situation. E/CN.4/Sub.2/1990/SR.l8 page 11 75. Mr. ALFONSO MARTINEZ, referring to Mr. Chernichenko's comment on rule 52, said that the Sub-Commission obviously had a proposal before it. Moreover, rule 78 stated that the rules of procedure might be suspended "provided 24 hours notice of the proposal for suspension had been given". Rule 52 contained requirements for the consideration of "proposals and substantive amendments". So it was clear that what was involved was a proposal subject to the rule that it must be submitted in writing. 76. From his reading of the French text of Mr. Joinet's proposal, it was clear that the latter did not meet the requirements of the last sentence in rule 78, which stated: "Any such suspension shall be limited to a specific purpose and to a period required to achieve that purpose". Mr. Joinet's text stated that suspension was limited to the "duree necessaire" for the vote on the draft resolutions submitted under agenda item 6. Would that be for the current session only, or for always? Mr. Joinet might wish to clarify that point. 77. As far as the substance was concerned, it was dificult to add anything to what Mr. Yimer had said. It should, however, be stressed that to make a de facto amendment to the rules of procedure through the process that had been initiated was wholly inappropriate. Under the rules of procedure, the rule on voting could be amended only by the Economic and Social Council. If a change was needed, it must be made in proper form. Moreover, the United Nations Legal Advisor had stated, in an advisory opinion, that votes by secret ballot would be taken only if the decision to do so was reached by general agreement 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing a meeting of the Sub-Commission of the Economic and Social Council, where the rules of procedure are being debated. The discussion revolves around the proposal to suspend the rules of procedure, which seems to be related to voting procedures. There is no mention of specific topics like economic development, natural resources, or industry, but rather a focus on procedural issues.

**Category**
International relations, Administrative and organizational matters