A/43/PV.86 General Assembly

I declare the forty-third session of the General Assembly resumed. TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF HIS MAJESTY EMPEROR HIROHITO OF JAPAN

Before taking up the items 6n our agenda for this meeting, I should like to invite the Assembly to join in a tribute to His Majesty the late Emperor of Japan, who passed away on 7 January 1989. His reign, which began in 1926, was the longest in the history of Japan. The late Emperor received the recognition and deep respect of his people, and he will no doubt have an important place in the history of Japan. The international community will remember his reign as an important feature of our times. I know that the General Assembly would wish me to convey, on behalf of all members, our heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the family of the late anperor and to the Government and the people of Japan on his demise. As a tribute to the memory of His Majesty, the late Emperor of Japan, I now call on members of the Assembly to rise and observe a minute of silence. The members of the General Assembly observed a minute of silence.

I call on the secretary-General. The SE~ETAAY-GENERAL: Since last the General Assenbly met in this Hall, the world has learned of the passing away of His Majesty Emperor Hirohito of Japan. All friends of Japan and its people have been moved by that sad event. The late Emperor was widely admired and respected, having traversed with his country a tumultuous period in world affairs. The great strains of mid-eentury heralded a new era in which the united Nations was called upon to play a critical role. Japan, under the moral leadership of the late Emperor, made a dramatic contribution to that era and is playing an ever-growing role in the work of this Organization. The late Emperor exemplified an innate dignity. His serenity as well as his wisdom impressed all who had the privilege, as I did, of meeting him. His passing away will, I know, be mourned very widely. I have already had occasion to extend my personal condolences and those of my colleagues to the Government and people of Japan. A further opportunity will soon present itself. I trust that the Permanent Representative of Japan will relay to his Government the condolences that are being expressed in this Hall today. 'l'he PRESIDENT: I now call on the representative of Algeria, who will make a statement on behalf of the Group of African States. Mr. DJOUDI (Algeria) (interpretation from French): Africa was deeply moved when, on 7 January last, it learned of the death of His Majesty the &P.peror Showa of Japan. Throughout his life Emperor Hirohito was a devoted servant of the Japanese nation. For the international community he incarnated for many decades the image of a respected leader and the symbol of a people admired for its exemplary progress, which went hand in hand with its praiseworthy devotion to an age-old, rich tradition. Under the reign of His late Majesty the Emperor Showa, Japan endured di fficul t trials with courage and dignity and successfully ensured the dynamic of economic and social development. It went through the stages of progress in an exemplary manner. At the same time, it won the admiration of the international community by preserving the anoestral cultural values of which his Majesty the Emperor Showa was both the custodian and the symbol. His passing certainly represents for Japan the loss of an eminently respected guide. We are convinced that this moral foree and this continuity that he incarnated for so long will make it possible for the Japanese people to overcome this severe ordeal with courage. Africa, which has relations of friendship and co-operation with Japan, sincerely shares the mourning of the great Japanese people. The Group of African States in the United Nations extends its condolences and deep sympathy to the Government and people of Japan and to the imperial family. The PaR; IDENTs I now call on the representative of Papua New Gu inea ~ who will make a statement on behalf of the Group of Asian States. Hr. ERI (Papua New Guinea)s On behalf of the Group of Asian States, I wish to offer our deep condolences and profound sympathy to the imperial family and the Q)vernment and people of Japan on the sad demise of His Majesty the etlperor of Japan. we share the sense of loss of a leader who holds a revered place among his people and the respect of the world community. He embodied the finest traditions and values of a proud people. We wish to convey our most sincere condolences to the delegation of Japan to the United Nations, to the imperial family and to the Government and people of Japan on this tragic loss. The PRR;IDENTs I call on the representative of Czechoslovakia, who will make a statement on behalf of the G~oup of Eastern European States. Mr. ZAFO~CKY (Czechoslovakia)s Only a short time has passed since we received the sad news of the passing of His Majesty Emperor Hirohito. Allow me, in my capacity as Chairman of the Group of Socialist States of Eastern EUrope, to extend to the Japanese delegation and, through it, to the ment>ers of the imperial family, as well as to the Q)vernment and people of Japan, our most profound condolences. Under the leadership of the late &nperor, Japan - after the tragic events of the Second WOrld war - joined the noble efforts of the United Nations to help create a better world. The dynamic development of the Japanese economy, science and technolo9Y, achieved without excessive militarization, has become a historical experience, which should be used for the benefit of mankind. We regard this as an essential factor of Japan's growing contribution to modern international relations and to the activities of our Organization. Mr. President, sharing your feeling of great loss, I should like to offer the Japanese delegation, in my capacity as Chairman of the Group of Eastern European States, our most sincere condolences on this very sad oocasion.

I now call on the representative of Guyana, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States. Mr. INSANALLY (Guyana): As the year 1989 dawned, one of the world's leading statesmen made his exit from the international stage. Fbr the greater part of a century he had commanded public attention and awe not only in his native Japan but beyond. His role had been a remarkable one, full of accomplishment and rich in historical significance. History will surely remember him as an important actor in the human drama. At the time of his dea th at the age of 87, the anperor was the longest-reigning monarch on earth. Installed as Crown Prince at 15, he ascended to the Chysanthemum Throne as the one hundred and twenty-fourth representative of a dynastic line going back more than 26 centuries. Unassuming by nature, he was reportedly content with a humble existence, eschewing the pomp and circumstance of office. A model of constancy and serenity, he presided over the continuing progress of his people. He was thus able to write with understandable satisfaction in one of his last poems: WYear by year, as our country Has recovered from the war The dawn redwood has grown taller. w There was, however, behind the imperial image a private side to the Emperor's life. As a man of liberal education, he took pleasure in studying the world around him and in cultivating the values of humanism. He was an avid botanist and biologist who devoted hir~elf to a serious research of nature's mysteries. His writings also testifY to an equally passionate interest in all forms of culture. Some of the poems which he has left behind reveal the complete personality that he was - a man of great refinement and undisputed learning. It is fitting, therefore, that on this occasion we the United Nations should recall his eminence and note his passing. He was, after all, a most distinguished personage whose life shone with many facets. As his biographers are sure to record, he was much lOiTed and revered by his people, for whom he was the living symbol of national pride and unity. Under his inspiring leadership, they succeeded in mak ing Japan today a major economic Power and Cl respected member of the international community. His demise will understandably be much lamented by the Japanese nation, to whom he gave his entire extistence. At this time, therefore, I would wish to extend, on behalf of the tatin American and Caribbean Group, our respectful condolences to the Imperial family and to the Q)vernment and the people of Japan on their grievous loss. we wish them well in their transition to Heisei, a word which, I am told, signifies "the achievement of complete peace on earth and in the heavens". The PRESIDENT, I call on the representative of Spain, who will make a statement on behalf of the Group of Western European and Other States. ~r. VILLAR (Spain) (interpretation from Spanish): On behalf of the Group of Western European and Other States I wish to convey to the Government, the peop}e and the imperial family of Japan our heartfelt grief over the passing of Emperor Hirohito on 7 January. His figure towered over the development in recent years of Japan, which, with a truly praiseworthy will to move forward, has come to occupy an important place in today's world. Together with the traditions of his ancestors~ he worked towards forming a melting pot in a country that respects its rich history but at the same time works towards the future. The current economic development of Japan is based on the well-being of the Japanese people, but can also be seen abroad. The rich contribution that Japan makes to developing countries - which is so obvious here at the United Nations - is the result of far-sighted leadership, which during the reign of His Majesty the Emperor earned him ~estige and recognition. we trust that in this new stage that opens up under the guidance of anperor Akihito the people of Japan will further the work of peace, openness and progress started by anperor Hirohi to.

I call on the representative of Tunisia, who will make a statement on behalf of the Group of Arab States. Mr. GHEZAL (Tunisia) (interpretation from Arabic): On behalf of the Group of Arab States I should like to convey our most sincere condolences to the Japanese delegation and, through it, to the Government of Japan and its friendly people ~nd to express our support on the occasion of the passing of the late Emperor Hirohito on 7 January this year. The late Emperor devoted his whole life to the service of his people and country and discharged his responsibilities with courage and enthusiasm. He thereby won the admiration and support of his people and the respect of the whole world. Apart from his responsibilities and official duties, the late Emperor was particularly devoted to scientific research, especially in biology and botany. He published many works and studies. He was also interested in social, educational, sporting and economic matters. For Japan his demise is a tremendous loss. During his life he was a very special symbol of peace and prosperity for Japan - and, indeed, he will remain so beyond his death. The Group of Arab States salutes and pays tribute to the memory of the late Emperor. we wish to convey our sincere condolences once again to the people and the Government of Japan. The PRES IDENTI I call on the representa tive of the tkli ted Sta tes ~ who will make a statement on behalf of the host country. Mr. OKUN (united States of America): While this Assembly was in recess, my Government was informed of the dea th of His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Japan. On hehalf of my Government I extend the deepest condolences of the American people to his son, the new Emperor, and to the people of Japan. The late Bnperor lived in tumultuous but stimulating times. Seldom in the history of mankind has so much change taken place in such a short period of time: depression, war, economic recovery and development, and great technological progress. Through all of this change His Majesty, the symbol of the Japanese State and of the uni ty of i *:s people, served as an inspiration for the Japanese people, encouraging change while assuring the continuity of tradition. Reflecting the industry of the Japanese people, His Majesty was not content with the performance only of his official duties. Ra ther ~ he devoted much of his time to science. Indeed, he was a widely respected authority in the field of marine biology and wrote or co-authored at least 12 books on sea animals. His Majesty was also a devoted family man, whose simple tastes and unassuming manner won the respect and affection of his people. It is a lasting tribute to His Majesty that, having once been the syJ'llbol of the pre-war Japanese 1X)litical system, he persevered to become the symbol of a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Japan. His visit to the United States in 1975 is well remembered in my country. It underscored the fact that two countries and two peoples, once enemies, had become friends and allies. I am sure that achievement finds a special resonance here in the united Nations. It should give us all encouragement as we work towards peace and reconciliation. We mourn the passing of His Majesty and we will always remember his contributions to the strengthening of relations between the Uhited states and Japan. The PRFS IDENTz I now call on the representa tive of Japan. Mr. KAGNH (Japan): On behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, I wish to express to you, Mr. President, to the Secretary-General and to the representatives of the regional groups and of the host country my sincere appreciation for the kind words of condolences upon the demise of His late Majesty &nperor Showa. After a heroic struggle, His Majesty succumbed to illness on the morning of 7 January at the Imperial Palace in TOkyo at the age of 87. His 62-year reign of Showa coincided with a period of unprecedented change. He had be~n on the throne only a few years when the world experienced the world-wide depression. Then there was the catastrophic and deplorable war. Throughout these years of hardship, the late Emperor devotedly prayed f~r world peace and the welfare of the Japanese ~nd fellow nations, which he fervently pursued in his daily life. His decision to bring the war to an end without regard to the consequences to his person remains deeply impressed in the hearts of our people. Subsequently, His late Majesty witnessed how the Japanese people toiled to build, from the ashes of war, a prosperous na tion, its re-entry into the world community of nations and the expansion of its international co-operation. The late Emperor took particular interest in international peace and co-operation, of which the United Nations forms an important:. corner-stone. Thus his visit to this body in 1975 marked a high point in his foreign visits. Throughout his reign, the late Emperor followed international developments very closely, and received foreign guests and dignitaries until the very last day before he fell ill. Those who met him and had the opportunity to talk with him often spoke of his great personal warmth and sincerity. I shall convey to the imperial family and to my home Government the thoughtful words of symp~thy expressed here today. I am sure that the Japanese people will find them a source of comfort at this time of great sorrow. I also wish to take this opportunity to express the sincere qratitude of my Government to all those who have expressed their condolences and those who have decided to send their representatives to the funeral ceremony of Emperor Showa to be held in Tokyo on 24 February. TRIBUTE ID THE MEMORY OF DR• .J>SE LUIS BUSTAMANTE Y RIVERO, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF PERU AND FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE The PRESIDENTs We have also learned with deep regret of the death on 10 January 1989 in Lima of Dr. Jose Luis Bustamante y Rivero, former President of the International Court of Justice and former President of the Republic of Peru. Dr. Bustamante y Rivero, a most illustrious jurist, diplomat and author of numerous works on legal, sociological, historical and political SUbjects, served his country and the international community with distinction. On behalf of the Assembly and on rnf own behalf, I express our heartfelt condolences to his family and to the Peruvian Government and people. I now invite the members of the Assembly to observe a minute of silence in tribute tc the memory of Dr. Jose I&1is Bustamante y Rivero. The members of the General Assembly observed a minute of silencEt. !hLPRESmENTS I call on the Secretary-General. The SEatETARY-GENERAL (interpretation from Spanish): In this Hall where representatives of the world community come together in the search for harmonious formulas of coexistenc~q I wish to pay sincere tribute to the memory of Dr. Jose tuis Bustamante y Rivero, recently departed, who, as a distinguished member of the International Court of Justice and President of the Court, as well as former President of Peru and an experienced diplomat, leaves behind a memorable example in support of those noble objectives. The activities of Dr. Bustamante, of whom, as a Peruvian citizen, I am proud, extended beyond national boundaries. In his capacity as a jurist and as President of the International Court of Justice, a main organ of the united Nations, he did outstanding work based on international law as a basic tool in relations among States. The same ideas inspired his mediation in the difference that arose between El Salvador and Honduras, which led to a Successful solution. Throughout a long and fruitful public career, going from President of Peru to President of the International Court of Justice, Dr. Bustamante placed at the service of the international community his qualities of personal honesty and intellectual sincerity and was guided by all the principles of justice and fairness which inspire the work of our Organization. The PRES !DENT: I call on \:he representative of Peru. Mr. ALZAMORA (Peru) (interpretation from Spanish): The delegation of Peru is deeply grateful for the tribute the Assembly has paid to the recently departed illustrious Peruvian jurist and statesman and for the heartfelt words with which you, Mr. President, and the Secretary-General have referred to Dr. Bustamante y Rivero and his contribution to the cause of international justice. Dr. Bustamante was, above all, a passionate believer in law. Even his brief but outstanding role in Peruvian politics was marked by his advocacy of legal order as the basis of national and international coexistence. That is why we Peruvians elected him to preside over the democracy which emer.ged after decades of dictatorship. We wished to build a State of law with social content which would attain a time honoured goal: the reconciliation of freedom and justice. But his deep-seated sense of legal balance did not withstand the violent cross currents unleashed by the recently acquired freedom, the pressure of long delayed claims and the clash of opposing interests, and thus he had to go into exile. Perhaps because of that, his talents and competence as a jurist found admirable expression in the International Court of Justice. As a result of his election to preside over the Court Peru has attained a triple honour. Eminent citizens of Peru have held the following posts: President of this Assembly, President of the Court, and Secretary-Genera1 of the United Natio~~o This is without precedent in the history of the Organization. His long life provided an example of dignity and was a constant plea for democracy and law. Peru is beholden to him, and in his name I express grati tuda for the universal significance of this tribute.

Before turning to the items on our agenda for this morning: I should like, in keeping with the established practice, to invite the attention of the Gene~al Assembly to document A/43/995, which contai~s a letter adressed to me by the secretary-General in which he informs the Assembly that 10 Member States are in arrears in the pa~~ent of their financial contributions to the united Nations wi th in the terms of Article 19 of the Charter. I should like to remind delegations that, under Article 19 of the Charter~ RA Member of the united Nations which is in arrears in the payment of its financial contributions to the Organization shall have no vote in the General Assembly if the amount of its arrears equals or exceeds the amount of the contributions due from it for the preceding two full years." May I take it that the General Assembly duly takes note of this information? It was so decided. (Hr. Alzamora, Peru)

May I also take it that the Assembly wishes to include an additional item to read as follows: "153. Financing of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission", and to allocate that item to the Fifth Corrmittee for consideration? It was so decided.

Given the urgency of the matter before us, and unless notified otherwise, the Assembly will again meet tomorrow afternoon to consider the report of the Fifth Committee with a view to approving it as expeditiously as possible. AGENDA rrEM 82 (continued) DEVEIDFMENT AND mTFRNATIONAL EOOOOMIC CO-opmU~TION

Regarding item 82, entitled "Development and international economic co~peration", as well as the draft biennial programme of work of the Second Committee for 1ge9~lg90, members may r~cal1 that the Assembly took two decisions on those matters at its 83rd meeting, on 20 Decenber 1988. By the terms of decision 43/443, the Assembly decided that it would convene a resumed forty-third session not later than the end of February 1989 so that the Second Committee might consider further and take a final decision on the convening of a special session of the General Assembly in 1990 devoted to international co-operation, in particular to the revitalization of economic growth and development in the developing countries. Furthermore, by decision 43/448, the Assembly decided to defer consideration of the draft biennial programme of the Second Committee for 1989-1990 to tIle resumed forty-third session of the Assembly. In accordance with such decisions, therefore, the Second Committee will meet during the week beginning Monday, 27 February 1989. The meeting rose at 11.15 a.m.