A/42/PV.111 General Assembly

I should like to announce that the following countries have joined in sponsoring draft resolution A/42/L.49: Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Iceland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Portugal, Rwanda, the Federal Republic of Germany and Ethiopia. Mr. LABERGE (Canada): Canada is very pleased to add its supper t to the united Nations call for a concerted effort by the international community to contr ibute fully to the economic reconstruction that is so much a part of the peace process in Central America. The draft resolution before us is fully in accord with the agreement signed by the five Central American Presidents on 7 August of last year and recognizes their vision and determination to str ive for peace. Canada is therefore pleased to be among the sponsors. The Guatemala peace accord was a logical development of the efforts begun by the Contadora Group at the beginning of the decade. Canada has supported the Contadora initiative and advised on security issues, based on considerable experience and knowledge in peace-keeping. When the Guatemala peace accord waS signed on 7 August last, the Secretary of Sta te for External Affa ir s, Joe Clark, imrnedia te1y sent personal emissaries to Central America to underline our readiness to assist in any practical way in the implementation of that historic agreement. In November, Mr. C1ark led a delegation to each of the five Cen tr a1 AIDer ican countr ies to assess the situa tion fir sthand and to discuss regional security and development issues with the region's leaders. J (Mr. Laberge, Canada) On his return to Canada Mr. Clark told our House of Commons: liNo peace is simple, and coun tr ies which are eer ious about contr ibuting to the success of this process must begin by understanding the complexity of the conflicts and the history of Central America. The root causes are economic and social, and Central America needs peace to resolve them." Mr. Clark invited leaders of the three Canadian political parties to set up a special committee of the House of Commons to study the peace process in Central America and to recommend ways and means by which Canada could assist in the quest for peace. That committee of five, led by former House Speaker John Bosley, is now in Central America meeting leaders of the region to acquire greater understanding of the dynamics of the peace process. Central America needs peace to resolve its problems, but Central America also needs the wherewithal to address the fundamental social and economic injustice that is at the root of violence and fratricidal war. Canada has been able, over the past decade, to provide a rapidly increasing level of aid funding to the region through bilateral channels, multilateral insti tu tions and non-gover nmental organizations. We fully support the principle articulated in the Esquipulas II agreements that peace and democracy in Central America cannot be achieved without a commitment to improving the economic and social welfare of the population. Carrying out th,is commibnent will involve concerted action by the international donor community and the countries of the region. Efforts should be directed not only towards the most immediate reconstruction needs but also at removing long-term structural obstacles to sustainable growth and towards the alleviation of poverty. My delegation has noted with satisfaction the approach taken by the special plan of economic co-operation for Central America in this regard. The plan should provide additional impetus and IOOtivation for the international community to focus on the critical issues surrounding the implementation of effective measures for recovery and economic stabilization in Central America, including the need to reach a consensus on how to get on with this priority task. We are ready to play as constructive a role as we can in this process. Canada's involvement with the peace process has focused primarily on the securi ty and peace-keeping aspects. Prime Minister Mulroney, in New York on 28 March, told the Americas Society: "Canada stands ready to undertake a peace-supervisory role anywhere in the reg ion where it might be helpful, provided the Cen tral American Governmen ts themselves des ire our involvement and create a framework for effective action." While the five Governments create a framework for peace, they look to the in ter national conununity to oontr ibute to a second track: one which will give their peoples a firm basis upon which they can build a better future. In order to allow peace to develop and grow, it is essential that the people of Central America be given access to increased opportunities to improve the standard and quality of their lives, through programmes of development assistance such as those identi fied in the excellent report sOOmi tted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Economic Commiss ion for La tin America and the Car ibbean (ECLAC). As the Vice-President of GJatemala, Roberto Carpio Nicolle, said yesterday, this resumed session of the General Assembly adds to the hope that the proposal for a plan of co-operation may be the most impressive show of international solidarity which Central America could receive. As a result of our deliberations, Canada also hopes that, in the coming weeks and months, consultations between donors and recipients, international lending institutions and international agencies will ensure that aid flows to the region are co-ordinated and used in the most effective way poss ible. Efforts must tak e into account the aspirations of the peoples of the region and their need for economic and social integration and security. They must take into account the lack of homogenei ty of the five countr ies. They must take into account the limitations faced by donor countries and international agencies. It will take will and strength of purpose to implement the draft resolution before us today. Canada is committed to finding constructive and realistic solutions to the very serious problems identified in the Central Amer ican special plan and to maximize its chances of success. Mr. TILLETT (Belize)~ It gives me great pleasure this morning to welcome the Vice-Presidents of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua to this resumed forty-seoond session. The presence of a delegation of such high stature demonstrates the united approach to the crisis in the region. Their prevented from being here today because of events occur ring in Belize this week. I br ing gree tings from His Excellency the Honour able Dean Barrow, Min ister of Foreign Affairs of Belize. Minister BarrCM regrets that he is unable to join us on this auspicious occasion. His duties require him to be in Belize to welcome His Ex:cellency, Miguel de la Madrid, President of Mexico, our neighbour with whom we enjoy the best 0 f rela tions. As a co-sponsor of draft resolution A/42/L.49 entitled "Special plan of economic co-operation for Cen tral America ", Bel ize joins in expressing its appreciation to the Secretary-General for all the effor t that went into the preparation of document A/42/949 containing the special plan of economic co-operation for Central America. The work has been detailed and extensive and will help us in this debate. The Belize Government and people also wish to express their appreciation to Mr. Augusto Ramirez-Ocampo, Ass istant Adminis trator and Jegional Director for la tin America and the Caribbean, for his cormnitment to Belize's interest under resolution 42/204. Mr. Ocampo has laboured with speed and efficiency to accomrrodate the position of the Belize Government. Ou r sta temen t of a ppr ecia tion would be incomplete wer e we not to incl ude Mr. Michael Gucovsky, Deputy Assistant Administrator of the United Nations Developnent Prograrmne (UNDP). His diplomatic skills and his grasp of the situation in the Central American region were instrumental in concluding an acceptable arrangement for Belize under the mandate of resolution 42/204. We wish Mr. Gucovsky success in h is new post as Deputy Ass istant Adminis trator and Director of the Technical Advisory Division and the Bureau for Programme Policy and Evalua tion (BPPE), wi th the knowledge that Bel ize and all of Cen tral America has a fr iend in that post. I am happy to come before the Assembly today, because Belize is confident that Members are well informed on the matter before the Assembly, especially because I know of their commitment to seek justice and to love equality. As a co-sponsor of the draft resolution entitled "Special plan of eex>nomic co-opera tion for Cen tral America", Belize joins the other five Centr al American States in solidarity to seek economic assistance and co-operation for Central America. Central America has gone through, and to some extent is still going through, one of the cris is per iods of our region. I n the pas t 10 years, th e Cen tral Amer ican region has exper ienced drought and other natural disaster s, civ il war, international conflicts, external intervention in the domestic affa irs of Member States, devaluation of currency in a majority of States, unprecedented eex>nomic depression and a refugee crisis that threatens to re-shape the region. It is a tribute to the Governments and peoples of Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Gua temala, Honduras and Nicaragua that, in spite of the dif ferences which separate us on some issues, in this draft resolution we can be united in our call for economic co-operation for Central America. In arriving at a consensus for the convening of this resumed forty-second session of the General Assembly, a consensus draft resolution, and consensus acceptance of the special plan of economic co-operation for Central Amer ica, Belize has played a very constructive and supportive role. Even when our interest under resolution 42/204 was threatened, our negotiations were always aimed at protecting Belize's rights, while at the same time facilitating the process and speed of economic assistance to Central America. As Member States here will agree, we could not sacri fice the former for the latter; nor would any other nation here act differently if faced with a similar situation. The annex to document A/42/949, on special programmes of economic assistance, is very helpful in understanding how the interest of Belize was threatened. A quick survey of the annex reveals that not one single project is listed for Belize. A little over three weeks ago this plan was presented to us as a fait accompli. It is clear from this observation, that resolution 42/204, on special economic assistance to Central America, which is the basis for the special plan of economic co-operation for Central Amer ica, has not been fully and equally implemented. Operative paragraph 2 of resolution 42/204, states inter alia: "Requests the Secretary-General in close co-operation with the United Nations Development Programme to send a technical mission to the Central lImerican countries for the purpose of determining, in consultation with each of the Governments of the region ••• " (resolution 42/204). That mission made two tr ips to the region and at no time consulted with the Government of Belize. "Requests the Secretary-General, on the basis of the priorities identi fied, to formula te, in close consulta tion wi th the Governments of the region ••• a special plan of co-operation for Central America ••• ". The special plan before the Assembly testifies as to whether that has been done. I am happy to report that this situation has been settled in a way that is acceptable to the Government of Belize. It is a reconciliation in which UNDP has played an active and constructive role. The Government and people of Belize, as well as the refugees in Bel ize, wish to express apprecia tion to the men and women in UNDP and in the United Nations system who, with speed of action and certainty of purpose, made great progress in less than a month. As a result of our negotiations and co-operation, several changes have been ITIlde which make it poss ible for Bel ize to be a co-sponsor of this draft resolution. First, paragraph 35 of the special plan of economic co-operation for Central Amer i ca s ta tes , in ter al ia : "It must also be recogn ized that Bel ize has been affected by the infl ux of refugees from nei ghbour ing countr ies, whi ch has ca used it social and economic problems. In view of these problems, the United Na tions system should adopt appropriate measures to deal with the situation." (A/42/949, para. 35) This is a recognition within the plan that Belize is part of Central America. Therefore, operative paragraphs 2 and 3 apply to Belize. Secondly, UNDP has already dispa tched a mission to Belize. That mission is today carrying out its mandate in Belize. It has already identified several emergency projects totalling more than S4 million and is continuing its work. Thirdly, the Secretary-General said in his sta tement yesterday: (spoke in Spanish) liThe conflict in Central America has created an immense flow of refugees. Population displacements have extended beyond the boundaries of the countr ies which signed the Esquipulas 11 Agreement and have penetrated other countries of the subregion, such as Belize. In order to explore ways of solving this problem, the organizations of the system are sponsoring a regional meeting, which will be held soon. 11 (A/42/PV.110, p. 9-10) (continued in Engl ish) Finally, the eighth paragraph of the preamble has been added to the draft resolution to accommodate the position of Belize. That paragraph reads as follows: "Aware of the complexity and ser iousness of the situation of the refugees and displaced persons in the Central American region, and of its effect on the social and economic development of the area, ". (A/42/t.49) It is important for me to reiterate here that. this is an alternative arrangement which has been found acceptable to the Government of Belize with a view to facilitating and speeding the process of economic assistance to Cen tral America. It is an alternative which protects the rights of Belize under resolution 42/204 and which allows for Central American solidarity on this draft resolution. But it must never be construed by any State, by any organization or by the United Nations system as a precedent for dealing with Belize separately from Central America. Belize is in Central America and only Belize can determine whether separate treatment is in its best interest. In this particular situation, the Government of Belize has made that determination. Belize is one of those few nations that God has placed strategically as part of two worlds. We are unmistakably Caribbean, yet we are undeniably Central American. Our position on resolution 42/204 cannot be viewed as prejUdicing our Caribbean identity, for Caribbean we are~ but it must be viewed as asserting our Central American identity, for Central American we are. Yet in the last few weeks members have heard many reasons why resolution 42/204 should not apply to Belize. Since the resolution is entitled and calls for special economic assistance to Central America and since Belize is part of Central lIrnerica, no explanation can justifiably exclude Belize. But two of the points that have been raised deserve closer scrutiny, one because it seeks to undermine the position of Belize and the other because it is clearly an escape mechanism. The first says that Belize has not shown any interest in the developnents of this resolution and is using it for its own purpose. The latter part of this campaign does not merit a reply and will be treated accordingly. As for the interest Belize has shown, it is sufficient to note that resolution 42/204 was adopted at the 96th plenary meeting on 11 December 1987. On 28 October 1987, several weeks earlier, in my capacity as Permanent Representa tive of Bel ize to the Uni ted Na tions, I made the following sta tement to the General Assembly~ "1 take this opportunity to remind the Assembly that Central America is made up of six nations - Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Central America has one parliamentary democracy and five republics. Central America has one Prime Minister and five Presidents. It is not a matter of there being one common language and one common culture, and such a reference in the secretary-General' s report does not reflect wi th accuracy the realities of the region." (A/42/PV.5l, p. 33) If that statement does only one thing, that one thing would be to declare Belize's interest in the region. Members have also heard that the special plan of economic co-operation for Central America was intended for historical Central America, which somehow is supposed to exclude Bel ize. Such a reference can be found nowhere in resolu tion 42/204. But even suppose it were, how could it possibly be interpreted to exclude Belize? Belize has existed in the region as long as any other nation, not with its current name but in its historical presence. Without belabouring the point, I should like to refer to a book published by Harry N. Abrams Inc. in association with the Albuquerque Museum. The book is entitled "Maya: Treasures of an ancient civilization". Speaking of the Mayan civilization in Belize, it states: liThe site of Lamanai has yielded evidence of occupa tion from the pre-classic, the post-classic and colon ial per iods. 11 The pre-classic period was between the years 2000 B.C. and A.D. 250. That would seem to me to classify Belize as being in historical Central America. Programmes coming to the United Nations system and the General Assembly must divest themselves of archaic notions of a historical Central America in which Belize has no part, and embrace a new dynamic and more encompassing definition of Central America, in which peaceful and peace-loving Belize is an active and equal participant. Having presented Belize's overall "iews on the item before us, I wish to note that Belize joins the other sponsors in seeking the Assembly's adoption of the special plan of economic co-operation for Central America. Peace in Central America is an essential component of the development of all nations and of all peoples. The Government of Belize is happy that Belize has not been a part of the conflict in the region. No nation is more pleased than Belize that peace is coming to Central America. We applaUd the Presidents of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua for signing the Esquipulas II agreements. We are encouraged by the determination of their Governments to bring peace to the region. In the absence of economic development peace is threatened. Democracy will remain a light on the distant horizon as long as economic development remains a theory about which Governments debate and a dream which people do not realize. And so Belize views the special plan of economic co-operation for Central America as a necessary step on the ladder which will bring peace, democracy and development to our region. We join the other sponsors of draft resolution A/42/L.49 in seeking the Assembly's support for the draft resolution. Finally, it is with great pride that I express the appreciation of the Government and people of Belize to all the Member States here which showed support and solidarity with Belize on its position in Central America. Our task would have been overwhelming wi thou t their support. Wi th the ir support we were able to turn a fait accompli into an acceptable alternative which makes it possible for all six Central American States to support the draft resolution. We give God the glory for the success and achievements that we have seen dur ing these last weeks and pray that his guidance be given to the leaders of the Governments and peoples of Central America to grant us wisdom and understanding to live together in peace and harmony. Mr. OAZA (Chile) (interpretation from Spanish): In my capacity as Chairman of the Latin American and Caribbean group, it is my great honour to address the General Assembly on the subject of special economic assistance for Central America, whose importance and transcendental significance is something which I can only emphasize and underscore. In a world characterized by confusion, conflict and a succession of tragedies which have uprooted entire communi ties, Central America is characterized by the level of intensity with which it has been afflicted by all these events. This is a part of the world, full of enchantment and poetry, which unites two hemispheres and which has given the wor Id such men as Ruben Oar io and Miguel Angel Asturias. But today this is a region in which attempts to solve the problems of peace and development have been tragically held back by a situation which has made it impossible to meet the objectives and goals inherent in the concepts of peace and development. The Central American region is today one of closed horizons where the imagination and creativity of its inhabitants have been nurrbed by the suffering and desolation which they see all around them, the result of years of war and endless instability which has impeded progress and deprived them of peace of mind. Central America has thus been kept distant from contemporary communication and ideas and its capacity for modernization, which is indispensable in meeting the enormous challenges of the twenty-first century, has been inhibited. Until very recently one felt that history had borne a special grudge against this group of countries, and for that reason kept them in a state of permanent crisis, weakening their identity, common interests and genuine objectives in a relentless attempt to turn them into anonymous oarsmen, as it were, toiling away in distant and hostile galleys. But there is potential fire in the Central American soul. There is, and always has been, a profound aspiration on the part of the inhabitants of the region and their institutions to seek solutions to their own problems. Thus, despite the degree of interference which has taken place, there have been times when Central Americans have sensed the movement of history and followed its path. Then negotiation and dialogue replace explosions to give rise to agreements which seek to put an end to violence and to sow peace. This shows that in the last resort human nature is the same, and has the same aspirations, whatever the cultural, historical and geographical conditions may be. And those aspirations are none other than for peace and the opportunity for development, growth and stability, so that the children can grow, develop and have a better life than their parents. At the gravest moment in the crisis the leaders of the region met in order to produce the Esquipulas agreements and to move towards Central American formulas for a solution, formulas which were generated by their own instincts, unique identity and their own vision of the future of the region - a vision which begins with the burying of weapons. Those agreements, which are distinguished by the imposition of obligations rather than the granting of rights, are the first step in the journey of a thousand miles along a road which is not without difficulties and temptations and which may prove to be one on which good faith and willingness to carry out the agreements will have to be stronger in order to resist the inevitable temptation to stay with the familiar ra ther than try the uncertainty of a \1acilla Hng and ill-determined future. The result of the Esquipulas agreements is another example of the old dictum that when peoples are left to act of their own free will, they find ways of living together, emphasizing the things they have in common and leaving aside things that divide them. The unity of objectives and a common ooncept of their future generate a creative and imaginative energy, which will take them away from the isolation that leads to violence. Central America needs to recover its identity and its unity. It needs to lay the foundations for development, one in which prosperity will no longer be a mirage in the distance. It will become a real prospect, a concrete, attainable goal. This is possible now because if there is anything that favours the stability of the region, it is the spontaneity of the process which led to the Esquipu1as agreements. Now that the elements that make for peace have been established, it is necessary to t~rn towards the problems of development. The extreme poverty which has afflicted the Central American region has provided a fertile seed-bed for tension, which necessarily generates oonf1icts and confrontation, setting in motion an infernal machine that paralyses economic activity, diverts scarce resources towards defence, and maintains a level of poverty on which social tension feeds. The peace agreements, if they are to be lasting in this instance, must be accompanied by a programme of economic assistance which will help the countries in their efforts to resume productive activities and the general process of deve10];lllent. At this session, the General Assembly adopted resolution 42/204, in which it called upon the secretary-General, in consul tation wi th the relevant bodies, to formulate a special plan of economic co-operation for Central Amer ica. Realizing the urgency of the need for this programme, they did not let six months 90 by, from the approval of that resolution, before submitting the special plan for Central America. The secretary-General, Mr. Javi er Perez de Cuellar, and Mr. Ramirez-ocampo and Mr. Gert Rosenthal deserve our gratitude and congratulations for this aChievement. This special plan complements the Esquipulas agreements with a view first, to consolidating peace and development in the region and putting an end to political tensions, and, secondly, to facilitating the revitalization of the economies, These two mechanisms, different in origin, will proceed, in parallel, towards the same goal. It is encouraging to see how, once again, in the face of a crisis situation, and given the will of those directly involved to resolve it, the United Nations has been brought in to make its contr ibution, playing a ca talytic role of great importance in concentrating ideas and JOOdali ties in order to give valuable and concrete expression to the desires of the Member States. The development process, which lies behind the Esquipulas agreements, and which gives impetus to them, would run into enormous difficulties were it not accompanied by this high-level technical diplomacy provided by the Uni ted Na tions in order to assess the situation and suggest ways of improving it. The special plan which has been submitted to us by the secretary-General has dUly taken into account Central Amer ican realities, its difficulties, structural problems and deficencies. It is an ambitious plan of a global nature with emphasis on short-term measures, but without neglecting mediumand longer-term measures, and it is consistent with the national priorities and development plans for countries of the region themselves. At the same time, it contains measures and plans for assisting with the problems of refugees, displaced persons, and repatriated persons. This gives the programme an economic and social focus which is very important, making it unique in nature and compatible wi th the problems it seeks to address. Now the priorities for implementation of the plan will have to be further defined. This is a role to be played primarily by the Central American countries themselves and also by the Executive Committee, the establishment of which is suggested in the programme and which we support as the basic mechanism for ensuring the continuity of this plan. Perhaps the major merit of the special plan is that its components include an important effort to establish a far-reaching network of interests, interacting among themselves, at the sectoraI, national and regional levels, in such a way as to provide a strong incentive towards implementation, thus preventing a relapse and a repetition of recent history. We, the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, support this programme of special economic assistance and appeal to the international community to make its contribution and to associate itself with the objectives of the programme, the establishment of a lasting and productive peace in a region that has known so much turmoil. Mr. KAM (Panama) (interpretation from Spanish): The convening of this resumed session of the General Assembly devoted to consideration of the special plan of economic co-operation for Central America will add to the many valuable contributions which the United Nations is making to the common endeavour to create a just and lasting peace in Central America. May I be permitted to pay a sincere tribute to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, for his continued interest in the problems of peace, co-operation and development in Central America. The timely and efficient preparation of the plan shows once again his exemplary devotion to this cause. I wish also to pay a SPecial tribute to Mr. Augusto Ramirez-ocarnpo, the Regional Director for Latin America of the united Nations Development Programme, and to Mr. Gert Rosenthal, the Executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, two distinguished Latin Americans, who added their intellect, enthusiasm and dedication to the skills of other deserving officials of the United Nations and other international bodies, in order to complete successfully the plan which we have been happy to receive. Although, in reading this plan, we see that it is a serious and determined effort to understand the realities of the region in order to formulate a valid and lasting solution, we are also forced to reflect on the deep roots of the problems to be solved and on the difficult complexity of the social factors which gave rise to them. Throughout all these years the future of Central America has been among the most important priorities for our countries, not only owing to fraternal solidarity among us but because we share the conviction that the stahility of our own societies and the health of our economic systems are not conceptual islands separate from regional events. In the search for lasting peace as well as in the establishment of just socio-economic structures, our aspirations are closely interrelated with the aspirations of the countries and peoples of Central America. From the very first attempts by the Contadora Group to bring about a rational understanding of the reauirements of the peace process for the region, in the Declaration of Objectives of 9 September 1983, our countries laid down the basic premises for promoting adeauate levels of development in Central America as an essential precondition for lasting peace. Ever since those first steps when the Act of Contadora was being negotiated, the auestion of economic co-operation has been very important, based on a deep conviction that conflicts and tension in the region cannot be satisfactorily resolved if there is no economic and social improvement, because tensions as well as conflicts are the result of serious imbalances in the distribution of wealth and of serious limitations on the capacity to use human and natural resources. The patient diplomatic and political work which has been carried out for more than five years by the Contadora and support groups has contributed to bringing about a greater awareness in the international community about the complex nature of the Central American problem and, therefore, of the many factors which must be kept in mind in carrying out political actions for peace in the region. My delegation wishes to repeat that it is not possible to view Central American problems solely from a political and security perspective, they must also be seen in terms of the terrible economic and social reality of a region in which, dramatic as it may seem, the gross internal product per capita in 1987 was less than that of 20 years ago. The peace effort cannot achieve acceptable results without a parallel promotion of the region's economic and social development. That is why the eight Presidents of the countries members of the Permanent Mechanism for Consultation and Concerted Political Action, at its first Acapulco meeting, supported the implementation of an emergency international plan of co-operation for the countr ies of the Central American isthmus. The special plan of co-operation which we are discussing today, prepared in pursuance of General Assembly resolution 42/204, of 11 December 1987, deals with a whole range of problems and sets forth programmes of action covering economic, social and political questions. Although at first glance it may seem an ambitious plan to those who are familiar with the deep-rooted causes of the Central American crisis, a cursory review of the outstanding problems is enough to make it evident that everything we may undertake now, with the support and solidarity of the international community, will simply be the beginning of a long process of economic recovery. "External strangUlation, the contraction of investment, the obsolescence of productive plant, open and hidden unemployment and social backwardness pose great challenges which have not been met." (A/42/949, para. 18) These are the words of the Secretary-General in his Note on the plan. (A/42/949, para. 18) Those countries which are at present in a better position to co-operate, are precisely countries which in this century have experienced how very difficult is the task of rebuilding economies ruined or destroyed by war. All the more difficult will this be even for peoples which have not suffered from war directly, when we are speaking of countries whose economies have not even come close to comparable levels of economic development. Furthermore, the urgent nature of changes in development patterns in the Central American region are obvious, given the immediacy of the demands by the more impoverished sectors of society in our countries where traditional models have proved inadeauate, and where new difficulties pose tremendous obstacles to creative formulas for even palliative measures which will preserve a minimum of social peace, order and stability. Against this background, we are pleased to see that the special plan of co-operation for Central America offers a first overall response in the area of economic and social development and joins those initiatives which the Contadora and Support Groups have proposed on various occasions to establish an appropriate economic basis for the final conclusion of peace and in order for that peace to be effective and lasting. It is well known that to reduce tension and to begin to eliminate the roots of conflict, it is also necessary to channel major resources to the institutions set up to promote trade, strengthen financial flows and economic co-operation for the purpose of achieving the overall development of the region which the countries involved have themselves independently proposed. However, we must also break the patterns of dependency in international economic relations, and in particular, hring down those barriers which attempt to reduce independent and sovereign states to the backyard of another state, because we Latin American peoples do not accept that the borders of our countries should be blurred by the claims of foreign hegemonies. In this context, we strongly reject the reiterated application of coercive economic and financial measures for political or other ends, such as the freezing of funds, the suspension of loans and credit, embargoes and blockades against countries of Central America, and we reaffirm the sovereign right of our peoples freely to choose, without threats or external aggression, their own political and social hlueprint. Panama claims that inalienable right for itself and claims it as well for all Central American countries. As a country which is a victim of coercive measures, Panama knows from its own experience their devastating effects on our fragile economies. Thus, we affirm that lifting economic and financial sanctions against Nicaragua, as well as those imposed against Panama, whose trade is closely linked to Central America, would help significantly to hring about an appropriate climate in which to reactivate the Central American economy and promote the well-being of the peoples of the region as well as to vigorously promote the process of dialogue and consultation. My country is glad that the special plan clearly contains among its principles that of developing this co-operation without discrimination and withoutjPolitical, economic or other conditions. Another characteristic we should like to emphasize as being extremely positive and promising is that in neither design nor implementation is it based on apprehensions as to the positions of various countries in terms of ideological trends since that would be tantamount to subjecting the economic and social development of Central America to the political interests and global strategies of other States • The motivation of the Governments of the ContadoraGroup and the Suppor t Group has always been peace, which we regard as being intimately related to the area's developnent needs. Thus we are happy to see that these fundamental purposes have prevailed in the drawing up of the special plan, as they also should in its implementation and in any future action to supplement it. My country considers it necessary to point to Central America's needs and to recommend measures for action by the international community. But we also wish to emphasize the extent to which the present problems of our region result from a continental reality that seems to stem from the servility to other powers that has been imposed on less privileged peoples. Ten years of negative growth in the expansive territory of the Latin American and Caribbean countries is no credit to those countries that have a special impact on the course of the war ld economy. The vicious cycle of paver ty and underdevelopment in which our countries live is increasingly seen as a danger not only to their institutional stability and to peace within each of them, but also to world peace. It is encouraging to see that the special plan we are now consider ing strives for a better understanding of the Central American reality in attaching responsibility to those countr ies that are in a position to contribute to the changing of our course and to help us avoid obstacles that lie ahead and are an ever visible and sombre threat. I believe we shall accord better with the circumstances if we view the special plan of economic co-operation for Central America as a step in the direction mentioned in the encyclical on social concerns of His Holiness Pope John Paul 11, who teaches us that peoples should no longer be spokes in the wheels of others but complementary parts of a single engine that moves mankind towards a better future. Mr. MOYA-PALENCIA (Mexico) (interpretation from Spanish): Let me say how gratified the Mexican delegation is to see you, Sir, presiding over these historic meetings•. Your convening of this resumed session and your previous demonstrations of your skill and diplomatic competence guarantee that our work will be successful. For Mexico, these meetings of the highest world body are particularly valuable. For a long time, and particularly over the last five years, we have emphasized the need to promote Central American development as the key to ending the pOlitical instability that has been characteristic of that region. On behalf of my country's Government I should like to convey our gratitude to the Secretary-General, Javier Perez de Cuellar, for his response to the concerns expressed to him by Mexico and other countries of the region. With sensitivity and diplomatic courage, the Secretary-General responded to our appeal for action to eradicate the root cause of the violence and antagonism in Central America. His dedication to development and the well-being of all peoples has been particularly well illustrated in the case of Central America. I am sure that we are all grateful to Perez de Cuellar for his position. Since the beginning of the decade the Central American countries have found themselves engUlfed in a conflict that has done great damage to their political and social institutions, while at the same time halting their development and well-being. The human and material cost of the conflict is so great that even if it were to be definitively resolved today its profound consequences would continue to be felt for many years. That is a factor that further aggravates political instability in Central America. Hence the need for resolute and effective action for peace and development. That is no exaggeration. Every day the conflict continues further compromises the stability and well-being of future generations. Throughout this turbulent period Mexico has paid special attention to Central America. We are linked to that neighbouring region by bonds of a common past and shared aspirations for a promising future for our peoples. For Mexico it is out of the question to remain indifferent to the conflict. The cr isis has repercussions throughout Latin America, and particularly in the immediate geographical vicinity of the Central American countries. Five years ago, together with Colombia, Venezuela and Panama, Mexico committed itself to an effort to put an end to the Central American conflict and to promote co-operation for development in Central America. My Government maintained that the efforts of Conda tora, with the subsequent backing of the Support Group, could not supplant the political responsibility of the countries directly involved in the conflict. That is why we sincerely welcomed the emergence of the peace plan, which led to the commitment of Esquipulas II in August of last year. In the last few months resolute and firm strides have been taken towards peace in the region. Obstacles still lie in the way of the complete fulfi lmen t of Esquipulas II, but there are also reasons to be encouraged, such as the dialogue aimed at internal reconciliation in certain countries, which would certainly help to bring about a comprehensive solution of the problem. We are also aware that new paths must be opened up to defuse the potential for conflict; r refer in particular to the restoration of communications between Nicaragua and the United StateS of The member countries of the Contadora Group, including Mexico, welcome the great strides made by the Central American countries towards peace, and we are still prepared to help consolidate that process. As in 1983, we are rrotivated by the need to secure the fulfilment of the fundamental principles of international law in Central America. The imperative need for harmonious coexistence applies equally to Central Americans and those whose legitimate interests are endangered by perpetu.ation of the conflict. Contadora always maintained that the origin of war and instability in Central America could not be found in geopolitical considerations or in theories designed to justify the spheres of influence of the great Powers. The Central American war has worn a mask of squalor, poverty and illiteracy - in other words, of historical underdevelopment. That is why we have always worked hard so that, in parallel with the peace progress, the foundation can be laid for reconstruction in Central Amer lea. Mexico has always attached high priority to the objective of Central American developnent. By way of example, let me refer to the San Jose Agreement which was implemented jointly with Venezuela in order to supply oil at preferential prices to the countries of the region. Let me also refer to the establishment of the Action Committee in Support of the Economic and SOcial Development of Central America (CADESCA) within the framework of the Latin Amer ican economic system. Those efforts were complemented by the will ingness of the European Economic Community to continue to remedy the economic shortcomings of the countries of the region. The various meetings which have been held within the countries of Central America and the Contadora and Support Groups and the countries of the European Economic Community provide an outstanding example of co-operation for development which transcends the North-South pattern. For their part, the eight countries involved in the permanent mechanism of political consultation and agreement, at their meeting of the Heads of State in November 1987, when signing the Acapulso Committment to Peace, Development and Democracy, warned that the process of negotiation in Central America must be accompanied by an improvement in the economic and social situation in the countries of the region and they supported the setting in IOOtion of an international programme of emergency economic co-operation for the Central American countries which involves measures for the reconstruction of their economies, prom:>tion of interregional trade, strengthening of financial co-operation between our countries and the Central American countries, inclUding replenishment of the resources of the Central American Bank of Economic Integration, support for efforts to revitalize the scheme of Central American integration and to carry out specific projects in the areas of food assistance, agriculture, agro-industry, as well as the training of human resources, and an in tegra ted emergency programme for refugees and displaced persons in the region. The General Assembly is now meeting in order to give practical effect to one of the objectives lying at the origin of the United Nations. Contributing to Central American development and well-being means the strengthening of peace and co-operation not just in that region but throughout the world. As in the process .of peace, the process of economic recovery requires the political will and determination of the countries of the region. That is why we attach the greatest importance to the elaboration of the Special Plan for Economic Co-operation for Central America. The Special Plan is the result of exemplary efforts by the Secretary-General of our Organization with the support of the united Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and other bodies involved in regional co-operation and integration. It is motivated by a desire simply to respond to the needs of the Central American peoples so as to provide them with conditions that would enable them to achieve social justice as the basis for a stable and lasting peace. The Plan identifies areas of action, priorities and initiatives which will constitute a firm step forward towards the objective we all seek. The actions described in them are merely a point of departure. It will now be for the international community as a whole, as it was for the international bodies, to guarantee that their technical, economic and financial co-operation will continue to be available until Central America achieves the development impetus it so ardently desires. The Plan was drawn up in close consultation with the Governments of the Central American countries, the only ones who can determine their priorities for economLc and social development, and in our opinion the Plan fully meets the guidelines contained in General Assembly resolution 42/204. The Mexican Government wishes to place on record its unreserved support for the Special Plan and is prepared to work together with all the countries represented here to guarantee its implementation. The multilateral effort on which we are embarking strengthens our faith in international organizations and their ability to respond to the most serious problems afflicting all our peoples. We also wish to give our support to draft resolution A/42/L.49, of which we are a co-sponsor, and we urge Member States to adopt it without a vote at this session. This will indicate approval of the Plan itself and of the mandate for its immediate and complete fulfilment. The efforts of the United Nations will be enriched by whatever contribution each one of us can make. A few days ago, on 3 May, my Government adopted an Integrated ~lan of Co-operation for Central America which will strengthen the various efforts that have been made to promote development and strengthening of the Central American isthmus. This initiative is an expression of the high priority attached by Mexico to the economic and social well-being of Central America. The Plan also reiterates our firm belief that it is only through economic development and the mending of defective structural deficiencies that a lasting peace can be achieved. The Mexican plan for bilateral co-operation with Central America acknowledges the existence of urgent needs as well as the existence of shortcomings that can be remedied only over the medium term. Thus, while it does take a global approach, it gives special consideration to the particular characteristics of each country. We want the progranune to be consistent with the initiatives that Mexico has promoted at the United Nations, in the Organization of American States (DAB) and with the countries belonging to the permanent mechanism of political consultation and agreement. It is our intention to form a proposal that can be easily integrated with the efforts of the international community for co-operation for Central America. ~tion under the Mexican prograJll1lle ia groupoeO under four main headings; eoon~ic, financial and trade, education and cultural, scientific and technical. and, lastly, social cOlMlunication. As fat as concerns econol'l1ic, financial and trade matters, it is intended that the fullest possible use bit made of the Financial Co~peration Agreement between Mexioo and the Central Mer ica.n Bank for Economic Integration in order to promote the realization of develop_nt projects of Mexican enterprises w! th resources from the San Jose Agreement. The Mexico progra.-e also provides for the strengthening )f Central American exports of non-conventional products, the prorrotion of 3evelopllent projects, progranaee for industrial revitalization, co~peration to .essen the impact of external indebtedness, and the re-establishment of the Central lII\erican Common Mar keto As far as concerns education and culture, Mexico seeks to advise countries in he sphere of education evaluation, research and planning of basic, intermediate od higher education systems, education for adUlts, designing of school textbooks nd tedmical co-operation and restoration of archeol09ical monuments and other tems. Within the project it was considered appropriate to set up a progranme for :ientific and technical support for Central A.nIerica, dealing with priority and ldispensable needs for the developllent of the countr ies of the region. The fields lentified as preferential are food, health, housing, environment, energy, mining, 'draul ie resources and amalland medium-scale industr ial projects. The Mexican Government, when setting up this mechanism for co-operation, was ornpted by the need to make the pr inciples governing its foreign pol icy a I ality. Thoae pr ineiples are non-intervention, self-determination of peoples, aceful settlement of disputes, prohibition of the threat or use of force and - a ndamental po!nt - international co-operation for development. At a time of severe economic crisis, the Mexican Government is not evading its international responsibilities or avoiding its commitments. We continue to be determined to find a firm, lasting solution to the diversity of problems affecting the Central American region. We are aware that our own development and well-being will be bolstered by the existence of a solid basis for economic recovery in Central America. The war has done great damage to Central American structures. Like everyone else, we stand to gain from the restoration of peace, and without any doubt we shall all benefit from the recovery which we hope will take place in Central America. That is Why the comhined effort for the reconstruction of the economy and the social basis for growth in Central America is of priority interest for all members of the international community. It is up to us to determine whether Central America will become the most perfect example of the constructive potential of concerted international efforts. The adoption of the special plan proposed by the Secretary-General is a first step of immense importance to achieve that goal and a stable and lasting peace. PROGRAMME OF WORK

Before I call on the next speaker, I should like to draw the attention of members to the following note by the Secretary-General in document A/42/10l/Add.3, paragraph 1 of which reads: "The Secretary-General bas received notification of the resignation of Mr. tuiz Sergio Gama Fiqueira (Brazil), effective 1 July 1988, from the membership of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budqetary Questions. Accordingly, the General Assembly will be reauired at its current session to appoint a person to fill the unexpired portion of the term of office of Mr. Figueira, that is, until 31 Oecember 1989." I have also received a letter from the Permanent Representative of Chile who, on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean States, has requested that this ~tter be considered at this resumed session. In the circumstances and so as to enable the Assembly to take the required action, it will be necessary to reopen consideration of agenda sub-item 17 (a), entitled "Appointment of members of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions ". May I take it that the Assembly has no objection to reopening agenda sub-item 17 (a) in order to appoint one member of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions? It was so decided.

The next speaker is the Permanent Representative of Czechoslovakia, who will speak on behalf of the Eastern European States. Mr. ZAPOTOCKY (Czechoslovakia): Speaking on behalf of the Byelorussian soviet SOcialist Republic, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic, Hungary, Mongolia, Poland, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and ~e Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, I should like to address the questions under discussion, which concern the present situation in Central America. When discussing the situation in Central America at this forum last October, we could see and note that prerequisites were created for a just and political solution of the situation in that region. The Socialist States welcomed the ~reement signed at Guatemala City on 7 August 1987 by the Presidents of the RepUblics of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The document on the ways of resolving the conflict in Central America and on establishing lasting peace throughout the region, which is entitled "Procedure for the establishment of a firm and lasting peace in Central America", not only indicates the ways leading to a peaceful solution of the situation in that area but also specifies concrete action and terms of implementation. We have given our support to the manifold activities which are geared to the implementation of that peace plan. These Central American countries have once again demonstrated determination to build their own effective political structures for resolving a problem that for years has constituted one of the most dangerous hotbeds of international tension. Once again the possibility is thus being confirmed of settling international problems by means of negotiations between all parties concerned on the basis of the principles of equality and equal security, with respect for the right of all countr ies to self-determina tion and development free from outside interference and pressure of any kind, as provided in the Charter. It is to be regretted that while an overwhelming majority of Iatin American countries and other Members of our Organization have welcomed the signing of the Esquipulas documents and eKpressed readiness to respect them and assist in their implementation, the United Nations is still witnessing manifestations of outside poli tical force and coercion in Central America. The development of the situation in Central America makes clear several essential facts: First, it is within the power of Central American countries, with the assistance and solidarity of the Contadora Group and its support Group, to find and carry out a p:>litical solution to the problems of their region; Secondly, a consequent implementation of the Esquipulas agreements depends not (Mr. Zapa tacky, Czechoslovakia only on the political will of the Central American countries, but also on all those who could directly or indirectly influence development in the region; Thirdly, the endeavours of the Central American countries are intended to revitalize the mechan ism of regional integration and to strengthen their bilateral economic relations. These activities form an important part in establishing a long-term stable basis for social and economic progress; Fourthly, the continuing diplomatic, political, economic and financial pressures, including trade embargoes, on the Central American countries, obviously undermine the peace-mak ing process. The role of the Contadora Group and its Support Group in assisting the peace process and in the implementation of the peace plan in Central America deserves high appreciation. The present activites of the Contadora Group and the results achieved in the framework of the Central American peace process confirm the validity of the support given to it by the United Nations. Last but not least, credit must be given to the Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, who, responding to numerous appeals by the General Assembly, personally, and jointly with the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS) has given impetus on several occasions to the peace process in the area. At the same time, we pay a tr ibu te to the cons truct ive approa ch and concrete steps taken by the Government of Nicaragua in the implementation of the Esquipulas agreements, thus str iv lng for the achievement of understanding among Central American nations and the final goal of lasting peace in the region. The endeavour to resolve existing problems by negotiation on the basis of non-interference in co-operation, is a great step forward on the iinternal affairs, equality and mutual path towards stability in the region. I The fo~eiqn policy of the socialist countries is based on the principles of peaceful coexistence of nations with different social systems and of rejecting the use or threat of force in international relations. We have always advocated the peaceful settlement of regional conflicts by negotiation as an integral part of a comprehensive approach to international security, and will continue to do so. In this respect, we are of the view that the United Nations could and should continue to encourage positive developments in the region by helping to bring about the political settlement of disputes as well as regional and international co-operation in the economic and social fiel~s. The present critical economic situation in Central America has its roots in the long-lasting social, economic and political conflict. It confirms that peace and development are inseparable and interdependent. We have consistently maintained this link in our foreign policy. This found its expression in our strong commitment to the principle of -disarmament for developmentreflected, inter alia, at last year's International Conference on the Relationship between Disarmament and Development. There can be no genuine development without peace and social justice. Therefore, we consider the special plan of economic co-operation for Central America contained in document A/42/949, prepared pursuant to General Assembly resolution 42/204, asa reflection of the necessity to contribute to the peace i process in Central America through development efforts. The special plan before us is a comprehensive snd tboroughly prepared document Which reflects the urgent necessities and priorities of the Central American countries and which indicates the ways and means of meeting them. Economic backwardness, instability, external indebtedness, outflow of resources, mass poverty, inadeauate housing and health care, refugees, and many other problems of an economic and social nature, show the similarities between Central American problems and the fate of the developing world as a whole. The special plan rightly stresses the primary responsibility of each country for its development. It says: "Internal efforts are the fundamental pivot of development, without which external co-operation cannot perform its function. n • (A/42/949, para. 174) It is obvious that these national efforts should be sustained by international assistance and co-operation, with due respect for the principles of sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs. This assistance should be hased on the national development plans, principles and objectives of the recipient countries of Central America. We share the idea expressed in the plan that: "It is now time for the international community to act in the spirit of the fundamental principles of the Charter of the united Nations.". (A/42/949, para. 180) The special plan shows a clear understanding of the role of the United Nations system, whose capacity, knowledge and resources should be utilized adeauately to put it into practice. There is also ample room for utilization of other mechanisms of cO-operation at the subregional, regional and international levels. For our part, the special plan has been forwarded to our relevant national authorities to define our role in the accomplishment of the task set out in the special plan. The Socialist countries have consistently contributed to the development of developing countries by providing assistance commensurate with our capacities and are ready to cont inue to do so. Along these lines, the socialist countries, on whose behalf I am speaking, support the draft resolution on the special plan of economic co-operation for Central America (A/42/L.49). We are convinced that this draft resolution and its implementation will play an important role in the process of establishing stable and lasting peace and prol1Pting socio-economic development in the region. We will oontinue to work towards the solution of global problems which is long overdue. This should contribute to the improvement of the overall climate in international economic relations and will undoubtedly have a beneficial effect on the achievement of the basic goals of the special plan for Central America, goals shared by all of us~ peace, security and developnent. Mr. ALZAMORA (Peru) (interpretation from Spanish): The adoption of the special plan for economic co-operation for Central America will bring about a substantive phase in the peace process in Central America, one to which the international oommunity, represented in this Assembly, has repeatedly pledged its full support and co-opera tion. The plan oonfirms the thesis sustained since the beginning by the Contadora Group and its Support Groups, which the Assembly endorsed in its resolu tion 38/10 of 1983, and in all the resolutions which were based on the idea~ "••• that the internal conflicts in the countries of Central America stem from the economic, pol itical and social oondi tions obta in ing in each of those countries and that they should not, therefore, be placed in the context of East-West confrontation". (General Assembly resolution 38/10, fourth paragraph of the preamble) The increasing international detente makes the accuracy of that diagnosis ever mor1! evident. The more progress was made in the neutralizing of the most immediate threats to that peace as security mechanisms were set up, the more necessary it became to cope wi th the serious economic and social problems of the region, which had been aggravated by the conflict, and also to organize the efforts of the international community for that purpose. The Assembly's resolution will set in motion the process of economic co-operation. A decisive role was played in this process of supporting peace and proooting political negotia tions by the political suppor t of the non-aligned countr ies, the European Economic Communi ty and the Nordic countries. The declaration of the ir Foreign Ministers in the Hamburg document firmly placed on record the conunitment of the Community to economic recovery and the development of the region and the implementa tion of the plan which is now before the Assembly for aooption. The Latin American countries have, from the very outset, been in the forefront of that struggle for peace, self-determination and unity for Central America, and they have given their fullest support - political, moral and territorial - to that process. Accordingly, Peru, in 1985, sponsored the establishment in Lima of the Support Group and made a commitment to Central American development by drawing up 62 progranmes of technical co-operation with the five countries of the region, in areas related to the development of human and natural resources, foreign and interregional trade, state administration, alternative sources of energy, the provision of lines of credit and contributions in kind. HOW'ever, this is not the appropriate time to give an account of individual ratin American efforts. It is however worth recalling the initial contributions, made from 1979 onwards, and running into hundreds of millions of dollars by the Latin American countries within the framework of the Latin American Economic System (SELA) or within the framework of the mechanisms for regional co-operation, inspired and prorroted by SEtA. This contribution is particularly important when one considers that it is within the framework of that Iatin American solidarity that the diplomacy of Contadora and its Support Groups will proceed. They will be decis ive in pres erv ing the process of Ia tin Ameri can self-determination from the dangers which threatened it, and in opening up, resolu tely and firmly, poli tical powers for negotiation, which will make it possible for the Central American countries, autonomously and freely, to implement the historic Esquipulas agreements, and also enable the international community to reach the phase symbolized by this session of the Assembly. The sta tement of the eight Presidents in Acapulco will endorse, at the highest possible level, the conmitment of Latin Americans to the assistance plan for Latin America. It is now for us to endorse, without any evasiveness or hesitation, these efforts, and to give the Central Amer ican countr ies our fullest supper t and co-opera tion. We are therefore confident that the draft resolution we are about to consider will enjoy the sponsorship of all those who took part in its negotiation and drafting, and particularly of those who proposed the final wording, which was agreed on in good fai th and in the most constructive spirit, consonant wi th the humanitar ian purpose in the cause of peace, which inspired the plan for economic co-opera tion. This is a particularly important consideration because, while dealing with the immediate requirements of the situation, we cannot overlook the structural characteristics of the Central American crisis, which is being nurtured and aggravated every year by the single fact that the five Latin American countries transfer annually funds in the amount of some $3 billion to the industrialized countries. That means that in a single year Central America transfers northwards net resources which amount to 60 per cent of what the plan for Central America has made provision for as a contribution from the international community to the countries of the region over the next three years. It is therefore no wonder that the economic crisis has afflicted all the Central American countries regardless of the level of peace or of social turmoil character istic of them, regaraless of their economic policies or the difference between the role of their public and pr ivate sectors. It is from this standpoint that my delegation unaerstands ana locates the plan submitted to us by the Secretary-General, a plan for which we are grateful because we feel it has succeeded in identifying the main problems of Central America today. At the same time, we congratulate the executives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Car ibbean (ECLAC), Mr. Augusto Ramirez-Ocampo and Mr. Gert Rosenthal, who were entrusted with the preparation of the document. We therefore reiterate our confiaence in the Secretary-General and this Organization in the further implementation of this effort, which was jointly agreed on to strengthen peace ana development in Central America, an effort which must also take into account the situation of those other countries of the isthmus which have sufferea repercussions from the er is is, particularly as far as the refugee problem is concerned. A stable peace in Central America requires a substantive improvement in the living standards of its peoples. Towards that end the processes of redistribution of wealth which may be undertaken by the Central American countries are not enough, rather the international corrmunity must work together to eliminate the socio-economic roots of the conflict. This conunitment to co-operation with Central America confirms the role of the United Nations in consolidating peace and security. The political will that inspired this agreement consti tutes a positive choice for peace. In other words, a concept of peace which means the absence of war, but also the establishment of a stable egalitarian, social and legal order which will eliminate poverty and a marginal status for many peoples; a peace based on justice, but also on law, in which all nations, particularly the Pcwers with interests in the region, will conduct their relations with all Central American countries on the basis of strict respect for the principles of non-intervention and non-interference in internal affa irs. Peru reiterates its staunch dedication to this objective of peace, freedom, development and justice, which we share with all peoples on earth and which is a crucial prerequisite in our task of building that better world that was our purpose when we resolved to establish this Organization. Mr. KAGAMI (Japan) ~ I should like at the outset to express the sincere appreciation of my delegation to the secretary-General for his statement, and for prepar ing and presenting the special plan of economic co"",peration for Central America. This comprehensive special plan is now under careful study by my G:::lver nment. I should also like to express my apprecia tion to Mr. Augusto Ramirez-Ocampo, the United Nations Development Programme Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, and also to Mr. Gert Rosenthal, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), for the valuable work they have done. The agreement on the establishment of a firm and lasting peace in Central America was signed in August last year by Costa Rica, El Salvador, G..1atemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Japan welcomes this agreement as a historic milestone in the quest for peace in the region. It was just after the signing of this important oocument that our former Foreign Minister, His Excellency Mr. Kuranari, visited the region, and in Guatemala he expressed his appreciation and the strong support of the Government of Japan for the agreement, as well as his hope that it would prO\Tide a solid foundation for the attainment of peace in Central America. The continuing efforts of the people of Central America have also led to a temporary agreement on a cease-fire in Nicaragua. It is the sincere hope of the Japanese Government that the agreement will lead to a lasting peace. As our former Foreign Minister,Mr. Kuranari, stressed during his visit to the region, Japan has consistently supported, and will continue to support, the regional efforts for peace of the countries of the Contadora Group and its support Group, and those of the countries of Central America as a whole. I should like to express once aga in our profound respect for the effor ts made by all the co un tr ies concerned. As the special plan rightly points out: "The recent evolution of the Central Amer ican economies illustrates the close interaction between peace and development." (A/42/949, para. 19) ll"nd we also share the view expressed in the plan that peace requires a developnent that will guarantee decent living conditions for the population. It is in this belief that I should like to stress the urgent need for the international community to extend economic assistance as well as political support to Central America, which has been torn apart by war, for the processes of reconstruction and development. I should also like to emphasize the desire of my Government to provide the greatest possible co-operation to the countries of Central America as they strive to achieve rehabilitation and development. The Prime Minlster of Japan, His Excellency Mr. Noboru Takeshita, has upheld as the primary goal of his Cabinet the building of a "Japan contributing to the world". This is based on his belief that it is the responsibility of Japan to play a positive role in maintaining world peace and securing the prosperity of the international community. In line with this goal, the Government of Japan has expressed its commitment to the support of Central America as it strives to achieve peace and respect for the principles of democracy throughout the region. Particularly in recent years, commercial and economic relations between Japan and Central America, and also contacts between the two peoples, have increased considerably. This increase has paralleled a growing awareness in Japan of the importance of this region in various fields. Japan has made continuous efforts to expand its economic and technical co-operation for Central America, and its official development assistance to this region has registered a constant and steady increase. Japan has lost no time in adopting further measures of economic assistance to enhance co-operation for the development of the region. I should like to touch in particular on the following efforts which my Government has been making recently. First, with a view to promoting dialogue for yet more effective Japanese co-operation with this region, an economic co-operation mission was dispatched by the Japanese Government to Costa Rica, Guatemala and Honduras in April of this year. This mission held a series of exploratory discussions with the Governments of these countries as to their development needs, as well as to those areas in which Japan might strengthen assistance to meet those needs. My Government is nCM in the process of studying carefully the findings of this miss ion. Secondly, the Government of Japan announced last year a programme of recycling financial resources of $20 b ill ion to developing countries over the three years from 1987 to 1989. A substantial part of this programne has already been implemented, and Central American countries are among its important beneficiaries. We hope that the programme will contr ibute to strengthening the economic structure of the region and enhancing the welfare of the people. human-resource development for developing countries. From this point of view Japan has promoted the exchange of people between Japan and Central America to contribute effectively to developing the human resources of that region. Some 150 Japanese experts and young volunteers are currently in that region co-operating in the development of human resources. Moreover the Japanese Government has been receiving trainees from Central America since 1960 and now has in place a programme that will accept more than 400 trainees from the region to study in Japan over the next five years. When they return home after completing that training course, we hope that those people will be a valuable asset to the development of their countries. Also, a seminar ~as held in Japan in March of this year for the development of the human resources of Central America. It provided a useful opportunity to explore measures to strengthen this important aspect of the development of the region. Fourthly, recognizing the fact that the problem of refugees and displaced persons has placed very considerable economic burdens on the receiving countries and has been causing enormous difficulties for the societies and economies of the region generally, the Government of Japan will closely follow the situation with regard to refugees and displaced persons with the aim of extending as much co-operation as possible. Assistance for the development of the Central American region should be approached through appropriate methods of co-operation by the international international community. Japan believes it important for donor countries to co-ordinate their bilateral assistance in order to make their programmes of co-operation as effective and efficient as possible. Japan also believes that economic assistance to Central America should be extended not only on a bilateral basis but also through multilateral channels. Here the role to be played by United Nations organizations is indeed significant in view of the ir neu tral character. In this context Japan supports the draft resolution on the special plan of economic co-operation for Central America sponsored by the five Central American countr ies and the Contadora and Support Groups. The Japanese Gover nment hopes that, as mentioned in the draft resolut,ion, the activi ties supporting the goals and objectives of the special plan will be implemented with the suppor t of the international community. In conclus ion I wish simply to emphas ize the impor tance the Gover nrnent of Japan attaches to the achievement of lasting peace and respect for democracy throughout the region, for only when those conditions prevail will the countries of Central America be able to devote the ir full energ ies to economic and social developnent. The meeting rose at 12.55 p.m.