A/42/PV.51 General Assembly

I call on the representative of Madagascar to introduce draft resolution A/42/L.l3/Rev.l. Mr. RABETAFIKA (Madagascar) (interpretation from French): Co-operation between the U~ited Nations and the Organization of African Unity has developed so naturally, spontaneously and harmoniously that we sometimes wonder why we should still discuss it. But in our world every certainty needs to be checked out, if not reconfirmed, even if we know that the two Organizations, based on the principles of law, justice and social progress, have similar, if not identical, objectives. Co-operation is maintained, its promotion is defined on the basis of the priorities agreed to by the parties and if, for some, our action appears to be repetitive it is because circumstances and ritual have so dictated. Of all the continents, Africa still has to struggle against the vestiges of colonialismJ still suffers the effects of the economic crisis despite its resources which have been savagely exploited for so long; and still has to suffer the condescension accorded to the less privileged members of the family, because "history" has been written and, it would seem, has unfolded without its participation. But let us for the moment set aside those consideration, and let us see without acrimony and with an open mind to what extent the United Nations can contribute to maintaining Africa's confidence in itself in spite of everything. The Secretary-Generalis report on co-operation between the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity is in this connection highly significant. It encompasses the political, economic, social and cultural fields and highlights the Combined and positive action of the United Nations system, be it inter alia, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Co-ordinator (UNDRO), the Food and AgricUlture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), without overlooking those bodies of the General Assembly, such as the Committee of 24, the United Nations Council for Namibia and the Ad Hoc Committee Against Apartheid. To use language familiar to us all, we take note of that report. But we must a~so publicly express our particular satisfaction at the Secretary-Generalis initiatives in the economic and political spheres and in respect of his personal commitment to Africa. In tandem with international action, the Heads of State or Goverrunent of the Organization of African unity, at their twenty-third Summit Meeting in Addis Ababa from 27 to 29 July 1987, adopted a Declaration on soutnern Africa, a Declaration on Africa's external debt, a Declaration on health as the basis for development, and resolutions on Namibia, South Africa and the front-line States. The concerns that were revealed or reiterated in those Declarations and resolutions, which are to be distributed as General Assembly documents, lead us to request, in particular, that united Nations action be pursued and intensified with (Mr. Rabetafika, Madagascar) regard to the struggle for the elimination of colonialism, discrimination and apartheid in southern Africa; assistance to victims of colonialism and apartheidJ assistance also to African countries of asylum which have to face economic and other problems posed by the presence of large numbers of refugees; appeals for contributions to the aid fund for the struggle against colonialism and apartheid created by the Organization of African Unity (OAD) and to the Africa Fund set up by the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries; and, finally, the establishment of special economic assistance programmes to the front-line States. Those are the specific aspects of multilateral co-operation which the United Nat ions can implement. But Afr ica observes and remembers; hence our tieads of State or Government have not overlooked the measures taken by the Nordic and other Western countries aimed at helping the southern African peoples by adopting sanctions against the Pretoria regime, supporting the liberation movements recognized by the OAU and providing economic assistance to the front-line States and the countries of the Southern Africa Development Co-ordination Conference (SADCC) • I have not thus far refer red to economic problems, for I could not improve on the brilliant presentation made by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Zambia before the General Assembly three days ago. Suff ice it to say that we urge the implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development, for which we need tne full co-operation of our Secretary-General. In this connection he may perhaps wish to invite the Secretary-General of the OAU, or his representative, to participate in the meetings of the Steering Committee, which was set up in order to follow up the implementation of the Programme. Similarly, we hope that all iViember States and regional and international organizations will continue to support the United Nations Programme of Action for African ~conomic Recovery and Development 1986-1990. Those are the broad lines of draft resolution A/42/L.13/Rev.l, submitted by Madagascar on behalf of the Group of African States, whose chairmanship we have assumed for this month. The provisions of this draft resolution do not differ greatly from those on which the General Assembly has taken a decision in past years. The only difference derives from the fact that, given the current situation in Africa, political, economic and social problems have acquired such dimensions that we need urgent and unanimous action. That is the wish of the Group of African States, and in this connection I venture to quote a Malagasy proverb: "We are two brothers entering a forest; I trust him, let him trust me." Before concluding, I should like to point out to the General Assemoly that in operative paragraph 14 of document A/42/L.13/Rev.l the words "to continue to guarantee" should read "to continue to ensure". (Mr. Rabetafika, Madagascar)

r have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Community and its 12 Member States. The Twelve are indeed pleased to speak once again in the debate on cc-operation between the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and to reaffirm the importance which we attach to the relationship between these two organizations. The close historical and geographical links between European countries and Africa give that continent a special place in our considerations. Based on our own practical experience of regional co-operation, we realize the very great benefits it can bring and therefore wish to encourage it. The 'rwelve believe that the way in which African countries are working together to deal with the serious and complex problems of the continent deserves the support of the United Nations. We are pleased to note, as the Secretary-General's report demonstrates, that the links between the OAU and the United Nations have intensified over the years. The Twelve believe that the OAU has an important role to play in consolidating the national independence of its members both politically and economically. Where there are conflicts, we believe that the countries most directly concerned should be encouraged to find solutions to the conflict. This applies whether the problems are political, economic, social or environmental. Afrlcan problems are best settled by African solutions. We are pleased to note the work of the OAU in a number of such difficult areas and we particularly welcome the close co-operation between the Secretary-General and the current Chairman of the OAU over the question of Western Sahara. In general, the OAU has an important role to play in ensuring that African peoples are able freely to determine their own future without outside interference. In spite of its vast potential resources, Africa still contains more than half the world's economically least-developed countries. The Twelve wish to co-operate as much as possible with all African countries and to assist in finding solutions to their present economic and social problems. The European Community and its member States have, in recent years, contributed almost 50 per cent of the total aid received by African countries. The European Community played an active role in the United Nations special session on the critical economic situation in Africa in 1986, and we will also play our full part in the planned mid-term review of the programme of Action which will take place at the forty-third session of the General Assembly next year. African countries face particular difficulties and need additional resources. We stand by our commitment given at the special session to participate in the efforts to provide these resources. The Twelve intend to use their commitment to Africa in all these different areas to safeguard the stability of the continent and to broaden our co-operation, both with African Governments themselves and with regional organizations and the OAU. We are convinced that the OAU will continue to play an important role in African and world affairs consistent with the principles guiding the United Nations and in pursuit of the goals of that Organization. We are confident that the close ties of friendship and co-operation which exist between the Twelve and all members of the OAU will be even further strengthened in the years ahead. Mr. LAVROV (Union of soviet Socialist Republics) (interpretation from Russian): Today the General Assembly is considering the important item on co-operation between the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity. The mUltifaceted nature and broad extent of such co-operation are matters of common knowledge. As an example of the activities of these major international (Mr. aierring, Denmark) to the fundamental interests of Africa and the whole world, the solution to current political, economic, social, ecological and other problems. We know hOW many problems there are and how necessary it is to solve them as soon as possible to provide for the security of mankind and its survival. Indeed, with regard to the Organization of African Unity, I, as Deputy of the Supreme Soviet, am reminded of the words of the message of the Presidium of the Supreme doviet and the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union to the participants of the twenty-third session of the Heads of State and Government of member countries of OAU. It emphasized that OAU, which is the recognized advocate for the interests and yearnings of the peoples of Africa in their struggle to consolidate their political independence, economic autonomy, and general peace and security, has earned sincere respect in the Soviet union. We are convinced that a free and independent Africa will continue actively to oppose the nuclear danger and seek disarmament for the sake of development. The Soviet Union favours broad co-operation with the countries of Africa. It is precisely this kind of co-operation which is essential for the solution of the pressing problems which face them. These include the need to eliminate hunger and disease, overcome economic backwardness and raise living standards, protect the environment, and many other problems, inclUding the problem of external indebtedness. In our opinion the solution to these problems can really be achieved through the establishment of a new international economic order and a guarantee of the economic security of each State. There will be new opportunities for this as a result of the establishment of a comprehensive system of international security in circumstances of a nuclear-free non-violent world. The policy of settling regional conflicts by political means is a clear policy laid down by the twenty-seventh Congress of the soviet Union Communist Party. A just political settlement of conflicts in Africa without any doubt WOuld be conducive to the further strengthening of the unity of the African countries. It would enable them to further use their resources for processes of development and to resolve the many urgent economic and social tasks facing them. Together with the African countries and the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the Soviet people have consistantly and resolutely advocated the prompt settlement, on the basis of relevant OAU and nni ted ~ations decisions, of the conflict in the southern part of that continent, which is a dangerous focal point of international tension. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet and the Council of. Ministers of the Soviet Union, in a message to the Heads of State or Gove rnment and the peoples of AEdc.;\ on the occasion of African Liberation Day solemnly confirmed their solidarity with and support for the patr iots of South Afr ica and Namibia in their struggle under the leadership of their well-tested leaders, the Afr ican National Congress (MC) and the South West Afr ica People' 5 Organization (SWAPO). we helieve that further development of the co-operation between the United Nations and the OAU will help in the struggle to consolidate the political and economic independence of the African States, do away once and for all with colonialism, racism and apartheid and help bring about world peace and security. Yle wish to emphasize particularly in this respect that there is a close interrelationship between the solution of the pressing problems of thel\Erican continent and tasks related to the general improvement of the international atmosphere and the cessation of the arms race. The international community dop.s not have the right to wait; it must convert disarmament into a factor for development. It is not mutually guaranteed destruction but rather the elimination of drought, disease, hunger and illit,~racy that should guide thinking and actions, for the sake of present and future generatio~8. The Secretary-General, in a document in which he assesses the prospects of the wor k of the Dni ted ~ations in the 1990,s, emphasizes that our common purpose must he to ensure that from a mass of such different and occasionally contradictory economic and social con~itions we create on a gloha1 scale a situation of steady development of social justice and peace. My delegation is convinced that co-operation between the Unitp.o Nations and the Organization of African Unity is conducive to the attainment of that goal.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/42/L.13/Rev.1 as orally amended by the representative of Madagascar. under the terms of paragraph 17 of the draft resolution, it is estimated that one meeting would he held in 1988 hetween representatives of the secretariat of the organization of African unity and of the secretariats of the united ~ations and other organizations within the united Nations system. Pending consultations on the rnodalities of the servicing of that meeting, its date and location, and on the assumption that it would be comparable to such meetings in the past in terms of participation and duration, it i~ estimated that no costs would be incurred over and above the provisions made under. sections 3 and 29 of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 1988-1989. May I take it that the Assembly adopts the draft resolution? Draft resolution A/42/L.13/Rev.l, as orally amended, was adopted (resolution 42/9).

The Assembly has concluded its consideration of agenda item 25. (Mr. Lavrov, USSR) AG~NDA ITEM 140 OBSERVER STATUS FOR 'rHE AFRICAN DEV~LOPMENT BANK IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY: DRAF'r RESOLUTION (A/42/L.8)

I call upon tne representative of the Cote D'Ivoire to introduce draft resolution A/42/L.8. Mr. ESSY (Cote d'Ivoire) (interpretation from French) : President Houphouet-aoigny of Cote d' Ivoire tells us that peace is not just an empty word but a mode of conduct. The conduct of Cote d'Ivoire in the year which has just elapsed proves that, not just in internal matters but also in its relations with the African States and the rest of the world, it has fully adhered to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. The conduct of Cote d'Ivoire has been confirmed by the manner ot our participation in the general debate. As this is the first time that I have spoKen here, I wish, Sir, on behalf of my delegation, to congratulate you sincerely on your election to the presidency of this session. We know you well and are familiar with your skill and competence. You come from a country which, by virtue of its place in history and international relations, constantly fights for peace. We wish you every success in your work. I wish also to welcome the presence at your side of Mr. Vernon Reed, called by us "Reed, the African", not just because of his knowledge of Africa, but because of everything he has done to help solve the problems of Africa in debates in this building. We are convinced that with his competence and dynamism he will bring a breath of fresh air to the Organization, to the benefit of the international community. Speaking on behalf of 50 Afr ican States reg ional members of the Afr ican Development Bank, which are also members of the Organization of African unity (OAU) and whose names are listed on the draft resolution, and also on behalf of the following 16 States non-regional members of the African Development Bank: Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Yugoslavia, I have the honour to introduce draft resolution A/42/L.8 on observer status for the African Development Bank in the General Assembly. Because of its purely procedural nature the draft is quite short. In the preamble the Assembly takes note of the desire expressed by the African Development Bank to co-operate with the United Nations, and in the operative part the General Assembly would decide to invite the Bank to take part in its work as an observer. At the end, the Secretary-General is requested to take the necessary action to implement the draft resolution after its adoption. The justification for the request for observer status for the African Development Bank in the General Assembly is self-evident, as it cannot be seen OLlt of the context of the critical economic situation in the African continent. We are all mindful of the sequence of events which led to the holding in May 1986 of the special session of the General Assembly on the critical economic situation in Africa and the adoption of the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development 1986-1990. A few landmark features of that process should be recalled, however. In April 1980, the African Heads of State, meeting in Lagos, Nigeria, adopted a Plan of Action for the economic development of Africa to the year 2000. In that plan, commonly called the Lagos Plan of Action, the African countries collectively undertook to promote social and economic integration and development in order to achieve food self-sufficiency. In 1983 the most devastating drought struck the African continent, witn the attendant hunger and disease. The international community reacted spontaneously and on a large scale in the light of that tragedy. After two successive visits to Africa by the United Nations Secretary-General, the report in document E/1984/68, of 26 April 1984, on the critical economic situation in Africa was submitted to the summer session of the Economic and Social COuncil in June 1984. Pursuant to the recommendation of the Economic and Social COuncil, this question was before the General Assembly at its thirty-ninth session as agenda item 139. Consideration of that item led to the adoption of the Declaration on the Critical Economic Situation in Africa, in resolution 39/29, on 3 December 1964. In July 1985 the Heads of State and Government of Africa, at the twenty-first summit meeting of the organization of African Unity, adopted Africa's Priority Lastly, the General Assembly, at its fortieth session, in response to the request of President Abdou Diouf of the Republic of Senegal, Chairman at the time of the Organization of African Unity, decided by resolution 40/40, adopted on 2 December 1985, to hold a special session of the General Assembly on the critical economic situation in Africa. The adoption by consensus of the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development, in resolution 5-13/2, thus signalled the. completion of a sequence of dynamic reactions at both the regional and the international level aroused by the extreme gravity of the economic and social situation in Africa. Throughout this process of re-evaluation of the national economic development strategies and policies of the African States, the African Development Bank, which is intended to serve as an instrument for the economic integration of Africa, played an active role. 1 should like now to describe briefly the position of the African Development Bank in the context of the critical economic situation in Africa and also to emphasize the almost organic link between the Bank and the United ~ations. The Bank is the product of consideration by the United Nations system, in particular, the Economic Commission for Africa, which, in order to encourage and promote economic co-operation among the African States, in resolution 27 (Ill) invited its Executive Secretary to carry out an in-depth study of the possibility of setting up an African development bank. The result of the feasibility study carried out by a nine-member committee led to the signing on 4 August 1963, in Khartoum, Sudan, of the agreement establishing the African Development Bank, which entered into force on 30 November 1964. The Bank opened its capital to non-regional countries in 1982 and its membership has now risen to 75 countries, with the membersnip divided as follows: non-regional members. The decision of those non-regional members to join the Bank is eloquent testimony to the commitment of those States from various continents to take an active part in all efforts to promote growth and development in Africa. The Bank has its headquarters in Abidjan in the Republic of Cote d'lvoire. After 22 years of its existence, the current situation of the Bank is solid both within the African continent and abroad. This pan-African institution has become today, in the words of its President, Mr. Babakar N'Diaye, "a living symbol for the greater good of all the African countries, a bridge across the Sahara, facilitating the exchange of resources and establishing the closest links of fraternity among our peoples, thus making it a powerful instrument for African unity". The present economic problems of Afr ica, particularly the decline in food and agriCUltural production and the external debt crisis, have led the Bank group to focus its policies and operations on finding a more effective solution to those problems. The Secretary-General, in his report entitled "Critical economic situation in Africa: United Nations Progra~ne of Action for African Recovery and Development 1986-1990", recognizes the prirnoridal role played by the African Bank group in the implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action, when he states: "The Afr iean Development Bank (ADB) is basing its 1987-1991 operational programme on the main objectives of the United Nations Programnle of Action. The recent 200 per cent in the ordinary resources of ADB for the period 1987-1991 will enable the Bank to lend between $6 and $8 billion over the planned per iod, which means that dur ing the next five years, the ADS group intends to commit more than it has committed over the past 22 years of its existence." (A/42/560 and Corr.l, para. 31) Lastly, thanks to the expertise acquired by the African Development Bank over the years in the formation of numerous development projects, it is now an appreciable source to be drawn upon in our common quest for solutions to the problems of African debt, in respect of which it has signed with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) an agreement relating to the refinancing of the debt of African countries. In performing its· functions the African Development Bank, generally speaking, already has relations with various multilateral financing institutions and other international organizations, including the following: the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (ABEDA), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the In ternational Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) , the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Aid and Co-operation Fund (ACF), the International ~und for Agricultural Development (IFhD), the International Civil Aviation Organization (lCAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United States Agency for International Development (US/AID), the World Bank and so on. The convergence of the objectives of the United Nations and of the African Development Bank, particularly with respect to the implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development, is strikingly evident. This is not surprising because the African Development Bank, through the Economic Commission for Africa, is a product of the United Nations. The practical complementarity which already exists between the two organizations must now be institutionalized. The broadening of the sphere of common interests of the General Assembly and of the African Development Bank makes the institutional link desirable, since it would enable the representatives of the Bank to take part in the work of the General Assembly when it deals with questions pertaining to Africa, as already happens in respect of other United Nations bodies, such as the Economic and Social Council. Granting the African Development Bank observer status in the General Assembly would also enable it to take part in the work of the Assembly's committees relating to subjects within its competence. For all those reasons, my delegation, on behalf of the 63 co-sponsors, has the honour of introducing draft resolution A/42/L.8, concerning observer status for the African Development Bank in the General Assembly, and we recommend its adoption without a vote. The P~SIDENT (interpretation from Russian): We shall now take a decision on draft resolution A/42/L.8. May I take it that the General Assembly adopts that draft resolution? Draft resolution A/42/L.8 was adopted (resolution 42/10). The PRESIDEN'f (interpretation from Russian): We have concluded our consideration of Agenda item 140.

I now call on the representative of Honduras, who will introduce draft resolution A/42/L.14. I>1r. HERNANDEZ ALCERRO (Honduras) (interpretation from Spanish) : I express to you again, Mr. President, my sincere congratulations on the way in which you have been conducting the discussions in the General Assembly. Your experience and skilful leadership will certainly play an important role in the success of our work. I am happy to introduce in this plenary meeting ot the General Assembly the draft resolution in document A/42/L.14, on the item entitled "Co-operation between the United Nations and the Organization of American States". I would inform the Assembly that Bahamas, Brazil and Jamaica wish to be added to the 27 countries now co-sponsoring that draft resolution. Co-operation in various fields between tnis world bOdy and the American regional organization is nothing new. The San Francisco Conference, when it drafted the United Nations Charter, emphasized that one of the principal purpOses of this Organization was the achievement of international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian characterl and the promotion and encouragement of respect for human rights. Furthermore, it recognized and permitted the existence of regional bodies whose activities relat~n9 to the maintenance of international peace and security were consistent with the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Since 1890 there has existed formally on the American continent an association of nations which, like this world Organization, pursues the fundamental purposes of maintaining international peace and security and promoting co-operation between States and intergovernmental bodies. That association of nations is the organization of American States (GAS). In the sphere of co-operative relations with world bodies, the specialized inter-American agencies have full freedom, within the framework of the charter of the OAS, to establish mutually beneficial ties, to co-ordinate their activities and to maintain their identity as members of the regional organization. In that connection, the Perlnanent Council of the Organization of American States is empowered to promote and facilitate this type of co-operation and can, On its own initiative, establish relations with the United Nations and its specialiZed agencies. By virtue of that attribute, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States has negotiated agreements with the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the General Agreement on Trade and ~ariffs (GATT). Those agreements reflect the existing cO""operation between the CAS and the United Nations in several areas. Most recently, the Organization of American ~tates has established co-operative relations with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); and the Secretaries-General of the United Nations and the OAS are co-operating with the Central American countries in their efforts to establish peace in the region, following the procedures laid down in Guatemala on 7 August last. Similarly, I would emphasize the cO""operation established between the Inter-American Nuclear Energy Commission (IANEe) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The charter of the OAS contains provisions for other co-operative relations between the Inter-American Economic and Social, Educational, Scientific and CUltural Councils with the United Nations and its specialized agencies. The adoption of the draft resolution entitled "CO""operation between the United Nations and the Organization of American States", now before the General Assembly, would fulfil the desire of both organizations to formalize the cO""operative relations that have existed since the very establishment of this world Organization. The charter of the Organization of American States establishes in article 1 that "Within the United Nations, the Organization of American States is a regional agency" • (Mr. Hernandez Alcerro, Honduras) It provides in article 2 that the Organization of American States will "put into practice the princi!.Jles on which it is founded and lwill] fulfil its regional obligations under the Charter of the United Nations". Those provisions clearly show that the necessary bases exist for tne promotion of more active co-operation between the two organizations. There has been co-operation between the United Nations ana other regional bodies in many parts of the world for many years. The General Assembly maintains on its agenda items relating to co-operation with such bodies, and in past years it has adopted a number of resolutions on those items. However, despite the fact that there have been relations between the United Nations and the OAS for a long time, the General Assembly has not taken direct note of those relations. The adoption of draft resolution A/42/L.l4, which is co-sponsored by 30 States members of the OAS and this Organization would give the Secretary-General a mandate to submit a report to the General Assembly on this item. ~hus, the bases would be established for closer co-operation between the two organizations in the common quest for sOlutions to problems relating, inter alia, to peace, human rights, economic and social development, the self-determination of peoples, decolonization and a new international economic order. The inclusion of this item on the current agenda of the General ABsernbl~ had wide Support among Members of the Organization. We hope that the draft resolution before the Assembly, which is sponsored by so many delegations, will also have its widest support, as has happened with similar draft resolutions advocating close co-operation between the United Nations and other regional organizations. Suffice it to recall the items included and the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly relating to co-operation between the United Nations and the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the League of Arab States, the Organization of African Unity and the Asian-African Legal Consultative Committee. The Organization of American States (OAS), in its many years of existence, has experienced changes in its structure and principal legal instruments. This should enable it to live in a community of nations that is also in constant evolution. In the recent past the OAS initiated a new and important process of change in the creation of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which waS set up to meet the growing concern of member States to ensure full observance of human rights. This is one of its most positive developments. Another such development is the changes in the charter of the Organization, such as the amendments adopted in Brasilia in 1984 and the reforms embodied in the Cartagena Protocol, which seek to ensure the broadest participation and membership in this regional organization by states of the American continent. For the reasons that I have just given, I ask Members to support the draft resolution relating to co-operation between the United Nations and the Organization of American States in the certainty that its adoption will represent a step towards the achievement of our most cherished ideals of peace, brotherhood, freedom and development for our peoples. Mr. GUTIERREZ (costa Rica) (interpretation from Spanish): When steps were taken in 1945 to set up the United Nations, \lie L.atin AliIItHican countries fought hard to make sure that the new world Organization did not absorb the functions then performed by the sole political regional organization eX1Stin<g at tl'le time, the Pan-American Union, which is now the OrganiZation of American States (OAS). These efforts resulted in the inclusion in the United Nativna Charter of ~rcicle 52, paragraph 1 of which reads as follows: "Nothing in the present Charter precludes th~ Elxiatence of regional arrangements or agencies for dealing with such matters relatin9 to the maintenance of international peace and secur ity as are appropriate for regional action, provided that such arrangements or agencies and their activities are consistent with the purposes and principles of the United Nations. " AS a result of the initial fears of the Latin American countries, both Organizations, the United Nations and the OAS, were k.ept as entirely separate entities. This meant that on the various occasions when problems pertaining to security or the maintenance of peace arose, the decision to sub~1t them to the United Nations or to the OAS, which were considered to reflect opi>OGite formulas, was made on the basis of different ideological positions. It is not surprising, therefore, that the United Nations should have pro·gra.lllllllElfil of co-operatlo.n Witll all regional organizations set up since its establishment but so far has no such programme with the oldest of the regional organlzatl0ns, the Dr9ani~ation of American States (OAS). The Central American crisis brought about a new attitudilll on the part of the two Organizations; one based on joint action, which has proved 'possible because of the enlightened attitude of the Secretari~a-Generalof the two Organizations in their offer to the countries of the area in their memorandum of 18 November 1986 to provide an important range of services. That offer was the basis on which both Secretaries-General visited Central America at the beginning of March this year, accompanied by the Foreign Ministers of the Contauord and SuPWort Gruups. At the end of that visit it turned out that there was not suffici~~t political will to continue the Contadora process. It was fortun~te that it so happened that the Secretary-General of the OAo and a Personal Representative of the Secretary-General of the Unit~d Nations were present at the historic meeting of the Central American Presidents on 7 August this year at which the Agreement entitled, '·Procedure for the establishment of a strong and lasting peace in Central America·· was signed. Given this background, the inclusion of both Secretaries-General or their representatives in the International Verification and Follow-Up Commission was considered essential by the Central Americans. Last week both Organizations sent a joint mission to Central America to make an initial determination of the work to be done to implement the Central American peace plan. At this very moment the Central American Foreign Ministers are Ineeting in the capital city of my country for the purpose of making progress in the implementation of the peace plan, and it is possible that there will be agreement at that meeting on the specific tasks to be carried out jointly by the two Organizations. I have said all this to point out that when reference is made in the draft resolution that we have submitted to the Assembly to co-operation between the United Nations and the OAS we are not talking about the future but about the present situation, which is of benefit to all States of the region. The purpose here is to ensure that the efforts now being rnade are institutionalized, that a passing circumstance becomes an institutional reality. This is not at all extraordinary, because co-operation between the United Nations and regional organizations is a rule followed in all continents. (Mr. Gutierrez, Costa Rica) Co-operation with the Organization of African Unity started in 1965, with the Organization of the Islamic Conference in 1980 and with the League of Arao ~tates in 1981. It is therefore significant that there should have been no institutionalization of co-operation between the United Nations and an organization which, having been founded in 1890, is nearly 60 years older than the united Nations. It is significant because both Organizations may have believed in the past that there was no need for permanent stable contacts. None the less, we believe that the time has now come when tne States Members of the United Nations and the OAS feel the need for joint action by the two systems. Given the current international situation, the regional organizations and the world Organization should always see themselves as a means of ensuring that states fulfil their obligations with regard to the maintenance of peace and security and the improvement of co-operation between States. They are complementary and should act jointly. Hence, the need for links, means of co-operation and methods of joint work. In draft resolution A/42/L.14 virtually all the members of the Organization of American States that are Members of the United Nations have requested a system of working arrangements similar to that made with all the other regional organizations whose membership includes underdeveloped countries. We are convinced of the advantages we can derive from the creation of links between the world Organization and regional or.ganizations, and we therefore want more open co-operation and understanding between the organizations. 'l'he States of the world have barely scratched the surface of the enormous potential of international co-operation, which is an important part of our business and a way to achieve understanding between different societies. We hope, therefore, to have the support of all Member States. We are confident that, as the two organizations share ideals and working systems and have a common membership, the co-operation estahlished as a result of the draft resolution, the adoption of which we are now calling for, would mean increased bene f.its.

I wish to inform the Assembly that Equatorial Guinea has become a sponsor of draft resolution A/42/L.14. I now call on the representative of Belize for an explanation of vote before the voting. I remind the Assembly that explanations of vote arp. limited to lu minutes, and should be made by representatives from their seats. Mr. TILLETT (Belize): Draft resolution A/42/L.14, entitled "Co-operation between the Unitp.d Nations and the Organization of American states", on which we shall be voting in a few minutes, presents a situation that is auite natural. That situation is the co-operation between the united Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS). Indeed, such co-operation already eKists. Representatives (Mr. Gutierrez, Costa Rica) will recall that, early this year, the secretary-General of the United Nations and the Secretary-General of the Organization of American states jointly toured five of the six Central American States and Mexico. 1\part from that relationship, there is sufficient precedent for the draft resolution in est.:lblishing official co-operation between the united Nations and the regional organi~ations. Just last week the Assembly adopted two similar draft resolutions, A/42/L.4 and A/42/L.S, in which the Assembly approved co-operation hetween the United Nations and the Organization of the Islamic Conference and between the United Nations and the League of Arab states. Today we have adopted draft resolution A/42/L.13/Rev.l, entitled "Co-operation between the United Nations I and the Organization of African Unity". So adoption of the draft resolution now hefore us would he in keeping with the pattern of precedents in the Assembly. I wish to draw attention to one serious shortcoming of the 01'.5 as a regional organization, a shortcoming that gave rise to the auestion whether Be1i7.e should support the draft resolution: the lack of llniversality in the membership of the 01\9. This iR to say that the Carihbean nation of Belize, geographically located in Central America, has been denied membership in this regional organization. The Organization of American States proper was founded in 1948, three years after the founding of the United Nations. Because of the territorial claims of some of the founding member states to what were then colonial Territories, article 8 was inserted in the Charter of the OAS for their protection. It prevents any decision with respect to a reouest for. admission to be taken if a dispute or claim between an extra-continental State and one or more member States of the organization has not been resolved by some peaceful procedure. Since Belize became independent in 1981, a~ticle 8 has been used to deny Belize its rightful place in the community of American nations. But many members of the 01\5 have seen the injustice inherent in article 8 and, on 5 December 1985, they amended the Charter, making it possible for Belize to become a member of this regional organization by 1990. The Cartagena Protocol, as the amendment is known, must be ratified by 21 states before it becomes effective, making it possible for Belize to become a member of the OAS. To date 13 nations have ratified the Protocol, and, on behalf of the Government and people of Belize, the Belize delegation wishes to express our thanks to those nations. Many of our other friends have informed us that ratification is in various stages of completion, and we thank them as well. But there are some that are hesitant to ratify the accord. We urge them to see the wisdom of early ratification. There is no more democratic Government than that of Belize in the Americas. There is not a more stable Government or. political system than that of nelize in the hemisphere. In a region torn by strife, Belize is an oasis of peace which many Americans from the strife-torn area have found. Yet there are some who would like to pretend that we are not there. :r. take this opportunity to remind the Assembly that Central America is made up of six nations - Belize, Costa Rica, F,l Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Central America has one parliamentary democracy and five republic~. 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 with accuracy the realities of the region. Having put the regional situation in its proper perspective, I am pleased to say that the Belize delegation supports the draft resolution and urges our friends to no likewise. We support the draft resolution to demonstrate the maturity of our politic~al thinking. We support it because it is time for sl1ch a resolution. We support it because it will help the Americas and because, with a little help from our friends, Belize will soon become a member of the OAS. (Mr. Tillett, Belize) The PRES IDENT (in terpr eta tion from Russ ian) : The Assembly •....ill nCM tak e a decision on draft resolution A/42/L.14. May I take it that the Assembly adopts draft resolution A/42/L.14? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 42/11).

We have thus concluded our consider ation of agenda item 142.

I call on the representative of the Latin American Economic System, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 35/3, of 13 October 1980. Mr. GILL (Latin American Economic System (SELA»: The draft resolution on co-operation between the United Nations and the ~atin American Economic SYStem (SELA) now before the General Assembly signifies for us in SELA far more than q mere framework allowing for the strengthening of mutual collaboration between the two bodies. We regard it as a very important manifestation of support by the international community represented here for the work that is being carried out within SELA and as a buttress to Latin American and Caribbean unity that will be most welcome, particularly at the present time as our region continues to be buffeted by its most serious economic crisis in the present century. SELA was created 12 years ago by Latin American and Caribbean countries so as to respond more effectively to the increasingly complex economic and social challenges facing their societies. It aims at strengthening regional unity by furthering regional co-operation, as well as promoting consultation and the co-ordination of positions in international bodies and with regard to third countries and groups of countries. S~LA is to date the only truly regional forum of the developing countries of the Americas wherein they can discuss problems common to their stage of development. SELA is guided by such fundamental principles of the United Nations as equality, the sovereignty and independence of States, solidarity, non-intervention and respect for the economic, social and political systems freely chosen by each State. While adaressing primarily economic and social issues, SELA has in no way been oblivious of the major political themes that have been occupying the attention of the international community. Indeed, the Lima Communique, agreed to in 19l:i6 at the twelfth session of the Latin American Council, SELA's supreme decision-making organ, expressed the member States' condemnation of the apartheid policy of the South African regime, their commitment to co-ordinated action agai~st drug trafficking and drug abuse and their repudiation of the arms race. (Mr. Gill, SELA) Moreover, the recently concluded thirteenth session of the Latin American Council adopted a trail-hlazing decision to hold an annual informal dialogue at the foreign minister level in order to examine the international situation and its repercussions on the region, as well as action to be taken in order to strengthen regional unity. To this end, Latin American and Caribbean Foreign Ministers intend to avail themselves of the occasion provided by the regular meeting of the Latin American Council, to be held usually prior to the regular session of the united Nations General Assembly. Thus proper recognition has been given to the need for political co-or.dination as a b~sis for effective economic co-ordination; such an undertaking will no doubt strengthen the connection between deliberations within our regional forum and the important work that is carried out in this univer.sal forum. The Latin American and Caribbean region is currently confronting with great resolve complex development challenges and is also acutely conscious of the important role it i~ destined to play in transforming international economic relations. Despite the major economic difficulties that have put to the test the politic~l and social stahility of every single country in the region, Latin American and Caribbean countries have nevertheless attempted to flllfil these commitments through strengthening their regional co-operation and concertation efforts. Several new initiatives taken within the region attest to this reality. The Latin American Economic system, which is more than an organization, i~ a ~atin American system which aspires to serve as a sphere of convergence for all of these initiatives, therehy making them redound to the benefit of the region as a whole. For Latin America and the Caribbean, the external-deht problem is the most serious short-term restriction, but our region is conscious that the challenge is really one of creating a more efficient production structure that will allow it to benefit more from its participation in the world economy and quickly improve the well-being of the majority of its citizens. For this reason, we insist that concertation, co-operation and integration are fundamental prerequisites for confronting both the short-term and the long-term problems of the region. Consequently, Latin America and the Caribbean must implement policies aimed at lessening its external vulnerahility through intensive utiliz~tion of the region's endogenous potential. However, despite the very best efforts and sacrifices made by our countri~s, the major obstacle to development and the well-being of our peoples has proved to be the impact of external factors beyond our control. The economic policies of the industrialized countries, their lack of policy co-ordination and the decline in international co-operation have brought radical changes and great uncertainty to the world economy. What is required by tatin America and the Caribbean and the rest of the developing world is a stable and predictable economic environment in which the rules of the game are clearly defined. Viewed in this light, the draft resolution is enormously important. It paves the way for the strengthening of co-operation between two forums, one regional and the other universal, which are both seeking to promote the well-being of peoples as a basis for lasting peace. To date, there exists a significant record of co-operation in a number of areas between SELA and a range of agencies and bodies of the united Nations system. What is now required is to strengthen and broaden'this co-operation. I wish to take this opportunity of expressing to the General Asselnbly our intention to make every effort so as to ensure that the opportunity presented will he ntilized to the fullest and lead to concrete achievement that will prove to be of maximum benefit to us all. (Mr. Gill, SRLA)

~he Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/42/L.15. May I take it that the Assembly adopts draft resolution ~/42/L.15? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 42/12).

We have thus concluded our consideration of Agenda Item 143.

I should like to propose that the list of speakers in the dehate on this item be closed today at 4 p.m. If J hear no objection it will he so decided. It was so decided.

I therefore reauest those representatives wishing to participate in the dehate on this item to inscribe their names as soon as possible. The meeting rose at 12.10 p.m.