias. Thank you. La delegación de México. Mexico, then France. Mexico [2:11:22]: Thank you, Chair, and thank you to Greece for that proposal. The only thing is we would like to highlight the flexibility shown by delegations, and if it's acceptable to Greece, we prefer to keep the prior proposal, the subcommittee, and leave the first reference to management in the second line and delete the one in the fourth line, if that is an acceptable alternative, whilst thanking everyone for their flexibility. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:12:11]: Thank you, France. France [2:12:13]: Thank you, Chair, and thank you to the distinguished delegate of Mexico. And I agree, I just wanted to point out, although I think we have that agreement, so we can delete 17 tera. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:12:32]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. Any other requests for the floor? Russian Federation, you have the floor. Russian Federation [2:12:44]: Thank you very much, Chairman. I would like to point out to the Secretariat and the distinguished delegates that we've agreed that there has to be strict compliance with the agenda and what's contained therein. The agenda has an item on discussion of the various aspects of the management of space traffic. We do not have an item discussing ballistics. Ballistics, though, would be what space traffic is. That is the reason that we say in the working groups, as well as under the related agenda item, had discussions on the issue of space traffic management rather than the matter of ballistics or space traffic. That is my first point. I would also like to note that we had no discussion on space situational awareness, and there is no such agenda item for that reason, if we are unable now to agree on the text which was proposed by the Russian Federation, given that we have the subcommittee later on, and we demonstrated flexibility by not taking out space situational awareness, I would be ready to agree with the proposal to delete not just 17 ter, but even 17 bis as well. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:14:41]: Thank you. The US has the floor. United States of America [2:15:14]: Thank you, Chair. Well noted on the point from our distinguished colleague of the Russian delegation regarding keeping to the titles of the agenda items. agenda items. So perhaps we keep the first reference to space traffic management, and the second we would delete management. Speaker 147 [2:15:35]: Are you sure? United States of America [2:15:35]: No, uh, other way around. Wait, other way around. Okay, sorry. First we delete management because that is written in the German CRP. It is quoted as space traffic only. So that is what is reflected in their document. But we could keep perhaps the reference to management in the second place because that is the title of the agenda item in LSC. So perhaps that's a compromise that might work for all parties. Thank you for your consideration. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:16:12]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. Distinguished delegates, the wording of the paragraph including the comments and suggestions from different delegations, is now on the screen. And I'd like to ask delegations to read 17bis and see if we can adopt it. Thank you. Thank you. I now give the floor to the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [2:17:51]: Thank you, Chairman. Our experts are saying that unfortunately we would be unable to support this text. Without retaining the reference to management of space traffic in the second line. Yes, I guess we've understood, and thank you for the clarification from the US, but I think we heard reference to the CRP. Now, It is our understanding that the CRP is a working document. That's its status. We and our experts instead are referring to an agenda item which we all adopted and which is based on consensus as a document, and which, as I said, talks about space traffic management, and we've all agreed on that. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:18:50]: Thank you. Russian Federation [2:18:51]: And that is the terminology which we are proposing that be used here. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:18:59]: Thank you. Thank you. The chair— this chair considers that having used up so much time on the consideration of this paragraph, 17 bis. There is no agreement on its inclusion in draft— in the draft addendum under consideration. So, well, France speaking now. France [2:20:07]: In the first Place we could say further discussing legal and policy aspects of space traffic management, and then talk about a dedicated item. Entre Oui, voilà. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:20:35]: Yes, that's it. France [2:20:44]: Du coup, retirer concept. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:20:47]: And then we could delete concept. France [2:20:49]: Non, juste concept, on peut garder. On peut garder spécifiquement. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:21:12]: For the— we can accept space traffic coordination for the first one. And for the second— France [2:21:30]: And the second, we would delete concept and just leave space traffic management there next to dedicated item. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:23:47]: Distinguished delegates, this chair has borne witness to the difficulties in reaching agreement on this text for 17bis, and therefore I will give the floor to France. France [2:24:13]: Thank you, Chair. In fact, you can remove those square brackets around the second space traffic management. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:25:14]: I would ask delegations To conclude our deliberations on 17 bis, perhaps we can consider the original wording by Mexico. As Mexico made the proposal in the first place. Thank you. Muchas gracias. Thank you. The original proposal said some delegations and not the subcommittee. No era así. Perdón, ya nos estamos haciendo. Okay, now we're all getting mixed up. La consideración de este párrafo. We're all getting mixed up with this paragraph. I would like to ask delegations to conclude our deliberation of this paragraph. I give the floor to the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [2:29:00]: Thank you, Chairman. Thank you, Chairman. We need a few minutes for I would like to ask for a few minutes for discussion because there's quite a lively discussion happening on my right, on my left, behind me, in front of me, and perhaps we will find some sort of a solution with the sponsor of this para. Just a few minutes, please, Chair. Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:29:24]: Just a few minutes. Okay, let's take a 5-minute break. Thank you. Distinguidas delegaciones, por favor, vamos a retomar la sesión. Dear delegates, let's continue with our work. Distinguished delegates. Distinguished delegaciones. Distinguished delegates. First of all, I would like to say that there is a cell phone, a mobile phone here that's been found. So if anybody is missing their phone, please let the Secretariat know. And now I will give the floor to Mexico. Mexico [2:41:04]: Muchas gracias, Presidente. Thank you, Chair. We revised a proposal kindly made by the Secretariat after talking with delegations who were discussing this addition, and apparently it is feasible. The Secretariat has the text. And perhaps we can read it. I think that is what we are meant to do, and we'd be great. We're grateful to everyone for their flexibility. Thank you. Perhaps the secretariat can now read out the paragraph. UN · Secretariat [2:41:57]: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. The revised proposal for this text for the 17 bis. Is— read as follows. The subcommittee noted the importance of further discussing legal and policy aspects of space traffic management, taking into account the interests of developing countries and emerging spacefaring nations, and giving equal consideration to the work of both subcommittees, and that the committee should be able to rely on expertise of both of its subcommittees with a view to produce tangible outcomes for a possible Unispace Forum. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:42:43]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. So can we Approve this paragraph, 17 bis. Apparently, there are no requests for the floor, so we have now adopted 17 bis. Thank you. So, with the adoption of that paragraph, that brings us. El documento el So now we proceed to— well, I'll give the floor to the Secretariat. UN · Secretariat [2:43:39]: Thank you. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:44:25]: The Secretariat has the floor. UN · Secretariat [2:44:27]: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. This is the last paragraph pending, and it's paragraph 18 of document L.335, and it should read as follows. 1093rd meeting on 16th of May, the subcommittee adopted the present report and concluded the work of its 64th session. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:45:02]: So, may I take it that this paragraph is adopted? Thank you. We've now adopted paragraph 18, which means we have now adopted L335. Thank you, distinguished delegates. We have now adopted all parts of the report of the Legal Subcommittee to the Committee on the— Can I take it that the subcommittee adopts the report as a whole, as amended? I see no objections. The report of the Legal Subcommittee to the Committee on the Peaceful is adopted as a whole. Delegates, we have concluded our consideration of agenda item 14, report to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Distinguished delegates, I would like to thank you. You have done over the last two weeks, and thank you for your cooperation and flexibility shown by all of you. I'm pleased to see that the adopted the report. And as I tried to say yesterday when we embarked on this agenda item, it is very important to do this, to approve the report for the— our subcommittee and corpus itself, and indeed space law. Thank you to the Secretariat for their Thank you, everybody, for their work. Thank you to the interpreters and conference room staff. It has been an honor for me to chair this subcommittee, and it has been really pleasant to be a member of the COP Thank you, distinguished delegates. I now declare closed the 1093rd meeting of the Legal Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Thank you.