(5)General Opinions Contained in the Non Working Paper
of the COPUOS of 1989
"(1) The geostationary
orbit is a limited natural resource and, therefore, its utilization should be
rational and equitable and for the benefit of all mankind, taking into account
the special needs of the developing countries and the geographical situation of
particular countries;
"(2) The
development of space science and technology applied in the utilization of the
geostationary orbit is of fundamental importance for the economic, social and
cultural development of the peoples of all States, in particular those of the
developing countries;
"(3) The
geostationary orbit should be used exclusively for peaceful purposes for the
benefit of all mankind through promoting international co-operation and
understanding;
"(4) The
geostationary orbit is an orbit which lies in the plane of Earth's equator.
Consequently its special physical nature and other attributes are derived from
its geographic relationship to the equatorial region, an area where the
equatorial countries are located;
"(5) All
States should be guaranteed in practice equitable access to the geostationary
orbit in accordance with articles 10 and 33 of the Nairobi ITU Convention. The
geostationary orbit should be used most efficiently and economically. Special
needs of the developing countries and the geographical situation of particular
countries, such as the equatorial countries, should be taken into account when
guaranteeing in practice the equitable access to the geostationary orbit."
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