A/35/PV.72 General Assembly

123.  Launching of global negotiations on international economic co-operation for development 1. Mr. McHENRY (United States of America): The General Assembly today resumes formal considera- tion of the global negotiations for the first time since the eleventh special session. Thanks, however, to your tireless efforts, Mr. President, there has been no hiatus in our consideration of the matter. There has, instead, been important progress in understanding the complex issues involved. We hope that the hours spent in informal discussions under your leadership will be reflected in the economic discussions between developed and developing countries in the United Nations that will follow. We also hope that there will be a better understanding and a willingness to act on the basis of each other's economic needs, constraints and aspirations. 2. I wish then, Mr. President, to salute you for your own achievements. You have, it seems to me, largely achieved the first goal, which is the restoration of trust and the establishment of a spirit of mutual co- operation and goodwill. 3. The Assembly is aware of the concerns of the United States with regard to the procedural text developed at the end of the special session. I We hope that it will be possible to develop sufficient safeguards so that global negotiations can be launched and at the same time the competence and functions ofthe existing specialized forums can be.preserved. 4. The agenda, too, will require special attention. There will be complexities and difficulties, and we hope that it willbe possible to develop an agenda which is neutral in nature and general enough to provide an opportunity for us to cover the subjects which must be covered in these negotiations. 5. I mention the difficulties required in developing an agenda not to give my own remarks a negative cast or to be pessimistic about the task before us. Rather, we should be realistic about the task in developing a procedures paper, agreeing upon an agenda and, more important, carrying on global negotiations when they have been launched. 6. The United States is prepared to assist and to participate fully in resolving the remaining questions before us in an attempt to find common ground. We look forward to working with the other delegations here in that spirit in the coming- days. 7. Mr. MI Guojun (China)(translationfrom Chinese): The inclusion of the item ••Launching of global nego- tiations on international economic co-operation for development" in the agenda of the current session of the General Assembly, as proposed by the Group of 77, has given us another occasion further to explore this issue and work for the adoption of the decision to launch the global negotiations by this session of the General Assembly. This is a most welcome oppor- tunity. 8. The global negotiations are important as an attempt to reform international economic relations, the disadvantages of which are all too familiar. The inflation and economic recession at present faced by the major developed countries and the difficulties they engender in the developing countries serve to highlight this problem and prove 'that there is an urgent need for the reform of these relations. 9. Looking back at the economic situation for the last 10 years or so, we have all become aware of the following facts. 10. First, economic development for either the developing countries or the developed countries will inevitably require changes in international economic relations. These changes should be effected gradually on a just and reasonable basis in a steady and orderly manner so that they are ultimately conducive to the realization of a new international economic order which serves the interests of all countries. 11. Secondly, in the present international economic life, there are both contradictions and interdependence between the developed and the developing countries. Only by sitting down together for a serious and patient dialogue in a constructive spirit with each side con- tributing, according to its capability and responsibility, to this common effort can the objective of reform be fulfilled. If on the contrary only superficial actions which are intended essentially to defend the old order, or even to "beggar-thy-neighbour", are taken, then only tension and confrontation will ensue, which will create even greater turbulence and chaos in the inter- national economic field. 12. Thirdly, the various areas in international eco- nomic relations are both complementary and mutually