A/40/PV.120 General Assembly

This afternoon the Assembly will first consider the'r~port of the Second Committee on agenda item 85, "Operational activities for development," A/40/104l. The Assembly will now taka a decision on the recommendations of the Second Committee in paragraphs 37 and 38 of its report. Draft resolution J is erltitled "Fortieth anniversary of the United Nations Children's Fund•. The Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of that draft resolution. May I take it that the GA wishes to adopt it? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 40/210).

The Second Committee also recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of draft resolution 11 dealing with operational activities for development. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft ~esolution 11 was adopted (resolution 40/211).

D~aft resolution III is entitled "International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social DevelC~nent~. The Second Comnlittee recommends that the General Assembly adopt draft resolution Ill. May I take ,t that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 40/212).

Draft resolution IV concerns the role of qualified national personnel in the social and economic development of developing countries. The Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of that draft resolution. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft resolution IV was ado~ (resolution 40/213). The PRESID~Nt (interpretation from Spanish): In paragraph 38 of its report, document A/40/l041, the Second Committee first recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of draft decision I, which concerns the closure of the Fund for the united Nations Relief Operations in Bangladesh and of the Trust Fund Programme for the Republic of Zaire. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes ~o adopt that draft decision? Draft decision I was adopted.

In the same par~graph the Second Committee also recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of draft decision 11, dealing with the closure of the Fund of the United Nations for the Development of West Irian and of the United Nations Korean Reconstruction Agency - Residual Assets Fund. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? .. Draft decision 11 was adopted.

The Second Committee also recommended for adoption draft decision 111, concerning the closure of the United Nations Special Fund for Land-locked Developing Countries. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft decision III was adopted.

The Second Committee also recommends the adoption of draft decision IV, relating to the report of the. Secretary-General on the United Nations Technical Co-operation Activities. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt that draft decision? Draft decision IV was adopted.

Finally, we come ~Q'draft ...:... decision V regarding the liquidation of the United Nations Emergency Operation Trust Fund and allocation of the remaining balance. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt that draft decision? Draft decision V was adopted.

I call on the representative of Bolivia, who wishes to explain his vote. Mr. CALDERQN (Bolivia) (interpretation from Spanish): My delegation associated itself with the consensus on the resolutions on the subject of the operational activities for development because we attach great importance to it and (The President) conside~ it one of the most important tasks of the united Nations for the benefit of developing countries, and also in the case of Bolivia. The Bolivian economy is going through one of the gravest financial and economic crises and we are trying to make efforts to overcome that crisis. In order to achieve this we have decided to adopt radical measures designed to improve the original over-inflation in the passing ci~cumstances which are adversely affecting our economy. Because of those problems we are bringing to bear all our available national efforts. However, it is difficult to achieve the objectives proposed if we do not enjoy the financial and economic support of the international community, and even more the operational support of technology, the exchange of valuable administrative experience and co-operation, the development of our natural resources and the promotion of the most favourable sectors for the activation of our productivity. We very much appreciate the co-operation we have received from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Population Fund and other agencies. The current programme of UNDP constitutes a framework for global and sectoral objectives. We highlight the importance attached to cattle raising and forestry and we give priority to all activities likely to increase future agricultural production and agro-inoustry, because we can expect higher internal demand for the production of basic foodstuffs. We should like particularly to thank the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for technical co-operation in the area of health and education in my country. We understand the commitment to achieve universal immunization in Bolivia by 1990. This is a genuine commitment by the Bolivian Government. My country has already begun to do away with infantile poliomyelitis, and we hope to eradicate this and other diseases. (Mr. Calderon, Bolivia) Toe P-KESiDENT (interpretation from Spanisoj: concluded its consideration of agenda item 85. As the General Assembly concludes ita consideration of agenda item 85, "Operational activities for development", we note with regret that the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, Mr. Bradford Morse, has announced his intention to retire from the United Nations in 1986. The UNDP has made very significant progress under the wise and energetic leadership of Mr. Morse. His personal commitment and dynamism have contributed to the important efforts of UNDP in alleviating human suffering and improving the quality of life throughout the developing world. Recently we have also witnessed his outstanding performance in the additional responsibilities assigned to him by the Socretary-General as Director of ~he United Nations Office for Emergency Operations in Africa. This Assembly feels particularly close to Mr. Morse since he began his career at the United Nations as Under Secretary-General for Po!ftical and General Assembly Affairs. In that capacity he organized the work of four regular sessions, as well as the sixth and seventh special sessions of the Assembly. On behalf of the General Assembly, I should like to express sincere appreciation to Mr. Morse for the effective and dedicated manner in which he has performed his functions during his career at the United Nations. As he takes leave of. the Organization, we express to him and to his family our very best wishes for a tong life and continued success in his future undertakings. May I now invite the Assembly to turn its attention to the report of the Second Committee on agenda item 86, entitled "Training and research" in document A/40/l042. The Assembly will now turn to the draft resolution and draft decision contained in paragraphs 17 and 18 of the report of the Second Committee, document A/40/l042. The Assembly ....... I.'Qg thus The draft resolution contained in paragraph 17 deals with long-term financing and future of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research. The Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of that draft resolution. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? The dE!ft resolution was adopted (resolution 40/214).

We now turn to the draft decision contained in paragraph 18 of the report of the Second Committee concerning the United Nations Institute for Training and Research. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of the draft decision is contained in document A/40/1056. I now put to the vote the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, OJprus, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, &,,~~~n, Syrian Ar.'ab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunis~a, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe (The President) Against: Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, S-yelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Czechoslovakia, France, German DemOcratic Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, New Zealand, ~oland, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet SOCialist Republics, United Kingdom cif Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Abstaining: Austria, Brazil, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Grenada, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mongolia, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain The draft decision was adopted by 122 votes to 15, with 13 abstentions.

we have thus concluded our consideration of item 86. The Assembly will now consider the report of the Second Committee on agenda item 87, entitled ·Special economic and disaster relief assistance: special programmes of economic assistance" (A/40/1043). First, the Assembly will take a decision on the 22 draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 92 of its report (A/40/l043). Will those who wish to explain their vote do so on all the draft resolutions either before or after the voting. Draft resolution I deals with assistance to Democratic Yemen. May I take it that the General Assembly adopts it? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 40/215) •

Draft resolution 11 deals with assistance to Equatorial Guinea. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft rePOlution 11 was adopted (resolution 40/216).

Draft resolution III deals with assistance for the reconstruction, rehabilitation and development of the Central African RepUblic. May I take it that the General Assembly adopts it? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 40/217).

Draft resolution IV deals with special economic assistance to Chad. May I take it that the General Assembly adopts it? Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 40/218) •

Draft resolution V deals with assistance for the reconstruction, recovery, rehabilitation and development of Mauritania. May I take it that the General Assembly adopts it? Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 40/219).

Draft resolution VI deals with assistance to Sierra Leone. May I take it that the General Assembly adopts it? Draft resolution VI was adopted (resolution 40/220).

Draft resolution VII deals with assistance to the drought-stricken areas of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, the Sudan and Uganda. May I take it that the General Assembly adopts it? Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 40/221).

We turn now to draft resolution VIII, which concerns special economic ~ssistance to Benin. May I take it that the General Assembly adopts that draft resolution? Draft resolution VIII was adopted (resolution 40/222).

Draft resolution IX deals with assistance to the Comoros. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft resolution IX was adopted (resolution 40/223).

Draft resolution X deals with assistance to the Gambia. May I take it that the General Assembly adopts it? Draft resolution X was adopted (resolution 40/224) •

Draft resolution XI deals with special economic assistance to Guinea-Bissau. May I take it that the General Assembly adopts it? Draft resolution XI was adopted (resolution 40/225).

Draft resolution XII deals with assistance to Cape Verde. May I take it that the General Assembly adopts it? Draft resolution XII was adopted (resolution 40/226).

Draft resolution XIII deals with assistance to Djibouti. May I consider that the General Assembly adopts it? Draft resolution XIII was adopted (resolution 40/227).

Draft resolution XIV relates to assistance to the drought-stricken areas of Ethiopia. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft resolution XIV was adopted (resolution 40/228).

Draft resolution XV deals with assistance for the reconstruction and development of Lebanon. May I consider that the General Assembly adopts it? Draft resolution XV was adopted (resolution 40/229).

Draft resolution XVI deals with assistance to Madagascar. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft resolution XVI was adopted (resolution 40/230) •

Draft resolution XVII deals with a long-term and effective solution of the problems caused by natural disasters in Bangladesh. May I take it that the General Assembly adopts it? Draft resolution XVII was adopted (resolution 40/231). The PRES!DENT (interpretation fram Spanish): Draft resolution XV!!! deals with assistance to Mozambique. May I take it that the General A~sembly adopts it? Draft resolution XVIII was adopted (resolution 40/232) •.

We turn now to draft resolution XIX, which deals with economic assistance to Vanuatu. May I take it that che General Assembly adopts it? Draft resolution XIX was adopted (resolution 40/233).

Draft resolution XX relates to assistance to Nicaragua. May I take it that the General Assembly adopts it? Draft resolution XX was adopted (resolution 40/234).

Draft resolution XXI deals with special economic assistance to Guinea. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft resolution XXI was adop~ (resolution 40/235).

Draft resolution XXII relates to special programmes of economic assistance. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft resolution XXII was adop~ (resolution 40/236).

I now draw the attention of representatives to three draft decisions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 93 of its report (A/40/1043). Draft necision I is entitled "Special assistance to Bolivia". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision I? Draft decision I was adopted. The PRE~IDENT (interpretation from Spanisb)~ to assistance to Uganda. May I c9nsider that the General Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision II? Draft decision 11 was adopted. The PRESIDENT ~interpretation from Spanish): Draft decision III is entitled ftSpecial programmes of economic assistanceft • May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision Ill? Draft decision III was adopted.

I call on the representative of Djibouti for an explanation of vote. Mr. FARAD DIJIR (Djibouti): Draft resolution VII in document A/40/l043 just adopted, entitled -Assistance to the drought-stricken areas of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, the Sudan and Uganda- is of great importance to the countries of the sponsors, as they feel that successful implementation of its provisions will enhance the efforts of these countries to overcome and guard themselves against future drought and other natural disasters. This draft resolution is the result of intensive consultation among the sponsors and other interested members in the Second Committee and has therefore merited full support. I am glad that with the unanunous adoption of this draft resolution the members of this body have once again demonstrated their solidarity with and support for the drought-stricken countries in their efforts at combating the effects of drought and other natural disasters. In this regard, I wish on behalf of the sponsors to take this opportunity to express our appreciation and gratitude to all those members who with their valuable contributions during the informal consultations, and who with their understanding and support made it possible for this draft resolution to be unanimously adopted by consensus. Draft decision 11 relates I should also like to express our appreciation to the administration of the United Natiens Development Program.e €UNDP) for the useful clarification it rendered during the informal cunsultations on the resolution with regard to the nature and establishment within the UNDP of a unit to c~'ordinate the activities of the united Nations system in support of the recovery and rehabilitation efforts of the drought-stricken countries. The Governments of the drought-stricken countries in the region realize the important ~ole played hi the United Nations system in helping to reinforce the efforts of these ~ountries in establishing the necessary machinery with the responsibility of developing the specific policies and programmes needed to combat effectively future droughts and other natural disasters. It may be recalled that the General Assembly in its resolutions adopted under the same title recognized the regional nature of drought in East Africa and the practical and regional arrangements that already existed to encourage regional co-operation among the countries in their efforts to combat the effects of future droughts and other natural disasters. Confronted with drought as an ever-recurring phenomenon, these countries saw the pressing need for the establishment of effective machinery to ensure the development of suitable and sound programmes for recovery and rehabilitation. To this end, and as mentioned in operative paragraph 4 of the draft resolution, it is anticipated that the Governments of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, the Sudan and Uganda will meet at the level of Head of State in Djibouti in mid-January 1986 to endorse an agreement establishing the Inter-Governmental Authority on Drought and Development and to adopt a regional plan of action for the implementation of medium-term and long-term recovery and rehabilitation programmes for the countries stricken. (Mr. Farah Dirir, Djibouti) We are, however, aware of the fact that none of these drought-stricken countries in the region has the financial and technical means to control the eff~ts of drought or cope with disaster situations effectively. It is for these reasons that we find draft resolution VII in document A/40/l043, just adopted - like its predecessors adopted in previous consecutive years under the same title - requesting the UNDP Administrator to assist these countries in their efforts to cope with the problems of controlling the effects of drought and other natural calamities. May I, at this juncture, take the opportunity to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and to the United Nations SUdano-Sahelian Office for the assistance provided in the efforts to establish the Inter-Governmental Authority - in line with the recommendations of the Secretary-General and pursuant to General Assembly resolutions adopted unde~ the same title. We note with appreciation the commendable efforts that the Administrator of the UNDP, pursuant to General Assembly resolution 37/147, is exerting in making the necessary arrangements to render operational, as soon as possible, the unit within the United Nations Sudano-Sahelian Office entrusted with the responsibili~y of assisting the member countries of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Drought and Development and in paying special attention to the unit so as to ensure that its responsibilities are discharged effectively. We would like to see this unit, in its efforts to serve the Inter-Governmental Authority, take into account the identity and character of the Authority in relation to the needs of the population it serves and not lose sight of the scope of the objectives which the plan of action is meant to accomplish. (Mr. Farah Dir1r, Djibout1) Indeed, we count on the United Nations Development Programme Administrator to intensify bis efforts in mobili~ingthe necessary financial, material and technical resources in support of the efforts of the newly established inter-governmental body to cope wi~h the formidable task of implementing the projects and programmes of drought and desertification control activities. We express our hope that as thi6 unit is rendered operational it will avoid subordinating the concerns and needs of the newly formed Inter-Governmental Authority to that of any existing authority of similar concern. We would like to see this unit an independent one enjoying the same status as that serving the needs of the countries of the Permanent Inter-State Committee on Drought Control in the Sahel. We hope that it will be one which addresses itself directly to the pressing needs of the Intergovernmental Authority. In this respect we urge the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme to take the necessary steps to ensure that this unit serve the interest of the newly established Inter-Governmental Authority efficiently and effectively. Finally, we appeal to the international community to recognize the basic needs of the drought-stricken countries and population and to extend to them adequate support to enhance their efforts to control the effects of drought and other natural disasters.

The Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 87. (Mr. Farah Didr, Dj iboill)

I draw the attention of the Assembly to the draft resolution recommended by the Credentials Committee in paragraph 12 of its report (A/40/747/Add.l). The Credentials Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 40/2 B).

The Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 3.

The Assembly will now proceed to the election of 19 members of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme to replace those members whose term of office expires on 31 December 1985. The 19 outgoing members are: Argentina, Australia, Cameroon, Chile, China, Finland, France, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Ivory Coast, Lesotho, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Uganda and Yugoslavia. These MemberS are eligible for immediate re-election. I should like to remind membe~s of the Assembly that after 1 January 1986 the following States will still be members of the Governing Council: Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, the Federal Republic of Ge~many, Ghana, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, the Libyan Arab Jamahiri.ya, Malaysia, Malta, Kexico, Nepal, Niger, Norway, oman, Panama, Poland, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America, Venezuela and Zaire. Those 39 States are therefore not eligible for re-election. Under rule 92 of the rules of procedure, all elections must be held by secret ballot and there should be no nominations. May I, however, recall paragraph 16 of General Assembly decision 34/401, whereby the practice of dispensing with the secret ballot for elections to subsidiary organs when the number of candidates corresponds to the number of seats to be filled should become standard, unlesS a delegation specifically requests a vote on a given election. In the absence. of such a request, may I take it that the Assembly decides to proceed to the election on that basis? It was so decided.

I should like to announce that the c~airmen of the regional groups have informed me of the following candidatures - for fiv~ seats from Africa: Congo, Nigeria, Swaziland, Uganda and Zambia; for five seats from Asia: China, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Syrian Arab Republic and Thailand; for three seats from Latin ~erica: Argentina, Barbados and Chile; for fo~r seats from the Group of Western European and Other States: Australia, Denmark, France and the Netherlands. Since the number of candidates from the African Group, the Asian Group, the Latin American Group and the Group of Western European and Other States. corresponds to the number of seats to be filled in those groups, I declare those candidates el~cted members of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme for a three-year term beginning on 1 January 1986. Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Chile, China, COngO, Denmark, France, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Swaziland, the Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Uganda and Zambia were elected members of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme for a three-year term beginning on 1 January 1986.

Regarding the remaining two vacancies to be filled from the Eastern European Group, I have been informed by the Chairman of that Group that further consultations will be needed in this connection; therefore I propose that the Assembly keep this item on the agenda of the fOF~ieth session. If I hear no objection, I shall take it that the General Assembly agrees to that procedure. It was so decided. (The President)

The Assembly will turn its attention to agenda item 16 (d), which concerns the election of the members of th2 Board of Governors of the United Nations Special Fund for Land-locked Developing Countries. Bearing in mind that earlier at this plenary meeting the Assembly decided to request the Secretary-General to take the necessary steps to dissolve the special Fund by 31 December 1986, there is therefore no longer any need for the General Assembly to elect the members of the Board of Governors. May I take it, therefore, that the General Assembly decides that this item should no longer be included in its agenda? It was so decided.

We have thus concludea our consideration of agenda item 16 (d).

The Assembly will now consider agenda item 17, concerning appointments to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs and other appointments. We shall first turn our attention to agenda item 17 (i), concerning the confirmation of the appointment of the Executive Director of the united Nations Special Fund for Land-Locked Developing Countries. Bearing in mind that earlier at this plenary meeting the Assembly decided to ~eque8t the Secretary-Gen~ra1 to take the necessary steps to dissolve the Special Fund by 31 Dseellber 1986, there ls no longer any need for tM General Assertbly to confirm the appointment of an ~ecutive Director of the Special Pund for Land- Locked Developing Countries. May I take it, therefore, that the General Asseably decide. that this ite. should no longer be included in its agenda? It was so decided.

.. have concluded our consideration of agenda item 17 (i). The Assembly will turn its attention to document Al40/10SS, containing a note by the Secretary-General on agenda ite.17 (j), relating to the appointment of the United Nations Commissioner for Namibia. In his note, the Secretary-General proposes the extension of the appointaent of Mr. Brajesh Chandra Kishra as United Nations Comais8ioner for N~ibia for a one- year term beginning on 1 January 1986. May I take it that the General Asseably approves this proposal? It was so decided.

The A8seably has concluded its consideration of agenda item 17 (j). Finally, the Assembly ~ill consider agend~ item 17 (l), concerning the appointment of a member of the Special Ca.mittee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. Pending further consultations on this question, aay I take it that the General Assembly decides to keep agenda item 17 (1) on the agenda of the fortieth session? It was so decided. ~~ meeting rose at 4.25 p.~. (The President)