| (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."