A/43/PV.75 General Assembly

Draft resolution In is entitled "International Conference on Central American Refugees". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III also without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resOlution III was adopted (resolution 43/118).

Draft resolution IV is entitled "International Conference , , on Indo-Chinese Refugees". (Miss Byrne, United States) The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution'IV was adopted (resolution 43/119).

We have thus concluded our consideration of agenda item 102. The Assembly will now consider the report of the Third Committee on agenda item l03 p entitled "InternatiOi1al campaign against traffic in drugs" (A/43/875). I call on the representative of the Bahamas. Mrs •. SHERMAN-PETER (Bahamas): The Bahamas simply wishes to propose a correction to draft resolution Ill. In its penultimate line the eighth preambular paragraph refers to "geographical situations". Previous resolutions referred to "geographical location". I think that the translation from the Spanish resulted in "situations" instead of "location". The Bahamas would like to see "location" restored. It is simply a n~tter of correction.

I thank the representative of the Bahamas. What she has said has been noted and will be reflected in the official records of the Assembly. The AsseJTbly will now take decis ions on the three dra ft reeolu tions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 13 of its report. Draft resolution I, entitled "Preparation of a draft convention against illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances", was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 43/120).

Draft resolution II is entitled "Use of children in the ilHcit traffic in narcotic drugs and rehabilitation of drug-addicted minors". (The President) The Third Committee adopted draft resolution !I without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolu tion II was adopted (resolu tion 43/121).

Draft resolution 111, entitled "International campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking", was adopted by the Committee without a vote. ~~y I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution UI was adopted (resolution 43/122). The PRES !DENT: We have concl uded our consideration' of agenda item 103• .. The Pres iden t) The Assembly will now consider the report (A/43/876) of the Third Committee on agenda item 104, entitled "Alternative approaches and ways and means within the Uni ted Nations system for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms". The AsseidJly will take decisions on the six draft resolutions reoollllle!nded by the Third Committee in paragraph 25 of its report. After all the decisions have been taken, representa tives will have an opportunity to explain their votes. Draft resolution I is entitled "Respect for the right of every01e to own property alone as well as in association with others and its contribution to the ecooomic and social development of Mell'ber States". The Third Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General AsselTbly also wishes to do so? Draft'resolutionI'was adopted (resolution 43/123). The' PRESIDENT: Draft resolution II concerns the impact of property on the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. We shall now take A decision CX\ that draft resolutiOlll. A recorded has been requested. A' recorded' vote' was' taken. In' favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colorrbia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, IkJminica, Ibminican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guin ea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, lran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People 's DelIDera tic Republic, IA!banon, I.esotho, Liber ia, Libyan Arab Jamah ir iya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, lobngolia, Morocco, Mozanbique, Nepal, - (The President) Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guine, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Ki tts and Nevis, Saint tucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, 3d Lanka, &.tdan, Suriname, SWaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, '1bgo, Trinidad and '1bbago, 'l'Unisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, thion of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Bnirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, zaire, zambia, Zimbabwe h9ainst: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, 1AJxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Absta in inCl\ Malta Draft' resolution' n' was' adopted' by'129' votes' to' 24 1, 'with' 1 abstention (resolution 43/124). The'PRESIDENT: We turn next to draft resolution Ill, entitled IlIAlternative approaches and ways and means within the United Nations system for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms ". The Assembly will now take a decision on that draft resolu tion. A recorded vote has been requested. A'recorded'vote'was'taken. In'favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Ben in, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Bu~ma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, ~had, China, Colombia, Comoras, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gebon, Gamia, German DenDcratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ir~q, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Iao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liber la, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozanbique, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Qnan, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Romania, ~anda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint t.Jcia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadine8~ Samca, 980 ~me and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sti Lanka, &.Idan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, ~go, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanllatu, Venezuela, Viet Ham, Yemen, Yugoslavia, zaire, zanb~a, Zimbabwe Against I Uni ted States of America Abstaining, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Fedelral Republic of, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, t.Jxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Portugal, Spain, sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Br ita in and Northern Ireland Draft' resolution' III' was' adopted- by' 130· votes' tO'l i 'wl th' 25' abstentions (resolution 43/125). The' PR!SmENT, Next we shall take a decision on draft resolution IV, also entitled "Alternative approoches and ways and means within the U'lited Nations system for imprOl7ing the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms". A recorded vote has been requested. A' recorded' vote was taken. In favours Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darus3alam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colonbia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, C8te d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, DellDcratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, &::uador, B.w'pt, El Salvador, Equa.:orial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Ganbia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, QIinea, QI inea-Bissau, Qlyana, Raiti, Ronduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lr10 People's Democratic Republic, Lebanoo, Lesotho, LibQr ia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozanbique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Onan, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New G'.linea, Paraguay., Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romlll1ia, Rwll'lda, Saint Kitts and Navis, Saint t.Jcia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seo ~me and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname,Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, ~go, Trinidad and '!bbago, Tunisia, Turkey, tlJanda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Sociulist Republics, united Arab Blirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuftla, Viet NaIl, Yemen, Yugoslavia, zaire, zanbia, Zinbabwe Against, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Japan, Iuxellbourg, Netherlands, United Kingdom of Gre&t Britain and Northern Ireland Abstaining, Australia, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, SWeden Braft'resolution'IV'was'adopted'by'l35'votes'bo'S,with i4'abstentions (resolution 43/126). The' PRESIDENT, Draft resolution V is entitled -Right to developnent-. The Third Coramittee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assenbly also wiohes to do so? Draft' resolu tion' v' was' adopted (resolu tion 43/127). The'PRESIDENTt The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VI, entitled -Development of public information activities in the fielcll of human tights-, without a vote. May I take it that the General Assanbly wishes to do the same? Draft'resolution'VX'was'adopted (resolution 43/128). The' PRESIDENT' I call on the representative of the United States, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote. Miss' BYRNE (United States of America), The United States did not participate in the General Assembly's action on draft resolution IV, entitled -Alt~rnative approachea and ways and means within the united Nations system for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental f:eedoms·, nor in its action on draft resolution V, entitled -Right to developnent-. The' PResIDENT, We have thus concluded our consideration of agenda item 104• I would ask the 'Assembly to turn now to the report ('1./43/877) of the Third COl!IDittee on agenda item 105, entitled "New international hUllanitar ian order". The 'Assembly will take decisions on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Third COJIBittee in paragraph 19 of its re(X)rt. Draft resolution I, entitled "New international humanitarian order", was adopted by the Third COllllittee without a vote. May I take it that the ::eneral Assemly also wishes to adopt this draft resolution? Draft'resolutionI'was'adopted (resolution 43/129). The' PIlESmENTz Draft resolution n is entitled IIlPronction of international co-operation in the humanitarian field". The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assem1y also wishes to do sc? Draft' resolution' 11 was adopted (resolution 43/130). The' PftESmEN'l'z Draft resolution III is entitled "Humanitarian assistance to victims of natural disasters and similar emergency situations". It was ado~ted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly also wishes to adopt the draft resolution without a vote? Draft'reso1ution'III'was'adopted (resolution 43/131). The' PRK9IDFaTz We have now concluded our consideration of agenda iteM 105. The Assembly will now consider the report ('1./43/878) of the Third Comittee on agenda item 106, entitled "Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". We shall take decisions on the three draft resolutions recoanended by the Third COIftllittee in paragraph 12 of its report. Draft resolution I, entitled ·Status of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment-, was adopted by the Third COl1lJIlittee without a voteo May I take it tb!lt the Assembly also wishes to do so? Draft'resdlution'!'was'adopted (resolution 43/132). The' PRESIDENT' Draft reSOlution II is entitled -United Nations Voluntary l'und for Victims of 'n>rture"o The Third Committae adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the General Assemly wishes to do the same? Draft'resOlution'II'was'adopted (resolution 43/133). ~e' PRESIDENT' Draft resolution III concerns torture and inhuman ~reat'Jllent of children in detention in South Africa and Namibia. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the General Assemly also wishes to do so? ~aft'resOlution'III'waB'adopted(resolution 43/134). The' PRESIDENT' We have concluded our consideration of agenda i tern 106. item 107, entitled "Families in the development process". The As~embly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vete. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? The'draft'resolution'was'adopted (resolution 43/135). The' PRESIDm'1': I call on the representative of Tunisia for an explanation of position. Ms.'BACHTOBJ! (Tunisia) (interpretation from French): My delegation joined in the consensus on the draft resolution in paragraph 12 of document A/43/814. However, while reiterating our support for the proclamation by the Organization of an international year of the family, we wish to emphasb:e that my delegation ~auld have very much hoped to see reflected in the draft resolution a definition of the family as the natural and fundamer:ttal group unit of society, as set forth in Article 10, paragraph 1., of the International Covenant on Economic, , .. SOcial and Cultural Rights, reflected in resolution 42/134, adopted by the General Assembly on 7 December 1987. In my delegation's view, that definition is most appropriate and therefore should be the corner-stone of future work by the Assembly. The PRESIDEUT: We have thus concluded our consideration of agenda item 107. We now tu!'n to the report (A/43/815) of the ThiE'd COJ'llllittee on agenda item 144, entitled "Responsibility of States to ban in their territory, and to refrain from instigating or supporting in the territory of oth\)r States, chauvinistic I racist and other manifestations that may cause discord between peoples and involvement of Governments and u;": mass madia in conbating such manifestations and in educating peoples and youth in the spirit of peaceful co"'Operation and international. e.ntente., and evaluation of the implementation of the Declaration on the Promotion amng Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect and understanding between Peoples·. I invite menbers to turn their attention to the draft resolution recolllllended by the Third Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assent>ly wishes to do the sane? The' draft' resolution' was' adopted (resolution 43/136). The' PRESIDENT: We have now concludea our consideration of agenda item 144. We tu~n next to the report (A/43/8GB) of the Thi~d Committee on agenda item 12, entitled "Report of the Economic and Social Council". Ms.'BYRNE (United States): The delegations of Portugal, Spain and the unite~ Kingdom have indicated that if it were possible for their countries' names to be added to the list of sponsors of draft resolution XXI, entitled "Enhancing the effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections", they would wish that that be done. We request that their wish be included in the record. The' PRESIDENT: That will be done. I shall now call on those representatives who wish to explain their votes before the voting. ~MORA'GODOY (Cuba) (interpretation from Spanish): We should like to explain our vote on draft resolution XXI, entitled "Enhancing the effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections·, which the Third Committee adopted without a vote. The Cuban delegation did not oppose consensus, although the text does not reflect our Jl'dn concern~ with regard to the draft resolution. Indeed, it doeS! not clearly specify that nothing in this field can run counter to the sovereignty of States to run electoral processes in keeping with their national laws and system. Paragraph 3 tries to prescribe a JrDdel for everyone, but we wish to emphasize that nothing in it should be interpreted or used to prejudge other electoral systems. Similarly, the draft resolutioo does not contain even one reference to the Government of South Africa, which bears the greatest responsibility for the establishment of the system of apartheid in that country, against which the United Nations has unsuccessfully tried to apply mandatory sanctionso AI though, as the negotia ting process showed, no delega tion expressed difficulties about including the name of that country, the objection of a single country unfortunately meant that that was not possible. Had it been otherwise, it would per baps have made for a more real oonsensus. We believe that in the future any draft resolution on the matter must reflect this concern of the whole international community. we also have reservations about including a new i tern 00 the agenda of the Conmission on Human Rights and of the General Assell'b1y .. since we consider that to be unnecessary. It is not part of the rationalizatioo that we are trying to bring to the work of the United Nations, and there~ore we should reoonsider including it under an i tern already CI'l the agenda of both the Commiss ion on Human Rights and the General Assemb1yo Hr ~ MAHALLATI (Islamic Republic of Iran): I should like to express our posi tion on draft resolution I. This year, inspired by the encouraging and constructive atmosphere prevailing in the conduct of internatiooal relations, in general, and the tendency in international organizations to emphasize consensus as the p~eferred and naturally more effective method of decis ion-male Ing, in particular, my delega tion took a healthy, constructive and challenging step. I officially announced my Government's readiness fully to co-operate with the Special Representative of the Commission on Human Rights so as to enable him fully to carry out his mandate. I also announced :1y delegation's readiness to join a consensus decisioo designed to secure the expressed objective of the Human Rights COJII1lission, through its Special Representative, Mr. Galindo Pool. In this connection, I engaged in special, extended consultations with Mro Galincb Pool, at my request. I sought the Special Representative's opinion about what he would wish the Third Committee to decide as to the future course of action. Mr. Galincb Pool was very specific, and confirmed that his ally concern was the carrying out of his mandate. He added tha t he could not ask for anything more. Unfortunately, against the better judgment not only of the majority of Menber States but also of the majority of the sponsors of the draft resolution Wlder consideration, who favour co consensus action, certain sponsors, ,.,hose names I shall not mention, insisted at following the same old route of antagmism and acbption of a draft resolution against the Islamic Republic of Iran. They seemed to be interested not in the positive impact of our constructive proposal, but in adopting a draft resolution against the Islamic Republic of Iran. They advanced a weak argument that, since there existed a report on alleged viola tion of human rights in Iran, they were duty-bound to insist on aooption of the draft resolution. Therefore, the interim report of the Special Representative became the basis of their obsession with the draft resolution against the Islamic Republic of Iran, while the authcx of the interim report - the Special Representative - in fact welcomed our proposal, whidi would have readily guaranteed the success of his manda tee This is a vicious circle, which has entrapped certain sponsors of the draft resolution, against which they have not been able to provide a reasmable response. The majority of the sponsors, of course, Wlderstood and appreciated the merit and. pragmatic nature of our proposals, but had to remain in that vicioul?l circle owing to their oath of fealty. In ackUtion to this vicious circle, those sponsOE's who failed, both in the Canmittee and in my private talks with them, to advance a me2lningful argument in defence of their incanprehensible persistence in building upon mere allegations of the inter im .report, clearly manifested their dual pol icy towards the rule of law in interll&tional relations" a policy which is based on a selective approach. Depending upon their perceived interests, these countries adopt different and at times grossly contradictory approaches to relevant questionse In order to be more specific, allow me to ask one of the sponsors of the draft resolution, which had first-hand experience of being victim of abhorrent chemical weapons dJring the First W:>rld Nlr, and a few other delegations apparently in the -. vanguard of countries defending human rights, why there exists no report, let alone action or decision, for cnnsideration of the Third Committee on the instttuticnalized extermination of an oppressed minority by the use of chemical weapons cluing preceding months. The delegation with direct experience of falling victim to the use of chemical weapons no doubt agrees wi th me that dea tit caused by chemical weapons is the most heinous form of torture and thus the gravest violation of pr inciples of human rights. It knows that chemical weapons kill indiscriminately and maim and inflict perpetual suffering indiscriminately. My question as to why those who appear to be staunch supporters of human rights have not introduced a draft resolution on th is human tl:'agedy has not received an answer" We all know that they have IIBde a poH tical .decisioo to make a propagandistic campaign in favour of a handful of foreign alements in Iran and close their eyes to the instituticnal annihilation of a nation by chemical weapons. Therefore" the only logical deduction from the present situation in the Third Comrnlttee, at least as concerns our case, is that the I1Dtivation for the persistence of a few of the sponsors on their draft resolution goes well beyond human rights concerns and merges into purely political considerations of different sorts. We cCX'ldemn such poli tied mtiva tions and strongly believe that they have a serious and negative impact on thEi principles of human rights and particularly on their enforcement. In spi te of what I have said, I have not lost hope and confidence in the collective wisdom of the group. I have held mee tingB wi th the special Representative and prc:wided him with a certain document, which in my opinion has had a significant role in the rtew outlook of the Special Aepresenta tive on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran. It should nCtlf be clear to everycne that mis informa tioo prO'lided to the Special Representa tive by a terrorist group whose headtuarters are in the capital of a country which has bee~ in a war of aggression against my cOWltry is devoid of any real substance and is aimed only at propagandistic objectives. In GDnclusion, I should like to reiterate that I have not attempted to make a cri tique of the interim report, but have IIBde some observations regarding the primary sources of the baseless allegations ex>ntained in the report. In spite of what I have said, and despite our cognizance of certain political considerations on the part of a few, I made some practical, feasible Md constructive proposals enablil\9 the Special Representative to fulfil his mandate, which still stand. we will also continue our ClO-oparation with the Special Representative, but at the same time I clearly announce that under no circumstances will we give in to political bribery. I express my profound regret about the draft resolution under consideration, which, if adopted, would create, against our desires .,d extensive efforts, undue obstaclu to the Special Representative's success. Therefore, the responsibility for any form of lack of success OZ' delayed success should be shouldered by thaee delegations insisting on the path of confrontation, when a viable co-operative solution is readily available. I should also like to express my gratitude to all delegations that supported our principled p:>sition in various mannels, partic.1larly to the Chairman of the Third Committee, who made an extens ive effort to reach a consensus in the COlllittee. I wish .. there}fore, to call uPQn all representatives to vote against the draft resolution so as to ensure the rapid, full and sa tisfactory implementation of the mandate of the Special Representative. thder such circu_tances, the Commiseien on Human Rights will be in a posi tim to prmounce itself on the facts of the issue, as investigated and verified by the Special Representa tive. ·situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran·, which appears on page 33 of document A/43/868, is not only flawed in substance but also unneceseary. It is flawed because it is predicated on assumptions that have not been substantiated. It tends to invest hearsay allegations with an unjustifiable measure of veracity, which detracts from its integrity and credibility. The draft ~esolution also fails to take into account the serious and sincere offer of the GoITernment of the Islamic Republic of Iran to co-operate fully with the Special Representative of the COJ'llllission 00 Human Rights in the discharge of his mandate. In a statement made in the Third Conmittee on 25 Noverrber the Permament Representative of the Islarnic Republic of Iran said that his country was fully prepared to join a consensus decision by the General Assenbly that would enable the Special Representative to carry out his mandate fully and in the shortest possible time. He also proposed a draft decision centring around the extension of full co-operation by the Islamic RepUblic of 11' an to the Special Representative in all respects before the end of 1988 for the purpose of carrying out his mandate. That proposal provided unimpeachable evidence of Iran's good faith and should have elicited the approbation and approval of every fair-minded person. It: is indeed regrettable that that important offer was disregardedo It is obl/ious that the adoption of the draft resolution in question, which is largely a composite of unsubstantiated allegations, will not serve the purpose for which it is intended. The representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in a statement the Assenbly has just: heard, has renewed his Go'Iernment's pledge of co-opera tioo to the Special Representative and affirmed that his earlier proposal remains valid. Tbere still exists, therefore, an opportunity to forswear the part of acrimony and embrace an option that is sincere, constructive and conciliatory. The adoption of draft resolu tion I currently lD'lder the considera tion of the AsseDbly may well erode that option. We do not believe that such a course of action would be ei ther wise or responsibl,. For this and the reasons mentioned earlier, my delegation will vote against the draft resolution, "Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran." Mr;,' ABOu"H.\Dm (Syr ian Arab Republic): We have just heard a statement by the Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran stating officially the position of his Government vis-a-vis the draft resolution, "Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran." The pOsition is very clear and needs to be encouraged. The Islamic Republic of Iran has expressed without reserve its readiness to co-operate with the Special Representative to carry out his mandate fully, unconditionally, immediately, before the end of 1988 and in any manner he deems fit. That post tion is very clear to all, and by taking that official position we are sure that the goals of the Commission on Human Rights are guaranteed and that the mandate of the Special Representative will be fully implemented and that his report to the Corrmission at its next session will be factual. We should also like to call upon the merrbers of the Assenbly to give this new, poeitive post tion of the Islamic Republic of Ir an a good chance, in order to avoid a confrontational approach to the situation, which will not achieve the goals of the draft resolution. We believe that what could legi till1!lte1y be expected to be achieved can more readily be achieved through a new, positive approach to the matter and by avoiding premeditated political aims and allegations against Iran. My delegation will therefore vote against the d~aft resolution. The' PRPSmENT: The Assembly wUl now cake a decision on the 23 draft resolutions contained in paragraph 107 of the Third Committee's report (A/43/868} • After all decisions have been taken, members will again be given an opportunity to explain their votes. We turn first to draft resolution I, "Situation of human rights in the Islamic repUblic of Iran". A recorded vote has been requested. A'reoor.ded·vote·was·taken. In' favour: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, Canada, cape Verae, Central African Republic, Chad, Colonbia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Finland, France, Gerl1llany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Lesotho, Luxemourg, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Rianda, Saint: fAlcia, saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Spain, S'",aziland~ SWeden, 'lbgo, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Uni ted States of America, Venezuela !9ainst: Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, ClJba, DeltDcratic Yemen, Ethiopia, Indooesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kuwait, Libyan Arab Jarnahir!ya, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Niger, oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Romania, Sri Lanka, Sudan" Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab anirates, United Republic of Tanzan ia Abstaini':l~: Bhutan, Brazil, eurkina Paao, Burma, Burundi, Cameroon, Conoros, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Djibouti, Egypt, Fiji, Gabon, Garrbia, Ghana, QIinea, Qsinea-Bissau, Qsyana, Haiti, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Liber ia, f.falawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauri tan la, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Suriname, Thailand, Tuni£lia, Turkey, Uganda, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Draft'resolution'I'was'adopbed'by 61 votGS to 25, with 44 abstentions (resolution 43/137). a1 the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide". The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft'resolation'II'was'adopted (resolution 43/138). The' !lRESIDENT: Draft resolution III is entitled "Situation of human rights in Afghanistan". I call on the representative of Afghanistan, who wishes to explain his position on draft resolution Ill. Mr.'MEHNAT (Afghanistan>: My delegation did not participate in the decision taken by the Third Committee Q1 draft resolution III, entitled "Situation of human ~ights in Afghanistan", but that was not reflected in the Committee's report (A/43/868). I therefore request that it be placed on record that my delegation does not wish to participate in the decision on draft resolution III. The' PRESIDENT: The record will reflect this. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? DraftresolationIII'was'ad0pted (resolution 43/139). The' PRESIDENT: Draft resolution IV is entitled "Regianal arrangements for the promotion and protection of hu~~n rights in the Asian and Pacific region". This draft resolution was adopted without Cl vote by the Third Committee. May I take it that the General Assell'bly also wishes to adopt: it? Draft'resolution'IV'was'adopted (resolution 43/140). The' PRESIDENT: Draft resolution V is entitled "Situation of refugees in the Sudan". This draft resolution was also adopted without a vote by the Third Committee. May I consider that the General Assembly also wfshes to adopt it? The' PRESIDENTs Draft resolution VI is entitled "Humanitarian assistance to re fu~ees in Dj ibouti "• The Third COlllllittee adopted the draft resolution without Cl vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the saE? Draft'resolation'Vl'was'adopted (resolution 43/142). The' PlUSmENTI Draft resolution VII deals with emergency assistanr.:e to voluntary returnees and displaced persons in Chad. In the Third Committee it was 8d)pt:ed without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft'resolntion'VII'wu'adopted (resolution 43/143). !!!.e' PRESIDENT' The next draft resolution concerns assistance to refugees and returnees in Ethiopia. The Third COlllllittee adopted draft resolution VIII without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? praft'resolution'VIll'was'adopted (resolution 43/144)~ The' PRBSmENTs We now turn to draft resolution IX, entitled "Situation of human rights and fundamental freedolllS in El Salvador". The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assemly wishes to do the same? praft'resolution'lX'was'adopted (resolution 43/145). The' PRESml!:N~s Draft resolution X is entitled "Measures to improve the situation and ensure the human rights and di9'lity of all migrant workers". The report of the Fifth C01IlIIittee on the progranae budget implications of this draft resolution is contained in document A/43/936. A recorded vote has been requested • In'favoorl Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austr ia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Eulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, COngo, Costa Rica" Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, ~Iprus, C2echoslOl7akia, Derrocratic Kampuchea, DellDcratic Yemen, Denmark, Djibcuti, Ilominica, Dominican Republic, &:uador, DJypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fij:l., Finland g France, Gabon, GanOia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Icaland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic RepubUc, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, lAJxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, MozaRbique, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Pc.,rtugal, Qatar, lbmania, Rwanda, saint Kitts and Nevis, saint IAJcia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Soma1 ia, Spain, Sri Lanka, SUdan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syr ian Arab Republic, Thailand, 'lOgo, Trinidacl, and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, UgandG, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socia!..,· :Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe !9ainsta United States of 1\merica Abstainingl Germany, Federal Republic of, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Draft'resolution'X'was' adopted' by' 154' votes' to 1,'with'2'abstentions (resolution 43/146). ThePRESIDENTI Draft resolution XI concerns assistance to refugees in The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XI without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft'resolution'XI'was'adopted (resolution 43/147) • displaced parsons in Mal&wi. The Third Comittee adopted this ~raft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft'resolution'Xll'was'adopted (resolution 43/148). The' PR1!SIDENT: Draft resolution XIII is entitled IIAssistance to student refugees in southern Africa". The Third COJm!ittee adopte~ this draft zoesolution without a vote. May I take it that the G~neral Assembly wishes to likewise? Draft'resnlution'XIll'was'adopted (resolution 43/149). The' PlUSIDENT: Draft resolution XIV is entitled "Measures to be taken against Nazi, Fascist and neo-Fascist activities and all other forms of totalitarian ideologies ana practices based on apartheid, racial discrimination and racism, and the systematic denial ()f human rights and fundamental freedoms". The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution wi thout a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft'resolution'XIV'wasadopted (resolutic, 43/150). The' PRESIDENT: We come next to draft resolution XV, entitled "Summary or arbitrary executions·. The Third Comnittee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft'resolution'XV'was'adopted (resolution 43/151). The' PltESIDEN..!: Draft resolution XVI deals with regiol'lal arrangements loJl: the promotion and protection of human rights. In the Third Committee, it was adopted without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? lh.:J~,resoluti.2n'XVI' was' adopted (resolution 43/152). human rights in the administrstionof justice. The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution ':'1ithout a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft'zeaolation'XVIl'was'adopted (resolution 43/153). The' PltFSIDE;NT; we come next to draft resolution XVIII, entitled "Human rights and mass exoduses". The Third Committee adopted this draft r~solution without a votee May I take it that the General Assenbly wishes to do the same? Draft'resolution'XVIII'w~s adopted (resolution 43/154). The'PRESIDENT; Draft resolution XIX is entitled "International co-ope£'ation in solving international problems of a social, cultural or humanitar ian character, and in prollDting and encouraginq universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms". The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution withcut a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft'resolution'XIX'was'adopt!4 (resolution 43/155). The' PRESIDENT~ Draft resolution XX is entitled "ImprOlTement of social life". A recorded vote has been requested. In' faveou 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 Soviet SOcialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, COmoros, Coogo, Costa Rica, Cote dRIvoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Re~ublic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial QIinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Ganbia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Raiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascaa;, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozanbique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Niger la, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Q.1!nea, Paraguay, Peru, Phil ippines, Poland, Qatar, 9:>mania, Rwanda, saint Kitts and Nevis, saint ~cia, Saint ~/incent and the Grenadines, 8811Oa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, SE:ychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, To9o, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of TanzMia, uruguay, Vanuatu, Ve.tlezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, zaire, Zanbia, Zimbabwe J'tiainst: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Israel, IAJxenbourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Bri tain and Nor thern Ireland, Uni ted States of America Abstaining: Finland, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malta, Spain, Sweden Draft'resOlution'XX'was' adopted'by'l30'votes' to'i6,'with'9' abstentions (reaolution 43/156).* * Subsequently the delegation of Malawi advised the Secrat:ariat that it had intended to vote in favour. effectiveness of the. principle of periodic and genuine elections ta • The Third Committee aoopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft'resolution'XXI'was'adopted (resolution 43/157). The' PRFSIDEN'l's We turn next to draft resolution XXII, which concerns the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Chile. A recorded vote has been reques ted. A' recorded' vote' was' taken. In' favours Afghanistan, Albania, AlgeE' ia, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burkina hao, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Canada, Cape Verde, Colonbia, Congo, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, Denmark, !))minica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Germany, Federal Republic of, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's DetlDcratic Bepublic, Libyan Arab J&mahiriya, Iuxerrbourg, Madagascar, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozanbique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Ncxway, Papua New Guinea, Peru, PhUippines, Poland, Portugal, l\Ianda, Saint Iucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, sao 'lbme and Prir.cipe, Senegal, seychelles, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sri lanka, Swaziland, Sweden, 'lbgo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, union of SOviet Socialist Republics, O\i ted Ar ab Eroira tes, thi ted Kingdom of Great Bri ta in and tbrthern Ireland, united Republic of Tanzania, uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yugoslavia, Zanbia, Zin'babwe Against: Chile Draft'resolution'XXII'was'adopted'by'97'vobes'bo 1, with 55'abstentions (resolution 43/158). The' PRJ'i'SIDEN'l': We COI1lC! naf to draft resolution XXIII, enti tled "Questior~ of enforced or involuntary disappearances". The Third Committee adopted that Clraft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assemly wishes to do the sane? Draft'resolution'XXllI'was'adopted (resolution 43/159). The' PlUS mEN'1': I now invite representatives to turn to the draft decisions reootm1ended by the Third Corrmittee in paragraph 108 of its report (A/43/8G8) • Draft decision I is recol!l1lended by the Third Conmittee for f.(;option by the Assenbly. May I take it that the General Assenbly wishes to aoopt it? Draft'decision' I' was 'adopted. The' PRmmEN'l': Draft decision It is recolllllended by the Third Conmittee fot acbption by the Assembly. Mly I take it that the General AssenDly wishes to adopt it? Draft' decision' n' was' adopted. The' PRESIDENT: Draft decision III is reconmended by the Third COlllllittee foe adoption by the Assembly. May I take it that the General Assen'bly wishes to adopt it? Draft· decision' Ill' was' adopted. The' PRFSIDENT: I call ncm on representatives wishing to explain their votes or positions. Miss'BOUM (Cameroon) (interpretation from French): The delegation of Cameroon joined in the consensus on draft resolution XXI, "Enhancing the effectiveness of the pr inciple of per iodic and genuine elections", because the principles set out in that text are enshrined in our Constitution. Full effect was given to those pr inciples in our country's most recent elections, held in Apr i1. With regard to operative paragraph 3 of the resolution, my delegation wishes to stress that for it the only valid interpretation of the ref'arEfiloe in paragraph 3 to "an electoral process which accomnodates distinct alternatives", is that given in the French text, not that which could be placed on the phrase in the English text. Miss'BYRNE (United States of Americah It is important that the human rights situation in Afghanistan rem!n before the international community. Equally important, we must not forget or ignore the fundamental causes of the human rights abuses in that unfo~ttl'1ate country. Indeed, a basic imprOllement in the human rights environment depends on total withdrawal of Soviet forces and the restoration of an independent, broad-based and freely chosen Afghan Government. The presence of SOviet troops in Afghanistan and their support of the illegi timate Kabul regime have created a situatioo which has led to the dr&l'II5tic decline in the human rights situation in that occupied country. The sooner the Soviets leave and a new poli tical order emerges, the sooner a post tive human rights environiOOi'lt will begin to emerge. Consequently, we agree that the sp.')tl1ght of attention should re_in focused on the widespread and persisting human rights abuses which the Kabul regi_ continues to inflict on the Afghan people. The human rights resolution on Afghanistan just ad;)pted by the General Assenbly does that. 1lIIlong its JIOre important findin9s, the General A8s6mly states that violations of human rights persist with the BarGe frequency as in the past) that over 2,000 persons re_in in regime prisons for political reasons, that there are ccntinuing allegations of torture and ill-treatment of prisalers and that disappearances of individuals continue, and, finally, that after years of conflict the ecClftoJlic, social Md cultural situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated, and has now beooJOe critical. The resolutiQ'l makes reference in some instances to so_ ll1prcwelllents in the human rights situation. The International COluiwittee of the Red Cr*"l8 (ICRC) was able to visit the notorious Pol-S-Charkhi prison in mid-USS, for e:lC_ple, after protracted negotiations, whieb had begun in 1987.It is with respect to a development of that sort that the tbited States interpreta the reference in the resolution to "some imprcwements" in the hUDn rights situation, but unfortunately this is ally a 1IDdest, minimal gain. indeed, the Imc h.ss net been able to visit other detention facilities - at least three of which exist in Kabul - where torture repor tedly is roo tinely used. As a general proposition, the United States "'ea not believe there has been basic or f\ll\dament:'l change in t.'le human rights si tua tion in Aff#la1 illten in 1988. Individlal human rights continue to be denied and supprftsesed on a lIIassive scale. Arbi trary k11ling8 and other acts of violence against 8UfJpected oppooents of the regime re_in oolll'ftOnplace. Di8sppearatces in aress under regi_ control continue mabated. In many cases, Wlexplained disappeaa:.,ces of young males have beft due (Miss!1rne, United States) to impressment into mili tary servica. Regime 8uthori ties frequently employ torture to punish or to extract information or confessions. The policy is widespread, indicating that it has official sanction. Finally, there are no legal safeguards to prevent arbitrary arrest or detention. Afghans in areas mntrolled by the re9i_ face unwarranted seizure by security personnel. O!:ten, detainees are either not told of the charges against them before tr lal or are sillply not brought to This is only a short list of the Kabul regime's nore flagrant abusl!S of human rights. Respect fer civil rights such as freedom of speech or peaceful aaseni>ly and association is sadly lacking as well. Sorae try to argue th~t the Kabul regime and the mujah!din are equally guilty of human rights violations. This is a cynical and unfor tuna te manoeuvre. The facts are otherwise. The Kabul regime is the principal violator of human rights in Afghanistan ,and is responsible for the major human rights abuses occurring in that countryo (Miss Byrne, Olited States) In cloeIng, let me rei terate the importance of the in ternatiCXlal community 's keeping the human ri~ts situation in Afghanistan under close scrutiny. We are convinced - and ¥e believe most other nations mre - that the human rights conditions in that country will improve immeasurably once the Soviet occupation hee ended and a legl tilll/lte, broad-based Government has been established through self-determination. It is with that perspective and interpretation that the United Staltes joi,ned the CCXlSensus CXl the 1988 human rights resolution on Afghanistan. Mr.'MEZA (El salvador) (interpretation from Spanish): During the debate on agenda item 12, -Report of the Economic and Social Council-, as it relates to El salvador, my delegation set forth my Government's poRition en the matter of human rights. I think it is important today to make some comments CXl draft r.esolution IX, just adopted by the General Aseenbly. First of all, I wish to note that the text of the resolution was the result of talks among a group of tatin American countries with historical links to Central America, because of which they have been participating in the peace-makil'Jg process in the region. That is the group best aCCjuainted with our historic; political, social and economic development) to a greater or lesser extent they have also recognized the measures Md efforts of the Government of El Salvador in recent years to protect ar,d prollute human ri9hts. Although it was a negotiated text, we do not believe it is balanced, and we -' would have been glad had it been more equitable and balanced, in conform!ty wi th the observations in the report of the Special Represent:etive, by including a direct and precise reference to the sabotage and terrorism that affect the rights of the people of El salvador. I consider that my delegation acted in good fai th and in a spirit of co-operation, and pursued a policy based on dialogue.. That could have made it possible to elucidate the situation of El Salvador more objectively and thus achieve greater balance in the draft resolution - which, as I have said, was lacking. Some European countries, acting cmtrary to the will Md the constructive spirit of the Latin American oountr iee - supported by their Foreign Ministers, who met in El Salvador at the Organization of American States Genei:'al Aasemly and declared their liSupport for efforts at democratization in El salvador - felt put: out at not being included in the wofficial conSultations and subsequently submitted draft amenanents to modify and harden the draft resolution already negotiated. In our view, such behaviour: and positions are regrettable, not only because they lay claim to a right not possessed, but bec-!luse they constitute a bad precedent for relations among regional and subregional groups. Is there any rule that says a regional or subregional group must: consult other geographical groups on !II!Itters specific to it? We feel that the truth about El Sa;Lvador cannot: be understood on the sole buis of reports by journalists or by groups or individuals interested in sensationalism, because these yield only partial anelysis that: does not take into accolD'lt all the factOC3 and eletents of our current crisis. To know the truth about El Salvador one must consider internal and external factors such as historical, eoonomic, political, social, cultural and military factors, our power structure, the composition of our social groups, the nature of our econolliY, the state of international I118rkets, and the foreign dependence we have yet to OITeroome. These factors are all basic to an objective and full understanding of the origin and causes of the current erisis in my coontry • (Mr:.· Mez8; .El- salvador) The crisis now afflicting El Salvador is neAther new nor momentary. It was generated through a cyclical process that gradually exacerbated' our situation, principally through the lack of the exchanges necessary to confront and meet the increasing needs caused by the social dynamic of our country. That is the situation which has, unfortunatly, put my country into the world spotlight, it is the situation to which a nunber of spokesmen have referred, in adopting harsh poei tions towards a Government which, wha tever its poli tical and ideological ideas, is the product of the will of the people. it assumed power at a time of crisis and under unusual conditions, and has made efforts in various areas, especially with respect to human rights, to improve condi tions for its people. Moreover, an analysis of the situation in El Salvador, especially since 1980, which marked the beginning of the process of democratization, must take accournt ot the follcxdng factor:s. What has been and is the role played by the ~LN-FDR and its contribution to the process towards dellDcracy? Facts show that its oontribution has been a policy of gaining power through violence and terrorism, a policy for which there has never been popular support. We believe it is time for it to reconsider, and that, in conformity with the peace-making framework of the Esquipulas II agreements, it will give up its dogmatic, hard-line posi tions and become part of the lawful political process. We must repeat again that the resolution is n9t balanced or fair in conformity with the points made in the report of the special Representative, since it does not refer directly to the actions of armed opposition groups, especially the means used most recently in ~heir policy of destabilization, such as sabotage by urban colllllandos including the use of car-bombs, and the outrageous and reprehens~ble policy of so-called executions, which the Special Representative himself inc;:ludes CMr ~'Meza, El Salvador) under summary executions. Ama1g these we should mentiai the recent assassination of Government officials such as the Mayor of Sesor i and his secretary, and the Vice-Cha irman of the Governmental Ruman Rights Commiss ion, in the Oriente area. We hope that, in the light: of events in the regien, the Commission on Human Rights will re-evaluate the mandate on El Salvador and that instead of continuing with a Special Representative it will appoint someone - even the same individual, who has knowledge and experience concetl1ing the eit\!atlen in El Salvador ~. as an expert, whose advisory services could fU1 the gaps and contribute to the formulation of a plan on the pronotlon ana protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in El Salvador. The' PREIDENTI The General Aasemly has thus concluded its consideration of the report of the Economic and Social. Council allocated to the Third Committee, as well as all tae reports of the Third Coaaittee. I take this opportunity to congratulate Ris Excellency Mr. Mohammad A. Abulhasan, Permanent Representative of Kuwait and Chairman of the Third COllrllittee, Mr. Carlos Casajuana of Spain, Rapporteur of the Third Committee, the other officers of the Colllftittee, all mellbers of the Third COJllDlittee, and the menbC!rs of the Secretariat staff on a job very well done on behalf of mankind.