A/43/PV.55 General Assembly

I now call on the representative of Mali, who will speak on behalf of the Organization of African tb!ty. Hr. DIAKITE (Mali) (interpretation from French): First, as spokesman of Afdca I should like to thank Mr. Vraalsen, Qlairman of the Ad Hoc CoDl'Dittee of the Whole of the General Asssbly on the Review and App;:aisal of the United ~ticns Progr_e of ktion for African &:::onomic Recewery and Development 1986-1990, for his dedication and his inb!rest in the problems of Afrlc:la.. 'l"..~;(';:s to his skill and pers\:l!lla1 qualitiea, he successfully ccmducted the wark of that Commit tee. (Kr. Diakite, Mali) I should also like to pay tribute to the Secreta~-General, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, for his constant efforts to carry out the United Nations PrograDl1le of Action for African Economic Recove~ and Development 1986-1990. I wish to take this opportunity to commend our governmental and non-governmental development partners, both bilateral and I1Illtilateral, for their co-operation in implementing the Prograume of Action. 'l'w~ years ago the General Assemly held a special session on the critical econClllic situation in Africa - the first special session ever held by the United Nations to examine th~ economic situation of a specific region. The Progr8Illlle of Action that was adopted at that session is based on Mutual oormnitment and co~peration between Africa and the international community. The African Governments undertook to give priority to economic reforms and the necessary structural adjustments mentioned in Africa's Priority Programme for the Economic Recovery US6-1990 in order to lay the foundation for sustained, self-reliant economic development. Those development measures included the rehabilitation and developnent of agriculture and agriculture-support sectors and. measures to combat drought and desertification, as well as the development and efficient use of human r esc:v.Jrces. (Mr. Diakite, Mali) The international community, for its part, pledged to support the economic and developnent efforts of African countries by taking supplementary steps through strengthening co-operation and increasing substantially its support. It also realized that lasting solutions must be found to the serious external difficulties over which Africa has no control and whose persistence hcnpers the efforts of the African countries. In keeping with resolution 42/163, the Ad Hoc Conmittee of the Whole of the General AsseJti)ly in September 1988 proceeded to a mid-term review of the (hi ted Nations Progranme of Action for African &::onanic Recovery and Development The consideration of measures taken to carry out the Programme of Action shows that African countries have carried out significant reforms to improve the overall management of their economies. The determination with which they are pursuing and strengthening these reforms is courageo~ and commendable, especially since in many countries these measures are very onerous fran the social point of view and involve very serious political risks. The political determination demonstrated by the African countries and the laudable political reodentation reforms and measures they adopted must be supported. Despite the efforts made by the African countries and the assistance given by the international canmunity, Africa's econanic situation remains critical. It has deteriorated owing to the collapse in commodity prices, the drop in export earnings and insufficient financial flows to Africa, which, paradoxically, has become a net exporter of capital, in particular to international financial institutions. It is this situation that has added a dimension to the African debt problem that is totally out of line with the continent's ability to repay it. Moreover, there are the effects of natural calamities, such as drought, desertification, flooding and locust infestations• (Mr. Diakite, Mali) Furthermore, the existence of hotbeds of tension and acta of aggression and destabilization by the apartheid regime have hampered development efforts in the front-line countries. I wish to recall here the tragic situation of millions of refugees, displaced persons and repatriates who, particularly in southern Africa, lead a precarious life cut off from production facilities and are therefore unable to contribute to the region's development. The African coWltries are pursuing the implementation of measures to improve their econanies, to t'ehabilitate and I1Ddernize agriculture and agro-industdes in order to achieve self-sufficiency in food, a goal which cannot be met without solving the problem of water and addressing the problems of drought and desertification. The African Governments are also aware of the role that must be played by science and technology for their development. Wi thin the framework of developing human resources, particular stress should be placed on training and health and on greater involvement of peoples in the definition and realization of development projects, in particular by enhancing the role of wanen and youth in the process of the qualitative transformation of society. At the regional and subregional levels, African economic groups have incorporated the proposals contained in the (hi ted Nations Priority Programme in their work progrannes. Concrete measures were taken in the spheres of agriculture, food security and crop protection$ Wi thin the framework of South-Gcuth co-operation, co-operation between African countries and other developing countries has shown progress ina number of areas, such as trade, finance, technology and technical assistance. Africa's commitment to mobilize the necessary resources has been closely linked to improvement in the international climate. The international oolllllunlty (Hr. Diakite, Mali) recognized the need to prcwide the African countries with sufficient resources to supp18llent their efforts to implement the PrograDl1le of ktion. It is important that this coamitment be reflected in cCll'lcrete action linking questions relating to the external debt to export earnings and financial flows. Wi th regard to the debt problem, it should be recalled that in the Programme of letion the international oonmunity has recognized that the burden of African debt is a major obstacle to Africa's development. Despite the significant: efforts by African countries to resolve their external debt problem, the situation continues to worsen. Debt-servicing has resulted in a considerable drain on meagre financial resources, which thus cannot be devoted to the region's development. At the end of June 1988, African debt was evaluated at fits 220 bUlion. The average ratio for debt-servicing has now attained a level that is mob higher than that of other regions, bearing in mind the relatively poor performance of exports from the cootinent. The situation is all the more critical for sub-Saharan Africa, where 20 out of the 40 least developed countries in the world are located. The negative impact of external debt on the econanic recovery and sustained growth of Africa prompted the Beads of State or Government of the Organization of African thity (OAU) to devote a special session to Afdc!m debt. The common position that resulted is of primary impo~tance for Africa, in view of the magnitude of the crisis and its negative impact on the process of eCCll'lanic recovery and development. Tqis colllllon position stresses tbefact ·that the African debt crisis can be brought under control only through a canprehensive and equitable approach within the framework of an integrated strategy of co-operation oriented towards development reflecting the specific characteristics of African debt. (Mr. Diakite, Mali) B6cause of the interdependenc:e of the econcaies of debtor and creditor coWltries, this strategy, which 10 intended to resolve the debt problem, must proceed from co-operation, dialogue and collective responsibility. It is wi thin this fruework that African countries appeal for an international conference to be convened on Africa's external debt in order that Africa and its cred!tors can together, in a fruitful dialogue, identify ways and means to find in the near future a radical solution to our continent DS external debt problem. It is clear from the report of the Ad Roc: Conmittee of the Whole that Afrlea needs an increase in financial resources. Steps must be taken to increase considerably financial assistance to Africa, in particular on a conc:esslonal basis. This policy would be beneficial for the development of African countries if the developed countries allotted 0.7 per cent of their gross national product to development assistai'lce. Furthermore, it should be stressed that one of the basic conditions for African growth and development is to guarantee remunerative prices for export cosodities. In order to attain that goal, the following is necessarya to stbl.1late &tund for c(Ilmdities exported by Africa by means, inter alia, of p:)licies of world economic recovery and the elimination of protectionist practices, to raise levels of productivity and increase the econaaic results of agricultural, lIanufacturing, industrial and mining sectors, whose products are geared towards export and internal consl.l1lption, to make operational the Caamon Fund for cOllUllOdity products, to contemplate a broad-based progrune to stabilize the export earnings of African countries along the lines of the Stabex and Sysmin SystellS' and to increase the volu8e of available resources for compensatory financing and ccntingenc:y financiR9 of the Internatianal Mcnetary Pund (IMP). we should also implement as soon as possible the recommendation found in paragraph 65 (e) of the report of the Ad Roc COIIIIlittee of the l4hole relating to the establishment of a group of experts to undertake an in-depth ass~..ent of the question of African commodities. (Hr. Diaki te, Ma11) The tltited Nations PrograJlllle of Action for the Economic Recovery and DeveloPllent of Africa is an important framework for co~peration between Africa and the international community. Africa reaffirms its conmitment to the implementation of the Progra.ne. The gravity of the economic situation in Africa should impel the partners in African developmeat to take decisive acticn to ensure the effective and accelerated implementation of the Programne of ktion. It is in this oontext that we should see to the appeal made from this rostrWll by President Traore of Mali, the current Chairman of the Organization of Afr iean Unity, when he said' -while recognizing that it bears the main responsibility for its develoPAent, Africa is aware that its destiny is closely linked to that of the rest of the world. It is in that spirit of interdependence that I appeal to the international co_unity to pr0\7ide appropriate, effective support for the efforts now being made by Africa to ac::hievl) economic recovery." (A/43/PV.l6, It is on behalf of that solidarity, that oomplementarity, that Africa" thro~gh me f requests the Assembly to adopt the report. of the Id Hoc Committee by consensus. The report is the result of intenoive negotiations between Africa and all its develapment partners, under the guidance of Ambassador Vraalsen. It is based on a set of compromises that should be maintained. Mr. BELENIl5 (Finland): I have the hOl'lour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries: DenlYlrk, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland. ~y two months ago we had the opportunity to review and assess the impl8lentation of the United Nations PrograJBe of Action for: African Ebonomic RaccweEY and Development 1986-1990 and to reaffirm our cODllitment to it. The Nordic cClIuntries .endorse the recolEendations agreed upon and emphasize that the continuing grwity of the eCCll\Cllic situation in Africa requires all partners to take urgent. (Mr. Helenius, Finland) and decisive action to accelerate impleaentation of the Progr8lllle during the r_aining period and ensure its effectiveness. 'l'his world Organization has in reeent months been successfully involved in the possible solution of a number of rGglonal political confliets. This mo_ntull should be translated into appropriate action in the econaaic field. The African crisis is first and foremost an econCll'lic, social and humanitarian crisis, but the consequences - unless it is solved - could be highly political and could seriously affect us all. Having attained a consensus at the review conference, all parties should have enough political will to implement all its recomDendations. It is likewise essential to identify the resources that could be mobilized for the developsent of Africa and to ensure support for, full participation in and follow-up of the iapl«llentation of the United Nations Progranme of I.ction by the Uni'ted Nations system. Tbe IOrdlc countries have for their part intensified and further strengthened their already substantial development co-operation with African countries since the adoption of the! Progrune of ktion. This includes indivicilal bilateral prograllDes vi th partner cou!,tries, joint development projects and progr&IIDes, and oontr1butions through lIultilateral institutions. In particular oo"'Operation has It been intensified vith the Southern African Development Co-ordination Conference (SADCC). In 1986 a new initiative was agreed upon aUlled at supporting joint ventures vi thin industry and traele and strengthening cultural and social relationships. In recent years increased assistance has also been given to the &ahel countries in order to help them overcome problell8 of drought and delJortific::atione In acIcJition to enhancing bilateral progr..-es, the Nordic co'untri. have increased their support for progr..e. directed towards Africa adil!nistered by thited NstioM bodies as well as by suc:h international financial institutions 4S the Werld Bank and the Afr iean Developnent Bank. The Nordic countries emphasize the need for the international canmunity to increase s\i)stantially its support for Afr iean efforts to implement the Prograume of Action. -..;n this context the eighth International Development Association (mA) replenishlllent, the initiatives taken by the ltbrld Bank through its Special Programe of Action for debt-distressed sub-Saharan countries and by the International Monetary Fund (]MF), through the Enhanced Str\!ctural Adjustment Facility, constitute important steps forward. In broader terms, however, concrete actions have fallen short of expectations and the flow of resources to Africa is still insufficient in the light of the decline in export revenues and the heavy debt-service burden of many African countries. Financial flaws to Africa must therefore be increased substantially. There is thus an urgent need for donor countries to increase their official development assistance effectively and substantially vi th a view to attaining as soon as possible the 0.7 per cent target. All remaining bilateral official development assistance loans to the least developed African countries should also be converted to grants. Nordic countries have fully implemented resolution 165 (S-IX) of the Trade and Development Board of the tbited Hations Conference on Trade and Developnent (UNC'l'AD) and undertaken other measures in order to ease the debt burden of the low-income African countries. The Nordic countries have on many occasions expressed their concern about the debt prOblems of the developing countries, in particult... as regards the debt-distressed sub-8aharan oountr ies~ We therefore welcome the consensus achieved in the Paris Club on the propOAl put forward at the Toronto Economic SUIIIIlit lleeting on options for debt relief aimed at reducing the debt-service burden of the poorest and most heavily indebted countries through 9O-ordinated measures. Within (Mr. Helenius, Finland) the framework of these measures some Nordic countries are in a position to offer interest subsidization on rescheduling officially guaranteed debt. A large part of the debt of those countries is to I1I1ltilateral institutions. In order to help in easing this part of the debt burden, the Nordic countries have put forward the idea that a JIlIltilateral mechanism should be created with a view to reducing the debt burden of World Bank loans made in the past to countries which are now IDA-only eligible, aeriously indebted and W'ldertaking policy reforms. The main beneficiaries of these measures would be the African countries. we are pleased that this idea was endorsed by the thited Nations report on financing, Africa's recovery and consider it to be an important contribution to the consideration of resource flows to Africa. we welcome the decision to use part of IDA reflows to assist IDA-only eligible countries to reduce their payments of interest on old World Bank loans. On the implementation of structural adjustment progranmes the Nordic countries have shared the concern of the African countries that people have been badly hurt by' the economic crises and by the different ways of combating those crises. With these problems in mind the Nordic countries have urged all parties concerned to design the structural adjustment progranmea in such is way that they are particularly sensitive to the human aspect of adjustment. A consensus has emerged on the necessity of undertaking policy reforms" in particular aimed at improving the agricultural and related sectors. We recognize that many African countries have now embarked 00 courageous reform progratrmes, but all programmes and reforms have not been pursued with equal vigour. Difficulties and obstacles have persisted, particularly in relation to the po! -,y mix in each individual eountEy. It is important that the African countries continue to pursue the process of reform and adjustment. The international community should continue its full and timely support for those efforts. (Mr. Belenius, Finland) Co-ordination has become a key word in seeking greater efficiency in the cOJmlOn aid effort. The tbrdic countries have emphasized that responsibility for co-ordination lies wi th the Government of the developing country itself. It has become recognized that institutional capacity for managing aid is often limited. The Nordic countries have expressed a willingness to help in strengthening this institutional capacity. We welcome efforts made by the United Nations Development Programme and other organizations along these same lines. For African Governments, much work remains to be done to enhance the conditions for ecooomic raco,\,ery and development. These include improved domestic management and resource mobilization, human resource developnent and population policies, protection of the environment, and broadening the participation of women and local communities in development. The ~rdic countries are committed to continue to work together with their Africara partners for the economic recovery of the continent. The PRESIDEma I now call on the representative of Tunisia, who ",1.11 speak on behalf of the Group of 77. Hr. GHBZAL (Tunisia) (interpretation from French) I The United Nations PrograJllDe of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development 1986-1990 had the objective of a11o.1ing the African continent to overcome an economic situation which was deemed crith:al, to relaunch its economic growth and thus to strengthen its stability and foster its progress. Its launching by the General Assembly was hailed in its time with hope on the part of Africa, as well as the meDbers of the Group of 77, which gave it unanimous support. The mid-term review of the implementation of that Programne was sure to 8CXJuire great importance for us. On behalf of my delegation and the Group of 77, I should like to express to - Ambassador Vraalsen of Norway, Presidant of the thited Nations Ad Doe Cormtittee of Digitized by Dag Hammarskjöld Library (Kr. Ghezal, Tunisia) the Whole, as well as to the other members of the Bureau, cur great appreciation of their dedicated efforts in the work of the Conmittee. The United Nations PrograJl'll\e of Action constitutes a framework in which, on the one hand, African States committed themselves to carrying out economic reforms and improving their econanic policies in the context of the priority Progrume for the economic recovery of Afr ica and, on the other, the international colIIDunity took it upon itself to make its contribution in support of Africa's efforts. But two years after the adoption of the Progranme.v the economic situation in Africa has further deteriorated. '1b illustrate this, suffice it to note by way of an example that terms of trade show for Africa a deterioration of 17 per cent between 1985 and 1987, that, between January 1986 and February 1987, African coWltries transferred three and a half times more money to the International Maletary ~d than they received in 1985, that the export earnings of those cOWluies experienced a 20 per cent drop in 1986 and 19871 that the gross domestic product per capita in Africa dropped by 2 per cent in 1986 and 0.2 per cent in 1987. However, as wa& just emphasized by the representative of Mali, representing the Acting Qlairman of the Organization of African Unity, African countries have, particularly since 1986, made major efforts and engaged in great sacrifice. They have, by and large, established major and painfUl structural adjustment progranmes and carried out important economic and political reforms. The Ad Ibc Committee of the Whole of the General Assembly on the Review and Appraisal of the United Nations Progranme of ktion notes in fact that: -The determination with which African countries are pursuing and strengthen,lng these reforms is courageous and commendable, particularly since in many coWltries such measures involve severe social costs and political risks. li <A/43/664, P. 31) However, as is dghtly stated by the Secretary-General in his reports •••• efforts by the African ooW'ltries to pursue and deepen the reform process cannot be sustained indefinitely in the face of an adverse external environment aJ'\d without increased support from the..,international co_unity,,· (A/43/500, para. 8) We are in duty bOWld to see in fact that while Afr lca for its part has done its share in this reciprocal commitment entered into in the context of the Progranme of Action, the assistance of the international community has rEmained far fran mat had been expected by the African countries. The report of the Ad Roe Committee of the l'I101e of the General Assembly clearly indicates that resource flows to Africa have i1\ real value been even less in 1986 and 1987 than they were in 1985. Protectionism continues to hinder: the efforts made by African countries to develop their exports, whose earnings are so important for their economic recovery. Afriea's financial problems have been further aggravated by the persistent drop in the price of lIlImy commodities. Debt servicing reflects a considerable drain on the meagre financial resources of African countries, and thus those resources cannot be devoted to the development of the region. The agreement which took place at the summit meeting of the seven largest industrialized countries held last Jtme in Toronto concerning the debt was indeed a positive measure, but it was Umited t., simply providing for Cl re-sd'leduling on an individual and selective basis of the public debt of the poorest COW'ltries. Natural disasters, drought and desertification, locust and grasshopper infestations and floods have cmtinued to undermine the efforts of African countries to achieve economic recovery. And the contributions made by the JlUltUateral system, although somewhat diversified, remain inadequate. These few conclusions drawn from an oojective mid-term evaluation of the implementation of the Programme of Action clearly show that the Programme has fallen consider~bly short of the expectations of Africa and the Group of 77 as a whole for want of an appropriate response by the international community to the efforts made by the African countries. Prospects for the next two years are t~us not very encouraging, particularly since the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole involve almost no specific commitments by the international community. The Group of 77, which wishes to reaffirm once again its support for and solidarity with the African countries, believes that the United Nations ProgrmMne of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development 1986-1990 cannot achieve its objectives without genuine political will on the part of the international community to support the flow of financial resources and assist Africa in dealing with its heavy debt burden. Mr. INFANTE (Colombia) (interpretation from Spanish): In our statement last September to the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole of the General Assembly on the Review and Appraisal of the United Natir.s Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development 1986-1990 we referred to three key issues: the external debt, commodities and official development assistance. We also referred to the political climate and to the need for peace to prevail in the region as a pr~requisite for economic and social recovery. In this context we mentioned the importance of making specific recommendations to the General AAA~mbly on measures which the international community should adopt to co-operate in the development of an international and humanitarian commitment, which is a task incumbent upon us all. we shall not dwell on a detailed analysis of the situation in Africa and of the recollll1endations present.E'd by the lid Hoc Committee to the General Assembly, but we intend to refer to some of the specific recommendations in document A/43/664 and Corr.l and the political oontent, which is positive for the region. My delegation had hoped that, by the time this item was taken up by the General Assembly the negotiations between the Governments of Angola, Cuba, South Africa and the United States would have crystallized and been completed, with the establishment of the independence process for Namibia under United Nations auspices. My Government, always mindful of the principles of de~cracy and the peoples' right to self-determination, hopes that the political will of the parties involved will soon lead to the strengtheni~l of peace in that region, which, as we have said, is a prerequisite for the eoonomic recovery of Afriea. * As mentioned in the report of the .M.1!2£ canmittee, among other things, the Afr iean oountries, with the support of the international oommunity, should intensify efforts to put an end to the destabilizing acts carried out by the racist regime of South Africa, which constitute the most destructive form of conflict in the region. The countries members of tAle SOuthern African Development Co'""Ordination CCX'lferenoe lost the outrageous amount of 830 billion between 1980 and 1986 as a consequence of South African acts of aggression. This unjustifiable situation, among other factors, has caused the destruction of the social and eCCX'lomic structure of the region and makes necessary effective, direct action by the international ool'lllllunity and the African countries. Nei ther Africa nor the developing world will be able to achieve sustained growth while trade protectionism,. high subsidie~ for agricultural production in *Mr. Al-Shakar (Bahrain), ViCe-President, took the Chair. (Mr. Infante, Colombia) induatrialized countries, external debt and the injustice wich has characterized economic relations in this decade persist. In the agricultural field the Qiprus initiative aimed at combating world hunger and malnutrition and the forthcaning meeting of the General l'9reement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) offer a unique opportuni.ty for the developed world to demonstrate its political will in an attempt to resolve the major trade and economic conflicts which impede development and severely affect African coWltries. This is a specific recaamendation in the report before us. Hi th regard tu financial resource fIClWS, we must emphasize the political response by several countries for the purpose of reduciri9 or limiting the financial burden whid1 is restricting Africa's economic development. The specific proposals of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Official bilateral and nutilateral debt provide options on which action must be taken in the short term. In a broader context, the m~asures adopted by the industrialized world wi th respect to Africa's external debt have demonstrated that it would be irresponsible for the internaticnal caDmunity to leave the main political problem of our time in the hands of bankers. The critical economic situation in Africa is to a large extent a mi~ror image of the external debt and development crisis, and the future of the world eoonomy as a whole is at stake here. For this reason we proposed during the relevant debate in the Second Calmittee the convening of a world conference at which creditors and debtors representing the political will of their Governments, as well as eminent representatives of the worlds of finance and academe, could t~y, with :bImgination and courage, to work out the decisive elements of a plan to guide the world in the next few decades. The African continent and the developing world, of which IJrf country is a part, have been the victims of a ccntinuing state of injustice which has limited their development. African countries and the de.veloping world have largely fUlfilled their ClOllllitments. My Government therefore associates itself with and supports the recoamendations of the .Ad Boo Canmittee, which emphasize that the political collllllitments undertaken must be of a long-term nature. Only in this way can we guarantee the future pros:?erity and well-being of Africa and mankind as a whole• (Mr. Infante, Colombia) Mr. N. S. KHAN (Pakistan): The United N~t!ons Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery end Development, adopted at the thirteenth special se8sion of the General Assembly, was predicated on certain postulates, namely the acceptance by the African countries of their pr.imary responsibility for their own recovery and developmentJ a commitment by the international community to extend full support to Africa's recovery programme through enhanced resource transfers on concessional termsJ the reversal of the flow of resources from Africa to the donor countries and institutionsJ an in~rease in the levels of Official Development AssistanceJ an intensification of co-operation and co-ordination among donor countriesJ and the initiation of special measures to alleviete the debt burden of the African countries. The Programme also called upon the developed countries to promulgate necessary policy changes which would improve the access of African products to their markets. A mid-term review and appraisal of the programme was unaertaken in Septembe~ of this year by the Ad nee Oo~~ittee of the Whole. The report of the Committee reveals that the African countries have made serious and sustained efforts to implement the Programme of Action and have been unremitting in their endeayou~s to adjust their economies to the ~xistlng economic realities. As is poin~ed out by the Secretary-General in his report (A/43/S00) of 10 August 1988, Africa's efforts to implement economic reforms have been impressive. 'MOst African countries have pursued policies of reform and structural adjustment designed t~ improve their economic performance and to p&ve the way for sustained growth and development. The agricultural sector in particular has been targeted for reform measures which inclUde rehabilitation and development of 8gro-related industries, improvement in the transportation and communications sector, trade deregulation and financial efficiency. Steps have also been taken to combat drought and desertificatlon and (Mr. N. S. Khan, Pakistan) promote rational development planning and human resource development. African Governments have also instituted policy reforms in economic management, exchange rates, public enterprises and population planning. These measures, which underline Africa's sincere commitment to the Programme of Action, have entailed many risks and sacrifices. The people of Africa have borne these sacrifices and burdens with courage and dignity. It would be a mistake to take for gr&nted the indefinite prolongation of these unsatisfactory conditions. They rightly and reasonably expect that their personal sac:ifices should now lead to national revitalization and recovery. The response of the international community has not been commensurate with the commitments envisaged in the Programme of Action. According to the Secretary-Generales report, the net resource flows to Africa increased from $17.9 billion in 1985 to $19.9 billion in 1986 and $22.9 billion in 1987, however, in real terms these flows were lower in 1986 and 1987 than in 1985. Similarly, Official oevelopment Assistance from the developed countries and multilateral institutions regist~red no real increase during the past two years if measured at 1986 prices and exchange rates. Furthermore, export credits to Africa during 1986 and 1987 declined, whereas private commercial flows remained negligible. This situation has been rendered worse by a net transfer of financial resources from Africa to the International Monetary Fund. According to the report of the Secretary-General, this reverse transfer amounted to $1 billion in 1987. On the crucial question Qf external debt, there has been some forward movement. The decision of the Secretary-General to appoint an Advisory Group on Financial Flows to Africa and the ag~eements reached at the TOronto summit meeting in June 1908 are noteworthy. However, these are limited measures which fall far short of the nature of long-term relief which was enVisaged in the progra.-e of Action .. The inadequate international response to the African crisis has se~louBly eroded the hope which was generated two years ago with the adoption of the Programne of Action. The adverse effacto of domestic and external resource constraints on African productivity heve outweighed the positive impact of policy refor.. The external debt bU~den of Africa has continued to escalate. By February 1908, the reg.:,n's external debt totalled '220 billion, consuming alzost 45 per cent of the continent's entire export earnings• (Mr. N. S. Khan, Pakistajl) (Mr. N. S. Kahn, Pakistan) --~~ '. The debt-service b~rd~h·has been oo~und.d by the yirtual collapse of coRmOdity prlce~. The average price ,index ofcommadities of intereat to Africa stood in 1987 at the alarmingly low figure of 68. A recent study ~ the united Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has quantified ~he impact of declining coSROdity prices on Africa's external earnings at $48.3 billion between 1985 and 1987. It is obvious that the prevailing situation cannot be allowed to continue. The bold policy measures undertaken by the African leader8hip are extracting a heavy 80cial price from their people. The conclu8ion is inescapable - it is ineluctable - that without 8trong international support for African recovery, the political risks of structural adjustment and otb~. nomic initiatives will become unbearable for mo8t countries. It is imperative that the United Nations programme of Action for Africa'8 Econoaic Recovery and Development 8hould be implemented in its entirety and within the agreed time-frame. The comaitaent8 made by major ~onor8 and multilateral institutions should be met in full if the tide of economic distress and dislocation sweeping the African continent is to be rolled back and reversed. Equally important is the need for improving the external economic environment, which continues to iapede Africa'8 recovery effort. Concerted mea8ures 8hould be taken to eliainate barrier8 against developing countries' export., resource availability should be placed on a long-tent, assured and predictllble footing, and a seriou8 attelllpt should be lllide to reJlOVe subsidies on all agricUltural products, particularly tboee which coapate directly with African exports. The linkag~s between trade flows, commodity prices, exchange rates, fluctuations, levels of interest rates, indebtedness, protectionism and growth rates in the world economy cannot be overemphasized. The African economic crisis, its specific features and its particularities notwithstanding, has not eme~ged out of a void or as an isolated phenomenon. Reform of the international economic and financial system ia as vital to Africa's recovery as are the specific measures aimed at alleviating the crisis. An overall improvement in the international economic environment will revitalize growth and development in the developing world in its entirety. The opportunities for horizontal co-operation thus created would immeasurably reinforce Africa's efforts to place its economy on the path of sustainable development and g~owth, leading to improvements in standards of living in a reasonable period of time. It goes without saying that peace and stability are essential prerequisites for Africa's eco~ic re~very and development. The Pretoria regime's destabilization policies against the front-line States have added considerably to the burden and cost of their recovery. In this context we support the relevant recommendations made by the fourteenth s&ssion of the Permanent Steering Committee ~f the Organization of African Unity. ! )i Taki~9 into account the constraints on its economic resources, Pakistan has ... '. been giving practical expression to its responsibility to the African countries in " / ·t;heir que.~ for long-terll ~l.'l<d meaningful development. We have bean making a modest but significant contribution to the expansion of the pool of ~now-how, skills and professional competence in African countries. In August 1987 Pakistan launched a five-year technical assistance programme for Africa incorPorating the following elementa, first, 650 8cholarships for training in banking, railways, airlines, administration and polytechnic courses, secondly, 100 scholarShip., under our cultural exchange.pr~ra..., in the fields of agriculture, (Mr. N. S. Kahn, pakistan) veterinary services, busineBs management and commerce, thirdly, 125 scholarships in the fields of medicine, pharmacy and engineering, fourthly, 50 senior-level fellowships for specialized training in water management, small-scale irrigation, agricultural research and extension, livestock development and agricultural loans and credits, and, fifthly, establishment of a panel of 50 Pakistani experts in agricultureand irrigation-related fields for deputation to African countries to help increase food and agricultural productivity. We in Pakistan are confident that the people of Africa, steadfast in their commitment to their noble values, will be able to overcome their current difficulties and restore faith in the belief that this great continent, inherited by resilient, courageoUs and talented people, is indeed a continent of hope and promise. It is, however, our collective responsibility to assure the African countries that they are not alone in their battle for economic growth and progress. There cannot be a better way of giving this assurance than an unqualified declaration by the international community, the United Nations system and the multilateral institutions of their intention to implement in full measure the un~erstandings reached within the framework of the united Nations programme of Action for Africa's Economic Recovery and Development. Mr. ZVEZDIN (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) (interpretation from Russian): I have the honour to make a statement on behalf of the delegations of the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, the People's Republic of Bulgaria, the Hungarian Peopl.'s Republic, the German Democratic Republic, the Mongolian People's Republic, the Polish People's Republic, the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, the Caechoslovak Socialist Republic and the union of Soviet Socialist Republics. An evaluation of principle of the current economic situation in Africa was provided in the joint statements made by our countries during the session of the Ad HOc Committee of the Whole of the General Assembly on the Review and Appraisal of the united Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development 1986-1990. The laek of tangible progress in overcoming the critical economic situation in many countries of Africa is a matter of serious concern to us. We are alarmed at the slow rate of implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development 1986-1990, adopted in 1986 at the thirteenth special session of the General Assembly. Our delegations believe that the work of the Ad Hoc COmidittee was an important stage in the international community's efforts to identify the factors impeding the implementation of the Programme of Action and reach agreement on recommendations concerning ways of el~inatlng such difficulties. The statements made at the session of the Ad Hoc COmmittee and during tbe drafting of the report clearly reflected a growing understanding of the fact that the causes of the economic crisis in Africa not only pers. , but are even more serious. As before, there are still unfavourable external economic factors, including a deterioration of the terms of trade of the African countriee, growing protectionism, cn increaae in external indebtedness, exchange rate fluctuations and a substantial outflow of financial resources fro. Africa. (Hr. Zvezdin, US~) The economic and 80cial development of the African countries is being hampered by regional conflicta which are causing considerable material damage, destabilizinq the situation and impeding the establishment of normal external economic relations. The aggressive policies of the racist regime of South Africa constitute a serious obstacle to the stable and sustained development of African countries. We note the considerable efforts made by the African countri~s to implement the Programme of Action. However, few of them have been able to make any SUbstantial headway in their economic development. Indeed, many countries of the continent are on the brink of economic catastrophy. We are convinced that unfavourable circumstances outside those countries are largely responsible for their plight. Our delegations share the view expressed in the Ad Hoc Committee that, in resolving the problems posed by the economic development of the African countries, it is very important to take their social aspects into account. This is true, first of all, of the ·structural adjustment programmes·, which are 80metim~s not adequately co-ordinated with the long-term development objectives of the African countries and often entail unjustifiably high social costs. In the context of the national, socio-economic development priorities of the African countries, the human factor should be duly taken into account in the formulation of such programmes. Much of this assessment is reflected in the report of the Ad Hoc Committee (A/43/664 and OOrr.l). We note with satisfaction that it reaffirms the key provisions of·· the PrograJlUfte of Action concerning the importance of strengthening peace and security and of settling conflicts in ,Africa by political means with et view to channelling resources into economic recovery and development. The report quite correctly emphasiaes the need to put an end to acts of aggression and destabilization on the part of the racist regime of South Africa, the importance of (Mr. Zvezdin, USSR) countries themselves for the purpose of overcoming the crisis, and the need to create favourable external conditions for their development. Our countries, guided by considerations of principle, have given consistent support to the African countries and are undertaking practical measures to give effect to the decisions taken by the united Nations General Assembly at its thirteenth special session to implement the Programme of Action. Accordingly, the socialist countries a~e continuing to provide technical assistance to African countries. More than 2,000 industrial enterprises and other projects have been set up in the developing countries in Africa with the assistance of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance countries, and approximately 400 new facilities are under construction or will be built in Africa under existing agreements. We are, to the best of our abilities, intensifying various forms of economic and technical assistance to African countries on the basis of long-term agreements and programmes, Af~ica accounts for 40 per cent of all the assistance provided by the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance member States to the developing countries. We are actively developing trade with African countries, despite the deteriorating world economic environment. We are expanding our assistance to African countries in the training of skilled personnel. In 1987 approximately 50,000 nationals of African countries were trained in specialized educational establishments at the higher and intermediate levels in the countries of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance. We are supporting the activities of the Action for Resisting Invasion, Colonialism and Apartheid (AFRICA) Fund established by the Non-Aligned Movement in 1987. Our countries are also providing the African countries with substantial (Mr. Zvezdin, USSR) The Programme of Action is to continue until 1990. Our delegations would like to share some ideas concerning international measures that could be taken to contribute further to its successful implementation. The reduction of military expenditures and the channelling of the funds released by disarmam~nt to peaceful purposes would provide an important concrete source of additional resources for African economic recovery and development. TOday the world has come closer to attaining that goal. The Treaty between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the United States on the Elimination of Their Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles and the other steps they have taken to halt the arms race and move towards real disarmament have opened up new prospects for resolving disarmament problems and saving mankind from the threat of self-destruction and the burden of the senseless waste of material and human resources on the arms race. Our countries are convinced that the principle of "armament rather than development" should be replaced by the opposite, nam~ly, "disarmament for development". Disarmament involving substantial cuts in military expenditures could release enormous additional resources. In tliat connection, many States have supported the idea of establishing an international "disarmament for development" fund that could serve as a mechanism for the transfer of part of those resources to the developing countries, including the African States. A just and lasting settlement of the problems that have built up in southern Africa is essential for the successful implementation of'the Programme of Action. We support the ongoing negotiating process and hope that it will lead to normalization of the situation in that part of Africa. That would undoubtedly bave a favourable impact on the situation in the continent as a whole and help to resolve social and economic development problenlS. Wi th every passbg year the contemporary world is ooooming increasingly interrelated and interdependent in economic terms. For this reason, it is extreliely important today to prollDte in international economic relations such principles as stability, predictability, equality, mutual benefit, ncn-discdminiation and free access to the latest achievements of science and technology. The adoption by the world oolllJlunity of measures to develop economic rGlations among States on this basis would help to establish a new international eoonaaic order, strengthen the economic security of African countries and make them less vulnerable to adverse fluctuations in the world economic clil'iati!. The first steps taken by the United Nations to set up a sys~ for early identification and forecasting of social and economic problems are in this context we!.l tilled. Such a system would be particularly useful for Africa in view of the difficulties Q~,.rienced by national economic analysis and forecasting services. (.ut countries are prepared ...u continoo to take part, together with the entire world COIUlunity, in resolving the CCIIlplex problems of the economic development of African ccuntries. We are convinced thai: the real, steady progr.ass of African countries along the road of eCCll'icnic and social development can be achieved only through joint effor'cs, with, of course, the active participation of African countries thellf!elves and on the basis of broad, equitable and IlI1tuaUy beneficial international oo~peration. Mr. WALBRS :Uni~d Statee of AIIerica): The United States is pleased to end«se the report of the lid Hoc ee..ittee (A/43/664 and Corr.l) on its Ilid-terll review and ~ppraisal of the United Nations Prograaae of Action for Afriaak'a F<aC;ir~..em1C R&cc:weEY and oev...··"'PJllent. we believe this report is a good sUJlltaty of the ecooOllic probl_s facing Africa, what has been achieved to date, and the need for further concrete aattan to address Africa's economic:: and develoPllent ploblellS. (Mr. Walters, United States) It is clear that there bas been progros8 since the start of the thited Nations Progra-it of Action. A large number of African o:nmtries now bave collPrebensive eccnOllic refor. progr_es in place. The international comaunity has _de a _jor effort to P\t'cwide new resources to 6upport eooncm.c refor., through their bUa..t8ral progrURies Md through the World Bank and International Monetary Pund progra.es. The result 02 these efforts will Sooft be seen in increased disburB.ents in Africa in support of growtb-orlented adjustllent prograaes. *ile growth payoffs bave not beM as rapid or predictable as everyone 1IIOuld batc liked, there has been a clear improveaent in growth rates among the reforming African countries as a group. we recognize that refer. has been difficult for African Governaents and their peopleB and that uny question _en the fruits of this effort will be seen. we wisb we c.'Ould say that the f\!tur,:e path will be much easier and that rapid growth is around the c«~er. We cannot. The trutb is that the reform path is going to be lcng and arduous. Africa is not at the end of the refer. p!'oceS8, but at the beginnilvj. It' bas further to go before lIOII8 of the key deterainants of growth will fall into place, Budl aa the return of -flight capital-, the IlObUization of .aeatie entrepreneursbip and the attraction of foreign inveataent. Refom alao must be broaned to include new actiona in areaa such a8 the environllent, the role of WCleen and f_ily planning 0 Refora IIWIt also be iapleaented in a way that does not 1Japose undue burdens on particularly vulnerable groups. Tbe World Bank and bilateral dcnOJ:s ~ill have to help in this regard. Hone of this will be easy. But what is the alternative? If Africa faUs to 8ustaiil refora, or iapleaents it hAlf-heartedly, the continent rillles a repeat of the decline and cJepr:ess!oo of the reeent past. Hone of us wants that. On the other hand, 1f Africa continue. on the road of refona and broadeiiil a'ld deepens that roed ewer tt.e it can lack forward to a brighter future. The responsibility for (Mr. Walters, United States) Africa's development is in African hands, but help from the international co_unity is n~d if Africa is to stay the course. The importance of the mid-term review is that it enables \~~ to recommit ours~lves to the goal of African developnent and to mobilize for further action. This requires African Governments and the inter.national community to work together co-operatively to Bupport Africa's grCl1th. Really to achieve sustainable Mrican recovery and development we are all going to have to ccntinue our efforts. That is the important message of the United Nations Prograame of Action. Let us not shrink frOll this call, but meet it with realistic understanding of the collllllitment required of us. Let us wer k together in responding to the long-term challenge. The United Nations Progruae of Action is a solid base on which to build. An essential el_ent of the PrograJllDe will be continued close co-operatlvn amng the United NatioM and its agencies, the international COIlJIlunity and the developing countries. The United States will do its part in that effort. NI.. PAPADATOS (Greece), I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European COiIBDunity and its 12 member States on agenda item 39, ·Critical economic situation in Africa, tl'lited Nations Programme of Action for African Economic gecovery and DevelApnent 1986-1990·. Two years ago African Governments presented at the 1986 special session of the General Asselllbly a strong case for concerted action towards the economic recovery and develoPBent of the continent. It was the first session at which development prcblellS of an entire region were addressed. African leaders did not merely call fQr support by the international co_unity for their efforts but laid the foundation for a unique partnership as expressed in the thited Nations Prograae of lIction for African PconCMic Recovery and Developaent 1986-1990. The international couunity expressed in the Progr.-e its readiness to hcnour its coll!ftitJIents and to (Mr. PaPlldatos, Greece) sustain support for Africa IS response to the challenge of eccnOllic renewal, and African Goverm.ntB have undertaken aajor policy actions to meet the responsibilities called for in the Prograse of Action. The ClOJIlIIOn recognition of the need for co-operative approaches by all participants to bring about an ecmOllic turnaround of the African crisis was a formidable achievement for the Olited Nations. Only two months ago the Ad Roe Ccmmittee of the Whole of the General Assembly successfully CCIlpleted the review and appraisal of the implementation of the Olited Nations Progra.e of Action for 2\frican Jt:onaaic Recovery and Developaent. It assessed the critical eccnOlllic situation in Africa, took into account the constraints hampering Africa's developnent efforts, and recognized the response of the international COIUlunity in support of the efforts of African Governments. The ass\!ssment exercise P1'oved that African countries have taken courageous and impressive action allied at reactivating their development process, while donor countries have played an ilIportant role in supporting the African policy measures nndertaken in the context of the thited Nations P:rogr_e of Action• More iIlportant yet, a clear aessage that aerged frCII the aplementAtion of the Progr~ was that enhanced and sustained efforts frOlD 811 sides were lIII01'6 neoeS.Hy than ever, given the unsatisfactory overall eccnceic performance of Africa and the hope all of us hold folt thQ reversal of Africa's economic decline. 'lbe reee-endations cover a nuber of eccncraic and other concerns of essential iaportance for the d(;lveloPlent atrategy of African oountriea. Women farme"~, food security and population issues in a lcng-run developJlent perspsctive deserve increased attention. The envircnment and natural resourc::es should receive special consideration in developaent co-oPeratioo to enhance eCOl\cmic gi."owth and combat poverty. The international Q)_un1t¥ Mould mcrease its support for efforts undertaken by African Gover18enta to iDpleaent the Progr_e of Action. It should also provide an increased level of f:l.nancial assistance to African countries 17 both bilaterally and II.1ltilateraUy. The ee:-unity and its _ber States have played and continue to play their part in c1ellOftSuating ~itaent to the cbjective. of the tbited Nations ProgrlSl81le of Action for African B::onc:aic Rtcovery and Develo18ent. Our contribution is Iilltifacetacl and can be cJellOnBtratecl !n pxograsaing and financing activi t.ies, in enhancing the econaaic recovery of Africa, in improving the external environJllent, and in taking the l.d in aUwlating the external debt problems of Afdcan Q)untries "hUe supporting refor... Significant initiatives undertaken recently by , _jor creditor countries, the Buropean Calaunity and financial institutions Bhc.luld bear results in the future. Our ~oadl, a8 reflected in Lo_ III and to be further elabol'ated in r.o.e IV, ie intendsd to be a response to the particular prcbl.s of our African, Caribbean and Pacific partners snd Is based on a policy 4ialogue to detenaine the priorities for the use of the ~ity's financing. We consider that the 1I14-ter. rev!., of the Progr.... of ktion has inspired efforts to take further etePl towards th~ iIIpleaentation of the Progl'amae in Q constructive spirit. .. "e1ee-e tha draft r..olution in tbGt report of the M I!oc ea-ittae (AI'3/664 and Corral) adopting the conclusions of the llid-tera review and appcailAl of the :1apl....tation of the Progr-. of Jctic..l. we also look f«war4 to the final r."i.., and appraiaal to be conducted at the forty-sixth seseien of the General Aa.llbly. We are loC!king 1lha4 to ilipleaentation of the Progr... before 1991 ane feel confident that by _anc of collbine4 inU:iativu concrete results auet be achieved. Tbe _._ co-operl't!ve at3ollph~re that prevailed during the adoption of the P~ogr__ of Action vas ~.._t during the flid-tera rev1f11f. It os shared by all participant., - African countrie., internatimal institutions, ncn~overlUUntalorganbation. and donors,. lit Mr. MA'l'RAI 'i:araelh Tbe plight of Africa's eoonCMY - a critical issue in w«ld affaus - is w.ll known ..s unfortunately cannot be eaggerated. tn recent yeare there ha been ... cause for hope. Wide-ranging prCPOS.18 have been drawn up, anc1 a recOllery PEoc." hu ..erged in 8uch areas as food security, drought control, water 4eve1op1Gnt .4 rw.rAl of desertification. Bowever, • tragedy of gig_tic proportions re.ins. MUllo. of people in Africa &re affected by shortage. of fooc1 and water. 'a)day Africa .uat baport aiUion of tons of grain. Drought and d..~rtification are eating up valuable faralancJ., and recently ...r_ of locusts bave a4lSecS to the tragedy. So11 erosion is prevalent. The Babar. d.eR, fClC ex_ple, has expanded by an uti_ted 250,000 aquu. lIiles over the past 50 J8ara, and with Africa's rop.a.14tion inc:re.8ing at & rate of about 3 per cent per year it ia inevitable that arable land "ill be ov.r~ultivabsd. Africa'. l'~.l oo_unitiea are the ..in victi.s of this vicious cycle. Tbe children of Africa are .uffering too. IIalnuuition, d1e~... Md dehydration are afflicting the future 9enuations of Africa. In or4er to break thi. cycle, in order to OVeJ:aoM the suffeE:l.ng and de.titution, great efforts iIlWlt be uCSe. Plan. _t be laid for the future. Co-operation an&! oo-ordination _t exist. Israel wants to belp, i t b~. tb~ abUity to belp. - I speak naw frOll·'.xpuience. '1here is a great smllad.ty between the probl.s that are facing Afdca tD4ay,. ~ the ·~abl._ tbat faced Iarael 40 yeus ago. Israel'. early plan..re oonfrcmted Averely degraded land in a hoatile nebaral enviromaent. .. faced a COftIItlllt lack of wter ..cl we lived in fear ef not being able to feed our nw-born State. Reviving the land prutlftted a great c:ballenge. Creating inCOlMt-gatbedng opportwltie. vu a • ."ere .truggle. Dlweloping & mdero econ~ 'la. a fierea battle. Yet. we per.evered and .. toiled and, against all Today Africa 1. facing the _... batU. ana with co-operation frOll all the oountde. repr_.ta4 here it. too can overCClBe. "Ibis i. a re.ponsibility we all sbare. Becaue ef ourhiatoric:al experience in nation-building, the people of Icae1 are acutely •.,.e of the diaUegea that lie abeaa foe th. people of Africa. It 18 in tilt.. Qirit that I IKlIlf reiterate Israel'. lClftg-_tandiog cc.altaent. to place ita tacbftic:al Imov-bow at the eStspol!!lal of Africa. Israel i. ready, by itself or in oo-oparation with third parti.., to assist ~. nationa of Africa, ....th. it.. be 10 ~oni.ng back tb~ d_ert or de.U.nating ocean water, nether it: be inatituting c1wd-He4ing to !net.a. rainfaU 01' irrigating with brack18b .ter, _thu 1~ be applying solar-energy tedmolDgy or introclllJcing g.netic 8Cdiflcatlon of caM cropa to mprwo their lIbelf life and ec:onc.ic perf«..OI.. 1••el i. ready to lend its auistanc:e to Africa, be it In agriculture on the laftd or in bar....ing the l'iv......4 a•• for water ex ftah. 181'aol can contribute, fez ....pi., toward. 1a~09'1ng grain .tcrage at 011'. Hatnal, Israel) rwoluticnarUy low COIIU and reducing the loas of storea grain due to rodent inf.station and other prcbl_a. Again I ape. frOll experience. In 30 Jears of co-operation with mre than 100 countries Iarael ba welea-e4 ewer 30,000 train... fraa developing countries, it has inlltructled 25,000 others in their respectivo countries~ and it ha Sflftt abcoad wer 10,000 Iaraeli experta _ instructors who specialize in a variety of fields. Bach year .. organize and run 4:».en8 of __inars, workshops and coursea in agriculture, .ter Mnageaent, CCIiIIunity developaentr co-operative and labour-organi:ation lUmage_nt and ..co_unity health' 8erv1ces. '1'he. centrepiece in our fight against d.ertification and other agricultural challenges 18 Ben-Qlrian Iiliver.ity of the Ragev Dleert. It was established in Beerllheba, the ~pital of the Nlgev, to IlUlbal the resources of 8cience and tecbnology in order to unlock the ay_tert.. of arid 1an411 and fight d.ertificatian. It la the culainaticn of our history that g08_ back 2,000 years to the util1:atiOil of flub flood8 and even .,i8ture or dew CIOn8ervatian by rudiaentary _thoda. We have ee-e a long .y 8ince then. In I8rael the biblical ~opbecy -The de.ert shall rejoice and blQIISCD a8 & rose- (~. Roll Bible, I81aih 35.1) 111 not a prOlai8., it is a .daUy re.1nder of the challenge till .et. Israel has created a laboratory for arid-land agriculture. we have learnt ..cb, and we want to share it vi th other8. Preedoll fro~ hunger is •••ntial. Life frOll the desert i. p:;J8s1ble. I_ael cont1nu~s to offer the inclusion of progr_e. dC'V'elope4 at Ben-Gurion University Oft • bilateral level in the network of African ag;:lcultural research inat1tutes or, ,mltilaterally, through the Urlitec! lIDtio. Dwolopllent Prograae and other specialised agencies. We are ready to enter into di_culI.lans with varioa interested African countri.., QC under the auspices of the (hlted Nationa, . , regarding the urgent and acute ~cbl_s facing Africa's. agricultural and economc cievelQPllent. All of us "ill be the ridler for such ClO~peEation.. IAtt us work together to cv.reo. the challenges abH4. The meeting rose at 12.30 R••• (Mr. Mamai, Iarael)