A/42/PV.64 General Assembly

It is my sad duty to inform the General Assembly of the untimely death of the President of the Supreme Military Council and Head of State of the Republic of the Niger, His Excellency General Seyni Kountche. It is with deep sorrow that I have learnt of the death of General Kountche, who always stood for the cause of peace, understanding, self-determination and development, that is, for the cause of the United Nations. On behalf of the General Assembly, I request the representative of Niger to convey our condolences to the Government and people of Niger and to the family of the deceased. I invite the assembly to stand for one minute in silent tribute to the memory of General Seyni Kountche. The members of the General Assembly observed a minute of silence.

I call on the Secretary-General

It is with the greatest sorrow that we have learnt of the death of His Excellency General Seyni Kountche, President of the Republic of Niger. During the 13 years that he was at the head of his country he showed himself to be not only an enlightened leader of his people, but also a symbol of moderation and reason in Africa and the world. The rugged natural environment into which he was born, that of the Sahe1, his homeland, moulded the character of this statesman who knew how to lead his people with exemplary vision, courage, wisdom and dedication. In Africa and throughout the world his tireless efforts to promote co-operation and solidarity among nations Were inspired by those same virtues. with his death the world has lost a great statesman and ~frica Cl man who had faith in it and in its destiny. With his death the United Nations has lost Cl great champion and a great defender. On the occasion of this great loss, I offer my most sincere condolences to the people and the Government of Niger. (The Secretary-General)

I call on the representative of Malawi, Mr. Timon Sam Mangwazu, who will speak on behalf the Group of African States •. Mr. MANGWAZU (Malawi): I speak at this early hour, at the beginning of the Assembly's work for today, 11 November 1987, to join in marking the sad and untimely passing yesterday at La Pitie Salpetriere Hospital, in Paris, France, of one of the distinguished sons of Africa, His Excellency General Seyni Kountche, who was until his death President of the Supreme Military Council and Head of State of the Republic of Niger. He had been taken into the hospital as an emergency just before his death, but he had been ill since December 1986. General Seyni Kountche was born in Fandou, in Niger, in 1931. He began his career in the army in 1944 as a cadet. He received extensive military training in both Niger and France and rose to various ranks, finally becoming General. On 15 April 1974 he became President of his country. The deeds of every man are judged most by the results, and in this respect President Kountche managed all the affairs of his country with great wisdom and Success. For example, during his rule the economy of Niger registered a significant growth rate. This was because of his courageous economic policies. It has been observed that the economy of Niger is balanced and self-sustaining. Ge~eral Kountche was a pragmatist who put the interests of his people first, before anything else. As a result, Niger has enjoyed exceptional polltical stability. General Kountche was personally known to some of the representatives and others who are here in the Assembly, and was also well known all over the world. He will, I believe, be remembered, first, for his success in managing his country's affairs and secondly for his contribution to the promotion of regional and international understanding and co-operation, for example, in the Organization of African Unity (OAU), in the Economic organization of West African States (ECOWAS), in Lome/European Economic Community co-operation and, last but not least, in the united Nations. Words alone cannot fully express our sense of loss at the passing of a man with such outstanding qualities of leadership who made a big impact both in his country and abroad. Africa and the world mourn His Excellency General Seyni Kountche. He was truly a great man.

I call on the representative of Bahrain, Mr. Karim Ebrahim AI-Shakar, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Asian States. Mr. AL-SHAKAR (Bahrain) (interpretation from Arabic): The Group of Asian States learnt with sorrow of the passing of His Excellency General Seyni Kountche, President of the Republic of Niger. with his passing, the people and Government of Niger have lost a remarkable leader and a faithful son. He was a politician and an exemplary statesman. Throughout his life he served his country with dedication and loyalty, participa".ing actively in the process of its development and stabilization. He was also active in the cause of international peace and in the work of the Organization of African Unity, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Movement of Non-aligned Countries and the United Nations. On behalf of the Asian Group, over which my country has the honour to preside this month, I should like, through you, Mr. President, to extend to the family of the deceased, to the Government and people of Niger and to the delegation of Niger our sincere condolences on their painful loss. We pray that the Almighty will show grace to the deceased and call him to paradise. Mr. Eugeniusz Noworyta, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Eastern European States. Mr. NOWORYTA (Poland): On behalf of the Group of Eastern European States, I have the sad duty to convey to the Government and people of the Republic of Niger our sincere condolences on the death of the President of the Supreme Military Council and Head of State of the Republic of Niger, His Excellency Seyni Kountche. With the death of Seyni Kountche, Head of State of the Republic of Niger, the people of that Republic and the whole African continent have suffered the loss of a dedicated leader committed to the development of his country and to the cause of African unity. The contribution of Seyni Kountche to the promotion of the welfare of the people of his country and to the process of the liberation of Africa is well known and greatly appreciated far beyond his country and the African continent. We join the people of the Republic of Niger in their sorrow over the death of their distinguished and respected leader. Mr. Marcelo Delpech, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Latin American States. Mr. DELPECH (Argentina) (interpretation from Spanish): It was with deep sadness that the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States, which is presided over this month by my country, learnt of the passing of the President of the Supreme Military Council and Head of State of the Republic of Niger, His Excellency General Seyni Kountche. General Kountche enjoyed great prestige in the international community. His firm commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and his invaluable support for efforts to establish a more just political, economic and social order earned him a special place among the great men of our era. In addition, he was one of Africa's longest-serving and most eminent leaders and a person of influence in the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. The Group of Latin American and Carihbean States joins in this well-deserved tribute with a feeling that it has lost an outstanding personality. t\'e should like to convey to the people and Government of Niger and to the family of General Kountche our sincere and respectful condolences. We are convinced that the courageous people of Niger will appropriately honour the memory of their great leader.

I call on the representative of Luxembourg, Mr. Jean Welter, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Western European and other Sta tes. 111:". WEL'rER (Luxembourg) (interpretation from French): As Chairman of the Group of Western European and other States, I have the honour to speak in my turn on the occasion of the death of His Excellency General Seyni Kountche, Head of State of the Republic of Niger. I associate myself with the Chairmen of the other regional groups in extending sincere condolences to Ambassador Joseph Dia tta, Permanen t. Re pr esen ta ".ille of Niger to the United Nations, and, through him, to the Goverllment and people of the Republic of Niger. Like some of the previous speakers, I too wish to pay a very brief tribute, first, to President Kountche's political work, in particular his efforts to promote the political and constitutional stabilization of the Republic of Niger, and, secondly, to the role of mediator which, through him, Niger played in 1985 in the conflict that could have involved Mali and Burkina Faso. I commend the efforts which President Kountche made for 13 years to promote his country's development, efforts which were all the more courageous and praiseworthy in that Niger had to face par ticularly difficult candi tions, such as the drought tha t ravaged the country in past years. I am conv inced that the in ternational commun i ty will retain a lasting memory of General Kountche and the reforms that he carried out at the head of his state.

I call on the representative of the United States of America, Miss Patricia Byrne, who will speak in her capacity as representatille of the host country. Miss BYRNE (United States of America): It was with very deep regret that the delegation of the United States learnt of the death of President Kountche. On this sombre occasion we pay tribute to President Kountche's statesmanship as a force for peace and stability in west Africa and to the wisdom with which he guided Niger's constructive approach at the United Nations. We salute his leadership in many other areas as well, including his manifold and consistent efforts to revitalize Niger's economy in trying circumstances. He was a pioneer in finding effective solutions to Africa's problems of economic recovery and reform.

I call on the Permanent Representative of Niger to the United Nations, Mr. Joseph Diatta. Mr. DIATTA (Niger) (interpretation from French): On behalf of the Government and people of Niger and of my delegation, I thank representatives most sincerely for the touching words and expressions of sympathy that they have been kind enough to extend to us on the occasion 0f the tragic loss of our beloved General Seyni Kountche, President of the Supreme Military Council and Head of State of the Republic of Niger. General Seyni Kountche was a Head of State who had a deep love for and devotion to his country and people. Having come to power in April 1974 at a time when the population of Niger was a prey to despair, in particular because of an unceasing drought - that natural disaster which continues severely to hamper the development of the Sahel and numerous other African countries - General Seyni Kountche, thanks to his determination and charismatic faith, was able quickly to establish the conditions necessary to set our people resolutely on the path of advancement of the economic and social development of the country and to do so in complete harmony with the realities and needs of a developing country. Food self-sufficiency was the major thread in all his actions and he succeeded in meeting and mastering that Inspired by a lofty pragmatism, he gave to the people of Niger positive challenge. economic guidelines that made it possible to achieve national recovery in all spheres and to ensure the stability of our country in the developing world and the framework for the consultation, concerted action and participation in which our people freely engage. On the international level, he devoted himself with ardour and selflessness not only to strengthening our brotherly relations with other African countries and gjving constant support and active solidarit.y to the peoples of our continent struggling for their self-determination and independence, but also to the tightening of our relations of friendship and co-operation with all peace-loving countries cormnitted to respecting our values, our identity, our dignity and our sovereignty. His loss therefore leaves an immense void in Niger, where our people had identified with him in his struggle to free our country from the natural restraints which bind it, but also in the whole of Africa, where he was one of the most r ~spec ted Heads of Sta te. The people of Niger will continue in union and harmony to complete the work of building the nation for which he laid t.he solid foundations, guided in this noble task by his outstanding example, marked by selfless sacrifice and his noble ideals, which were focused wholly on the happiness of our nation, the dignity and development of our continent and peace and understanding among all the States of our planet. I should like, before concluding, to express to you, Mr. President, t.o the Secretary-General and to all representatives here, who have during this ceremony kindly shared our profound sadness and immense sorrow at the loss of President Kountche, our great appreciation and our heartfelt. and sincere thanks. We shall make it our duty to convey your condolences to the Government and people of Niger and to the family of President Kountche. lIGBNDA ITEM 29 QUEST ION OF THE COMORIlIN ISLAND OF MAYOTTE (a) REFORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL (A/42/602) (b) DRAFT RESOWT ION (A/4 2/L. 24) The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Russian) ~ I would remind representatives that, in accordance with the decision taken yesterday aft.ernoon, the list of speakers in the debate on this item will be closed today at 11 a.m. I therefore request those representatives who wish to participate in the debate to put their names on the list of speakers as soon as possible. I call on the representativ~ of the Comoros, who wishes to introduce draft resolution A/42/L.24. Mr. KAFE (Comoros) (interpretation from Frenchh Before beginning my sta tement I should like, on behalf of the Government and people of the Comoros, to extend to the delegation of Nige~ to the United Nations our most sincere condolences on the death of that illustrious son of the African continent President Seyni Kountch~. We ask the delegation of the Niger kindly to convey to the Government and the brother people of Niger our feelings of sorrow and deep sympatny.~ My country, the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros, has just celebrated f the twelfth anniversary of its accession to international sovereignty. That happy event, which crowned 12 years of development efforts by the people and Government of the Comoros, would undoubtedly have served as a symbol of the national unity of our country had it not been marred by that problem which, for the twelfth consecutive year, is the subject of our discussions within this Assembly. I am referring, of course, to the question of the Comorian island of Mayotte. Today, as in past years, we have come here to share with the Assembly our concern and our profound anxiety at the fact that so far, despite the relevant resolutions of our Organization and those of all the other international organizations that consider this question, no satisfactory political solution is in sight. Therefore we should like briefly to remind the Assembly once again of the origin of this question, simply for the purpose of shedding light on our debate and refreshing the memories of representatives regarding the facts of a problem with which it is already familiar. It will be recalled that each time we have had to debate this matter, whether in our Organization or in any other international or regional organization on whose agenda it appears, we have reaffirmed une~uivocally and determinedly that Mayotte is and can only be a Comorian land. We have also shown how this problem was artificially and subtly created in order to ~estroy the unity of a country whose homogeneous people shares the same language, culture and religion. Indeed, during more than a century of presence in the Comoros France never disputed or called into question the affiliation of Mayotte or any other island of our archipelago to the Comoros. On the contrary, successive French Governments, basing themselves on history, have on numerous occasions stressed the need to respect the territorial unity of our country, in accordance with the provisions of articles 72 et seq. of the Fr~nch Constitution. As a result, all administrative laws and provisions adopted during the colonial period established most precisely the unity of the Comoros archipelago. That unity is therefore not based on mere administrative expediency, as some would like to have us believe. Rather, its origins and strength lie in the common history of the sister islands that make up the Islamic Federal Republic of the Camoros, namely, the islands of Anjouan, Grande-Comore, Mayotte and Moheli. This was why, when France did recognize the aspiration of the Comoros to independence, a referendum on self-determination was organized, on 22 December 1974, under a law. The terms of that law provided for the ballot results to be counted on a global basis and not island by island, in order to emphasize the indisputable unity of our archipelago. Thus, the Secretary of State for Overseas Departments and Territories, speaking of our self-determination referendum to the French National Assembly on 26 August 1974, stated that the French Government had decided on comprehensive consultations for three reasons, which he described as follows: MThe first reason is legal, because in terms of the rules of international law a territory preserves the borders which it had as a colony. "Secondly, one cannot conceive of a plurality of statutes for the various islands of the archipelago. "Finally, it is not the mission of France to set Comorians against each He continued: "France refuses to divide the Comoros, which have the same people, the same Islamic religion and the same economic interests." Two months later, those remarks were confirmed by the President of the French Republic in his press conference on 24 October 1974. He said: "Is it reasonable to imagine part of the archipelago becoming independent and an island, regardless of the feelings one might have for its inhabitants, retaining a different status? I think we have to accept the realities of our time. The Comoros are united and have always been united. It is natural for their destiny to be shared. On the occasion of the independence of a territory, we do not intend to break the unity that has always existed in a single archipelago of the Comoros." After such statements, it will be understood why, on 22 December 1974, the population of the Comoros calmly ana tranquilly went to the ballot box to decide on its future. The question the people had to answer was "Do you wish the Camoros to become independent?" None of our islands was called upon to take a separate stand on its destiny on 22 December 1974. The question was therefore clear and unequivocal, and the answer even more so, since 95 per cent of the Comorians favoured independence for their country. It remained only for the French Government and Parliament to draw the logical conclusions from that ballot. Unfortunately, to the great surprise of all, the results were totally different. Instead of respecting its commitments and the clearly and freely expressed will of the Comorian people, the French Government voted in a law consecrating the balkanization of our country. That law recognized, to be sure, the independence of the Comorian State, but it cut off part of its national territory, the island of Mayotte, on the pretext that part of its population had come out against independence. That illegal, unjust and arbitrary act was immediately and unanimously condemned by the international community because it violated not only internal French law but also international public law. In fact, it violated the sacrosanct rule of the indivisibility of overseas territories and colonial entities dear to the French Constitution and also the sacred principle of the inviolability of borders inherited from colonization provided for in General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) and 2621 (XXV), on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples. It was, moreover, in accordance with that principle that my country, the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros, was admitted to the United Nations on 12 November 1975 as a sovereign State made up of four islands, including Mayotte, by the unanimous vote of the General Assembly on its resolution 3385 (XXX). Faced with the international co~nunity's unanimous condemnation of what it considered to be interference in the internal affairs of the Comorian State, our former Administering Power, seeking justification and le~al backing, decided to organize on 8 February and 11 April 1976 two referendums on the island of Mayotte, based on paragraph 3 of article 53 of the French Constitution, which stipulates that "No exchange, addition or removal of territory is valid without the consent of the populations involved." The argument put forward was intended to give the inhabitants of that island the possibility of expressing choice regarding their destiny, but it was deliberately forgotten that in the case in question it was not a matter of adding, exchanging or removing territory: what we were speaking about was in fact the unique territory of the archipelago of the Comoros, and the procedure and modalities used for it to decide on its destiny on 22 December 1974 had been in good and due form. Here we may recall that our Organization's reaction was categorical. In fact, on 21 October 1976 the General Assembly declared that the occupation of Mayotte by France "constitutes a flagrant encroachment on the national unity of the Comorian State" and declared that it: "Condemns and considers null and void the referendums of 8 February and 11 April 1976 organized in the Comorian island of Mayotte by the Governrr.ent of France, and rejects: "(a) Any other form of referendum or consultation which ma~ hereafter be organized on Comorian territory in Mayotte by France". (General Assembly resolution 31/4) Like the United Nations, ell the major international and regional organizations in turn unanimously expressed condemnation. Such are the real, irrefutable facts of the painful proble~ which we are still discussing today. When one remembers the homogeneity of the Comorian population and the blood ties woven from the very outset between the various islands of the archipelago, one better understands the pain felt by our people, which has always had an 1ntimate, closely linked social life. Moreover, we deplore that all the efforts undertaken to make progress on the matter continue to run into a wall of incomprehension; and the present situation will not dispel concern. Nevertheless, many initiatives and stands were taken last year, and everyone thought something positive was finally going to happen. Of those initiatives, We might recall, inter alia, the meeting between the French Prime Minister, Mr. Jacques Chirac, and a 1elegation from the Organization of African Unity. The latter reaffirmed to the French authorities the position of the pan-African Organization regarding respect for the unity and territorial integrity of the Islamic Federal Republic of the Camoras. The French Prime Minister was attentive and demonstrated his will to continue dialogue with the Organization of African Unity in order actively to seek a solution to the problem. Following that meeting, we were gratified by the withdrawal from the French Parliament of a bill aimed at organizing consultations in Mayotte. In the same spirit, it will be recalled that during the last debate on the question of the Comorian island of Mayotte the representative of France to the United Nations made an encouraging statement to the Assembly; I should like to quote it because of the interest it evoked. He stated: "I believe that everyone in this Hall wants a just and lasting solution to this problem to be found as soon as possible. This is also France's (A/41/PV.53, p. 43) position." He said that the President of the Republic had himself declared that the French Government has no intention of organizing a referendum and that France would spare no effort to find a lasting solution to this question. The Comorian people and Government have been waiting with great interest for specific proposals, at last to be rapidly submitted to them so that, within the framework of friendly relations between France and the Comoros, a solution acceptable to all may be found. Indeed, this problem, which has remained unsolved for too long, bears the seeds of a future explosion which, in the last analysis, could harm the good relations which have existed for more than a century between the two countries. I am sure the Assembly will agree with me that this problem is no different from those other problems which throughout our planet cause tension in entire regions, creating a climate of violence and anarchy. It is time, we believe, for France, whose historical brilliance has always been based on the unity of its great people, to take an imaginative approach, together with the international community, to the search for a just and lasting solution to this problem that will preserve the unity of our country. In fact, regardless of the arguments that may be put forward, a just settlement of this problem is necessarily dependent on respect for the unity and territorial integrity of the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros. By re-establishing law and justice in our country France, in our view, would emerge the greater from involvement in a problem which is not in keeping with its image at the time of the decolonization of other, African Territories. The people and Government of the Comoros, aware of their right and of the justice of their claim, remain ever open to dialogue and determined to pursue their efforts until the triumph of their just cause. The international community, for its part, faithful to the sacred principles enshrined in the Charter of our Organization, must redouble its vigilance and demonstrate greater firmness in giving its support. The draft resolutio_l subm:..tted to the Assembly, which would endor;e the present debate, emphasizes the need to establish a frank and serious dialogue between the two parties with a view to reaching a just and lasting solution to this problem. We sincerely hope that the Assembly will adopt the draft resolution unanimously. Mr. SARRE (Senegal) (interpretation from l"rench): Our colleague from Malawi, as Chairman for November of the African Group, has on our behalf paid a moving, well-deserved tribute to General Kountchi, the late President of the Republic of Niger. On behalf of the people and Government of Senegal I should like once again to express to the delegation of Niger our sympathy and the sorrow that we feel on the occasion of this cruel loss. We bow before their sorrow. For the twelfth consecutive year the General Assembly is taking up the question of the Comorian island of Mayotte. As will be recalled, the item was placed on the agenda of the General Assembly in 1975, and since that time the question has been given sustained attention by the international community. For more than a decade the international community has been the attentive witness of the tireless efforts made by the parties - France and the Comoros - and by the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and the United Nations to bring about the just and final settlement of the problem. In spite of all those efforts, progress has clearly fallen short of the expectations of the overwhelming majority of the countries represented in this Hall. There has, however, been no lack of initiatives. Suffice it to remind the Assembly of the generous representations made on 8 July 19t16, in Paris, to the French Prime Minister, by the Committee of Seven of the OAU, which had been asked to follow the question of the Comorian island of Mayotte and to consider the pressing appeals of the Organization of the Islamic Conference at its sixteenth session, in January 1986, in Fez, Morocco, the luore recent appeals of the eighth summit Conference of the non-aligned countries, held in Harare in September 1986; the official visit by the Prime Minister of France, Mr. Jacques Chirac, to Moroni on 19 October 1986 and the official working visit to France of President Abdallah in April 1987. The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, at its forty-sixth regular session, held in Addis Ababa from 20 to 27 July 1987, adopted resolution 100 (XLVI), in which, in particular, it asked the ad hoc Cooonittee'of Seven of the OAU and the Secretary-General of the pan-African organization to pursue the efforts already begun and encourage the impetus provided by the meeting with the French authorities, in order to bring the Comorian island of Mayotte back into the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoras with the least possible delay. It is regrettable that the constructive proposals that I have just mentioned and the commitment entered into by the parties directly conceroed to bring abOut through negotiations a final settlement with regard to Mayotte, have not produced the desired result. In this connection, the OAU documents and those of the United Nations, in particular the Secretary-General's report (A/42/602), indicate clearly that the situation regarding Mayotte has remained unchanged. Senegal, which maintains excellent relations with both the Comoros and France, is aware of the sensitive nature of this problem. That is why we are convinced that only the determined pursuit of the dialogue already entered into by the two parties can create the conditions needed for a just settlement that is acceptable to all. In the circumstances, my country welcomes the fact that both the Comoros and France have, by their frank and cordial bilateral relations, given the international community proof of their common desire to surmount the remaining obstacles on the way to a genuinely constructive dialogue. This common desire to find an honourable solution to the question of the Comorian island of Mayotte strengthens my delegation's belief that a peaceful, just and lasting settlement of the problem of Mayotte is possible provided that both parties show the same political willingness to make progress. Senegal earnestly desires a resumption of serious dialogue, in keeping with the spirit of the United Nations Charter and the relevant OAU and United Nations texts, in particular resolution 3385 (XXX), of 12 November 1975, which reaffirmed the necessity of respecting the unity and territorial integrity of the Comoro Archipelago, composed - as I need hardly remind the Assembly - of the islands of Anjouan, Grande-Comore, Mayotte and Moheli. It is vital that a just settlement quickly be found for the question of the Comorian island of Mayotte, for that question could not only needlessly tarnish the image of a great country that has always set an example in the area of decolonization, but could also, in the long run, pose a threat to international peace and security. One of the Organization's primary tasks is to promote peace and understanding among peoples and nations. It therefore has an obligation to make an urgent appeal to the parties directly concerned to give a new impetus to their consideration of this problem and commit themselves to engage in a process that will lead to the speedy preparation of an agreement that would bring a final solution to the question of Mayotte. For its part, Senegal will continue - as it has, indeed, in the past - to spare no effort in contributing to the creation of a climate of confidence between the two parties and to the search for an honourable solution. That settlement, provided it is just and lasting, will obviously improve relations between the authorities of two countries and between the French and Comorian peoples who, above and beyond their historical and cultural bonds, remain equally attached to the common ideals of international peace and solidarity. Mr. BADAWI (Egypt) (interpretation from Arabic): It was with great regret and sadness that we learnt of the death of the President of the Niger. His death is a great loss to his country and to the African continent, the loss of a great leader who played a lar~er role in his country's welfare. We should like to convey, on behalf of the Government and people of Egypt, our deep condolences to the fraternal people of the Niger. Egypt's concern with the question of the Comorian island of Mayotte, as well as its desire to see its just and speedy solution, both stem from the relations of firm friendship and close co-operation which it has always maintained with both parties. Our oft-repeated position is firm and consistent with the principles in which we believe, principles that also underlie the United Nations itself. Egypt supports the sovereignty of the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros over the Island of Mayotte. That position has repeatedly been reaffirmed by resolutions adopted by the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the Organization of the Islamic Conference, all of which have called for respect for the unity of the Comoros Archipelago and its territorial integrity. Through our constant contacts with both parties, we can appreciate and understand the causes of concern felt by the Government of the Comoros as a result of the lack of tangible progress in reaching a settlement. The situation has remained unchanged since the Comoros' attainment of independence and accessi~n to membership in the United Nations in 1975. We believe that the persistence of such a problem carries with it the seeds of political instability, which could have a negative effect on the peaceful atmosphere of the region as a whole. We continue to believe, however, that there are grounds for optimism and hope for the achievement of a just, negotiated solution to the problem. We have read with great interest the report submitted by the Secretary-General (A/42/602), of 5 October 1987. That report makes reference to the continued wish of the Governments of the Comoros and of France to pursue their dialogue and to keep open the channels of communication between them, as well as to their stated intention to make intensive efforts to achieve a solution affirming the territorial integrity of the Camoros, while taking into account the interests of all parties. We would take this opportunity to support the continuation of contacts by the Secretary-General with the two parties and to pay tribute to him for his readiness to continue to make ~fforts with both of them in order to achieve a peaceful sOlution. It is still our great hope that the goodwill and intensive efforts of both sides will lead to tangible results in the near future, results that will enable the Government of the Comoros to exercise full sovereignty over all the islands of the archipelago, including the island of Mayotte, and enable the fraternal Comoros people to intensify their efforts and direct all their energies towards progress and development. Mr. GARDEZI (Pakistan): We are deeply grieved and distressed to receive the sad news of the demise of President Seyni Kountche yesterday in Paris. His untimely death has deprived the Niger and the continent of Africa of a great son, a patriot and a man of vision and action. We feel bereaved by the passing away of a close friend,who maintained his country in bonds of fraternal friendship with Pakistan. We mourn his loss and salute his memory. Pakistan has traditional ties of friendship and co-operation with France, and the Camoros is a fraternal, Islamic and non-aligned country with which we enjoy close relations. My country has therefore followed closely and with great interest the question of the Camorian island of Mayotte from its inception and has maintained a special interest in its expeditious and satisfactory solution. The question of the Camorian island of Mayotte has remained on the agenda of the General Assembly since the accession of the Islamic Federal Republic of the Camoros to independence and its membership in the United Nations some 12 years ago. We debate the question today in order to encQurage the two parties which are in disagreement to institute a constructive and purposeful dialogue with a view to achieving a just solution to that question in keeping with the relevant resolutions of our Organization. The General Assembly has adopted a number of resolutions on the question of the Comorian island of Mayotte which reaffirm the necessity of respecting the unity and territorial integrity of the Comoro Archipelago composed of the islands of Anjouan, Grande-Comore, Mayotte and Moheli and emphasize that a just and lasting solution to the question of Mayotte is to be found in restoring it. In this context, we recall General Assembly resolution 3291 (XXIX) of 13 December 1974. Also, General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples, clearly maintains that the principle of self-determination applies to a colonial entity as a whole, which should have been the case in regard to the Comoro Archipelago. Successive resolutions adopted in other international forums, including the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the Organization of the African Unity (OAU) , have also reaffirmed the unity and territorial integrity of the Camoros. These positions were most recently reiterated in the final declaration of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries at Harare, last year, at the Summit Conference of the Organization of the Islamic Conference in Kuwait, this January, and lastly, at the DAU summit at Addis Ababa in July. The Government of France has informed the Secretary-General that it is "committed to strengthening its ••• close relationship with the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros." (A/42/602, para. 5) Likewise, the Comorian Government has conveyed its intention to continue legitimate efforts "in a spirit of dialogue and consultation ... " (A/42/602, para. 7). We consider these assertions to be positive elements to the process of negotiations and look forward to an early resumption of the useful exchanges betwen France and the Comoros that characterized 1986. We believe that the best possibilities for the solution that we seek lie through dialogue imbued with a spirit of co-operation and understanding and building upon the foundation already laid by the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly. The draft resolution before us restates the principled position maintained by the international community on this issue and urges the acceleration of the process of negotiations between France and the Comoros. My delegation hopes that every effort will be made to resuscitate this dialogue, which generated optimism last year. My delegation fully supports the draft resolution, which is moderate and balanced, and expresses its desire to witness an expeditious process of negotiations leading to an early solution of the problem on the basis of recognized principles, which will undoubtedly have beneficial effects on the relations between the two countries, as well as for the preservation of the peace and security which prevail in the region. Mr. KASEMSRI (Thai::'and): My delegation wishes to convey its sincere and profound condolences to the Government and people of Niger on the tragic loss of their illustrious leader and late President. The Government and people of Thailand share their bereavement with heartfelt sympathy. This is the twelfth year that the General Assembly has had once again to take up the question of the Comorian island of Mayotte. The problem has remained unresolved despite every effort that has been made during the past years by the United Nations as well as by other international organizations such as the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement in order to seek an honourable and just solution of the question. Since it was put on the General Assembly's agenda in 1975 numerous General Assembly resolutions, the most recent being resolution 41!~O, have been adopted, reaffirming the sovereignty of the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros over the island of Mayotte, inviting the French Government to respect the commitment made prior to the referendum of 22 December 1974 and urging France to negotiate with the Comorian Government to ensure the return of Mayotte to the Comoros. But none of them has been fully implemented. May I recall that the referendum on self-determination of the Comorian people as a whole, not island by island, was held on 22 December 1974 by the French Government. The Comorians freely determined their own future when 95 per cent of them voted in favour of independence. Consequently, the Comoros as a sovereign State was admitted to membership of this Organization by General Assembly resolution 3385 (XXX) of 12 November 1975, which also reaffirms the necessity of respecting the unity and territorial integrity of the Camoro archipelago comprising the islands of Anjouan, Grande-Camoro, Mayotte and Moheli. Regrettably, the island of Mayotte today is still separated from the other sister islands of the Comoros. It should be noted, at the same time, that, with some recent initiatives taken by France, the latter seems to have demonstrated its willingness for co-operation in the search for a settlement of the issue. Following the meeting between the French Prime Minister and the OAU delegation in June 1986, the French Government withdrew from the National Assembly the bill on the holding of a consultation in Mayotte and agreed not to organize a referendum there. Moreover, in October 1986, a brief visit to the Camoros was paid by the French Prime Minister. general debate the Comorian Foreign Minister, Mr. Said Kafe, reiterated his Government's earnest desire to seek a just solution by peaceful means when he stated: "We therefore make an urgent, solemn appeal to the French Government t~ take a decisive step, within the framework of the friendly relations that exist between our two countries, to make possible a final solution to this distressing problem. "In conclusion, I reaffirm my Government's unswerving commitment to the United Nations system and its ideals and noble objectives." (A/42/PV.17, pp. 92, 93) Today my delegation welcomes the eloquent statement of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Co-operation of the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoro~in which he reaffirmed his country's readiness for dialogue and determination to pursue its efforts until its just cause triumphs. For its part, the French Permanent Mission to the United Nations, in a note verbale dated 7 September 1987 addressed to the Secretary-General on this issue, again reaffirmed that France was committed to strengthening its already close relationship with the Comoros. My delegation would like to see a speedy and just solution of the question of Mayotte in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and relevant United Nations resolutions and on the basis of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Comoros. We also hope that the two parties in the question will continue their constructive dialogue with a view to seeking a just and lasting solution to the problem. In view of the above, my delegation supports draft resolution A/42/L.24, now before us, which again reflects the common will of the international community on the urgent need to restore the territorial integrity of the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros. In the light of our good relations with both parties to the dispute, my delegation appeals to both parties to accelerate constructive dialogue with a view to ensuring a just, honourable and permanent settlement of the question of Mayotte, in keeping with the United Nations Charter and relevant United Nations resolutions, and the declared goodwill of the parties concerned. We earnestly hope that, with good faith and sincere intentions on both sides, the desired solution to the problem can be achieved in the near future. I should like to conclude my statement by expressing my delegation's deep appreciation to the United Nations Secretary-General and all the other organizations concerned for their tireless efforts to create all the necessary conditions to facilitate a just and peaceful settlement of the problem. Mr. AL-HOSSANI (Oman) (interpretation from Arabic): I wish, on behalf of my delegation, to convey sincere condolences to the delegation of Niger on the death of the President of the Republic of Niger. Once again the Assembly is considering the problems of our contemporary world, whose wounds continue to bleed and whose pain continues to increase. We can only hope that reason will prevail and wisdom reign supreme so that that sad situation may be ended. Today the Assembly is considering yet another question that is a cause of concern to our world, the question of the Comorian island of Mayotte. Despite the numerous resolutions adopted by this world Organization and other regional and internacional organizations calling for the solution of this question, regrettably, no substantial progress seems to have been made in this regard. The Sultanate of Oman, because of the friendly relations it maintains with the parties to the conflict and because of its foreign policy, which is based on respect for the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of all other States, hopes that the two parties will achieve a solution to the problem that will deepen the relations of friendly and mutual respect that exist between them. My country believes in the policy of constructive dialogue. Therefore, it supports the continued ~ialogue between the two parties in this matter. They are linked by deeply roote~ historical ties which we have no doubt they wish to maintain. Yet it is no exaggeration to say that for as long as the question of the Comorian island of Mayotte remains unresolved there will indeed be the danger of those ties being broken. My delegation, in keeping with its ::een interest in peace and security throughout the world, is among the sponsors of the draft resolution on this question now before the Assembly. We urge the parties concerned to reach a solution without delay so as to comply with international resolutions and demonstrate respect for the sovereignty and independence of States, thus enabling peace and well-being to reign in that pdrt of the world. We call upon the Members of the Organization to support draft resolution A/42/L.24. Mr. BIFFOT (Gabon) (interpretation from French) : In June 1976 the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), in accordance with resolution C,~Res.946, created a committee to deal with the question of the island of Mayotte. Since then, Algeria, Cameroon, the Comoros, Madagascar, Mozambique and Senegal, under the presidency of my country, have been working together to resolve problem of the indepLndence of that isl~nd, which, as it appears on any map, must be considered to be part of the archipelago of which Comoros is the main island. On 3 November 1986 the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 41/30, in operative paragraph 5 of which it requested the Secretary-General, Mr. Perez de Cuellar, to maintain continuous contact with the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), and to make available his good offices in the search for a peaceful negotiated solution to the problem of Mayotte. The report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations clearly and objectively sets forth the representations that have been made. We might mention the official working visit, in April 1987, of President Abdallah to France; the consideration of the question of Mayotte in July 1987 at the forty-sixth regular session of the OAU Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs; the active campaign by the Islamic Federal Republic of Comoros in international organizations to ~lert public opinion to this question, which is of paramount importance to it. From the various elements provided by the OAU, the Comoros and France, it is clear that progress towards a solution acceptable to both sides has been minimal. It is clear also that renewed expressions of goodwill are necessary, and that there must be concrete up-to-date recognition of the sovereign right of the Republic of Comoros to exercise sovereignty over its entire national territory, a territory everyone calls the Comoro archipelago. On behalf of the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee, I would call on both parties concerned to increase their meetings in boeh the OAU and the United Nations in the spirit of dialogue and fraternity that has characterized the meetings that have taken place so far. The combined efforts of the United Nations and the OAU, in an atmosphere of harmony and lnutual respect, are admirable and provide striking evidence of the similarity of the views of the OAU and our Organization, the former being, so to speak, a sub-unit of the larger, world-wide Organization, the United Nations. Here and now I wish to pay tribute to the Government of the Comoros and to the Government of France, which have readily accepted these combined efforts, this common approach to the question of Mayotte. I wish also to pay an equally deserved tribute to all the other Members of the Organization which have so readily accepted both approaches to the question of Mayotte: the continental approach and the world-wide approach. Mr. BLANC (France) (interpretation from French): Like the preceding speakers, I should like to convey to our colleague, the Permanent Representative of the Niger, the sentiments of my country, Government and delegation on the death of President Seyni Kountche, and I should like to ask our colleague kindly to convey to his Government our most sincere condolences. President Kountche, an African Head of State and a major figure, was respected by his people and esteemed by his country. In a difficult economic situation he increased efforts to ensure that his country could confront it and reduce to a minimum the suffering caused by it. With the loss of this Head of State, Niger has lost a great President, and French-speaking Africa has lost a friend and one of its most outstanding leaders, and the sanle is true of the international community. France regrets to note that this year again the island of Mayotte is on the Gene~al Assembly's agenda. It must indeed oppose the text that has been submitted (A/42/L.24), in particular because of its operative paragraph 1. Nevertheless, we have most carefully listened to the successive statements of speakers here, in particular that of Mr. Said Kafe, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Co-operation and Foreign Trade of the Isla~ic Federal Republic of the Comoros, from which it emerges that each of then hopes that a just anJ lasting solution can be found to this question as soen as possible. That is also the position of France. We are committed to an active search for a satisfactory outcome to the problem of Mayotte, a search that does not exclude any solution which is in accordance with our Constitution and the wishes of the peoples involved. (Mr. Blanc, France) Guided by a spirit of responsibility and openness, the French Government is pursuing with the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros a dialogue which it hopes will be constructive. Moreover, this dialogue is based on the deep-seated ties of friendship and co-operation which unite our two countries. They were recently reinforced once again by the official working visit which President Abdallah made to France in April 1987. We are convinced that high-level contacts of this type, made with a consistent desire for conciliation and harmonization, can advance the joint search for an equitable solution, despite the difficulties. France, in any case, is determined to spare no effort to that end.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item. I shall now call on those representatives who wish to explain their votes before the voting. May I remind members that, in accordance with General Aseembly decision 34/401, explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. Mr. VAN LIEROP (Vanuatu): The Government and people of Vanuatu extend sympathy and condolences to the Government and people of Niger on the loss of their loved and respected late President. Our deepest sympathy and condolences are also extended to the family of the late President. Having weathered the storm of a secession movement crafted in the waning days of its colonial history~ Vanuatu has a very deep and abiding interest in the question now before this body. Vanuatu is well aware of the various subterfuges, deceits and distortions practised by ~ome who never really welcomed the Declaration on decolonization or the leading role of the United Nations in the decolonization process. In its own history, Vanuatu has heard and experienced many of the rationalizations and excuses put forth on this question. Many of the same rationalizations, excuses, subterfuges, deceits and distortions are similarly advanced with respect to Territories that are today Non-Self-Governing Territories in law as well as in fact. My delegation will vote in favour of the draft resolution set forth in document A/42/L.24. The text is accurate, moderate and reasonable. We expect this text to be supported by the overwhelming majority of the Members of the United Nations, just as similar texts have in the past been supported by an overwhelming majority of our Members. We note with interest the list of sponsors of the draft resolution and the long list of countries which have voted to support th0 fundamental principles enunciated within the text. We also note with considl rable puzzlement that some who can easily recognize the principles involved on tr.~ question of Mayotte do not, ironically, seem to be able to recognize similar and related principles with respect to the question of New Caledonia. Some who will vote in the affirmative on the question of Mayotte have not yet seen fit to vote yes on the question of New Caledonia. We respect every nation's right to make its own decisions. However, we cannot but observe that colonial Powers are often emboldened in one instance by inconsistency or indifference in another instance. We are proud of the South Pacific region. We are proud of its peoples, and we are proud of the aspirations and strivings of its peoples. The people of the South Pacific region understand and empathize with ~he people of the Comoros, the people of Namibia, the people of South Africa, the ?~ople of Palestine and others who do not yet have their destinies completely in th"ir own hands. Our delegation will vote for draft resoluticn A/42/L.24 because of the principles involved and because of the justice cl the cause. We will not be In a similar vein, we appeal to every delegation in this Hall to apply the same standar~s, the same reasoning and the same consistency when the question of New Caledonia is voted upon by the Assembly. If we, the international communit~ can stand with the people of the Comoros, if Ne can stand with the people of Namibia, if we can stand with the people of South Africa, if we can stand with the people of Palestine, then why do some find it so difficult to stand with the people of New Caledonia? Mr. LOHIA (Papua New Guinea): My delegation endorses the statement just made by my dear friend and colleague, the representative of Vanuatu. The Papua New Guinea Government and people appeal to those who colonize, suppress and oppress people to free the people. It seems that when countries become independent, there is a shadow under which they still live. We will continue to support the Charter of the United Nations and the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. We will stand by the Charter of the United Nations to encourage the people of the world to be totally freed from colonialism, racism and apartheid. On those bases, therefore, my delegation will support the draft resolution before the Assembly.

The Assembly will now take, a decision on draft resolution A/42/L.24. A recorded vote has been requested. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Sovie't Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote dlIvoire, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Dnited Arab Emirates, Dnited Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia Against: France Abstaining: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Nether lands, Norway, Portugal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadin~s, Spain, Dnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Jnited States of America Draft resolution A/42/L.24 was adopted by 128 votes to 1, with 22 abstentions (resolution 42/17).*

(interpretation from Russian): That concludes our consideration of agenda item 29. * Subsequently the delegations of Yemen and 6imbabwe advised the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour.

The General Assembly will proceed to the election of five members of the International Court of Justice for a nine-year term commencing on 6 February 1988. The terms of office of the following Judges will expire the previous day: Mr. Roberto Ago, Mr. Jose Sette-Camara, MC Stephen M. Schwebel, Mr. Mohammed Bedjaoui and Mr. Nikolai K. 'I'arassov. In connection with the election, I should like to bring the following matters to the attention of the members of the General Assembly. First, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 264 (Ill), a State whi~h is a party to the Statute of the International Court of Justice but not a Member of the United Nations may participate in the election in the General Assembly in the same manner as the States Members of the United Nations. On this occasion I am happy to welcome here the representatives of Liechtenstein, San Marino and Switzerland. Secondly, I should like to confirm that at this time the Security Council, independently of the General Assembly, is proceeding to elect five members of the Court. This procedure is in accordance with Article 8 of the Statute of the Court, which provides: "The General Assembly and the Security Council shall proceed independently of one another to elect the members of the Court." Accordingly, the results of the voting in the General Assembly will not be communicated to the Security Council until all candidates have obtained the absolute required majority in the Assembly. Finally, I should like to draw the attention of the members of the Assembly to the documents relating to the election. The list of candidates who have been nominated by national groups is to be found in document A/42/589/Rev.l- S/19156/Rev.1. The curricula vitae of the candidates are to be found in document A/42/591- S/19158. The Assembly also has before it document A./42/588-S/1915S containing a memorandum by the Secretary-General on the present composition of the Court and the procedure to be followed in the Assembly and in the Security Council with regard to the election. For the present election, 82 votes constitute an absolute majority in the General Assembly. In accordance with Article 10, paragraph 1, of the Statute of the Court, those candidates who obtain an absolute majority of votes in the General Assembly and in the Security Council shall be considered elected. The General Assembly will now proceed to a secret ballot. If on the first ballot fewer than five candidates obtain the required majority, it will be necessary to proceed to other ballots until all five candidates have obtained that majority. The General Assembly has decided that these ballots shall be unrestricted. Representatives are requested to use only the ballot papers now being distributed and to place a cross at the left of the name of the five candidates for whom they wish to vote. Ballot papers on which more than five names are marked will be considered invalid. Votes may be cast only for those candidates whose names appear on the ballot. At the invitation of the President, Mrs. de Incera (Costa Rica) , Mr. Prodjowarsito (Indonesia), Mr. Ralebitso (Lesotho) and Ms. Haga (Norway) acted as tellers. A vote was taken by secret ballot. (The President) The meeting was suspended at 12.25 p.m. and resumed. at 1.25 p.~.

The result of the voting is as follows: Number of ballot papers: Number of invalid ballots: Number of valid ballots: Abstentions: Number of members voting: Required absolute majority: Number of votes obtained: Mr. Mohammed Bedjaoui (Algeria) 149 Mr. Nikolai Tarassov (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) 133 Mr. Roberto Ago (Italy) 114 Mr. Stephen Schwebel (United States of America) 113 Mr. Jose Sette-Camara (Brazil) 72 Mr. Mohamed Shahabuddeen (Guyana) 71 Mr. Laurel B. Francis (Jamaica) 44 M.r. Er ik Suy (Belgium) 42 Mr. Wi11em Riphagen (Netherlands) 26 The PRESID~NT (interpretation from Russian): The following four candidates have obtained an absolute majority in the General Assembly: Mr. Roberto Ago, Mr. Mohanuned Bedjaoui, Mr •. Nikolai Tarassov and Mr. Stephen Schwebel. o o The Assembly will have to proceed to another ballot to fill the remaining vacancy. The ballot papers are being distributed. All candidates whose names appear on the ballot paper are eligible except those who have already obtained an absolute majority in the Assembly. At the invitation of the President, Mrs. de Incera (Costa Rica) , Mr. Prodjowarsito (Indonesia), Mr. Ralebitso (Lesotho) and Mr. Castroviejo (Spain) acted as tellers. A vote was taken by secret ballot.

The result of the voting is as follows: Number of ballot papers: Number of invalid ballots: Number of valid ballots: Abstentions: Number of members voting: Required absolute majority: Number of votes obtained: Mr. Mohamed Shahabuddeen (Guyana) 71 Mr. Jose Sette-Camara (Brazil) 59 Mr. Laurel B. Francis (Jamaica) 20 Mr. Erik Suy (Belgium) 3 Mr. Willem Riphagen (Netherlands) 1

None of the candidates has lbtained the necessary absolute majority. Theref~re we shall be obliged to vote »nee again. The meeting was suspended at 2.10 p.m. and resumed at 4.25 p.m.

The General Assembly will now vote on the one remaining vacancy. Ballot papers are now being distributed. Only those canaidates whose names appear on the ballot paper. are eligible for election. May I remind representatives once again to place a cross next to the name of only one candidate. Ballot papers on which more than one name is marked will be considered invalid. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Brown (Australia), Mrs. de Incera (Costa Rica) , Mr. Prodjowarsito (Indonesia) and Mr. Sanyaolu (Nigeria) acted as tellers. A vote was taken by secret ballot. The meeting was suspended at 4.35 p.m. and resumed at 5.15 p.m.

The result of the voting is as follows: Number of ballot papers: Number of invalid ballots: Number of valid ballots: Abstentions: Number of members voting: Required absolute majority: Number of votes obtained: Mr. Mohamed Shahabuddeen (Guyana) 93 Mr. Jose Sette-Camara (Brazil) 46 Mr. Laurel B. Francis (Jamaica) 9 Mr. Erik Suy (Belgium) 3 Mr. Willem Riphagen (Nether.lands) 1

The following five candidates have received the required absolute majority in the General Assembly: Mr. Roberto Ago, Mr. Mohammed Bedjaoui, Mr. Nikolai Tarassov, Mr. Mohamed Shahabuddeen, Mr. Stephen Schwebel. I have conveyed the results to the President of the Security Council and I have received from him the following letter: "I have the honour to inform you that at the 2760th meeting of the Security Council, held on 11 November 1987 for the purpose of electing five members of the International Court of Justice to fill vacancies in February 1988, an absolute majority of votes was obtained by the following candidates: Mr. Roberto Ago, Mr. Mohammed Bedjaoui, Mr. Jose Sette-camara, ·1r. Stephen Schwebel, Mr. Nikolai K. Tarassov." As a result of the voting which has taken place independently in the General Assembly and in the Sec1lrity Council, the necessary absolute majority in both organs has been gained by the following four candidates: Mr. Roberto Ago, Mr. Mohammed Bedjaoui, Mr. Nikolai K. Tarassov and Mr. Stephen Schwebel. Consequently, they have been dUly elected as members of the International Court of Justice for a nine-year period starting on 6 February 1988. I take this opportunity to extend to them the congratulations of the Assembly. In accordance with the provisions of Article 11 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice it will be necessary to hold a second meeting to fill the remaining vacancy. I propose that this meeting should be adjourned and that a second meeting should be held today at 5.45 p.m •. to vote on the remaining vacancy. The meeting rose at 5.25 p.m. (The President)