Recalling further its decision at the thirty-fifth session in resolution 35/150 to make every effort, in consideration of the political and security climate in the Indian Ocean area, particularly recent developments, as well as the progress made in the harmonization of views, to finalize, in accordance with its normal methods of work, all preparations for the Conference, including the dates for its convening,
Recalling the exchange of varied views in the Ad Hoc Committee on the Indian Ocean and noting that, while progress has been made, a number of issues remain to be resolved,
Noting also the exchange of views on the adverse political and security climate in the region, Noting that the Ad Hoc Committee has failed to reach consensus on the dates for the convening, during 1981, of the Conference on the Indian Ocean at Colombo,
Convinced that the continued military presence of the great Powers in the Indian Ocean area, conceived in the context of their confrontation, gives urgency to the need to take practical steps for the early achievement of the objectives of the Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace,
Considering that all other foreign military presence in the area, whenever it is contrary to the objectives of the Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace and the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, further gives greater urgency to the need to take practical steps towards the early achievement of the objectives of the Declaration,
Considering also that the creation of a zone of peace in the Indian Ocean requires the active participation of and full co-operation among the littoral and hinterland States, the permanent members of the Security Council and major maritime users to ensure conditions of peace and security based on the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations as well as the general principles of international law,
Considering further that the creation of a zone of peace requires co-operation and agreement among the States of the region to ensure conditions of peace and security within the area, as envisaged in the Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace, and respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the littoral and hinterland States,
Calling for renewing geniunely constructive efforts through the exercise of political will necessary for the achievement of the objectives of the Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace,
Deeply concerned at the danger posed by the grave and ominous developments in the area and the resulting sharp deterioriation of peace, security and stability which particularly seriously affect the littoral and hinterland States, as well as international peace and security,
Convinced that the continued deterioration of the political and security climate in the Indian Ocean area is an important consideration bearing on the question of the early convening of the Conference and that the easing of tension in the area would enhance the prospect of the Conference achieving success,
1. Takes note of the report of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Indian Ocean and the exchange of views in the Committee;
2. Regrets that the Ad Hoc Committee has failed to reach consensus on the finalization of dates for the convening, during 1981, of the Conference on the Indian Ocean;
3. Emphasizes its decision to convene the Conference on the Indian Ocean at Colombo as a necessary step for the implementation of the Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace, adopted in 1971;
4. Emphasizes also, in pursuance of this decision and in consideration of the political and security climate in the Indian Ocean area, its decision to request the Ad Hoc Committee to continue its efforts for the necessary harmonization of views on the remaining issues related to the convening of the Conference;
5. Requests the Ad Hoc Committee to continue its work on the necessary harmonization of views on the relevant issues including those set forth in paragraph 4 above and to make every effort to accomplish the necessary preparatory work for the Conference, including consideration of its convening not later than the first half of 1983;
6. Renews the mandate of the Ad Hoc Committee as defined in the relevant resolutions;
7. Requests the Ad Hoc Committee to hold further sessions in 1982 of a total duration of six weeks, including the holding of a meeting, at a venue outside New York to be decided upon;
8. Requests the Ad Hoc Committee to submit to the General Assembly at its second special session devoted to disarmament and at its thirty-seventh session reports on its work and on the implementation of the present resolution;
9. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to render all necessary assistance to the Ad Hoc Committee, including the provision of summary records.
