A/44/PV.85 General Assembly

That concludes our consideration of agenda item 83. I nCM invite the Assembly to turn its attention to the report of the Second Committee (future A/44/861) on agenda item 84, entitled "External debt crisis and developIMnt". Only the text of section III of the report containing the recommendations of the Second Committee on agenda item 84 is before the Assembly this morning. The complete report will be issued subsequently under the symhol A/44/86l. The A,c;senhly will now take a decision on the draft resolution and the draft decis ion recomIMnded by the Second Commi ttee in paraqraphs 1 and 2 of section 111 of its report. We turn first to the draft resolution contained in paragraph 1 of section III of the report. The dra ft resoll1 Hen is en ti tled "Towards a durable 901u tion to the external debt problems". A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote wa.c; tak"!n. In favour: Afghani~tan, Alhania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argen tina, Australia, Aus tr 1"3, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangl~desh, Barbados, Belgium, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgar 1"3, Rurkina Faso, Burundi, ByelorusR ian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Ofprus, CzeChoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecu~dor, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, German Derrncra tic Republic, Germany, Federa1 Repuhlic of, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Quyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ir~q, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, leo People I s Denncra tic Republic, Lesotho, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritan ia, Mauri tius, Mexico, Mongol ia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Niger ta, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Gren!ldines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Surinane, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Tr.inidad and Tbbago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, zambia, Zimbabwe Againstz United States of America Absta inins' None The dr~ft resolution was adopted by 139 votes to it with no abstentions (resolu tion 44/205).* * Subsequently the delegations of The Central African Repuhlic, Liheria, Mali, Romania and 'Ibqo advised the Secretariat that they had intended tl) vote in favour.

I shall now call on those representatives who wish to e~plain their posi tions on the resolu tion just acbpted. Mr. NIKAI (Japan): My delegation voted in favour of the resolution just adopted on debt. My Governrrent, in full recogni tion of the seriousness of external indebtedness among many developing countries, ha~ taken initiatives to help those countries cope with their indebtedness. The expanded capital recycling programme of more than SUS 65 billion, including SUS 10 hillion to those countries to strengthen debt strategies, is a concrete example of Japan's contrihution in this matter. My delegation assures menbers that ffr/ <hvernment intends to continue its active contribution in this regard. This recognition of the seriousness of debt issues shared by my Government is the major reason that it supported this resolu t ion. At the same time, my delegation has to point out that the resolution, while nuch improved from the original or.le, still contains problems. The resolution should have referred clearly to the fundamen.ta1 requirement for the solution of indebtedness, that is, the need of each indebted na tion to implement proper economic programmes or growth-oriented adjustment programmes. The resolu t ion should a Iso have apprec ia too nnre di re et1y the strengthened debt strategy and the progress made in its implementation. It is also the view of my delegation that this resolutirm shOUld have made explicit reference to the strengthened debt strateqy. Mr. MOORE (United States of America): I am speaking touay with a feeling of regret that we were not able to forge a consensus on a resolution on debt. It is indeed unfortunate, since we have heen able to reach consensus in United Nations bodies in the past on resolutions acknowledging the progress that has been made under the debt strategy, emphasi~ing the importance of developing countries' domestic policies and recognizing the primary role of the Interna tional Monp.tary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. The indebtedness of developing countries is an issue of great importance to the United States. My Government is strongly committed to helping developing countries address their financial problems, including debt, with emphasis on a co~perative apprcach. Indeed, this is the spirit of the recently strengthened international debt strategy, which represents a mutally agreed approach for seeking sustainable economic growth through a combina tion of market~riented reforms in developing countries, active participation by commercial banks in providing debt and debt-service reduction, as well as addi tional financing, and a supportive international environment. It is important to note that the strengthened debt strategy has broad support in the international comnunity. The strategy was reaffirmed at the IMF,Morld Bank annual meeting in September, as well as at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which officially moved to lend its support. We would have hoped that this resolution could similarly affirm these recent efforts. Unfortunately, we feel that the current resolution on debt does not adequately recognize or support the recent progress being made under the strengthened debt strategy, nor does it sufficiently acknowledge the primary role of the IMF and the World Bank in implementing the strategy. Furthermore, we feel that too little emphasis is given to the neec'.l for domestic reforms in the developing countries. We believe that, although this resolution has been SUbstantially modified, it still falls short of the current in terna tional consensus on the stra tegy and raises issues that should be addressed in more appropriate bodies. Finally, as a note for the record, the Uni ted Sta tes did not join the consensus on resolutions 42/198 or 43/198, previous debt reSOlutions. The PRESIDENT, We now turn to the draft decision recommended in para9raph 2 of section UI of the report of the Second Committee (future A/44/8611. The Second Committee recommends the adoption of that draft decision. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to cb the sane? The draft decision was adopted. The PRFSIDENT. The Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 84. We shall now consider the report (A/44/862) of the Second Committee on agenda i tern 85, "Protection of global clima te for present and future genera tions of mank ind". The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions and the one draft decision recomlOOnded by the Second Committee in paragraphs 14 and 15 of its report. We shall turn first to the two draft resolutions contained in paragraph 14 of the report. Draft resolution I is entitled "Possible adverse effects of sea-level rise on islands and coastal areas, particularly low-lying coastal areas." The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I by consensus. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 44/206). The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution II is entitled "Protection of global climate for present and future generations of mankind." That draft resolution was also aoopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Ora ft resolu tion II was acbpted (resolu tion 44/207). The PRFSIDENT: We now turn to the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 15 of its rE. ')rt (A/44/862). The Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft decision. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to Cb so? The draft decision was adopted. The PRESIDENT, We have thus concluded our consideration of agenda item 85. The Assembly will new consider the report (future A/44/863) of the Second Committee on agenda item R6, entitled "Operational activities for development". Only the text of section IU of the report containing the recommendations of the Second Committee on agenda item 96 is before the ~qsembly today. The complete report will be issued subsequently as documP.nt A/44/863. The Assembly will now take a decision on the four draft resolutions recommended by the Recond Committee in section UI of its report. Draft resolution I is entitled "United Nations Pledging Conference for Development Activi ties" and was adopted in the Second Commi ttee by consensus. totly I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 44/208). The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution 11 is entitled "Fortieth anniversary of mul tHateral technical co-operation for development wi thin the United Na tions system." The Second Committee adopted that draft resolution by consensus. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes. to do the same? Draft resolution 11 was adopted (resolution 44/209). The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution III is entitled "EUture needs in the field of population, including the development of resource requirements for international population assistance." The Second Committee adopted dr~ft resolution III by consensus. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 44/210). The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution IV is entitled "Comprehensive triennial policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system." The Second Committee adopted that draft resolution by consensus. May 1 consider that the General AsseJl'bly wishes to do the same? Oraft resolu Hon IV was adopted (resolu t ion 44/211). The PRESIDENT, The Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of agenda i team 86. We now turn to the report of the Second Committee (A/44/865) on aganda item 153, entitled "Emergency assistance to the Sudan". The Assenbly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft decision. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do so? The draft decision was adopted. The PRESIDENT, The Assembly has concluded its consideration of agenda item 153. We now turn to part XII of the report (future A/44/746/Add.ll) of the Second Committee on agenda item 82, entitled "Development and international economic co-operation." The Assembly has before it only the text of section 111 of part XII, whtch contains the recomrnenda t ions of the Second Commi t tee to the Genera1 Assenbly. Part XII will be issued subsequently in its ~tirety under the symhol A/44/746/Add .11. Members will recall that the Assembly has already considered part I of the report of the Second Committee (A/44/746) at its 83rd plenary IIIP.P. ting on 19 December. The Asserrbly will na1 take a decision on the two draft resolutions and two draft decis ions contained in paragraphs land 2 of section UI of put XII of the report of the Second Committee. We shall first turn to the recommendations in paragraph 1 of section III of part XII of the report of the Second Committee. Draft resolution I is entitled "International co-operation for the eradication of poverty in developing countries-. The Second Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assemly wishes toO do the sl1me? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolutton 44/212). The PRESmDiT, Draft resolution n is enti tied -Developing human resoufces for developnent." The Second Commi t tee a dopted that draft resolu tion by consensus. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution 11 was adoptec1 (resolution 44/213). !he PRESmENT, We turn now to the draft decisions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 2 of section UI of part XII of its report. The Second Committee recommends to the Assembly the adoption of draft dacision I. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do so? Draft decision I was adopted. The PRES IDINT, The Second Com!ttee also recommends for adoption draft decision 11. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do so? Draft decision 11 was adopted. The PRESIDENT, The Assenbly has thus concluded its consideration of section III of part XII of the report of the Second Commit.:ee (future A/44/746/Add.ll) on item 82. We shall now turn to part III of the report (future A/44/746/Add.2) of the Second Committee on sub-item (b) of aqenda item 82, "Trade and development A • Only the text of section III of part 111, eontaining the recommendations of the Second Committee, is before the Assembly this IIOrning. Part UI will be issued subsequently in its entirety under the symbol A/44/746/Add.2. I shall now call upon the representa tive of India, who has asked to make a statement in explanation of vote before the voting. (The President) Mr. SAHA (India): The Indian delegation followed with interest the discussions on the draft resolution, ·Specific acHon related to the particular needs and problems of lan1-1ocked developing countries·, in the Second Committee. we co-operated closely with the sponsors in the search for a possible consensus text. We had offered a number of suggestions to broaden the draft resolution's appeal and appreciated the pod tive response of the sponsors on several points. We were keen to see an outcome that could reinforce international co-operation in this area. My delegation could not but note, therefote, that the d~aft resolution, as it emerged in its final fonn, did not have the delicate balance needed to ensure its acceptance without reservation by all concerned. New concepts introduced by the sponsors have not adequately taken intn account the concerns of others. My delegation wishes to refer specifically to opera tive paragraph 1 of the draft resolution. The sponsors have chosen to delete an important reference that appeared in the corresponding paragraph of earlier resolu tions. In the past, my delegation abstained in the voting on operative paragraph 1 of other resolutions on this subject because of the absence in that paragraph of any menticn of the sovereign territorial rights of transit States and of the need in that regard for bilateral agreements between land-locked countries and transit countries. Instead of correcting that past omission, the reference to article 125 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which appeared in earlier resolutions, has been deleted from the present draft resolution. Had, therefore, a separate vote on operative paragraph 1 of the draft resolution been requested, my delegation would have voted against it. For those reasons, and principally owing to our reservations on operative paragraph 1,' my delegation is unable to support the present draft r:esolution as a whole and will, therefore, abstain in the voting on it. The PRES.!!?ENT: The Assembly wi11 now take a decis ion on the seven draft resolutions contained in section III of part III of the report (future A/44/746/Add.2) of the Second Committee. I shall put the recommendations of the Second Committee to the Assembly one by one. After all the votes have been taken, representatives will have the opportunity to explain their votes. Draft resolution I is enti tled "Specific "lotion related to the particular needs and problems of land-locked developing countries." A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. ( In favour, Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain. Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, canada, Cape Verde, Central African (Mr. Saho, india) Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, COte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Denncratic Kampuc::hea, Democratic Yemen, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Repuhlic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fi ji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic RepUblic, Germany, Federal Republic of, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic RepUblic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liber ia, Libyan Arab Janahiriya, ~xembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Ma1dives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongol ia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Surinarre, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, Ur.ited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Repuhlic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zair.e, Zambia, Zimbabwe ~ainst: None Abstaining, Angola, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Pakistan, United States of America Draft resolution I was adopted by 144 votes to none, with 5 abstentions (resolution 44/214). The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution 11 is entitled "Economic meaSures as a means of poli tical and economic coerc ion against developing countries. n A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour, Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Bra~il, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist RepUblic, Cameroon, cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, COte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gamhia, German Democratic Repuhlic,Ghana, Guatenala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Maud tius, Mexico, Mongol ta, Morocco, Mozambique, Mfanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Roman ia, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Pr!ncipe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, '1'ogo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe ~.!-inst. Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Abstaining: Greece, Malta Draft resolution 11 was adopted by 118 votes_to 23, with 2 abstentions (reSOlution 44/215).* The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution III is entitled WInternational code of conduct on the transfer of technology. • The second Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the sane? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 44/216). The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution IV is entitled -Trade embargo against Nicaragua.- A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour, Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, China, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, cyprus, Czechoslovak la, Democratic Yemen, Denmark, Ethiopia, Finland, German Democratic RePIJblic, Ghana, Guinea, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Kenya, * Subsequently the delegation of India advised the Secretariat that it had intended in vote in favouIl the delegation of Spain that it had intended to abstain. Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myannar, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nige~ia, Norway, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Romania, Sao ~me and Principe, Solomon Islands, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Soc.ialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yugoslavia, zaire, zambia, Zimbabwe Against, Israel, United States of America : Abstaining: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Burundi, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivolre, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Fiji, France, Gambia, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Niqer, Oman, Portugal, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Togo, Trinidad and Tobaqo, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Yemen Draft resolution IV was adopted by 82 votes to 2, with 47 qbstentions (resolution 44/217).* The PRES IDENT: Draft resolution V is enti tled "Conunodi ties." A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour, Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Arqentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Banqladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulqaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet SocialiRt Repuhlic, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Repuhlic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Conqo, Costa Rica, COte d'Ivoire, Cuba, cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Denncratic Yemen, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gab~n, Gambia, German Democratic Repuhlic, Germany, Federal Republic of, Ghana, Greece, Qlatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People'~ Democratic Repuhlic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Lihyan Arab Jamahiriya, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, * Subsequently the delegation of ~ain advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour. Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Maudtius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myaunar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Roman ta, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grefi~dines, Samoa, Sao TOme and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Island5, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka,. &Jdan, Suriname, SlrIeden, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, ~go, Trinidad and ~ba90, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Soc ialist Iepublics, United Arab EDira tes, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe J\gainst : None Abstaining, United Kingd<)m of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Draft resolution V was adopted by 146 votes to none, with 2 abstentions (resolution 44/~18). The !'RES ID~T, Draft resolution VI is entitied "Report of the Trade and Development Board". The Second Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution VI was ampted (resolut8ion 44/219). The PRESID~T: Pinally, we turn to draft resolution VII, ·Second United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries·. The Second Committee recommended that the General Assembly adopt that draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution VII? Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 44/220). The PRFSIDENT: I nCM call upon representatives who wish to make statements in explanation of vote after the voting. Mr. UMER (Pakistan), My delegation had abstained in the voting on draft resolution It ·Specific action related to the particular needs and problems of land-locked developing countries·, because of our inability to accept the contents of operative paragraph 1. My delegation ~s not recognize the existence of an autol(lltic right of access to and from the aea, as that would constitute an infringement of sovereignty, which is not acceptable. All transit arrangements between the transit and the land-locked countries have to be agreed upon through bUsterat negot la t ions and consU1ta ticne. We are fUlly cognizant of the special requirements of the land-locked countries and have on our part, as a transit country, spared no effort in extending all possible facilities and assistance on a bilateral basis. Therefore, had a separate vote been taken on operative paragraph 1, we would have voted in favour of the draft resolution as a whole. (Mr. Umer, Pakistan) Mr. DINU (Romania), I refer to draft resolution I in document A/44/746/Add.2, concerning land-locked cO\l1tries. I am instructed to make the following statement. The Roman tan delega Hen welcomes any in terna tional a ctiat meant to meet the needs of land-locked developing countries. That is why Romania voted in favour of draft resolution I 1n docu1Pent A/44/746/Mi.2. As regards the first operative pr4ragraph, it is the understanding of the Romanian delegatial that any qtJestions related to the problems of land-locked countries should be approached on a bila~eral basis and solved through bilateral agreements bt!tween the countries concerned. Had there been a vote on the first operative paragraph, the Romanian delega tion t'iould have absta ined • The PRFSIDDtT, The Assenbly has thus concluded its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 82. The Assenbly will now consider the report (A/44/746/Md .6) of the Second Committee on sub-item (e) of agenda item 82, entitled "Economic and technic~l co-operation among developing col!ntties w• Metrbers will recall that a report of the Second Committee on this sub-item (A/44/746/Md.S) was considered by the General Assembly ~t its 62nd plenary meeting, on 20 Novenber. The Assembly will new take decisions on the three draft resolutions and one draft decision contained in paragraphs 16 and 17 of the Second Committee's report (A/44/746/Add.6} • We turn first to the draft resolutions in paragraph 16 of tha report of the Second Commi t tee. Draft resolution I is entitled Aeo-operation between the United Nations and the Southern African Development Co-<»perat1on Conference A• It was acbpted without a vote by the Second Committee. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 44/221). The PRESmENT, Draft resolution II is entitled wEconomic and technical oo~peration among developing countries m• It was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to cb the sane? Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 44/222). The PRESIDENTI Draft resolu ticn III is entitled wTenth anniversary of the adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation aJIDng Dev'eloping CoWltries lll • The Second Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution III was acbpted (resolution 44/223). The PlUSIDENT, We now turn to the C:,aft decision in paragraph 17 of the report of the Second Committee. It is entitl~d -Further strengthening and improving intergovernmental prograllllling exercises for technical oo~peration among developing countriesw• It was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft decision was adopted. The PRESIDENT, I call on the representative of the United States to speak in eKplanation of position. Mr. MOO~ (United States of America), For reasons stated by my delega tion at the tine of the acbption of draft resolu tion A/C. 2/44/L. 56 in the Second Committee, the United States, while not blocking consensus, wishes to 90 on record as not having participated in the action Ql draft resolution I under agenda item 82 (e), wCo~peration between the United Nations and the Southern African Development Co-ordination Conferencew• The PRF.SIOm'ra We have thus concluded our consideration of sub-item ee) of agenda item 82. We shall now oonsider the report of the Second Committee on sub-item (j) of agenda item 82, entitled -Enviroomental protection of extraterdtorial spaces for present and future generations" (A/44/746/Add.lO). The Second Committee has agreed that no action be taken a'l the draft resolution before it at the present time. We have thus concluded our consideration of sub-item (j) of agenda item 82. We turn now to part VIII of the report (future A/44/746/Add.7) of the Second COJllllittee on sub-item (f) of agenda item 82, entitled "Environment". Only the text of section III of part VIII of the report and Corrigendum 1 to section III, Which contain the recommendations of the Second Committee, are before the Assembly this morning. Part VIII will be issued in its entirety subsequently under the symbol A/44/746/Add.7. The Assembly will now take decisions on the five draft resolutions and three draft decisions recomnended by the Second Committee in paragraphs 1 and 2 of section III of part VIII of the report. I shall put the recommendations of the Second Committee to the Assembly one by one. After the votes have been taken, representatives will have the opportunity to explain their positions. We turn first to the recomrnendations in paragraph lof section IU of Part VIII of the report of the Second Committee. Draft resolution I is entitled "International co~peration in the soonitoring, assessment and anticipation of environmental threats and in assistance in the case of environmental emergencies". The Second Committee adopted that draft resolution by Consensus. May I take it that the Assembly wtshes to do the same? Ora ft resolu tiO" I was adopt.!2 (resolu tion 44/224). The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution 11 is entitled =Large-scale pelagic driftnet fishing and its impacts en the living marine resources of the world's oceans and seas". The Second Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Genenl Assembly wishes to Cb likewise? Draft resolution XI was adopted (resolut!~n 44/225). The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution UI is entitled "'traffic in and disposal, control and transboundary movements of toxic and dangerous products and wastes". The Second Committee aCbpted it without a vote. May I take it that the General Assenbly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution In was aCbPted (resolution 226). The PlUS IDmT: Draft resolution IV is entitied - Implementation of Geneul Assembly resolutions 42/186 and 42/187-. The Second Committee acbpted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 44/227). !be PRESIDENT, Draft resolution V is entitled "United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, 1992-. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of this draft resolution is contained in document A/44/903. The Second Committee adopted draft resolution V without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to cb the same? Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 44/228). The PR&<:; !DENT: We turn now to the recommenda tions conta ined in paragraph 2 of section 111 of part VIII of the report (Future A/44/746/Md.7) of the Second Committee. The Second Committee recommends to the Assembly the adoption of draft decis ion I. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt that draft decision? Draft decision I was adopted. !he PRQ1 IOENT, The Second Committee also recommends for adoption draft decision II, contained in corrigendum l to section III of part VIII of the report. By the terms of that draft decision, the General Assembly would consider the draft resolution entitled "International co-operation in the field of the environment- and would take appropriate action on it at the pres~~t session. The text of the draft resolution is annexed to the draft decls ion. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes t~ adopt draft decision II? Draft decls ion It was adopted. The PRESIDENT, I call on the representative of Finland. Mr. TORNUDD (Finland): In the light of discussions in th~ Second Committee in the early hours of 20 Decemer, my delegation, as a sponsor of the draft resolution contained in document A/C. Zl44/L. 63/Rev.l, as orally revised, would like to make a last attempt to reach consensus on that text, specifically on its operative paragraph 1. Before reading out a revised text of that paragraph, I should like to make BOne comments. We consider that the wording I shall propose takes care of the concerns some delegations might have had with the existing text. In working out the revision we have also taken into account the strong wish for consensus. Adopting this draft resolution by consensus would smooth the path towards the important 1992 Conference on Environment and Development and also strengthen international co~peration in the field of environment. The revised text of paragraph 1 reads as follows, "Endorses the work of the United Its tions Environment Programme (UNEP) r welcomes the report of its fifteenth session and takes note with appreciation of the decisions therein, as adopted in the light of this resolution". I would request that the General Assembly adopt the draft resolution, as revised, without a vote. The PRESIDENT, The representative of Finland, on behalf of the sponsors of this draft reoolution, has proposed a revisicn to paragraph 1 of the draft resolution. The representative of Pinland has also proposed that the General Assembly take action en the draft resolution as orally revised. Mr. OUID alEIKH EL GHAOUTH (Mauritania), This draft resolution was the subject of lengthy debate in the Second Committee, and my delega tion hopes that debate will not be repeated in plenary meeting. The draft resolution had been revised by a Vice-Chairman of the Committee in conformity with rules and with procedures. My delegation issurprlsed at a new revision on which my delegation for one was not consulted, which contravenes rule 18. That same rule gives the President the right to permit the discussion of the revision, if there is to be such discussion, I shall want to propose an amendment to the revisic:n proposed by Pinland to bring it into conformity with my instructions. The PRmmENT, I intend to suspend the meeting for five minutes. Mr. 'l'ORNUDD (Finland), In the light of the consultations that have just taJ:en place it is my hope and understanding that the draft resolu tion, as orally revised f can be adopted without a vote. !t. UMER (Pakistan), As indicated by the representative of Mauritania, this paragraPh of the draft resolution was the subject of very difficult, long ClJ\d Protracted consultations, informally and at formal meetings of the Second Committee. If my recollection of those proceedings is correct, the general consensus was in favour of the paragraph ~ it appears on page 2~ of the report before the Assembly, and, ~ my delegation understands it, it was decided tn give some additional time to one er two delegations which had difficulties with the paragraph to reconsider their poei tia'l and join the consensus. We have nat, however, been informed by the sponsors of the draft resolution that discussion of the pmragralh is to be reopen~, and indeed a new paragraph has been proposed. It is not the intention of my delegation to block consensus on the new paragraph, but I must eta te for the record that the new p&ragraph aB drafted is inco~ehQnsible to my delegation. The last part of the new paragraph reads -in the light of this resolution!ll when referring to the ~cisions adopted by the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Prograrmne (UNEP), and 1 simply faU to see the linkage. Those decisions were adopted by the fifteenth sessioo of the Governing Cbuncil of UNEP, and we do not understand hew we can judge those decisions "in the light of thisresolution w• But for the sake of preserving consensua, my delegation will not ask for a vote, and will go along with the President's wisheso The PRESIDENT. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the revised draft resolution without a vote? The revised draft resolution was adopted (resolution 44/229).

We now turn to draft &cision Ill, which is recommended for adoption by the Second Committee. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt the dra ft decis ion? Draft decision III was adopted).

I shall now call on those representatives who wish to explain their posi tions. Mr. ERI (Papua New Guinea), 1 make this statement on behalf of the de1ega tions 0 f Austra1 ia, Fi ji, New Zealand, Samea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and my own delegation. The draft resolution on "Large-scale pelagic driftnet fishing and its impacts on the living marine resources of the world's oceans and seas-, which has just been adopted by consensus, is, as we all know, the result of extremely long and detailed consideration of a subject which is new' to the Uni ted Na tions. At the time that driftnet fishing was first raised at this session of the General Assembly some 10 weeks ago, few delegations were aware of the nature of the threat posed by this practice to the conservation of the'world's living marine resources. In the period since then, driftnet fishing has been the subject of intense deba te and dl""cuss ion amongst delegations. The increased awareness within the international community of the indiscriminate Md threatening nature of driftnet fishing is, in itself, a significant adhievement which will greatly aid further progress on this issue. The subject of dd ftnet fishing is nnt new to the countries of the South Pacific:, which have on numerous occasions voiced their joint concern at the effects this indiscriminate fishing practice has already had an the living marine resources of the region. Those ooncerns were fully enunciated in the 1arawa Declaration of the South Pacific Forum, made on 11 July 1989. This Declara tion has been circulated as a United Nations document (A/44/463), and was referred to positively in the Secreta·r/-General's Ieport (A/44/6S0, paras. 116 and 117) on the law of the sea this year. It was also ~\dorsed by the 29th meeting of the South Pacific Conference, held in Guam in October, and by the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Malaysia, also in ~tober this year. Pursuant to the terms of the 'l'arawa Declara tion, the members of the SOuth Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency met with other States and Territories in the region in Wellington, New Zealand, from 21 to 24 November 1989. At that meeting a historic ~nd unique Convention on the prohibition of driftnet fishing in the South Pacific was adopted, by which member States agreed to ban driftnet fishing within their exclusive economic and fishing zones and, furthermorep not to undertake any driftnet fishing in the Convention zone which inCludes high-seas areas. Distant-water fishing nations and other members of the international community will be invited to associate themselves with the Convention through related instruments. The Tarawa Declaration and the Wellington Convention are, of course, expressly noted in the twelfth preambular paragraph of the consensus resolution just adopted. The countries of the South Pacific, therefore, have already taken action to end driftnet fishing in their region. They also r~gard it as extremely important to support moves to secure the eradication of the practice of large-scale pelagic driftnetting from other areas of the world's oceans and seas. It i~ clear that many regions of the world share the concerns of the South Pacific countries. The most recent demonstra tion of this is the Castries Declara tion, adopted by the Organization of East Caribbean States at almost exactly the same time the South P.!cific countries were adopting the Wellington Convention in November this year. The ser iousness with which the South Pacific cOUJitries regard this subject is reflected in the fact that they sponsored one of the texts on this subject that preceded the current consensus text (A/C. 2/44/L. 30). Our delegations Inve also worked very hard in the informal drafting sessions which have been held over the past five weeks with the sponsors of the original competing draft resolution on this subject (A/C.2/44/L.28), in order to arrive at the consensus text we have just aoopted. Aconsensus text, by its very nature, usually means that it does not reflect 100 per cent of the coocerns of anyone party or group of parties to the negotiations. Rather, all sides have to approach the matter in a spirit of compromise, aware that a consensus solu t ia\ is rore likely to prowce concra te reSUlts. With that in mind, therefore, our delegations have participated constructively in all stages of the negotia tions. While we had hoped that the resolution adopted this year would have called for the immediate banning of large-scale driftnetting wherever it is practised, we nevertheless feel that the resolution represents an important first move within the United Nations context towards gaining a ban on driftnet fishing within an acceptably short timeframe. In particular, we see the current resolution as having received wide endorsement of four fundamental principles. They are: First and foremost, acceptance by the international community that driftnet fishing is an indiscrimina te and highly dangerous pra ctice which has serious implications globally for the preservation of the marine environment and for the conservation and management of living resources, including marine mammals and birds. Secondly, the resolution underlines the clear need for reglonal moratoriums on driftnet fishing on the high seas by no later than 30 June 1992, unless it is agreed, on the basis of scientific data and analysis, that no such action is called for. Thirdly, t.'lere would be no expansioo of current levels of driftnetting in the North Pacific and other high-seas areas not specifically referred to elsewhere in the resolution, unless it is agreed Q\ the basis of scientific data and analysis that cessation of further expansion was not called for. Fourthly, and most significantly to our delega Hons, there would be an immediate progressive reduction leading to a oomplete cessation of driftnet fishing in the South Pacific Ocean by I July 1991. It is emTisaged that a comprehensive conservation and management regime for South Pacific albacore tuna will he developed. The South Pacific countries at the recent conference in Wellington agreed that the practice of dr~·~net fishing would never be authorized under such a management regine. We nevertheless must reiterate our concern at the likely effects of large-scale pelagic driftnetting, particularly on the marine environment, should it continue in the interim periods leading up to the 1992 regional moratoriums and to the complete cessa tioo in the South Pacific in 1991. This practice is also of major concern since it endangers the economic viability of many of the island cOlmtries in our reg ioo which rely CIl the sea as their principal natural resource. I referred to the importance of the Tarawa Declaration. In concluding, I think it should be recognized that the call made in this resolution for the immediate progressive reduction of driftnet fishing leading to a complete cessation of the practice in our region by I July 1991 is derived from the urgent regional call we made at Tarawa for the cessation of driftnet fishing. Accordingly, it is our view that the aooptim of th is resolu tion by the General Assembly serves to reinforce the regional initiatives we are already ta~ing to further the important objectives of the Tarawa Declaration, and in particular those operative paragraphs wherein the South P~cific forum. "Resolves, for the sake of this and succeeding genera tions of Pacific peoples, to seek the establishment of a regime for the managemant of albacore tuna in the South Pacific that would bcYl dd ftnet fishing from the reg ionJ such a ban might then be a first.step to a comprehensive ban on such fishing, "••• "Calls upon the inte~national community to support ••• the urgent conclusion of a Conventioo establishing ••• " a zone free of driftnet fishing III... "Further resolves that member States, acting individually and collectively, will take what actiat they can within relevant interna tional organizations to contribute to the ceosation of this harmful form of fishing,". (1\/";.:/463, p. la) Finally, we the countries of the South Pacific would like to express our apPreciation to all other delegations which have participated in these long and difficult negotia Hons. Without their spirit of compromise and pa tience this consensus resolution would not have been possible. Mr. OOPINATHAN (India): I should like to nake a brief statement on the position of the Indian delegation on the resolution entitled ·International co~peration in the field of environment·, just acbpted by the General Assembly. My delegation would have liked to Se~ ~ brief resolution, considerably shorter than the one acbpted by the Assembly on this subject, considerirg the other important resolutions adopted by the General Assembly at this session on the subject of the environnent. Our unoorstanding is that paragraph 1 of the reSolution as adopted in no way amc~.ts to an endorsement of any or all of the decisions of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environnent: Proqramme (UNEP), many of which were changed and/or madified directly or indirectly at this session of the Assembly and ~t the second regular session of the Economic and Social Council, held in July this year. Furthermore, the Assembly has just adopted a resolution on the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, 1992, which in its preparatory process and at the Conference itself will look at global environmental problems and which is likely to cone up with agreed measures on several aspects of this sUbj@ct. Hence, it is important not to take any action that would in any way prejudge the outcome of the 1992 Conference. Therefore, in the opinion of my delegation, the language of paragraph 1 does not adequately reflect the reality of the situation in this important area, as it is evolving. With respect to paragraph 13, it is the understanding of fffIJ delegation that the exPression wConcurs withW does not amount to an endorsement of decision 15/14 of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programlle, but is restricted to taking note of that decision. Ni th respect to paragraph 13 (c), my delegation would like to place on record its understanding that the involve1llent of the Uni tee! Ha tions Environment Programne 1n f01'lllulating and participating in the action plans referred to will be contingent upon the joint requests of the countries concerned. Mr. LBMBRLS (France) (interpretation from French), I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Conuwnity ald its member States on agenda item 82 (t), wEnvironmentw• My remarks deal with two proposals. 'l'he first is the resolution entitled -International co-operation in. the field of the environmentw• In our view it is necessary to strengthen the role of the United Nations Environmnt Programme (UNBP), ald to limit the wording of resolutions to pu~ely technical matters. Even Where we share the political views expressed - as we do in the case of &gric U1ture here - we consi der that these are extraneous to the subject. The second refers to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Develop_nt, 1992. We and all other meJllbers of the interna tional comllJnity consider that the success of that Conference depends en joint efforts to protect and restore the envlrClru.nt in the context of world-wide interdependence and & strengthened global commitment to ensure lasting growth and development in all countries. That interdependence implies IIIllking add! tianal tinanc tal resources available to developinq countries that need them, along with transfers of technology on environmental protection. We were therefore pleased that the resolution ~ the Conference was adopted without a vote, and we pay a tribute to the efforts made by ~~bassador Ghezal of Tunisia, Chairman of the Second Committee, to achieve that resULt. We are all aware of our debt to Mr. Ghezal for this consensus. We pay a tribute also to the constant and untiring efforts of Mr. David Payton, Vice-Chairman of the Committee. The resolution defines the objectives of the Conference and the major principles and goals that will guide our thinking during the preparatory process. Hence the resolution was not intended to deal with specifics. with respect to the paragraph on the remnants of war, the Governments conc~rned will be co-operating through appropriate channels. We intend to devote all our efforts to preparations for the Conference and to co-operate with everyone concerned ftom the beginning of 1990, with a view to ensuring its complete success. Mr. ~RNUDD (Finland), I should like to say a few words following the adoption by consensus of the draft resolution contained in document A/C.2/44/L.63/Rev.l, as orally revised. First of all, my delegation would like to thank all delegations for their co-operation in preparing the text. The process was a long one, full of ups and downs. Secondly, my special thanks. go to the Vice-Chairman of the Second Committee, Mr. David Payton, who had the courage and good humur to conduct the informal consultations on this matter in a way that made it possible fOr his country to join in sponsorilYiJ the text. I shOUld like alao to thank all other ·-,...-:.~ . delegations, sponsors or not, for their valuable contributions to our common effort to strengthen international co-operation in the field of the environnent. Hr. TAl (Malaysia): I am speaking on behalf of the Group of 77. The Assembly has just acbpted a landmark resolution on the subject of the 1992 Conference on Environment and Development. It was the product of a happy convergence of views that underscores the basic issues and concerns of all delecJations. In view of the great significance of the whole gamut of issues pertaining to environment 2Ild development, the Group of 77 welcomes the convening of a Uni ted Nations Conference on Environment: and Development in Brazil on 5 June 1992 to coincide with World Environment Day. The Group of 77 believes that the COnference will provide a most important opportunity to discuss environmental and development issues, which are mutually reinforcing, in an integrated manner. The COnference will have far-reaching consequences for all of us. Given the importance of both the substantive and organiza tional aspects of the Conference, the Group of 11 has lived up to its traditional role of consensus-builder ~ displaying flexibility in the most constructive manner. We are happy to see the e$tablishment of a Preparatory Committee of the General Assembly open to all Sta ces Members of the Uni ted Na. tions Oi:' members of the specialized agencies, with the participation of observers, in accordance with established General Assembly practice. This is a good framework for universal participation on an extremely important and complex issue that is pivotal to the imnedia t.e and long-term interests t'ild well-being of all countries. It is a global issue requiring global action. Without doubt, the environment will become the all-important test of genuine interdependence between and among all countries committed to a common future. Mr. MOORE (United States of America) I It is with great satisfactiat that 1 make these comments on draft resolution 11 under agenda item 82 (f), entitled "Large scale pelagic dri ftnet fishing and its impacts at the living marine resources of the world's oceans and seas". This draft resolution was inspired by the introductioo of a draft resolution 17:1 my delega tion, with 17 sponsors, and another text by the delegation of Japan. Many delegations - Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Fiji, Japan, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Sweden, the United States, Vanuatu, Zaire and Zambia - participated in six weeks of negotiations to proQJce this consensus resolution adopted today by the General Assembly. My delega tion would like to express its apprecia tion for the efforts of all deles ~ions involved in the achievement of a consensus text and to congratulate them for this significant achievement, conducted in an atmosphere of co""Operation and compromise. The process of reaching this text, which started with two drafts (Mr. Tai, Malaysia) with very different perspectives, required compromise and contributions from all sides. In adopting this resolution we are underscoring our belief that all countries should conduct their economic activi ties in ways that are compa tible wi th the needs of protecting the global envi.ronment.. Most imp:>r:tantly, by taking this action we are demonstra ting that the protection of our comm::m heritage is of cri Hcal importance to the United Nations and the entire international community. The resolution before us notes the p:>tentially irreversible damge that large-scale driftnet fishing can have on the marine environment. It provides a format within which concerned members of the international community with interests in fisheries resources, including the United States, can take a number of actions involving effective conserva tion and management measures to understand better and limit the impacts of driftnet fishing. Those actions include the following, no expansion of driftnet fishing on the high seasJ an international review of the best available scientific data on the impacts of such driftnet fishing by 30 June 1991 to agree on addi tional co-opera tive regula Hon and monitoring as needed, a cessation of all driftnet fishing in the South Pacific by 1 July 1991, and moratoria on all driftnet fishing by 30 June 1992. This resolution allows concerned parties to work together to determine effective conservation and management measures, which will be difficult to define and implement. If we cannot juintly agree on such measures, the moratoria and other regulatory measures jUt:lt outlined will take or will rei"llin in effect. The consensus rft~olution on driftnetting just adopted by the General Assembly represents a major accomplishment in the control of driftnet fishing, which we expect that all members of the international community will fUlfil. It has the endorsement of many members of the Congress of the Uni ted Sta tea, in particular the (Mr. Moore, United States) Uni ted States Senate Commerce Commit tee Na tional Qcean Policy Study, which suppOrted United States efforts to bring this issue before the United Nations. The United States will continue to press for further action on this subject in Our bilateral relations, in other bodies and at the forty-fifth session of the General Assembly. We look forward to working with other cOr.icerned delegations on this issue until ~he marine environment is adequately pcotected. I am pleased to comment on resolu tion V under agenda t tem 82 (f), en titied "United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, 1992", adopted by consens\S today. In adopting this resolution we have underscored our strong support for a world conference in 1992 on global environmental problems and economic development that will point the direction for international, national and regional action to protect the environllV:!nt. The United States emphasizes that it is ready and willing to help in the preparations for the Conference in order for it to proceed efficiently, co-operatively and in a productive manner. This resolution is unique in that it defines the framework for ~ world conference on both environment and developllV:!nt. The interrela tionship between environment and development has been defined by two important documents produced by the Uni ted Na tions systeml "The envirmmental perspective to the year 2000", conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme, and the World Commission on Environment and Development report, "Our common future". Both ~xts stress the severity of current global environmental problems and reaffirm the need for international co-operation to pronnte envirmmentally sound and sustainable development in all countries. We agree with the agenda set for the Conference as discussed in this resolu tion. Protection of the atmosphere by comba ting climate change, pr"tection of the quality and supply of fresh water resources, protection of the oceans and (Mr. Meore, United States) seas and of land resources and the conservation of biological diversity are environmental issues of major concern in maintaining the quality of the Earth's envirmnent. Many issues can be said t.o relate to the environment, such as external indebtedness or remnants of war. However, the Uni ted Sta tes believes that the agenda as set forth in this resolution appropriately focuses on actions to be taken to protect the environtmnt in the context of pursuing sustainable economic growth and development. The United States reiterates its willingness to play a major role in developil'¥3 common solu Hons to the threat posed by environmental pollutants. We agree that to date the industrialized nations have been a major source of these pollutants and that a primary objective of the Conference is to avert future daJlt.'1ge by controlling future emissions. However, if the developing nations continue to obtain success in their development programmes, which is the hope of all of us, then they themselves will soon become a major source of pollutants. Therefore it follows 'chat all must share responsibility for combe. ting pollu tioo and all must work together to develop t:ommon solut.ions. We realize, of course, that in order to address environmental problems effectively, various forms of assistance will be necessary. This resolution addresses the need for favourable access to and transfer of environmentally sOll'1d technologies and the need to explore the concept of assured access to such technologies. The United States currently provides technological and financial assistance to developing countries specifically for environmental protecti~n. We support the transfer of environmentally sound technologies on mutually acceptable terms, including the possibility of concessional terms. However, it is important to note that in the United States, as (Mr. Moore, Uni ted StatEt!) in many other cOlmtries - and in the future probably many IIDre countries - priva te individualn and entities not the Government, oun the majority of intellectual property. The Uni t~ States notes that this resolu Hon recognizes ", ,'teed for adequate protection of intellectual property. We are supportive of eKploring more efficient and effective ways of transferring environmentally sound technologies. (Mr. Meore, United States) Finally, my delega tion wishes to thank all those delegn tions that in an atmosphere of co-operation worked together in extended negotiations to assist in producing this Chairman's consensus resolu ticn. I should like espec 1ally to eXPl:ess nw delegation's appreciation of the perserverance, guidance and leadership of Ambassador Ghezal of Tunisia, and Mr. David ~yton of New Zealand, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Second Committee respectively, whose combined efforts were instrumental in bringing this text before lS today. We see the urgent need for global action to protect the ecological balance of the Earth and we recognize that the United Na tionl:i, is an appropria te and proven forum to address this need. We have set ourselves upon an ambitious enterprise and have accepted a formidable challenge, and the consens us resolu tia'l at the Uni ted Nations Conference on Environment and Development represents a major achievement in setting the path for us to get al~ng with our work. Mr. VARGAS (Brazil): w.i th regard to the resolution on international co-operation in the field of the environment, just adopted by the Assembly without a vote, my delegation wishes to state clearly its reservation on decision 15/32 adopted by the Governing Council of the United Na tions Environment Programri'! (tliEP) at its fifteenth sp-ssion. The Brazili~n Government has formulated in the past a general reservation on the principles of conduct contained in oocument UNEP/GC6/l7 of 10 March 19</8 and it has specific reservations on principles 6, 7 and 11 related to previous nottfica tion of Plans for the use of shared natural resources, as well as on the consultations and procedure established in the aforementioned principles for the settlement of disputes reSUlting from the use of those resources. Allow me to make a brief comment on the resolution, adopted without: a vote, on the convening of the United Na.tions Conference on EnvironJmnt lr.d Development. In (Mr. Moore, United States) this regaro, I wish to sta te that it is a great honour for Braz il to host this conference in 1992. Such a conference will constitute a unique opportunity for a broad and integrated assessment of what has to be done in response to the environmental challenges we are facing. It will also serve to enhance global awareness on hOf to reconcile the current paradigm of growth and development with the dwindling reserves of natural resources and the necessary reduction of the risk of disrupting the complex biotic systems that sustain life upon our planet. Therefore, the preparatory process of the Conference itself should become the mainstream towards which should converge all the interna tional efforts for new apProaches and for designing new mechanisms for the protection of the environment, including those which are already under way. Holding this conference in Brazil will provide, too, an opportunity for officials and experts of all countdes to know our country and our people. The Brazilian people will be honoured to receive them. We will cb our best to make the par.ticipants· stay a pleasant one and to offer the condi tions and facil! ties for a successful conference. Mr. SEZAKI (Japan): First, I should like on behalf of my delegation to make a statement on draft resolution II on large-scale pelagic driftnet fishinq. The resolution just adopted is a result of more than a month of extensive consulta t ions by the countries concerned. My delega t ion is pteased that such Cl consensus has been finally achieved. When this subject was first brought to this forum, my delegation stressed that the United Nations was not the pertinent body to address a ~uestion of this nature. This question is highly critical and has very different historical and social backgrounds in different regions. It should therefore be discussed by competent bodies taking into account specific regional requirements. The Second Committee has hardly such expertise. (Mr. Vargas, Brazil) It was also the view of my delega tion that, if any sort of regulatory measures are to be taken, they should be based on scientific and objective data and analysis. FurtherllPre, in the course of the consulta Hons we empha.<;ized the importance of conserving all areas, both high seas and coastal waters, when discussing the impacts of dd ftnet fishing on the conserva tion of living marine resources. We pointed out that limiting discussion to the high seas did not contribute to the real solution of this ques tion. My delegation believes that the points I have just enumerated are more or less reflected in the reSolution we have just adopted. In the years to cone the Government of Japan will pay its highest respect to what the resolution recommends us to do. Japan has already taken regulatory measures for its driftnet fishing and has been implementing co-operative progra1Mles while entering into talks with interested parties concerned. Japan will continue to co-operate in such programmes and talks so that measures will be strengthened or adjusted as may be needed. In the course of the implem:nta Hon of this resolu tion, what we believe to he most important is that such talks be based on sound scientific analysis, as the reSOlution stipulates. In our ~iew. consensus on this resolution was finally reached within the rational frawework of requirel'lr!nts I have expressed. Its implementa tion should take Place within the same rational framework. The Government of Japan is fully prepared to pursue such an effort. Needless to say, tWf delega tion understands that the adoption of this resolution does not affect any right and obligation under international law or any particular existing international agreel'Mnt. Finally, my delegation cannot conclUde its statement without expressing its heartfelt thanks for the warm support and encouragement many Member States have extended to Japan during the past month. (Mr. Sezaki, Japan) As to draft decision It on "International co-operation in the field of the environment-, my delegation joined in the Assembly's adoption by consenSUs. of the draft decision believing that it is i:nportant to strengthen the role of th::: Un! ted Nations EnvironMent Progranme (UNEP). Japan is ·ietermined to oontinue tt) support tlNEP by providing fll'lds and staff, and it hopes that the final target will he achieved as soon as possible. However, my delegation wishes to draw the attention of the Assembly to the fact that with regard to e:tgraph 10 of the deeis ion, the position of my delegation has not changed from the one already expressed at the fifteenth session of the Governing Council of UNEP. Ms. ARMSTRONG (Canada) a My delegation wishes to address two issues under item 82, sub-item (f). The first concerns the resolution an driftnet fishing and the second the resolution an the United Nations Conference on Environment and tlevelopnent, 1992. Canada wishes to join other delegations in welcominq the adoption by consensus of the resolution on "Large-scale peiagic driftnet fishing and its impacts an the living marine resources of the world's oceans and seas·. The Canadian public has increasingly registered a deep concern over the destructive impact of this indiscriminate fishing practice, and the Canadian Government has heen active in seeking international co-opera tion aimed at protecting marine resources a"\d the broader marine environment. The adoption of the consensus resolution by the United Nations represents a significant step forward in this regard, all the more so because it is the first time the issue has been addressed by the General Assembly. (Mr. Sezaki, Japan) The heightened awareness of the threat posed by this practice the resolution will bring, and the fact that countries are now committed to appropriate action, are indeed important achievements. I call particular attention in this regard to the key provisions, namely, the agreement on moratoria on large-scale pelagic dri ftnet fishing <Xl the high seas in 1992 unless conserva Hen of the living marine reSOUrces of a region ca."! ~le ensured, and on the same basis the reduction, leading to a cessa tion, of the pra cb "'!e in the South Pacific and the immedia te freeze in the North Pacific and elsewhere. My delegation would like to than~ all those involved for the diligence and commitment that were demonstra ted throughout the protracted negotia tions we engaged in. All concerned sought to respond to the evident desire of the menbership of the Second Committee to see a consensm text. With the Committee's support and patience we persevered to that end. In the process, compromise was frequent. Not all of Canada's specific points could be reflected. Similarly, not all the concerns of the broader Committee membership could be met. That is inevitable in any consensm text dealing with vital issues, and we again express our sa tisfaction at the outcome of our deliberations. My delegation is also pleased to see the adoption of a~other very important consensus resolu tion, that on the 1992 Uni ted Na Hons Conference on Environment and Development. That resolution, the result of long and complex negotiations, presents a franework for achieVing slStainable development on a global scale. Much work lies ahead, but in achieving consensus delegations have shown a commitment to dealil19 with environmental issues in a developmental context and have rei tera ted the key role of the United Nations as a forum fOr deliberation and action on interna tional co-opera tion CI'l the environment. The resolu tion we have adopted poses many challenges for the ~ltute. As we prepare for the 1992 Ccnference, comtries "Ul be called upm to consider how better to IMnac;e their resources, how better to share their knOlllledge and technology and how to provide the means, financial or otherwise, required to ensure environmentally sound and sustainable development. The role of interna tional law in further protecting and enhancing the global envirmment and vays in which institutional mechanisms could be utilized to improve decision-making and programne-delivery will also need to be examined. The most important goal of the 1992 Conference will be 5n international commitment to safeguarding the future of our planet. We sincerely hope countries will work to aChieve specific agreements on protecting the environment and promotin9 sustainable development so that in this new atmoephere of growing interna tional tolerance and \l\derstanding we can work to heal our planet as we strive to strengthen international political and economic co-operation. Much effort went into this resolution, and my delegation would like to thank in particular the Chairman of the Second Committee, Ambassador Ahned (;hezal, and Vice-Chairman David Payton, for their excellent work in guiding the intricate negotiations a1 this difficult subject - and, I might add, on other difficult SUbjects. I wish also to express our appreciation to the oth~r Vice-Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Doljintseren of Mongolia. Two years ago, the CoIlll11Ssion on Environment and Development challenged U9''\ thilit in a new way about managing our common future. My delegatiCM believes that the re£Qlt1t:1on we have just adopted is an important first step in addressing that challenge, and we look forward to wor~ lng w1th our interna tional partners to help Preserve our planet for the generations to come. Mr. HILLEL (Israel), My delegation had difficulties with certain aspects of draft resolution A/C.2/44/L.63/Rev.l, entitled "International co-operation in the field of environment". However, in view of its major importance and significance to the international community, and hecause of the revision introduced by the representative of Finland, my delegation .~cided to go along with the consensus, on the understandirg that paragraph 1 refers solely to decls ions of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Progranme (UNEP) which specifically rela te to the natters covered by the resolu tion we have just adopted. Mr. LICHTINGER (Mexico) (interpretation from Spanish), In connection with the lesolutiat just adopted on "International co""Operatioo in the field of environment", my delegation disagrees with the inclusion in paragraph 1 of the words "as adopted". It has been the consistent position of my Government that no element should be introduced that attempts to establish a hierarchy among resolutions adopted by an international organization. All such resol~tions have the same legal value if adopted in accordance with the tules of the organization in question. The word~ "as adopted- clearly indicate that some countries had expressed reservations on certain decisions, thus placing them in an inferior position. That is totally unacceptable to my delegation, and we shall continue to indicate this whenever the subject ar ises. Had there been a separa te vo te on paragraph 1, my delega don would have absta ined for the reason r halfe mentioned. As an active nember of the Uni ted Na tions Environment Programme (UNEP), Mexico attaChes great importance to the Programme's work and considers that its role in the field of the environment is a ftndamental one. Mr. KUORYAVTSEV (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) (interpretation from Russian): After extensive and lengthy work, the General Assembly has adopted by consensus a series of very important resolutions on serious problems of environment and environmental protection. The consensus adoption of a resolu tion on the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, 1992, was especially significant. The Soviet delegation actively co-operated with other delegations in finding the most effective solution to these questions and in considering compromise solu tions to particularly di fficult problems. The adoption of these resolutions by consensus reflects the qreat potential of the international community, particularly the Uni ted Na tions, to formula te and adopt far-reaching major joint measures to face up to environmental challenges to our entire planet and to civiliza ticn in general. We wish to thank all delegations which in a spirit of co-operation and qood will showed a readiness to compromise and took into considera Hen the interests of =911 oountries. We oonvey special thanks to the Chairman of the Second Conmittee, Ambassador Ghezal, and to Mr. Cavid Payton, one of the Vice-Chairmen. I also thank the other Committee officers, Mr. Doljintseren of MOngolia, the othet Vice-Chairman, and Ms. Dueftas de Whist of Ecuador, the Rapporteur. The PRESIDENT, The Assembly has thus concluded its consiQ~.:ation of agenda i tern 82 and of all its sub-i terns, Ca) to (j). I now invite the attention of members to parts I and 11 of the report of the Second Committee on agenda item 12, which concern the report of the Economic <Jnd Social Council. Part I is contained in document A/44/832. Regarding Part It of the report (future A/44/832/Add.l) of the Second Committee, the Assembly has before it only the text of section 111 of part 11, which contains the recommendations of the Second Committee to the General Assembly. Part II will be issued subsequentlY in its entirety under the symbol A/44/832/Add.l. The Assembly will now consider part I and section III of part II of the report of the Second Committee on agenda item 12. The Assembly has before it nine draft resolutions and two draft decisions contained in part I and section III of part It of the report of the Second Committee. I shall put the recommendations of the Secmd Committee to the Assembly one by me. After all the votes have been taken, representatives will have the opportunity to explain their votes. We turn first to part I of the report (A/44/832) of the Second Committee. The Assembly will now take decisions on the two draft resolutions recommended by the SecQ'ld Committee in paragtaph 11 of the report. Draft resolution I is entitled "1arget for World Food Programme pledges for the period 1991-1992". The Second Committee aCbpted that draft resolution by consensus. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Ora Et resolu tion I was adopted (resolu tion 44/230). The PRESIDENT. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution 11, -Report of the Secretary-General on General Assembly resolution 42/165-. The Second Committee also adopted that draft rfesolution by consensus. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution 11 was adopted (resolution 44/231). We now turn to section III of part II of the report The PRES IDENTa (future A/44/832/Md.ll of the Second Committee. The Assembly will first take a decision on the seven draft resoLutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 1 of section III of part II of its report. Draft resolution I is entitled "Trends in the transfer of resources to and from the developing cOWltries and their impact on the economic growth and sustained development of those countries". A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favoura Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argen Una, Austral la, Austr la, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, COte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Del1Dcratic Kampuchea, Denncra tic Yemen, Denmark, Djibouti , Dominica, Dominic<:1\'ll Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eth iopia, Fi ji, Fi(~land, France, Gabon, Gambia, German Denocra tic Republic, Germany, Federal Republic of, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Hai ti, Honduras, HUI19ary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozall'bique, MYCllmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qahr, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Sa int Vincent and the Grenadines, samoa, sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Tbgo, Trinidad and TObago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Abstaining, None Draft resolution I was a~opted by 147 votes to 1 (resolution 44/232).* * Subsequently the delegatiQns of Kenya and Yugoslavia advised the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favo1H:. The PRESIDENTi Draft resolution 11 is entitled "Prevention and control of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)". The Second Committee adopted dra ft resolution 11 by consensus. May I consider that the General Assetrbly wishes to do the saI'li!? Draft resolution 11 was adopted (resolution 44/233). The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution UI is entitled "Patterns of consumption and qualitative indicators of development". The Seoond Committee adopted draft resolution UI by consensus. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the sane? Draft resolution. III was adopted (resolution 44/234). The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution IV is entitled "Assistance to th~ Palestinian people·. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favoull Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argen tina, Australia, Austr ia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central Afr-iean Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, COte d'Ivoire, Cuba, CYprus, Czechoslovakia, Denocra tic Kampuchea, Denocra tic Yemen, Denmark, Djib.:>uti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eth iopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, German Denocra tic Republic, Germany, Federal Republic of, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, I4lxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, lobrocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qitar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tbme and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, 1Ogo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, UniQ'\ of Soviet Socialist Republics, Uni ted Arab Emira tes, Un! ted Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, VeQezuc1a, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, zambia, Zimbabwe Israel, Uni ted Sta tes of Anerica Against: Canada Abstainin9' Draft resolution IV was adopted by 146 votes to 2, with 1 abstention (resolution 44/235).* The PRES IDENT, Draft resolution V is entitled "International Decade for Natunl Disas ter Reductionn. The report of the Fi fth Commi t tee Q'l the programme budget implications of the draft resolution is contained in document A/44/884. The Second Committee adopted draft resolution V by consensus. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 44/236). The PRESID~WT: Draft resolution VI is entitled "Second industrial development decade for Africa". The report of the Fi fth Commi t tee on the programme budget implications of the draft resolution is contained in document A/44/88S. The Second Committee aoopted draft resolution VI wi thout a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to 00 the same? ~a ft revolu tion VI was acbpted (resolu tion 44/237). The PRESIDENT, The Assembly will now take a decision al draft resolution VII, "World Decaie for Cultural Development". The Second Committee adopted draft resolution VII by consensus. May I consider that the General Assembly wi~hes to do the same? Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 44/238).

The Assembly will n~ turn to the two draft decisions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 1 of section III of part 11 of its report (future A/44/832/Add.l). * Subsequently the delegation of Kenya advised the Secretariat that it had in tended to vote in favour. Draft decision I is entitled "Documents relating to the report of the Economic and Social Council". The Second Committee recommends that the General Assembly adopt draft decision I. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do so? Draft decision I was adopted. The PRESIDENT, Finally, we turn to draft decision 11, "Biennial programme of work for the Second Committee for 1990-1991". The Second Committee also recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of draft decision 11. I should like to call upon the Rapporteur of the Second Committee to nake a brief clarification regarding draft decision 11. Ms. DUmlAS de WHIST (Ecuador), Rapporteur of the Second Committee <interpretation from Spanish) : Since the Assembly is about to take a decision on dra ft decis ion It, I should like to point out that under item 2 of the bienn ial programme of work for the Second Committee for 1990-1991, the fifth paragraph, which deals with the ~~port of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme on its special ~ession (resolution A/C. 2/44/L. 63/Rev.l, as orally revised) and just adopted without a vote, appears in square brackets in all languages e~cepting the Spanish-language version. The square brackets in all languages should be deleted. (The President) '{'he PRFS IOnfT. May I consider now that the General Assenbly wishes to adept draft decision Ii as orally revised by the Rapporteur? Draft decision 11 was adopted. Mr. LEMERLE (France) (interpretation from French). The member countries of t.he European C01ll1llUrity had nn difficulty in contributing actively to drafting the text just adopted on trends in the transfer of resources to and from developing countries. As it is worded, although not abrays as it is commented on, this text is agreeanl~ to them. When considering agenda item 8~~ the TWelve already had the opportunity to recall that the d~veloping countries were to benefit from increased financial flows and, for the least developed among them, an increase iri public development ass is tanct.? It i~ against this background that we must place the problem of financial flows. F()r us i.t is clear that the le'"el of these financial flows is a synthetic in~y. ~ich hrinq~ toq~ther all modalities and difficulties and even successes in d".v~:>lop~nt and it:<; fil"\<1n·.:inq. It is the very causes of the difficulties in delJet<)P'tI~nt that m\1st he attacked and n()t a simple index. The resolution we have ju.-;;t adopt1:'O clearly recognizes this. The JX)sitive or negrltive sign of a financial .transfer has no meaning in and of Use'l.f, i.t must ~ interpreted in the liqht of the ~itua tion of the country in ·llJ~sti.()n. In('k!.~rl, •..hile it .;llways Mes represent a burden, a net negative financi~l flow can sometimes he a sign of dynamism in the economy concerned. In ("et, :l mnall nLlmher of d~vel09ing O"Juntries that are in an accelerating growth staIJf' .H~ ilhll'" tn devote part of the surplus in their current halances to reducing t:H~lr I~x::ernut (y"bt. !n thus naint-lininq their credit, they increase their For our part, reversing the trends that have manifested themselves in recent years through financial flows, when those trends are unfavourable, presupposes that an effort must be made by one and all. This effort embraces all aspects of development financing. Increasing financial flows to developing countries is of course a goal to which, a priori, everyone subscribes - in any case it is our goal. However, this cannot be achieved by decree. rather it must be the result of efforts by all parties concerned. In the absence of appropriate macro-economic and structural adjustment policies, efforts to increase external financing would only result in adding new debts to old ones, or in increasing the dependenc~ of developing countries vis-a-vis assistance, without their ability to meet their own ohligations heing reinforced as a result. kq a catalyst for the mobilization of the resources of multilateral financing institutions, the implementation of structural adjustment programmes is, above all, necessary to restore confidence on the part of the economic agents in the countries concerned themselves, encourage them to save and to invest and, if necessary, to repatriate capital they might have invested abroad. For their part~ the creditor countries must promote a favourahle economic framework for sustained and non-inflationary growth. This presupposes, in particular, a drop in real interest rates the result of the implementation of adjustment to reduce maior international imbalances. Moreover, the goal of official development assistance must continue to guide our efforts. Similarly, we must give multilateral institutions the meanA to participate actively in the developtMnt of new modalities for dealing with debt and in the n~cessary acceleration of growth. We should, however, not forqet that developing trade is the best means of lessening the burden of debt. Resource flows therefore reflect the diffiCUlties encountered hy the developing countries in achieving development and in financing their development on (Mr. Lemerle, France) a sound basis. Today new modalities for dealing with debt by various options and the pursuit of vigorous structural adjustment policies to promote growth create conditions for restoring confidence that would allow an influx of capital, a resumption of private investment, both national and intern~tional, and the acceleration of growth. Let us benefit from the realism that has characterized our discussions and each make the appropriate effort to provide the financing development requires.

We have now concluded ')\'; consideration of all the reports of the Second C:"ironit tee. We turn now to agenda item 12, entitled "Report of the Economic and Social Council". Members will recall that chapters I, III (section C), VII and VIII of the report of the Council were assigned to plenary meetings. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to take note of those chapters of the report? It was so decided.

That concludes our consideration of chapters I, III (Rection C), VII and VIII of the report of the Economic and Social Council and of all the chapters of the report of the Economic and Social Council. AGEIDA ITEM 43 lMPI..F)tENTATlON OF THE RESOLUTIONS OF THE UNITED NATIONS The President, It is mv understandinq that there is no request to consider this item at the present session. May I take it that it is the wish of the ("~neral Asseni:>ly to defer consideration of item 43 to the forty-fifth session and to include it in the provisional agenda of that session? It was so decided.

That concludes our consideration of agenda item 43. (Mr. Lemerle, France) A~NDA ITEM 44 (continued) LAUNCHING OF GLOBAL NEQJTIATIONS ON INTERNATIONAL E(DNCMIC CO..QPERATlON FOR DEVEIoFMENT The PRESIDENT, with regard to agenda item 44, representatives will recall that on 22 September 1989 the Assembly decided to include this item in the agenda of the forty-fourth session. May I take it that it is the Assembly's wish to defer consideration of the item and to include it in the provisional agenda of the forty-fifth session? It was so ~ecided. The PRESIDENT, That concludes our consideration of agenda item 44. AGEWA ITeM 45 WESTION OF EWITABLE REPRESENTATION ON MD INCREASE IN THE l-lEMBERSHIP OF THE SECURITY OQUNCIL The PRESIDEN'r, I understand that there is no request to consider agenda item 45 at the present session. If this is the case, may I take it that the Assembly decides to incllme the item in the provisional agenda of the forty-fifth sess ion? It was so decided.

That concludes our consideration of agenda item 45. PROGRAMME OF WORK The PRESIDENTt I should like to inform memers that, apart from organizational matters <ltd matters that may arise by operatim of the rules of procedure of the Assembly, and bearing in mind the action already taken at itR 32nd, 35th, 76th, 79~h, 80th and 82nd plenary meetings concerning agenda items 11 (h), 18, 34 and 39, the General Assembly will retain on the agenda of tb~ forty-fourth sess ion the following agenda i ternst Item 17 (h), Appointment of members of the Joint Inspection Unit, Item 17 (j), Appointment of the United Nations Commissioner for Namibial Item 18, Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colon ial Countries and Peoples, Item 19, Admission of new Members to the United NationSI Item 34, The situatioo in Central America' threats to international peace and "iecuri ty and peace iniHa tivesl Item 36, Question of Namihia, Item 39, Question of Palestine, Item 46, Armed Israeli aggression against Iraqi nuclear installations and its grave consequences for the established in terna tional sys tern concerning the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and international peace and security I Item 47, ~Jestion of Cyprus; Item 48, Consequences of the prolongation of the armed conflict between Iran and Iraq. !he meeting rose at 12.55 p.m.