A/45/PV.13 General Assembly

The Assembly will now hear an !'ddrees by the President of the bandese Republic. Major-General Juyenol HAbyarimanc. Presidept of the BwIDdeSe Rqpublic, was escorted into the General Assembly Ball. Tbe PRESIDENT: On behalf of the General Assembly, I have the honour to welcome to the United Nations the President of the Rwandese Republic, Major-General Juvenal Habyarimaca, and to invite him to address the Assembly. President HABYABIHANA (interpretation from French): It is a great honour for me and for the entire delegation of Rvanda to convey to you, Sir, our sincere and warm conqratul~tionl on your election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its forty-fifth session. Your election bears witness to the esteem in which you are held by the international community because of your outstanding personal qualities and your qualities as an ezperienced diplomat and, through you, this is a signal honour to your country, the Republic of Malta, which has always ShOWD firm determination to contribute to a constant strengthening of relations of co-operation with all peaceand justice-loving countries. The Rwandese delegation at this session of the General Assembly wishes to aSlure you that it will make its modest cODtribution to ensuring the success of your noble task. I also wish t~ express our deepest qratitude to your predecessor, who guided with confidence and wisdom the work of the forty-fourth session and the seventeenth and ~i9hteenth speei!'l sessions of the General A3SSmbly of our Organization, Mr. Joseph Garba, since he is indeed a worthy representative of his country, Nigeria, and of all of Africa. I should also like to pay a most sincere tribute to tha Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, who for niDe years has shown still, tireless "ill, foresight and a spirit of balance in carrying out the incredibly difficult and complex tasks entrusted to him. We wisb him continuing SUCCGSII and we wish that every day he may further enhance the high esteem in which our Organisation is held among notions. Ten years have already passed since my first statement to this body, in 1980. I note with satisfaction that during that period certain political conflicts of deep concern to the international community have developed aloDg most favourable lines. Let me express OD behalf of the delegation of Rvanda and on my own behalf our great joy at seeing the delegation of an independent Namibia among UII. It is thanks to the outstanding leadership of President Sam Nujoma that the Namlbian people was able - after three decades of armed struggle - to accede to the independence and th~ liberation of its country. My country, Rvanda, was delighted to welcome the a4misslon of Namibia to the great family of the United Nations OD 23 April 1990. I wish to take this opportunity to extend my warmest congratUlations to the GoverDfilent and the people of Namibia, who are now engaged in the most difficult but commendable talk of national reconstruction. The ftvandese Republic hcs always encouraged and supported all initiatives aimed at the reunification of ths German nation and heartily endorBes the positive developments concerning that issue. In this regard, the Rvand~se Government and people welcomed vith great joy the nevs of the crumbling of the Berlin Kall, which took place that momorable night of 9-10 November 1989, marking the end of 3D unacceptable split the German people had been experiencing for more than 40 years. On 3 October 1990, the German people will solemnly and joyfully celebrate their reunification, which has been particularly helped along by the events vhich have wrought such changes in Eastern Europe. It vas vith great satisfaction that the Rvandese Government vslcomed the r.unification agreement signed 31 August 1990, a sovereign decision reflecting the firm vill of the German people to pool their efforts to build a more prosperous nation, a nation still further strengthened in its desire to build a better world. I reafiirm Rwanda's steadfast support for German [eunification, and I most 8incersly hop. that all other natioDs rent by division vill, like the GermDD people, firmly commit themselves to follow this happy course in order quickly to put an end to their tragic situations. It is in that spirit that the Rvandese Republic greatly appr.eiatea and supports efforts designed to promote the peaceful and indepenaent reunification of the Korean nation. Rvenda equally encourages the pursuit of direct negotiations, conducted under the auspices of the Secretary-General, on the question of Cyprus. I am convinced that the solution to this problem must be found within the framework of the application of universal principles enshrining respect for sovereignty and the territorial integrity of States. These two positive eventc, namely, the independence of B~bia and the crumbling of the Berlin Wall, of whiCh the entire international cOMmunity is proud, are the result of detente betve~D East and Heat. Indeed, the end of the ideological strugqle between the two super-Povors has allowed for the birth of a new era of democracy and freedom throughout the world, and in particular in the countries of Bastern Burope. Ka hope that the peace dividend3 will be converted into tools for the socio-economic development of the most disadvantaged countries. It is my duty, in addition, to emphasise that RwaDda firmly supports the negotiations begun between the African National Congress of South Africa CANe) and the South African Government, designed fully to dismantle the horrendous apartheid system, which has always beeD deplorlad from this rostrum. Given the tanqible progress and courageous cODcessions made on all sides, there are grounds for hope that South Africa will very soon se~ the advent of an era of multiracial democracy. A plethora of old and new conflicts are strikinq various regions of the qlobe, with blo~t of them concentrated ill Africa, Asia ADd Latin America. Wa commend and support all efforts - bilateral, mUltilateral or international - aimed at putting an and to these devastating and economically painfUl riftso Despite the positive results around the globe and the tireless efforts of the United Nations through its Secretary-General, one notes~ unfortunately, that the international community has not yet solved all its problems, and certain new conflicts are darkeninq the backdr.op of the international political scene. Indeed, the international community is DOW faced with & new conflict, born in the Persian Gulf~ between Iraq and Kuwait, which has turned into an international crisis. Thus, defyinq all conventions qoverning international relations, Iraq invaded Kuwait on the niqht of 1 August 1990 and later declared ita annexation. (President HAbYarimanm) Rwanda believes that this invaeion reprasents a glaring violation of peaceful coexistence and respect for the sovereignty of all States. It is a violatio~ of the Charter of the United Nations which, in paragraph 4 of Article 2, states: "All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations." Rwanda therefore enerqetically condemns this invasion and supports all the resolutions adopted by the Security Council, in particular those demanding the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Iraqi troops from Kuwait, declaring Iraq's annexation of Kuwait null and void and imposing economic sanctions against Iraq with a view to putting an end to its territorial ambitions. We believe that only dialogue can avoid the futile bloodbath that would arise as a result of armed confrontation between the forces now in the Persian Gulf. Moreover, &vanda believes that the crisis in the Persian Gulf should not make us forget the Palestinian problem, which haD been with us for more th~ 40 years. In this tragedy in the Gulf, caused by behaviour attributable to another age, one cannot but note the extent to which the moral authority of the Organization has been strengthened thanks to the spirit of solidarity, a harbinger of hope for the future. The fragile situation in Liberia remains most alarming, since it is characterized by an inter-ethnic fratricidal war and by the total deterioration of the political and administrative structure. We therefore approve the measures taken by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOHAS) to put an end to this tragic situation. Like the efforts made by the international community to settle the crisis in the Persian ~ulf, we believe that it should mobilize all necessary resources in order rapidly to resolve this tragic crisis in Liberia. At a time when we note the improvement in international relations and the prevailing climate of detente, we are unfortunately obliged to recall that the international economic situation does Dot at all lend itself to optimism, given the structural crisis which continues to ezacerbate ths already very dsep gap between the industrialized and developing countries. (Presidapt Babyarimana) The international community must do ita utmost to transform into a more eguitable and balanced order the current unjust international economic order. is ~haractedzedby structural imbalances. It must prevent the tragedies !;t;;."'- .•. in poverty, "hich today, near the end of our century, is still the world' s ":,."- .~, problem, and make still more vigorous and determined efforts to halt the confl~~tJ and tensions ezisting among peoples and States. Tha Government of Rwanda continu6s to support efforts aimed &t reactivating the North-South dialogue and strengthening South-South co-ope~ation. Africa re.ins that continent where problems of underdem:.l~~ment are raised in tems of great hUllaD anguish and where the economic prospects of most countries which are in the category of lesst developed countries are gloomy indeed, particularly for those, such {~ kvanda, "hich are facing various structural har.dieaps that are ezacerbate4 by numerous current ecoDomic conditions. Indeed, those cOUDtries~ the most 41sadvautagad OD our planet, are helplessly watching an Qccelerated deterioration of the living conditioDs of their people, who are incre.singly becoming prey to the scourges of poverty, famine, malnutrition and iporance. Rwanda, which has Duffered aloDg with its African peers, once again appeals to ~ international co.-unity for greater solidarity and more effective mutual understanding. g1ven the problems battering the African continent. ~~Dg these g..illar probl.... .. ahould note those "hich most severely affect the ecoDomies of OMr countries, n...ly, the crucial problem of foreign debt, the collaps~ ~~ ~aw~terlals price.. the deterioration of terms of tradB and the ~9clina in public o••i.tance for 4e..lo~ftt. Indebtednes. is a problem causing grave concern to the so-called developing Gouatrie. la gaDeral and to the African countries in particular. Foreign debt is~ in f~ct, a heavy burdeni a bottle~neot in the development process, since it has the negative effect of roinforcing tho combination of factors which diminish the cap~city for repayment while the imbalances in international trade grow worse. We urgently request that the search for solutions to the economic crisis of the third world in general, and of Africa in particular, should mobilize ell the intellectual and moral resou~ces required and take into account all aspects of the problem, without forgetting or overlooking the social aspects, for it ia peoples, more than States, that must remain the majo~ beneficia~ies of the ramGdial measures to be advocated. AD effective programme of economic ~eccvery aud growth muat be concerned with rewarding the management and ecoDomic-recovery efforts made by countries, instead of merely being limited to prescribinq immediate Jnlracle-working recipes. The ezperience of several sub-Saharan countries in thic aphere ehcws us that it is important to establish proqr&rnmeS that are suited to the realities and spedific conditions of each country and, above all, are drGW4 up with the assistance of the reciplfint countries and populatioDa. While it is true that the recovery of the world economy requires joint international action, it is even moro true that the drastic measures sometime conceived in abstracto and imposed OD the deve' nq countries entail an eztr~ly high economic, social and political coat .bose programmes, which ~Zten give solvency priority over &11 8l=e, have cr8ated 8ztremely difficult and ofte~ socially unacceptable si~uatioD8, end havo always led to an irreaistlble process of further indebtedness whose price future generations will hav6 to pay. But we must also recogni.e that the revitalisation of our economies, a revival of exports, th& growth and consolidation of the private sector, the reductio~ of public ezpenditure and the infusioDS of currency necessary for importing caonot take place in the present critical situation of the economies of the third world without assistance from fresh currency sources. For that reason, given the real economic difficulties which have become crushing, especially during the last two years, &wanda began discussions in 1909 with the International ~netary Fund (I~fF) and the World Bank on the key ideas for a programme of economic recovery and growth. A programme adapted to the realities and the needs of my country will soon be signed. Allow me to say a few words about the difficult question of the environment. Rwanda believes that the entire international community is involved in this matter and .that a surge of international eolidarity is required to mobilize all resources needed to preserve a hea1thful and viable environment for the human race. Everyone recognizes that ecological problems have now become matters of global concern, but there are still differences of opinion concerning the causes and responsibilities involved in the deterioration and the protection of the environment and concerning the measures to be taken in that area. In the countries of the third world underdevelopment, poverty, misery and ignorance are the major causes of environmental deterioration, whereas in induetrialize6 countries that deterioration is due to their patterns of consumption and production. Therefore there is reason to hope that these positions will be harmonized iu the context of preparations now under way for the 1992 Conference on EnviroDmant ana Development. The Rwandese Republic voices the hope that in the critical area of the environment the international community will be able to close ranks and mobilize the intellectual and technical resources required to find solutions that will guarantee the survival of our planet. (Pre,14ont Babyarlmaga) For its part, Rwanda, which has made the preservation of the environment ona of its major priorities within the framework of its policy of food self-sufficiency, has undertaken significant actions iD this area, such as the national campaign against erosion, the nationsl reforestation effort and the national environmental strmtegy, to give only a few examples. The road is still long, of course, for a great deal remains to be done. This is why we are counting on international co-operati6n to meet the enviroumental challenges our country is encountering. My country, &wanda, attaches particular importance to the preservation of its natural heritage and to environmental protection. The strengthening and maintenance of ecological balance require us to demonstrate further concern, day by day, for our national parks, our rivers, our lakes, our natural preserves, our forests, our habitat - in a word, for all the elements which make up our enviromnent. (Presideut HAbYArimona) Turning' to the important question of democracy, a tey ele_nt for generating . peace and development, I should lite to ezplaln my country's objectives to the General Assembly. Since the beginning of 1989, vel~ before the political upheavals in Eastern Europe, Rwanda has been giving car~ful consideration to updating its political system. First on the agenda is the fo~ulatioD of a nftw political manifesto, a national political charter redefining and setting forth in depth the new democratic rules am devised by the people of Rwanda and guaranteeing respect for democratic process and national cohesion. In the long term we shall also be reviewing our 1978 Constitution to establish a clear separation of powers and, above all, to enshrine the supremacy of the State over any political oragani~atloD. A wide-ranging Dational dialogue will enable all the active forces of the Rvandan nation to state their position on all aspects of today'S political i8sues. No less important than the problems I have already mentioned is that of my compatriots living outside Rvanda. As I have repeatedly said, the qUGstion of Rwandese refugees is pri~~rily the responsibility of the Government and the people of Rvuda. However, in the light af its well-known problems, including those due to the small si.e of its territory and its popUlation, Rwanda cannot by itself resolve this thorny DD4 painful problem. W. renew our appeal to the international community to find a lasti09 solution alo09 three lin,sl volUDta~ repatriation; naturalization in the hoat country, also voluntary; and freedom of residence. My country welcomes the first World SWIIlIit for Children, which was held this weekend. I personally hail that initiative and congratulate the United Rations and, especially, the United Nations Children's Fund, on having brought it about. We all love our children. In Rwanda' s philosophy of development and of the vital eSBence that gives us life and hope, children hold a central place, as they do in Bantu philosophy. Children have always been our ralsoD d'itr~ and our highest and mottt important value. As ve see it" ther.fore, the advancement of the chUd ia everything. It is related to basic medical care, the protection of mothers, the emancipation of women and economic aecurity. It is related to family planning, access to essential services such as water, health, education, decent housing and Belf-sufficiency in food. It i. also related t~ the defence of all recognised rights of the child as defined by the United HatioDs Convention on the Rights of the Child. In that conte2t, buda felt in duty bound to ratify thet Convention 1lll11Cdiately. Despite my Government.'s undeniable efforts, supported by the international comm~.:ty, and the genuine successes ve have had thus far, Rwanda's situation with respect to the advancement of the child remains precarious. !hat is primarily because of the pressures of population density - amounting in 80me place. to more than 1,000 people per square kilometre - on our agricultural resources. Mith unpredictable weather, this tbreateus, despite all our efforts, to push us ever closer to a per.manent food shortage, which will, of coura., affect the health of our children first and foremost. It remains precarious alao because Bwanda and the great majority of other African countries cannot but f.e1 the 111 effects of our depressing economic situation and of the c~ase1ess succe.slon of cris.s, each ODe worse than the last. In a flash these sweep away as much as thre. quarters of our export ear&lng8, and thus of the re80urces wo ne.4 to plan our 4ev61opmCtnt. The Declaration and Plan of Action of the WOrld S~it fer Children .ust address 80me of the fundamental con8traints that violently block the thorou9h and lasting amelioration of our children'. live.. Otherwis... riet aiaslag the core of the problem that ot:,;~ht to be the subject of that historic sWllllt. Thol. are the poiDt. I wanted to cover todey. ID CODcluzioD, I r.affi~ that the Rw8D4... Republic ackDowl.4g.. the irreplaceable role of the Ualted Bations in the msint'Danes of peace aDd justice and iD the fight for ,olidarity and a ~tter life for all the world's people.. Th. peopls of RwaDda vill A.ver c.aa. ita support of the OrgaDil.tioD'. quelt for la.ting 10lutioD. to the probl••• of our day. Th' PIISID!lTI OD behalf of the General A.~.ably, I vlah to thank the Pr.aid.ot of the Rwan4e.. .epublic for the ~ortant stattmGDt h. hal iUlt aade. "'d0r-GePlral JuVlP'! BAkrariDlpl, 'r.;tAlnt of tb. 1yAD4••• Ilpyblig, WAM 'lcorte4 from the Genlral A"18bly Ball. ADDUSS BY MR. SOIISLAV JCNIC, PUSIDBft OF 'fill PUSIDDa 01" 'DB SOCIALIST FlDIRAL RlPUBLIC 01" YUGOSLAVIA D. UISIPIl'1'I ft. AasRbly wUl DOW heal' an adal'~IID by tb. Pr••id~lllt of the Pr.sid'Dcy of the Socialist l",d.ra1 Republic of Yugoslavia. Hr, Ior1l119 Joylg. Pr.,id.pt. of tb. PElateS.pcY of the Sqc1allat r.aeral Ia»Ubllc of Yugo'layia. va••seort.d iAto tb- GlplEal AI.tDbly lal1. Dt PIISrpml OD behalf of the GeuZ'al Aaa.llbly I have the honour to we1ce-e to the Unit.d Ration. the 'r.sidant of the Pr••ieS.DCY of the Socialist red.ra1 R.publ1c of Yuqo81avia" BiB bc.ll.DCY Mr. Bor1a1av Jovic, and to invite him to 8d4r••• the Gen'ral Aas.-b1y. Pre.ident JOYIC (.pok~ iD Berbo-Croatiaal BQ911sh teat furnl.h.d by the d.legation) a It 9ive. me diatinct p1.asur. to ae. 6 r.pr.s.ntative of Malta pr••ldi89 over thl. r-ar's ••••10D of the Unit.d Ration. GlD.ral AI•.-bly. I .houle! eloo 1ik, to .spr••• our ainc.re appr.ciation to Mr. Jo~.ph Garba of Nlg.ria for hi. succ•••fu1 pr••id'Dcy 4urlDg the forty-fourth ••••ion. I should lit, to welco-e the DeW MeRber of the UDit.d Rations, the Principality of Li.cht.nst.in. M. all owe .pacia1 appr.ciation and gratitude to the S.cr.tary-GeDeral of the United R..tioD, Mr. Javi.:, Per•• 48 Cu.llar, who CODt1DU'. to IlUlD aD all-round contribution to the effort. beilUJ ucJe by the Unit'd Ration. to Do1ve the most topical world probl.... The decades at the end of the twentIeth e.ntu~ will be recordad iD history as f.ar. of bi.toric tranoforDatioD iD the reIatioD» bet~.n Stat.. lAd p.op1.. 811 ve11 a. of aocia1" political aa4 .coD~ic chaDg•• in aaay countri••• I.I.ti~D. in today'. world ara cbaract.ri••a b7 .ub~taDtlal1y lat.naified co-operation aDd dia10gus between the two super-Power., by a D'W otructur. in Burope ana the continent's growth into a .iDgl. political aDd .conOMic space lAd by proc.ell.. of regional Intogration in oth.r parts of the world .s ~ll" Economic, financial and t.chnological potential 3nd interests are becoming the new foundations for co-op.ration. Sowever, such poa!tiv. dev.loplllent. cl!c not preclude Wlc.rtainti.a acl tha possibility of r.trogrelis1v. trend.. n. dangarl of lccal and regional conflicts, •• att.sted to by the recent Iraqi aggre.,10n against It'lWait, have Dot .rat !Mien avertecS. We al" convincod that prospects for bui14iug a new, more balancod and democratic .yat.. of international relations have beon opened up an4 that this will be a long-terra tr'1Il4 in th~ world'. development. Aa a member of the international community Yugoslavia is vitally int.reste4 in aeeiU9 th... positive proc..... gain momentum, eacomp.as all fields of int.rnational relation. DDd all parte of the world and bring equal prosperity and wellbeing to all nations of the world. Rovever,. the atta!mKin't of that objective is still far away, for lJf8 live in a world encumbered by the legacy ef an epoch we hope wo have definltely left behind. Inspir.d by that goal and deliirous of contributing to it. realizaticn, Yugo~lavla opta4 for the policy of DOD-alignment and has for three d.cades ~eeD vorkiaq actively iD the int.rnational field with la large group of States, the _Uers of the Mov8llllnt of Hon-Alignecl COWltdes. Since the ninth SWIIIlit ConferencG of countries :ambon of the Non-AJ,ipec! Movement, held at Belgrade in ige9, YugQslavi&, as it. Chainllm, has been ••ekiDg to lIlake thfl Movement'. activities regponsive to the profound and rapid change. taking place in the w~r1d. Thruugh cODtactlS with the 1I00t importut factor. in the world advocating international dialogue aDd co-operation Yugoslavia has be.n urglDCJ all elements of the international coumUDity to take up the key challenge confronting mankind - nuely, the .olution of prob18218 of 4ev.lopment~ froll whleh flow all the other challenges before us, from the ecological to the health and social pro)lems of the d~veloping countri38, which still constitute two thirds of the world. The spectacular improvement in internll.tionsl relatimlS and the overall international climate, as well as the elimination of global confrontations between the super-Powera and blocs, cannot conceal the difficult economic position of and grave conflict situations in many developing countries. The prerequisite for a tranquil and stable world is to complement the East-West political detente with an ecoDomic and social ODe between North and South. We believe that owing to its nature and history, as well as to its ability to bring together and co-ordinate global and regional interests, the Movement ef Non-Aligned Countries is in a position to play a significant role in creating a new balance in the world which would have a decisive effect on international developments. in the coming years and over a longer period, and in which all influential and concerned elements would find their own interesto There is no doubt that Europe, the continent of wbich Yugoslavia ia a part, is currently undergoing profound changes. In the past year substantive democratic changes have taken place there. Their protagonists are the people - man as a free and creative agent. A new and different Europe is being shaped before our very eyes, but ita future is not without uncertainties. As one ezemple, there is the disturbing growth of extreme forms of nationalism and intolerance, from whIch hardly a single area of Europe is immune. Or let us take the disproportionate level of development of certain areas of the continent, which threatens to replace the outmoded aystamof blocs with a new aystem that is longer-lasting and more difficult to surmount. The solution of such problems i8 imperative if we are to create a trUly united and stable Europe in which no ODe feels himself the citizen of a second-rate nation. Stability in Europe can be attained only if the principle of the integrity and sovereignty of States ls consistently observed. Today, regrettably, the General Assembly of the Jnited Nations witnessed a flagrant attack by the Chairman of the Presidium of the People's Assembly of the People'S Socialist Republic of Albania on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of my country. Openly - before this Assembly and before the entire world public - he called for the establishment of yet another Albanian State, this time on the territory of Yugoslavia. It is very important for the international public that he openly and publicly presented that which had long beon concealed in Albania's policy towards Yugoslavia. The General Assembly is fully aware of the fact that nowhere in the world - in not a single State - do national minorities have the right to establish a State of their own and to secede. Such an unrealizable intention of Albanian s~paratists is the reason for all their conflicts with the authorities in Kosovo and in Yugoslavia, which are unjustifiably referred to ~s threats to human rights. Yugoslavia would be satisfied if Albania were to ensure that the Yugoslav national minorities living in Albania were given those rights that the Albanians in Yugoslavia enjoy. The Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) has become an e~'~n more comprehensive process and an essential factor in the development of a new European architecture. With the creation of a new system of relations in Europe, it is only natural that the CSCE, as the sole all-European democratic forum, should be the framework for the development of all forms of co-operation and new ties in Europe. There is no doubt that the neutral and Don-aligned countries will, as always, make a constructive contribution to this process. As an open country Dd an active member of the international community, Yugoslavia is also going through a period of deepest change in its o~ internal aocio-political development. The introduction of political pluralism, a multi-party system and free elections OD that basis has been accompanied by inst~llity# which, to a significant extent, Is a consequence of democratization and the country's multinational nature. Also, before many others did so, we had opted to seek solutions to cur own development problems through a market-aconomy mechanism. We are aware of the fact that the movement towards a free market is bound to give riae to acute social and other problems. That, in a way, characterizes present-day developments in Yugoslavia. However, ve are convinced thst ve are on the right track and that the reforms that are under way in Yugoslavia will continue to meat with the support and understanding of the broadest spectrwn of countries. I avail myself of this opportunity to express my country's deepest concern over the further dangerous aggravation of the crisis in the Gulf, which was caused by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. In its own right.. and as Chairman cf the Movement of Non-Aligned Ccuntrips, Yugoslavia once again most resolutely condemns the act of aggression against, and the annexation of, Kuwait, which it considers to be null and void; reaffirms its full support for the legitimate Government of Kuwait; and most resolutely calls for the immediate and unconditional vi~drawal of Iraq from the territory of Kuwait, for respect for that country's sovereignty, and for the re-establishment of its territorial integrity, which remains the only way of resolving the crisis. The latest events in the Gulf region have once again confirmsd that the United Nations is the proper forum for finding w~ys out of critical situations in international relations. We advocate the consistent implementation of the relevant Security COUDcil resolutions, as well ae further consultations, within the United Nations, on all measures aimed at the prevention of an escalatione r.berefore we believe that action OD the part of the international community, inclUding the placi~g of milit~ry forces In the Gulf, should be taken with the utmost discipline and responsibility. I am certain that it is in the interests ef the entire international community that war be prevented - the cODsequences of war are unforeseeable - and that the atate of affairs that existed prior to the invasion of Kuwait be restored. We welcome all processes aimed at the initiation of a political solution to the crisie, and we are ready to participate in them. The events in the Gulf region attest once again to the closest interrelationship between political and aconomic fectora. This crisis and the uncertainties that it has created pose a serious threat to the economies of many countries, Yugoslavia inclUded, as well as to the world economy as a whole. Such an unexpected upheaval in the world econo~ has increased the existing, already-chronic, difficulties resulting from ezcessive ezternal debt, falls in raw-material prices, hampered exports, prot8ctionism, lack of capital, and so OD. Regrettably, this has happened at precisely the time when dev~10piD9 countries, particularly the highly indebted and least developed ones, have been making enormous efforts, through reforms, coupled with great sacrifices, as well as social and political tensions, to steer their economies towards growth and development. Therefore it is up to all countries - both the developed and the underdeveloped ones - as well as competent international institutiQns, primarily the United Nations, to take appropriate measures to ward off tha extremely adverse consequences that there could be for international economic co-operation and development. This situatioD is further aggravated by persistent trOuble .pots in other parts of the world - the Middle East crisis being one of the most serious. We must not lose sight of the fact that this is One of the most protracted world crises. It continues to be a source of tension and is permanently the focus of attention. The stalemate in the Middle East stands in contrast to the positive trends in international relations generally. Any solution to this crisis must include the full realization of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including their right to a State of their own and the withdrawal of Israel from all territories occupied since 1967, as well as 9U&rantees of peace and security for all countries of the region within internationally recognized boundaries. Obviously the best way to attain this goal would be to convene an international conference on the Middle East, under the auspices of the United Nations, on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1969) and 338 (1973) - a proposal that was unanimously approved by the Heads of State or Government of non-aligned countries at their Ninth COnference. I believe that it is with a fae1ing of ~~ared success that ve welcome to the General Assembly a new full-fledged member - the sovereign and independent Republic of Namibia. Major changes are under way in southern Africa. We hOP3 that we have reached a stage when the elimination of apartheid - a shameful system of discrimination - is just a matter of time. The immediate and lasting abolition of Qpartbeid should be cur common priority. We particularly support the current processes aimed at settling the Kampuchean problem. We also believe that acceptable solutions should be found, as soon as possible, to the issues of Cyprus, Western Sahara and Afghanistan, as well as that of the pe~~eful unification of Korea. I feel that I .zpr.as the vi... of the majority when I say that action to deal ~lth DeW global probl.~a. such as thoae ~elat.d to drugs, the environment and child ~.r.. ahould be the focua of attention of the international community• ••p~.aoDtativ.a are aware of the fact that child care will be on the aqenda of ~. S~t that begins tomorrow. Yugoslavia unreservedly supports the noble and :\~ objectives ef thia top-level 9ath~ring. le todayOs world of groviD9 iDt~rdependence between States and peoples~~e ~~v.ra.l value of human rights and their all-~0~1 importance for ~Gse$sing the acc.ptability of a country's policies.have been reaffirmed in very strong terms. YU90alavie beli.vea that the degree to which an individual enjoys these rights :D4 fUDd...atal fr.edc.s is a yardstick for measurinq the extent of democratization D • aoci.ty aDd its capacities to take part in wider democratic processes taking . lac. in the worl~. Wet share the growing conviction that 1t Is nacassaxy fUlly to observe human rights and freed~s# both collective and in4ividual, mindful of the fact that civil and political rights cannot be s.parated from economic and sacial ones. The positive changes in I:aat-West relations have contributed to the weakening or elimination of the last strongholds of resistance to accepting international standards in the field of human rights, inclUding the rights of minorities. The rule is b~iDg affirmed that human rights aDd civil liberties are n~t only general values; but also aD obligation and IS critorion for evaluating the nature and achievements of any social .ystsm. GODe a~e the times when the big POVQrs aDd blocs shUDDed the United Nations or treated the General Assembly as a propaganda platfo~ rather then as a forum for resolving the principal international problems. Given aome of the refo~s carried in the United Nations itself, .specially in addre••1ng the finaDcial crisis, and even more so the possibilities of revitali.atio~ as a consequence of the negotiations and agreements reached between tho super-Powers an4 the more favourable climate in international relatlo~s in glner_l, ne. pro.pects are being openld up concerning tho effectiveness of this world Organisation. The times have chmlged indee4. So has the Movement of ,.oll-al.ipec1 countries, an4 so have its posll1bUlties. Over a long period of tlrae, in parallel with tho struggle for the emrmcill?atioD of countriell and peoples, with efforts aimed at restructuring world relations and imbuing them .ith a spirit of partner8hip~ &4lidarity and co-oper~tloD, the Movement alao constantly opposed bloc polarization. ne nOD.•aligned consider the favourable developments taking place in the present-day world to be the fulfilment of their own obiectives 8•••11, to a large ~3teDto Tho prficondltions have b.en met for further, positive evolution. (Pre,ident Joyic) Nay I, a. Chall:l'lU of the Movement, briefly point out the areas in which fu1filNen~ Qf the.e p[econdi~iona should and mU8~ be encouraged? Firs~ of all, in the general iD~8rDational clima~el the events ~akinq place in Burope and also global developments indicate 'tha~ a new world or4er ia being uahered in, in a ma'or way, one in which there are no enemies or rivals, but only coapeti~ors and partners. Secondly, in the economic and social sphere, in which the ezistinq discrepancies cannot remain unaddressedl it i8 not only that the.e discrepancie, generate new tensions which could pUll u, all backward., but al.o tha~ they prevent a new quality of life - ranging from human rlgh~a ~o envi[onmen~al pro~ec~ion - frea prevaiUng a~ a global level. 'rh!l'dlYe in deal1lU) with world cri••• along the lin.s we "'!ll~ion.d, we should encourage the parallel s~reDgthening of confidence-building measure., Dego~ia~iD9 aDd cOD~rol _chania..s within the Uni~e4 Rationa, all well as all other form. of multilateral organisation inspired by the Charter of this world Organisation. Lastly, but perhaps BOst importantl fulfilment of these preconditions must be encouraged within the United Rations it.elf. Thi. finest hour ~t it is experiencing, for the first ttmo since the 4ays of the cold war and for the first time in po.t-war history, _ans that the United Rations is becolling a place in which lasue, are being resolved and in which they ~8Il inde.d be resolve41 this is not only the vision of the founders come tr~e, but also a great obligation on all of u.. If tho United Rations has finally assumed it. proper role, then it il capable of being both a peftcemakltr and· a strong in.trument of collective security, which irapl1e, that, b. each and every _mber country, the game should have new, deMocratic rules and that all should have eeonomic prosperity and political IItabiUty. (Pre.ident Joyic) In the proce.. of pursuing all the.e objective.# the MOv...nt of non-aligned countries i. prepared to work even harder a. a factor in world reintegration and in the further aancipation of individuals and natioDs. ne PlISIDml On behalf of the Genllral As.embly. I "ish to thank the Pre.ident of the Pre.idency of the Sociali.t l'e4eral aepUblic of Yugoslavia for the .tate.nt he ha. just _de. Mr· Iori.oy JOyig, President of the Presidency of the Socialist 'odoral BIPYhlig of Yugoslayia, VII 0sgort.d from thO~oporal A.IPmb1y loll. ADDRESS BY MR. JOAQUIM ALBBRTO CBISSDO, PRBSIDDT 01' mB PIOPU'S UPUDLIC 01' MODMBIQUB Tb- PllSIDllra !be Aa.eably vl11 DOW hear aD a44ro.. by the Pr••ldent of the Peopl.'. lepublic of Mo.BllbiCJU8. Mr. Joapg AlbartA Chb'Qo, Preald'R of the Peoplo', 19uhlg Of Mp'N!bique, KAi-Ileort.O inte the Glptra1 Allllblx Ra11 Tht PUIIDma OD behalf of the Gen.ral AaI.8Ilbly, Ibave the hOlllour to RI' bceUency ME' (\ JOIUJUD Alberto Chi••IAC), a4 to illvit, hila to a4c1r... the Aa.ably. Pred4pt, ClIISNIOa It i. with p1ea.url AlU! .atl.factlon that, on ay OVll behalf ADc1 OD behalf of ay delegation, I congratulate Bl. bcell.ncy ME. Oui40 4e Nu'co Oil hi. UIlu18ou. .lectloll to tho pre.ldeDcy of the forty-fifth ••••1011 of the GeDera1 Aa.Gllbly. tie wl.h you, Slr, II1Ich .ucce•• 111 fulfillillg your ~rtaDt fUllctl~n.. Your ol.ctloD to thi. t.portBllt office 4.-oll8trate. the great pre.tige that your country, Malta, 'll'Oy' In the illterutlolll1 c~lty u4 the trulIt we 1111 place 11l you BIld 11l your outllt8ll411l9 qualitle.. We are sure that u~dGr your lead.r,hip the deliberations of thl. ••••1011 wl11 have a .ucce'lIful outcome. We stud ready to co-operate "ith you ud give you all the lIupport wlthin our power towards the .ucc••sful attaiDmlIl~ of this ob'.ctive. I lIbou1d al.o like to convoy to your predece.lIor, Bi. l:o.11enoy M~. Jo••ph Garba, the .ati.faction and appreclatlo~ of the MO.amblcBll delegation for the eh·. mann.r ill which he pr••lded over the forty-fourth ••••10n of the GeDera1 AaI.-b1y, as well a. ov.r the lIpeclal 8.lIlIioD. that took place during hill aumdate5 Our reaawed congratulation. 90 to the Secr.ta~-GeDaral, Mr. Javl.r 'ere. de Cuel1ar, OD hb creativity an4 clYDaalc lea4enh1p od Oil hi. c~l~nt to the .earch for aD adequate solution to the varioua problemm threatening peace, progr•••, cleftlopaent e4 the welfare of all.people.o (Pre.1d.pt Chl.lapo) the 1alt "8IioD of the Genral Ass"lyl the IDdepelld.DC. of lIaibia. It was with j.,y and ertOtioD that _ "itD.ssd the ••suption of the reins of lovereignty and s.lf-d.termination b7 the people of the .ist.r aatioD of ...ibla. !h. accesalon to ilta-pentS.nc. of that African country was the cu1Jrliut!on of a long and heroic aarch of r.sl.tanc. aDd Itrugg1. by the people of ...ibla agalD.t the colonial oc~upat.ioD. It wal8 a victolY for all llaDkiDd. tho corollary anel the final outcome of d.~a40' of joint .ffort on the part of the people of ...ibia and of all peac.-loving forc... It .ark~. the downfall of the laat Itronghol4 of I &s.oclat. mys.lf with the pr.vlous apeak.r. ia .zt.a4IDCJ a special velco_ to the d.legatioD of iD4.pea4ent ••ibie. The ill4epeD4enc. e2 R...ib1a has wid.Xl.d the fronti.r8 of fr••ao. and atr.DgtheD.d the cGaaunity of fr.. and sover.ign Dations in the world. ~ ..leome ....11 tb. adMis.ioD of the Principality of Liechtealt.ln as the l&Oth Merliber of our Orgu18aticD. ft, ace...ioD of that Principality to the Unit.d Ratione aat..s our f..ily stroager and conltitute. a further Bt.p toward. vi4.r ~iver.ality of our Organisation. Th. forty-fifth a'lsioD of the Gen.ral Als.ably is taking plac. at a time of both hope &Dd appreh.nsion for our pluot. WhUe, on the one hUd, we "itness with joy and satisfaction the dawn of an .ra of openn.ss, iDterdependence and co-operation among nations, and are happy to ••• a reinforcement of democratic practices in variou8 partll of the _1'14, on the other, we are l"llso witnesidng the emerqence, witA the unusual vob.Nne., of UDBcceptable attitudes and behaviour', which cr.ate dangerous pocket. of ~'D.ion and threaten the fr6911e achievements eo far made by mantind towards relaxatioD and di8·~·Ment. At a ti1le when peace effort., bave become a ddving forc~ shared by all of ua, and when dialogue i, given importaDt weight i" the solution of ~h. wOrld's conflicta, th~ explosive aituation that has arisen in the Gulf is of great concern to us.. Seriouil events, whoae cate.fStropblc consequences are already being felt in each one of our countries, are taking place in the region. Tbe invasioD, occupatioD and aDDesation of Kuwait a~e unecceptable. He demand ~espect for the norma of international law and the reGtoration of Ituwait's sovereignty. We urg' that a peaceful platforM be found to put an end to the spectre of war that hangs over the region, in compliance with the relevant resolutioDs of the Security Council. Aa to the problem in the Middle East, we realize that the rigbts of the Pale$tinian people continue to be violated. Ke reiterate our belief in the need for the convening of BD international conference with the participation of all the concerned parties inclUding the State of Palestine. We feel encouraged by the progress acbieved towards a peaceful solution to the conflict in Kampuchea. He stroDgly believe that tbe United Nations could play a vital role in the solution of tbis problem. In East Ti~r, the Maubere people continue to be deprived of their right to independence and aelf-determination. We encourage the Secretary-General to puraue hi. efforts towards the acbievement of an acceptable solution to this problem~ which must necessarily be based on respect for the fundamental rights of the people of Eaat Timor. With respect to the question of· Hestern Sahara, ve welcome the step. takQn by the s,cretar~-GeDe.~.tba view to a peaceful and definitive solution to this ,". t . conflict, and we encourage bim to pursue this effort without hesitation. (President ChlssDD2) In the Korean peninsula, we encourage the current efforts being made towards a peaceful reunification of the Korean nation. The high-level meetings recently held between the two Korea' constitute a positive step in this direction. In the period under con,ideration, Europe has witnessed far-reaching political and econoi1lic developments, of which it is worth pointinqout the changes in Eastern Burope and the agreement on Ge~an reunification. In southern Africa, we are encouraged by the docisions taken by the Government of President De Klerk in South Africa. The releasa of Nelson Mandela, the historic leader of the South African people, and that of some of hi~ compatriots, as well a~ the legalization of all South African politic~l and democratic organizations that had been banned until then, the lifting of the state of emergency, and the preliminary talks between the Government and the African National Congress (ARC), open up new horizons in the history of South African politics. Those changes, which are the res~lt of the sacrifice and relentless strugqle of the South African people, of Africa and of the international community as a whole are the harbingers of hope in a more stable, peaceful and promioing future for the development of southern Africa. We await with hope the beginning of constitutionsl negotiations among the South African authorities, the ARC and other South African democratic forces. It continues to be necessary for the international community to play a crucial role in the efforts for the eradication of the apartheid system within the framework of the premises contained in the Declaration, adopted at the sixteonth special session, on APartheid and its destructive consequences in southern Africa. We urge President De Klerk and his Government to pursue with couraqe and determination the path they have embarked upon. (Pr,.IAlnt Chi.lapo) Mo~ulllblCJue 1'111 continue to contrUnate in whatever aanner _y 1Nl necessary to guarantee the luceess of thll great .4 lofty undortakiDg. However, we note with great cOllcern the wave of viol.nce that has beeD occurring in South Africa recently. We prai.e the maturity and tbe sena. of r.sponsibility shown by the ARC in the person of its Vice-President, Neldon Nandela, in trying to put aD end to this violence. Ne point out the inherent danger of the extremist attitudes of tb~se who want at all coats to perpetuatG the system of apartheiO. We.urg~ the South African Government to commit it~elf forcefully to the elimination of the causes behind this climate of tenslon. In Angola, we acknowledge with satisfaction the steps undertaken by the Government through peaceful means to put an end to the war that is devastating our sisterly nation. Those efforts should be supported by the international community, so that they may lead to peace and national harmony. (Pr.,iA.At Chil,ADO) In MosubiCJUe, duI' count.ry, the eDd of the war aDd a raturn t.o trUC)Uil1it.y and t.o a no~l life for all Mosambicans, const.itute the chief priorit.y of our GoverD1ll6llllt aDd of the OILIMO Party. The seD...les. var of sabotage aDd de.truction that. still ravages our country, continue. to tate its toll in human live.' and to cau.e enormous damage to property. As a direct. result. of this indi.criminate d.st.ruction carried out by REHAMO, thousands of MO.ambleaD. have been di.placed, both within and outaide their country, deprived of their po•••••ion., reduce4 to extreme poverty, aDd are surviving only thanks to the gonerous assistance of their countrymen and of the interDational community. The economic and soclal emergenc~ we al'l ezperiencing in our cQuntry i. JUBt one of the dramatic facet.. of the co~a.qu.nce. of this unjustified war. School., kindergartens, health centrea and a number of economie infra.tructures have been dest.royed, leaving hundreds of thousand. of people without ftcce.s to education and health care facilities. Despite its positive result., the economic recovery programme be9\lD in 1987, with broad .upport from the lntornational community, is confronted with the n.gative effects of continued acts of destabill.atioD, which hinder its full implementatioD, espltcially in the rural areas. Efforts by the GoverlUllent, with the support of tho international COmmunity, to save the live. of millions of Mosambicans in aD emergency situation have been hamp~re4 by BBNAMO arm8d action against population. and against ecoDomic and 80cial targeta. Our commitment to defend our country doe. not prevent the Government from .eeking p=aceful ways of putting aD efAd to the war, a. .. beUeve that everythingshould be don6 to bril19 about aB honourablo and dignifying peace in our cOWltry. iie have had aD opportUDity in the past to inform the international cOlll'lUDlty about the principle. ..t by the Goverument as a ba~is for the dialogue with 2INAMO aDd about the indirect cont~cts .. had undertaken, with the support of ".he Mdlatol'&, with a view to creatlD9 la climate coDduc1ve to dirl!lct c1~alogue. 1'oday, ) ". are ID a»OlltloD to lDfora the usMbl,- that, thaDJla to tIUt eD4eavouI Of tIl. _dlatorl, f!'l'1I417 Goftnilllltl ad »-OPla of 9004 ,,111, cbe dl..eat dialogue betwelD the Goft~illt aDd UJrAllO ha. It.~t.d ill .OM. 1'!MItft have al..e&41' btI.n tvo roua4, of talk.. a'.flet for .o..r~lgDtf' aca,tltutloDal or4ar and 0..00..a01 ID ) the '.ople'••.,Ubllc of ~.8Rbltue coaltltut. the major »1'..1,•• upGD which the curreDt 41aloggo la baled. Through tb1. dialogue, the GoverDmeDt ,.eke to achl.ve tb8 c••,atl0D of recoDcll1atloD. Wo ¥ut a geDu1ne 8D4 1utlD9 ~acI, a peac. J)ullt upon naUoHl brought about ~ Mo:lublcUI for the bc:.f1t of the Molablca peop10. ID ,pit' of the,. ,lgDiflcant effort., aBH~ continue. to u•• d.laying tactic., thus protractiD9 the n.gotiations. Such manoeuvres do Dot .arv. the supreme inter.'t. of the MOlamblCaD Dation and serve only to proloDg unnecessarily the luffodnq of our peop10. !he Gover~nt contiDue., ho..va~, to be committ.d to purlu. direct dialogue aDd to surmount eAy r.al obetacl.e it may encounter aloD9 the .ay. M' are pr.pared to 4iecu., aDy i.lu, of eubstance tha~ may bring UI to the fulfilment of the just , exp.ctatioDI of our peopl•• n'l'l i. DO valid realon for the continuation of the var in Moaembifiuo. ID epitG of the war situatioD pr.val1!~ in the country, the rl!LING Party ha. Ipared D" effort iD its attempt to fine! att.l' way8 of crquldll9 Mo_embicM .ocl.ty M4 ODlur1D9 the peopl". r.al and effaative particlpatioD lD formulatl~ and 4.c1diDg on the de.tlDy of the DatioD. It va. iD the light of thiDthat the debate OD the draft ameD4ea COllltitutloD ~aa conclude4 laet July. Tbl1 debate Qllowe~ for the people to e.,r••, their vie•• OD the future of the country. Ml1110D. of MOsamblcaD8, 11lclu41Dg MolamblcaD COMmualtl•• abroad, a1re4 their vi... iD a spirit (President Cbil'lDQ) of unity, op8llDess and frankness, with dignity, pride and patriotism, on the iSDues of national interest. The people allo ezprels.d their vi.ws on the nature of the political system they want to see established in the country. AD analysis of the contributions made in the course of the discussion enables us to grasp and portray the interests and aspirations of the people at the present stage. In addition, it has enabled us to opt for a mUltiparty political system in our country and for the formulation of the various national policies which are contain.d in the draft Constitution that is to be submitted within a fe. days to the people'S Assembly for adoption. The endorsement of the Dew Constitution will be follow.d by presidential and leqislative electioBs through dire~t universal suffrage in 1991. The introduction of the mUltiparty political system in Mozambique is subject to the observance of certain criteria which shall be subjected to a specific law to be pass.d in due course by the people'S Assembly. Such critqria stipUlate inter aliA that D~ politic31 party shall be cOBstituted on the basis of t~ib., race, ~eligion or other factors likely to undermine national unity or lea4 to the fragmentation of Mozembican society. They further stipulate that the parties shall defend national interests and the independence and sovereignty of the Mozamblcan State. While recommending the introduction of the mUltiparty system in the country, the PIBLIMO Party ia aware of the fact that the multiparty system per go d008 not necessarily mean ~emocracy. AccordiDg to our understanding, democracy implies the participation of the peopl~ in the mapping out of decisions on the destiny of the nation and in the exercise of sovereignty by the people. The current climate of detente and dialogue, together with the increasing political changes occurrin9 in the world and the groving consensus on the policies to be adopted for development strategies, calls for the greater democratisation of international ecoDomic relations, which vll1 allow the cOUDtrieD of the South to benefit from advances in science and the De. teehDoloqies for the progr... and prosperity of all peOplGB of the world. We recognize that, although solutioDS have been progressively found to political conflicts, the handling of matters related to the problems of . development, which are pervasive in the mejority of our countries, is hi~dered by a considerftble degree of ap~thy and sluggishness. The structural changes occurring in the world oconomic system, as well as the increasing interdependence which results therefrom, should create new opportunities for encouraging economic growth in the developing countries, instead of widening the gap that separates them from industrialized countries. We are aware of the responsibility that we should shoulder aa the main players in the development processes of our own countries. We would call for greater understanding and sensitivity to the nat~re of tho difficulties that form a stumbling-block to our development. It is urgent that the flow of capital for d.evelopment be increased and made available in such a way as to perm!t the financial and material means to be applied fQr expansion, diversification and modernization of the productive sectors of the economy. We would lite to .eize this opportunity to welcome the report of the South Commission, whoae release has recently been announced by ita Chairman, Ris Ezcellency Mwalimu JuliuD Kambarage Hyorere. This report, in view of its in-depth analysis of the economic situation in the developing countries. and its recommendations, constitutes a valuable contribution not just to the problems confronting the developing countries but also to th~ improvement in North-South relations. He urge the States Members of this Organization jointly to work out ways and moans of imple_nting the quide11nes of this report. The foreign debt crisis r••ains one of the aain obstacl.. to our economic growth ad developtMtnt. It is eztre.ly iaportut that a constructive dialogue (Eresident ChissaDo) between debtors and creditors be established, with a view to finding definitive solutions to t~e problem. We take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the various creditor countries which took concrete measures to alleviate the debt burden of MOZambique and that of some other countries with great economic difficulties. Another challenge faced by the international community is the problem of protection of the environment. Here too the future of mankind is in our hands. We urge everyone to be fully involved in the preparationa of the United Nations Confarence on Environment and Development, to be held in Brazil in 1992. In a few days the international community will witness an unparalleled event, the summit for childr~n. The presence of many Beads of State and Government and illustrious dignitaries at this meeting is a testimony to our common willingness to join forces in the search for solutions to the problems that threaten the future of the coming generations. We have the responsibility to create a future of harmony and peace for our children, who are the citizens of tomorrow. Children are a source of inspiration to us and a prime challenge to our actions; they should be offered something rare in our generation, that is, peace, stability, harmony end development. We believe that this summit vill strengthen our determination to preserve the current trend in international relations by defending the lofty Ideals which presided over the birth of our Organization. We are pleased to note the trend in present international relations, the revitalization of the role of the United Nations that makes it the oentre around which solutions are sought to the serious problems affecting mankind, such as regional conflicts and wars. Our Organization assumes a universal dimension today. This dimension, however, cannot just be measured through the rise in the number of its Member., but also, and mainly, in accordance with the extent to which the values, principles and objectives it pursues are universally upheld. Co-operation, solidarity and the new emerging consensus at the international level constitute the most eloquent example of thim. It is our understanding that this new trend in international relations should not be an instrument for the management of selected crises, but a systematic ~olicy to confront the countless challenges in the world, namely, underdevelopment, poverty, endemic diseases, AIDS, drugs and environmental problems, to n~e just a few. We would like to conclude by reiterating our confidence in the ability of the United Nations successfully to face these challenges. It remains the most privileged forum for the solution of the economic and social development problem8 of peoples and for the promotion of international peace and security. Tbe PRESIDENt: On behalf of the General Assembly, I Wi8h to thank the President of the People's Republic of MOZambique for the statement he has just made. Mr. Joaguim Alberto Chis,aDo, President of the People" Republic of MOlambiguo, was escorted from the General Assembly Rall.

I have great pleasure in welcoming the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Hia Bxcellency Vice-Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, and inviting him to address the General Assembly. Hr. A1POMU (Nig6da) I I congratulate 1'Ou, Sir, 011 your UDaD!IIoua election a. Pre.ident of the General Aaaeably at it. forty-fifth ••••10n. Your &lactioll is t ••tilllOnyto the high ••teell in which both you and your country, Malta, are held by the international cOIIIIUllity. if. are confielent that you wl1l provide effective leaeler.hip to the work of the Aa.embly. Let me al.e take this opportunit·· to pay tlibute to my compatriot, Major-General Jo••ph Garb8~ Pr••ielent of tha General As.embly et ita forty-fourth se••loll. I congratulate him for a Bucc•••ful tenure anel for briDging honour to our country. May I also thank ths international co~unity and, in particular, Africa for the .upport accoreled Nigeria during the period wo holel the pr••ielency. I commend the efforta and the contribution of the So?retsry-General to the enhancement of the role of our Organisation. Since the last s•••lon our Organ18ation has unelergone positive chaDg.. In it. membership. On behalf of the Government and the people of Nigoria, I wieh again to welcome the Republic of Hamib!a to membership of the United RatioD.. In thia cOllllection, we command the role played by the Organization and the entire international communlty in the attainment of Namibia'. Indep&Ddence. May I also welcome our ne.est Member, Liechtenstein. Similarly, we congratulate the Government anel the people of Yemen for their reunlfication.$ * Mr. By (Seneqa1), Vice-President, took the Chair. (Hr. Aikbomu, Nigeria) In the 81J118 vein, we all10 look forward to the illlllinont and hifttodc reunificatiolll of Gel'll8l'iy. We expect that a united Germany will be accorded a significaDt role within the Organisation. We expect, through these changes, that the United Rations will reflect not only the Dew realities in world affairs, but will also embark on equitable g.oq~a~hical representation at the highest level of the OrgaDisation. Indeede thg time has como for the United Retiolls to he restructured to givG Africa a p.~anent Beat in the Security Council. Other regions equally de.erve considaration. This will give full expression to the universality of our Organisation. Since the last session of our Assembly, new positive trends have emerged in the international political environment. There has been a ne~ universal wave of demccracy. TIla Berlin Wall hail ht/en pulled doVll. Bven more important, in the immediate aftermath of the co14 var, ideological rivalry has hean replaced by increased super-Power co-operation, opening the way to the enhanced relevance of the United RationD in glohal affairs. We CaD only hope that these positive trends vill provide the requisite climate to enable the developing countries to pursue their ohjectiva of d.v.lo~nt iD freedom and peace. Despite ~ese positive tro~d., there are still unresolved questions which may put iD jeopardy the emerging world order baaed OD co-operation. The breach of peace and security in the Gulf, which we have all condenmed, the threat of relllewed conflict in the Middle East anr ~he economic stagnation and dsclin8 in the developing countries, all point to the fact that our optimism should he guarded, and that .ecurity and survival remain the most important questions o~ the international political agenda. The crisis in the Gulf constitutes the greatest threat to international peace and security today. Riqeria believes fl~ly in the non-use of forco in international relations. It is for this rea~on that Rigeria commands the Security (Mr. AikhoDU. ligeria) Council for all the measures it has adopted in dealing with the Iraqi invasion and annezation of Kuwait. Higoria not only Indorees all these ..aaur••, but has also tak.~ atep~ to implement appropriate Security Council reeol"tions. Higeria once again call. on Iraq to pull out, unconditionally, all its forces froM Kuwait. Kuwait is a sovereign nation. Consequently, its territorial integrity cannot and should not be comp~omised. It is gratifying to seo a vibrant and enhanced role for the United Rations in the emerging world order. We hope that this swift and collective response and actioD in the Gulf will be the DO~ in casea of tension for all time. The experience of the developing countries in the 19aO. has Dot borne out the Dotion that sustained growth in the industrialized Horth would serve as AD engine of growth in the South. While the industrialized nations have had about eight years of uninterrupted expansion, the .economies of the vast majority of the countries in the South havo either stagnated or even declined. This emerging dual patte~D in the ecoDomic performan=e of Member State. of the Organization is attributable to many factorD. Some of t~ese factora are the escalating debt burden, th~ sharp fall in COmMOdity prices, protectioni.m, the decline in foreign investment, and the net transfer of resourcas from the aeveloping to the developed nations. It is indeed a fact that the developed countries have Dot pursued or suatai~ed policies that aid the economic growth of developing =ountrie•• The pervasive and deep decline among developing countries in the 1980. indicates that poor domestic economic manAgement i. not the main culprit for their economic woes G as commonly sugglsted. The fact is that the eEternal shocks of the 19808 have had a devastating impact on many of our ecoDomies. Rigeria's plight and ezperieDce is very illustrative. Our 011 export revan~e fell by 75 per cent (Mr' Aikhcum· Rigeda) between 19aO aDd 1986. On the other hand, our ••ternal debt rose from $3.4 billion in 1~7a to '30.7 billion In 1988, 4ue in large ..asure to a sharp rise in interest rates. The combined effects of the.e ••ternally-induced chocts have led to c dramatic reduction in the living standards of our peOpl8. In the period 1989 to 1990 the total debt stoct of all dev~l~piDg countries stood at '1,300 billion. That figure is nearly twice our ezport earnings, with our annual interest obligations currently at about 1100 billion. ADd the debt, of course, is still groving. On our continent, Africa, total debt 8tOCt ros. fzom approximately '48 billion In 1978 to an estiaatea '250 billion in 1909. The effect of this debt burden on sub-Saharan Africa hae btt\tn 4evaata.t1ng. By the end of 1988, sub-Saharan Africu debt waa equal to its gross national product and thr~e and a half time. its ezport earnings. MOst countries in the sub-region have found it impossible to meet debt-servicing obllgationse African countries have had to bear debt-servicing obligations averagiag between 35 per cent to 40 per cent of their ezport earnings, a most punishing burden for such lov-incomG economies to bear. A. a result of the negative net transfer of resources, principally arising from debt-servicing, developing countries have suffered painfUl reductions in income. Consequently, within the decade of the 1980., ai. African countries wore reclas8ified from middle-income to low-iDeo.. econo~i6a. On this ~cale of dimmal economic perfo~aDce, arising from an unfavourable international economic environment 6 the nurber of African countries classified as leeat developed countries increased from 17 to 28. There i. a real fear that this number will increase if present 910bal .conomic policies ere Dot redressed. The Riq8rian delegaton calls OD the major industriali.ed countries to e~ibit the political .ill ne.ded to address and resolve the ~ain _conomic problemo of our (Mr· MkhQ!IU. Ugtda) tt.., particularly the debt problem. !he resolutiOD of the debt probl.. will sigDificutly reduce the perDlcious phellOlHDOD of tJw negative trustor of reaource. &Dd thereb7 re1.aso re.ource. needed for development aDd growth. we recogni.e that .ff.~tive .olutions to the debt probl.. .ust be tho joint responsibility of debtor and creditor countries aa well .s the aultilat.ral financial institutions and th& commercial banks. Recent initlati..s at.e4 at the reduction of the debt stock and debt service are well concoived. However, the•• initiative. ere Dot sufficiently far-re~ch!ag to dee1 with the profound crlsi. that has already wrecked an4 prevented the growth of the econOlli.. of l1AIly 4e'lelopillCJ countries. Kbat is required is co-ordiDate4 and inteasified int.rnatio~al economic co-operation to ad4re.s the ecoDomic proble.s of our ere, a8 wol1 aa the proposal, a40ption and implementation of durable, far-reacbiDg DD4 forward-looking 801utions. We urge the developed nations to d.e to the challenge pos.d by the debt problem. Bffectlve measures should be 4evi.e4 and t.pl...nte4 that would remove the other obstacl.. that illlp04e the rapid econc.ic devttloplleDt of the developing countries. W. know that .. have the u1tiaato re.ponsibility for: our developllOnt. ID thi. regard, we in Hiqeda have Ulbarked OD "'0r r.fom8 AJl4 restructuriDg of our ilconoJly. ID spite of these lIOa8ures, the flow of foreign il1veatrMtnt and capital into our economy has Dot matched our expectations aDd sacrifices. The growth and development of our ecollloDlicts will not reach their full potential without profound structural changes in the global econcaic and finaDcial system• (Mr. AikhollU. Nigeria) aelated to the ~tstiQn of eeono_ie development i. the iasue ef disarmament. In our view, the question of di.a~nt 18 not only restricted to the immediate benefit of the pre.ervation of life, although that is importaDt, but alao to the relationship between d1aal'llBment and development. The disarsnlUlGnt question 18, therefore, tmporttDt in te~a of both military and Don-military security. aecent developments in disarmament negotiations gave us grounds for hope. Unfortunat&ly, this hop~ hos not been justified, and the ezpectations of the "peace dividend" are rapidly receding. An important cOlllpOnent of our common .ecurity must be a binding universal acceptance of the principle of the non-use of force in resolving international dispute.. Such a security aymtem must also involve deep reductions in existiDg global stocks of nuclear and conventional .eapons, armed forces and related expenditure, which are draining the world'. limit&d resources and impoverishing humanity. In our region, Nigeria is proud to b. .ssociated with the various efforts toward. regional peace and security. The turniDg of Africa into a nUclear-free zone, as embodied in the 1964 DeclaratioD of the Org8Dization of African Unity (OAU), remains our goal. Our commitment to the strengthening of peace and aecurity in the South Atlantic region :Ls 80114. W. demonstrated this cOJll'llitment wheD, earlier this year, we ~oste4 the Second Heeting of the States of the Zone of Peaca and Co-operation of the South Atlantic in Abuja, during which concrete decisions OD the practical way. of accelerating the objectives cf the zone were reached. Ife muet preserve our enviroDment. Irreparable damage to our envirolU\\ent will have tragic conseqaeDces for our civilization. Environmental degradation caused by the negative effect5 of :cientific and technological development ha., in many cases, already led to adverse cbange. in the environment. Tbese changes threaten (Mr. "J0on, 11gedA) the life-sustainiD; ecoayst... aDd po.. a daDger to the health aDd ..11-~in9 of mankind. There ia, therefore, aD urg.~t u4 cOllpOll1a.g need for global action to deal with such enyiro~ntal i.su.. as deforestation, deaertlfication, protection of the 080ne layer, aDd _re rational uae of land ad vater re.ources and ..ner91'. Developing countrie. are highly vulnerable to environmental degradation. OwiDg to the low levels of technological developlllGnt, our coutri.s are ill-equipped to deal effectively with the comploz problems of environmental abuse. ConseCJue~.~ly, the developed countrie. bear a special responsibility to prollOte envlroDBentally sound poliet.. that v111 contribute to .u8taiaabl. develoPMent. International develo~nt co-operatio~ for environmental protectlon 8hould be a central tast for this decade. Development co-operation must be based OD re.pect for nationally det.~ine4 goa18 aDd priorities. However, we should Dot be expected to accept development aaal.tance OD terms which aro detrimental to our national development. There ls now BD urgent need for: all countde. to put in place effective standard. for the disposal of toz1c wastes within their own borders. Rlgourous standard. should also be observed for the trams-boundary BOvement of tozlc waste.. Under no conditions should tozic and haaardous waBtea be sent to countries that are technologically incapable of their safe dispoaal. We have recently set up the redural Bnviroamental Protection Agency, because of the importance the Goverament of Higeria attach.s to environmental protection and security. In this rega~d, we look forward to the United Rations Confelrence on Environment and Development, which will tate place iD Braail in 1992. Ruman rights are of cardinal importance. The p~omotlon of the vell-being of the individual, and reapect for and c~aeryance of bia fUD4...~tftl rights are directly related to the progress of the individual and his aociety. We hold the view that, whatever the histo~ical bacEground or the material circumatancea of peopl.s, t:beir civ.U aIl4 political right., 011 thtt OM baD46' u4 tJlelr ecoDOSllc, social a4 cultural rights.. Oil tU other, .e iD4l"lIlibl. u4 iat.rdepoatAellt.. Ro category of right Is _re !IIportut thu the othel'. Gover"llte that ...age ia tile flagr~t violation of tbe rlgbt. of thoir people provoke crlsle, cODflict BD4 ! ••tabUity. Although IlUch ruaiu to be 40. iD tbe .ea of c.,Uuc., tU Unite4 RatiON baa Hea !llpre.sl" !D ••ttlng Iltu4ar48 ia this fiel4. GovenHDta Oil the aH4 to coavelUt a worl4 collfere.c. oa h.-aD rights. P.rait _, Mr. PI'.si4ent6' to affina Oal' support for this call.. Ri~da 1. stl'oagly ca-lttc4 to the pl'1nciple of political plurall... III tills coDMctioa, .. bave C...I&Ce4 t!Mt political tru8ltloa progr... to full c1aIIocrac:y, wIa!eIl will l.d t:o the electioD of a &IIIocratlc C)OYenllODt.. IIl4ee4, the Wr4 ti.1' of 9O"1'_DI: would ba .l.cted ia OtIc"'l' tbJ.. yeai'. The probl. of prOCSuctioD, ."ppl1"" a-u4, trafficki.. ad 41stdbutloD of narcotic 4rwJ8 ls OH of Illcr...illCJ coacon. A ca.preheuive approach is l'ecplr04 to 4eal with thi. probl_. 8014 IUUl aOlAcerte4 IDtenatloDal ad utloaal actioD ilS requir.d. Coa.ecpeDtly, we ha". estali.heel the Ratloul Dnat Law BDf'orc_at Agency to deal with tho probl_. Ife are cOoaOpll'ati149 with other GovanMIltS to .nsure the .ff.cti...... of the casp.igB agalaat drug traffictiag aDd cODaa-ptioa. , One of our: obj.ctl..s ill Africa 1. to proaote peace u4 security. It i. 111 this coat.at that the BcollOMlc C~UDitJ' of treat Africa Stat.. s.at • peac.-k.~piD9 foree to Libel'ia. Our goals Dr. to facilitat. a c••se-fire a.GDg ~ differeat WU'1'11!CJ group., to protect tJw li".. of Liariau aa4 otlutl' utiouls, (~r, Aitbomu, Nigeria) to create stable security cOllditiolls ill the country, and to create an atmosphere cOllducive to the !Ilstalllnq of a democratically elected government. We hope that tha illterllatiollal cOJll1lunity will lJUPPOl"t this peace process. There is a serious refugee problem in th& sUbr&gicll arising from tha Liberian cOllflict. We appeal to the illterllatiollal community for urgellt humanitarian assista~ce. Ke also call for logistic and other related assistance to the ECOWAS MOllitorillg Group (BCOMOG) in its peace-keepillg operatiolls. The situatioll ill southerll Africa remaills of primary cOllcern to my count~y. This year has truly witnessed irnportBllt developmellts ill southerll Africa. These developmellts are a result of our collective and illdividual resolve to eradicate the sc~~,r(;~~'U of apartheid. which dahumanll1es both its victims and its perpetrators allk~. Nigeria, indeed Africa and the entire illterllatiollal community celebrated , the release of Mr. Nelsoll Mandula. We welcome the dialogue betweell the African Hatiollal COllgress of South Africa (ARC) and the Goverumellt of South Africa. Rigeria Ilotes with interest the opellillg of the Natiollal Party to all races. We also welcome the recellt meetillg betweell represelltatives of other political groups withill South Africa. Notwithstandillg these positive ~hanges, we must Ilot forget that the ma'or pillars of apartheid remain illtact. The racist Constitution remaills the basic law ill South Africa. Black South Africans are still victims of oppressioll, of hatred and of direct and inspired racist killings. We urge the illterllatiollal community to mailltaill existillg sanctiolls agaillst South Africa until the establishmellt of a free, Iloll-racial, democratic and undivided South A~rica. The illterllatiollal community cannot accept anything less. (Mr. Aikhomu, Nigeria) The CODSensue Dsc1aratic~ odupted by the General Assembly at its sixteenth special session provides the framework for the peaceful elimination of Dpartheid and the resolution of the crises in sou~ern Africa. Elsevhere in the region, particularly in Anqola and MOzambique, we hope that the different groups involved in civil conflicts vil have recours& to rQgotiations, dialogue and other peaceful means in the resolution of their differences. We shall continue, as in the past, to play our part ~s peace-makers. On Weetern Sahara, Nigeria notss vith satisfactio,d the recent action by the Sec~Jtary-Ga~eralaDd the Security Council. We velco~~ the adoption. of the initial report of th& Secretary-General OD the proposed implementation of the join~ ~AU-United Rationc propoeal for the peaceful settlement of the crisis. We are prepared to play any suitable role in the preposed United NatioDS mission fer the referendum in Wastern Sahara. In other areas of conflict, such as Eampuchea, Central America and Afghanistan, Nigeria vill continue to support and encourage regional and international efforts for attaining peace, security and stability. Nigeria velcomed the recent meeting of the Prime Mini3ters of the two Eoreas. We hope that such contacts will further advance efforts towards peaceful reunificatlon. That is without prejudic0 to the dosire of the Korean people for membership of the United Nations. The question of a homeland for the Palestinian~ 13 at the heart of the Middle East problom. The Palestinians must be allo~ed to enjoy their right to self-determination. !he lessons of the p'a~t and the present show that, as Members of the United Nations committed to t~e rnainteD8DCe of international peace and security, we should never be complacent. The stru991e to achieve peace and security is a Dever-eDdlD~ (Mr. Aikhgmu, NiGeria) one. In spite of the gains resulting primarily from increased super-Power co-operation, recent events show that obstacles remain. !his must compel us to be more vigilant. Politics and economics are interwoven. It is therefore regrettable that the same concern and commitment in global political and security matters have not yet been extended to the economic vell-being of most of the developin9 countries. Africa remains marginalized in the evolving world order. In spite of our best effolts at economic development, poverty has become more widespread in our continent. This, I believe, poses a threat to world peace and security. Nene the less, as we peer into the future we are full of hope. We are confident that we shall reach our collective goal of a peaceful world devoid of man-made injustice. The Govermnent and the people of Nigeria will Dot only dream, but will continue to wort tirelessly for an Africa that is socially at peace, economically developed and politically plural and democratic. To achieve this we ast for the understanding and co-operation of the international community. Indeed, we ast for genuine partnership. We Deed partnership to upro~t the scourge of Apartheid and racism. We need partnership to eliminate end banish large-scale poverty and disea5e. We need partnership to check enviroumental degradation. We need partnership to promote respect for human rights in all their ramifications. ADd we need partnership to advance the process of political democratization OD our continent. Above all, as Members of this Organization, we need to summon the political "ill to increase and sustain the commitment to a humane and just world economic order. Amsembly, 1 thank the Vice-Presidant of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the statel'lKtnt he has ~u8t made. Vice-Admiral Augustu, Aikhomg, Vice-President of the Federa: R§PUblic of Nigeria, was oscorted from the rpstrum. Mr. GUJRA,L (Indiah It b with a deap sense of hirstory that I address the General Assembly at its forty-fifth ses810n, the first since the end of the cold war. The confidence we repose in Mr. Guido de Mazoco provides us with the assurance that this session, under his stewardship, will reach decisions that will strengthen global peace and co-operation and enhance global well-be1rlg. At the very outset let me say how happy I am that the Foreign Minister of the friendly, non-aligned State of Malta is presiding over this session. I must also record our appreciation for the leadership displayed by Major-General Joseph Garha in presiding over the forty-fourth session. 1 also join other Members of the United Nations in welcoming in our midst the nowest Member of the United Rations, Liechtenstein. It gives us special joy also to me. a united Yemen in our midst. Forty-five yea~s ago India was ODe of the relatively small Dumber of States that wore present at the creation of the United Nations. The United Nations was born of a war-shattered world's hop_ that it would be the benign, sometimes stern guardian of a world at peace, committed to peace and co-operation between nations. Unfortunately, the end of the Second World War did Dot bring peace, it brought a long, often icy, cold war. Scores of new nations in Asia and Africa emerged as sovereign States from the crumbling empires of Europe. Tho cold war had a negative impact on the life of those new nations. We in the ~o-called third world remained fir.ly co..ittad to the UDit~d Rations as the only organisation that could usher in a truly world-wid. peace and promote global well-being. The vicissitudes through which th~ United Rations passed did not dimini.h our faith in the Organisation. Me, the nations of the South, have special reaSOD to rejoice at the end of the cold war. India is all the happier because froll the very IIOIlMtnt of it. independence it 80uqht to end the cold ,,~re We joined other nation. to enunciate the principles of non-alignment to protect the independence of new Dations and their right to choo.. for themselve. the tind of international relations they wi.hed to have and the model. of development they wished to adopt. We welcome the collap.. of the cold-war divide. I trust that the cold-war mindframe whi~h took de.p root during the paat CS years will DeW yield to the n6W mindframe of global detente aDd co-operation. An event of epecial importance in this context i. the bninent unificatioD of Germany. This .ill r.fl.ct the fulfilment of the deepest aspirations of the Germara peopl.. ID the D•• Europe which i. emergiug, a UIlited Gemey in the model for••••n by a gr.at SOD ,of G.rmany, Thomas MUD, will be a powerful factor 1u favour of stability and peaceful co-operation. India looks forward to working clo••ly with a UIlited Germany in the caus. of peace u4 pE'~r••s around the world. India always rejected the logic of the cold war and the division of the international cOlM\UD1ty into oppoa1ng blocs. In accordance with our policy of non-alignment. we sought to build up relations of trust and friendship simultaneously with both the Soviet Union and the United States. The replacement of East-West confrontation by a new co-operative approach has greatly facilitated our taak. The past year has. seen a further strengthening of our ties with the great democracy of the United States. With our tilM-teste4 friend. the Soviet Union. we are adding Dew dimeDsions to our friendly co-operation. We hail the historic endeavours of the Soviet people to reshape their political and ecoDomic structures OD the basis of democracy. unity and econoMic efficiency. The United Nations vas a participant in many of the ~DtoUS changes during the year. Ita work in Namibia and Nicaragua provided splendid ezamples of its role. testifying to its renewed relevance and effectiveness in international affairs. A great deal of the credit goes to the United Bations Secretary-General. Mr. Perez de Cuellar. for his patient. prudent. painstaking and imaginative management of the world body. Ne wish him and his colleagues continued success in their undertakings. The Secretary·.GeDeral perceptively observes in his report on the work of the Organisation this years "It has been a wholesome development of recent years that the international discourse hae been aisburdened of ezces.ive ideological or rhetorical baggage. It is far easier to accommodate contentious interests or claims. honestly stated, than to reconcile opposing doctrines. If the De. ROod of pragmatism which has released us from the thraldoll of the cold war i8 to spread all over the world. nations need to shed the vestigial prejudices of former times and couch their dialogue lD te~8 of common .en80 and plain justice." (1./45/1. pft 34) (Mr. Quiral, Ipdia) These are truly wise words spoken at a critical turn of hi.to~. India 'oins the many nations that now wish to 8ee the United Nations emerge as the pivot and fulcrum of internatioDal peace Md security. The Dew effectiveness of the United Rations owes a great daal to the fact that th& 6arlier confrontational relationship between the great Powra gave way to detente, which In turn has led to a ne. collaborative relationship. A co-operative relationship among the ••,01' Powers ia a Dece8sa~, but not a sufficient, condition for true multilaterali... The latter require. the full aDd equal participation of all nations - big and aaall - in the multilateral deci.loD-Dating proc.... The great lasu.. of the day can no longer be clecid.a in the capitals of a few .jor Powers. ne voice of the ..joritl' Bust not only be heard but a180 !Ht re.pect.d. ne democratic principle i. en ••••ntial requlr...nt of a genuinely ~ltilat.ral syatem. Ror CaD the concerns of the deprived aaicrlty of the world'. popUlation be 40nled priority OD the international agDnc1a. The new political pre.tige of the Unit.d Ration. mu.t be compl...nte4 by incr.aGed efficacy in oth.r area., particularly iD the .couomic fie14. Peace and ~.v.lo~nt are clos.ly iDterrelated an4 d•••rve equal att.ntion. In the final uall's18, the .uce••a of the Vaitad Nation. vill be ....ur.a in term. of it. ability to r.flect and ...t the CODcerns of the majority of lItukiDd. Iadia ia gravely concerned at the criei. iD the Gulf regioD. India's poai~ion was, and r...1Da, clear and cODsiat.at. w_ are agaiDlt the am. or thr.at of force ia the settl.ment of difference. ia inter-State relations. Ne firaly oppo.e aggr•••ion. 2b8 criala bas ari.en from the Iraqi lavaaloD of Kuwait. It follo~s that IraCJ muat withdraw it. forc•• frOD Kuwait .a da_404 by ~u Secudty sover.ignty n8t be r.stored. Aay 4ifferoac•• bet.eD the two nelgbboudlUJ Stat.s must be r••olve4 e.cludv.ly through peaceful _ua. ID41a fully ••scribes to &Del (Mr. Gyjral, Ipdia) strictly abides by all th. r.solutions of the Security Council concerning thia cr1sis.. At tJw a.. tiM, we bttll.v. tha'= all efforts Muat be lIa4. to achieve a peac.ful political r.solutioD of the crisis. Th. curr.nt crisis he. 1.4 to the induction of foreign for~.. Into the Gulf r.gl0D. ID the chaDge4 world .Dvlro»MeDt, a pe~Dt for.lgn .111ta~ pr•••nce la Dot de.ir.a by amy COUDt~, DOl' wou14 it bG ia ayoD.'s iatereat. Por a very 10Dg tiM 184i. ha. ..llltaln.a the 1IO.t: coralal ana friendly relatioD. with Kuwait &Il4 IrlUJ. AlIIost 200,000 of our Dation18 who vel'. pr.sent 1. these cOUBtrle. ¥beD the crisl. erupted fOUDa th••••lve. caught up ln its col1so Provl_108 of ••••ntlal foo4 _upplie. for th••• Lla other ianoceDt victt.e froa thlra couatrl.. 1_ a aatter of the high.at t.pDrtaac., fre. the humanltariaa point of vl.., to the a.tire wode! ce-unity. ID "st Aai. ther. ca be DO durable peaco wlthout a ~\ist u4 cQllpreheaB1v• •ettleaeat basea OD the 1.all.DAbl. rights of ~ Pal••tinian people to .elf-aeterMinatioD, a. well ea the rlght of all Stat.s lD the region, Inclual119 Pal.atiDe aDd Israel, to live iD peace ana .ecurlty within lnternatlonally r.cogDi••a bolf4er., 1D aecozodac. with Vuitea .ation. Security COUDcil r••olutioDC 242 (1911) aD4 338 (1173). Isra.l'. attempts to suppr••• the iptifadab or block pr~r... tcwarda a dialogue CaDDot .ucee.d. A Vnitea BatioDs-sponsored international conf.r••ce OD ~ Middle 18.~ .hou14 be convenod at aD early date. India r.aff1r.as its .01i4arity with the peoplo of Cyprue, part of whose couatry I'e.lns under foreign occupation. Ire fully support the 1I0vereiCJllty, unity aa4 territorial iDtogrl~7 of that country. Obetacla. have recently beea thrown up 1n the way of the Secretary-Geaeral's effort. on Cyprus. The Secretary-General d•••rve. the continula; ana full support of the international cORaualty in biB 8.eteavours. so~ of the most hopeful developments during the year relate to southern Africa. Earlier this year va vImly welcomed independent Hamibia into this world body. Developments in South Africa hold out promlao of r'!tal progress. Nelsol1 Nandela, freed after a qvarter of a century behind bars, galvanised the eurrents of peaceful cbange. We v81cc.. the talks initiated betVllen the African National Congress (ANC) aDd the South African Government to clear the way for negotiations on a new nOD-racial constitution. We are concerned, bowever, at the continuing violence in the townships and the involvement of the South Afric&D security forces in the violence. Tbe South African Gov~rnmeDt must urgently deal with the problem, in order to remove this threat to the process of paaceful change. Nbile racism is on the retreat in South Africa, in Fiii a constitution bas been imposed which institutionclizes racial discrimination. The Suva regime flouts internationally accepted principles of democracy and human rights. Its undemocratic and racially discriminatory policies are unacceptable. In the Korean peninsula there have been some encouraging signs of reconciliation and dialogue. W. regar4 the recent historic meetings between the Prime Ministers of ths Democratic People'S Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea as a major step forward. We hope that this process vill be further strengthened In future months. W. support all efforts aimed at the peaceful reunification of Korea. In conformity with the principle of univers&Uty, we further support the aspiratioDs of the Korean people to bo represente4 in the United NatioDs 80 that thoy may actively contribute towards the realisation of the purposes ODd principles of the United Rations • There has been encouraging progress towards a resolution of the Cambodian problem. The recent Jakarta maeting and the decision on the Supremo National Council hold out the promise of an early return to normalcy. A settlement of the problem should fully reflect Cambodia's sovereignty and independence and ensure that its people can exercise their democratic right to determine their own destiny free from foreign interference and intervention. In this process the United Nations can and should play on important role. Myanmar continues to held in thrall by forces unwilling to accept the decision that its people took in the national elections held there in May of this year. We call upon Yangon to accept the people's verdict and work with the latter to establish peace and democracy in that country. Relations with our northern neighbour, the People's Republic of China, have shown a steady and welcome improvement. Both countries have expressed their determination to settle the boundary question through peaceful and friendly consultations and also to develop relations actively in a variety of other fields. In the world where confrontation is giving way to co-operation, friendly co-operation between India and China is all the more important. We have recently had the honour of receiving the President of Afghanistan in India. His presence in our midst reflected the common desire of both our countries to strengthen further the co-operative and friendly relations that have traditionally ezisted between them. We believe that full and faithful implementation of the Geneva Agreements so arduously constructed by the Secretary-General vill restore normalcy, s~~ilize the life and security of the Afghan peoples and also help in furthering the cause of peace and good-neighbourliness in South Asia. We warmly welcome the return of democracy in our neighbouring country, Nepal. Differences that had earlier crept into our relation3 were happily and speedily resolved after the transition in Nepal, thus reflecting the deep aspirations of the two neighbours. With the background of the improved inter-State relationships in South Asia, which have been universally welcomed, I would not have tl'iken the time of this body to talk about the aberration pertaining to the bilateral rel~tions between India and Pakistan. In his address my worthy colleague the Foreign Minister of Pakistan has tried to provoke me into an exchange of polemics on issues that are patently internal to India. May I say I will not oblige him. For more than 8 year~ now Pakistan has nursed and armed terroristic activities in the Indian State of Punjab. This has caused immense human suffet'illlg. Of late Pakistan has chosen to extend those practices to another State of India, Jemmu and Kashmir, again l8sulting in e~t9nsive misery and loss of innocent lives. All efforts on our part to persuade the Government of Pakistan to desist from those activities were first ignored and then rejected. Characteristically, Pakistan denied responsibility and involvement in those acts. Now it is trying to justify them OD the pretext of support to religious fundamentalism. This, representatives will agree, is against the established principles of international law and good-neighbourliness. The Indo-Pakistan Sh!mla Agreement signed in 1972 has fully spelled out those principles, and, despite Pakistan's blatant violation, India has continued its quest to build a wholesome relationship of cordiality and friendship that I know the people of our two countries need and desire. The arms race, support of terrorism end aggressive polemics only add to tensions and create a climate of instability BO much ~ut of place in the contemporary qlobal envirODmente We have recently proposed to Pakistan a set of measures that would induce confidence and co-operation. But, I soy with sadness, Pakistan has chosen to ignore them and to persist in its unacceptable activities. Our two neighbouring countries can have a great future if we respect each other's integrity and unity, and once Pakistan desists from the temptation of interfering in our internal affairs. It is in this spirit that I will not refer to the gross flouting of human rights in Pakistan, particularly in Sind and Baluchistan. To cover up those inhuman acts a duly elected Government has recently been dismissed. But that is Pakistan's i~ternal matter, even thcugh democrats everywhere feel concerned. We believe that regionll organizations have acquired an added relevance and can play an important role in promoting international co-operation. In our region the South Asian Association for Regionll Co-operation is makin9 a most valuable contribution by fostoring a climate of constructive co-operation. We look forward to the steady expansion of its activities, and wo do hope that in the comin9 days Afghanistan and a democratic Myanmar will join that organization to build an era so much needed in cur part of the world. The reordering of Eastern Europe is epoch making. India welcomes that reaffirmation of the democratic apirito The changes in that region have understandably prompted the generous instincts of the industrialized world. We hope that Eastern Europe's integration into the world economy will serve the interests of all nations. We look forward to strengthening our ties of co-operation with those countries. At the same time we also expect that the East-West thaw will not result in depriving the developing world of augmented economic Bssistance. We have yet to harnoss effectively the extraordinary opportunities for the sur.cesa of disa~ament efforts created by the s~epiD9 political changes in Europe and in East-West relations. We loot forward to the conclusion of a STAR7 treaty ADd An agreement on conventional forces in Europe by the end of this year, 8S promised. However, those agreements would not justify complacency on the part of the United Nations or international public opinion, as huge arsenals still remain. There is no underlying commitment to give up the doctrine of auclear deterrence, and avenues for qualitative upgrading of nuclear weapons remain open. Nothing less than a time-bound programme for the elimination of nuclear weapons would sustain a continuous process of deep and substantial reduction until we get rid of the nuclear menace. We also need clear guarantees that the nuclear weapoDs that are phased out will not be replaced by new, advanced weapons. With the end of the cold war we feel that now is the time - and a most opportune one - for the international community to question the validity of theories th&t seek to justify continuation of nuclear weapons. Inter-State relations should be based on co-operation and dialogue instead cf mutual fears and frozen h08tilit~. A new international security order needs to be created to prepare us to move towards a nuclear-weapon-free and non-violent world order outlined within a systemewic, rational and practicable time-frame for achieving those objectives, The positive developments during the past three years since the United Nations Conference on Disermamsnt and Development have only further vindicated the essential premises of that Conference. Now is the time for seriously ezploring the actual ways and means of channelling the peace dividend for the development of the countries of the South that have had to face the adverse economic consequence. of the cost of the unprecedented arms build-up in the past decades. The linkage between disarmament and development should remain in the focus of deliberations during the current session. (Mr. Gujlal, InOia) Three immediate priorities during the coming year pertain to negotiations on a comprehensive test-ban treaty, the speedy conclusion of a chemical-weapons convention and the launchiDg of the second phase of reductiops in strategic ~rms with the purpose of eliminating whole classee of those weapons. All nuclear-weapon States must be involved in the negotiations for nuclear disarmament and ahould be prepared to undertake obligations now. The international community should call upon the Duclear-weapon States to abjure the use of nuclear weapons through AD internatioDal accord OD the non-use of thOS& weapons. Thoss measures, if they are set in motion, would reflect the far-reaching changes in international relations. of wor14 trade and output MS begun to slow d01l1D.. Esternal and fiscal imbalances between the major economies hava continued, agqrav&tinq the uncertainties that face the developing countries. MOnetary instability and higher interest rates have added to the formidable ecunomlc problems of those countries. The int9rnational economic enviroDment has rema:ned inhoapitoble, as protectionism and discriminatory trade practicea, inadequate financial flows, low commodity prices and ezclusion frQm internatioDal economic deciaiofi-making have conspired to make developing countries insecure and vulnerable. As I pointed out earlier, the Ir~q~K~~ait crisis worsened this Gnfeeblement by raising oil prices, interrupting oil supplism and, in qeneral, ~andicapping growth efforts. Nbile new problems have arise~, lonq-standi~q one;, like external debt, continue to constrain development prospects. Some welcome initi&tivea have beeu taken, but they do not appear to be commeDsurate with the magnitude of the problem. Difficulties of many other countries have bgen overlooked so far - pointing to the inescapable need for a comprehensive and durable solution to the debt problem. Such a solution must include anticipatory measures to prevent further proliferation of the problem to countries thQt, despite sorious dlfficultioD, are continuing to service their debts. An internatioDal development strategy for the ~ezt decade is currently beiag 'fonftulated. This period will determine whethar the world carr1e3 over into t.ha tventy-firat century the present legacy of poverty, undardevalopmant and stagnation, or whether it embarks on a more productive era~ aiming at qualitatively highor levels of ~'JU ",elfcro, affording' all countries and all peoples an equitable opportunity tu prosper in a stable end predictable e:ternal snvironmant. This guiding principle of international co-operation should underlie our efforts in all the sectoral areas of 8trategyo I hope that we shall be able to conclude negotiations quictly, so that the internat\onftl community may have before it a coh~rent and i~entif!abla framework of goals and objectives and a consietent set of policy me~sures to which all countries stand committed. Ths North-South dialogue, once nurtured by the international community, has fallen into a etata of neglect. It demerves to be revived. When pol!tic&l co-operation is on the upsving, why should ecoDomic co-operation languieh? The head and the limbs have to function togsther if the b6dy ia to ~ strong. India ha~ traditionally haa the privilege, in this contezt, of working with other cOUDtriea to make a North-South compact r~al &Dd forceful. South-South co-oporation to build up collective self-reliance ia an important asp~ct of international economic growth. The summit, in Kuala Lumpur in June this year, of 15 developing countries, inclUding India, provided significant impetus to this process. Given tho political yill, much more is possible, and much more should be the aim. We are now less than 60 days away from the concluBion of the Uruguay Round. A great deal of ezpe~tatlon haa been aroused in these negotiations. We have been partici~ating in good faith, in the hope that the conclusions will assist in the development of the 6eveloping countries. Despite very severe economic difficulties, many devoloping countries, inuludi~g India, have made offers to the limit of their capability. These offers are not, houever, being reciprocated - particularly the ones in respect of areas to which developing countrie3 attach importance, such as textiles, agriCUlture, tropical products and s&f~guard8. It is difficult to visualize a balanced outcome from the Uruguay Round without substantial progres~ in theae and other areas that are of greateat concern to developing countries. Environmental concerns have - rightly - moved to the top of the international agenda. The United Nations Conference.on Environment and Development, to be held in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992, will be an event of great importance, focusing on the inescapable fact that protection of the environment re~uires acceleration of development in the poorer countries. At the heart of the environmental crisis lies the persistence of wide disparities, in levels of production and consumption, between the developed and the developing countries. ~e very high per capita consumption levels in the industrialized world impose a corresponding strain on global natural resources and thus OD the environment. On the other hand, extreme poverty in the developing countries is itself a cause of environmental degradation. In order simply to survive, poverty-stricken people are forced, for example, to cut down forests for firewood or to overqraze pastures. In the develop!~q countries the environment cannot be protected unless the root cause of ita degradation - namely, poverty - is eradicated. Thus sustainoble development calla for curbs OD extravagant life-styles in affluent countries and for the promotion of economic development in less fortunate areas. I should like to add, as parenthesis, that the call for a change in life-styles in afflusnt societies does not imply a reduction in living standards - indeed, it envisages an improvement in the overall ~uallty of life. It is now accepted that environmental protection re~uires the provision of new and additional funds for developing countries, as well as the transfer of environmentally benign technology to these countries on a preferential basis. Any Dew environmeu.'l:.al regulatory mechanisms should be accompanied, from the outset, by full and adequate provision for fundinq the te'hnology trusfer. This is an absolute requirement for effective action on the environment. In conclumion, I wish to say that the 1ssues of today aro of the utmost !mportanc.. He have left behind a lODg history and have crossed the threshold to another epoch. We have to put our heads and he&rta together to design a world of peace and development. We have to fashion the United RatioDs to reflect the end of the cold war, maJciDq it responsive to the diversity of the world connunity, and representative of world democracy Dd the egual1tr of Bovereign nations. Let the Dew era usher in world peace and a global fabric of co-operation. Let us all work together toward: that noble objective. Mr. AJ)QJ)Q (Togo) (interpretation frOll I'renchh In recent months the world haB been stirred by uplifting events that give UB grounds for believing that mankind has at last - and once and for all - entered a new era of detente and understBD4ing. It aeema that tho comin9 together of Baat and Weat has ushered 1n a n.. order in which relationll between nations .ill conform to la pattern of peace and co-operation. Walla have COJ18 d01m, borders have been opened, and peoples have , , been reunited and, together, are building a ahared future. (Mr. Modo, TogO) The entire comraUllity of peoples has good reason to ..lcOllle this decisive development. It must alllo ac~.pt the fact 'that the certalntielP born of recent events may preve fragile and fleeting in the face of the dangers now mounting again and threatening the peace. Indee4, if we do not manage to prevent war and ease the SUffering of the world's peoples, the technical achievementll on which our century prides itself 110 much "ill be vain achievements, meaninlJ that they are of nc real use for our collective survival. Before I continue, I should like to offer the Presldant my own congratulations and those of the Togoles. delegation OD .:3 election to preside over the General Assembly at its forty-fifth session. Ris thorough kDowledqe of the issues vhirb concern us and the constructive role his country plays in maintaining the peace both augur well for a successful outcome to our work. In guiding the work of the forty-fourth session and the 8p~cia~ t~d&;.on. of the General Assembly on drugs, on §parth.IA aD~ OD internstional econ,~lic co-operation, his predecassor, Ma'or-Genera1 Joseph Garba of Rigeria, carried out his task effectively and usefully, thanks to his highly developed sense of tact, his energy and his commitment. My delegation wishes to honour him a8 he deserves, in keeping with his outstanding talents. We also wish to ~on9ratulat. and thank the Secretary-General for the snergetic way in Which, with that calm, UDllhueable confidence we 80 a&nire, he discharqes his weighty reaponsibil1ties in the s.rvice of poace. '.thanks to his determil2ation and devotion, our Organization has had some remarkable SUC~.8ses and has regained the prestige acd effectiveness it needs for ita mis.ion. Likewise, we warmly welcome the PriD~ipality of Liechtenstein, whose admission to the United RatioDs enlarqe@ the family circle and reinforcea the universality of the Organization. (ME. Modo. logo) The progressive improvement in Eaat-Neat relations ean be eeen today as a determining factor in tho effort to establish a new world equilibrium. It has made possible a successful conclusion of the efforts to achieve reunlfication of the two Germanys, a historic example of the recognition of the right of peoplQS to self-determination. We pay a tribute to Germany, a country which has lIani' ties of friendship and co-operatioD with my Ovll, in the conviction that Germany must and will enhance the peace, stability and pro8perity of the new Europe. The continuing efforts of the two groatest Powers towards chemical and nuclear disarmament and the intensive negotiations within the Conference OD SQcurity and Co-operation In Europe (CSCB) to achieve a balanced reduction of conventional f~ree. in Burope and to develop confidence-building measures are un40Ubtedly essential factors helplng to consolidate international poace and security. Also of great significance are the recent efforts to transform the two main military alliance., the Borth Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Warsaw Pact, into instr"l'Ilents for dialogue and co-orcUnation today an4 fer political co-operation tomorrow. The movements for freedoll and democracy arisiu9 in cur societies aro clear signs of a goneral realisation that some development models and policies are bankrupt. 'lhia change must be organized aDd adapted to suit our Deeds and our real capabilitiee3 the legitimate quest for freedom aD4 democracy has become urgent everywhere, but it shou14 Dot jeopard!.e tho 80cial cohs.lon ana national unity of our countriesc It 13 up to each nation, within the contezt of the internationally recognised requirements, to 4efinG the way. to .D.U~. internal posce vhile participating ill the effort to briDg world peace. • (11[. MOdo, logo) By this I ..an that building societies whlch are -ore 4.-ocratlc and whiCh better respect fUDd...ntal human rights and fre.dc.. should start Dot fre. the simple copying of foreign .cdela but from the historical and .ocio-cultural realities of eaCh State, that is to say, the apec!al genius of each people. b the President of %090, General GnasslDgbe Byad8Ga, 80 rightly Doted, iD his speeCh of 20 June at the sixteenth Franco-African su..it at La Bau18, France. "We .uat keep iD !lind that no one ca 90 aqalnst t.hG will of the people, vho are the sole custodies of power and OD whoa it la not po.dble, without risking failure, to iIIpolle a political ay.tea which runs counter to their d.epeat aspiratioDs. 1'01' if aDy political OptiOIl lIS to be viable od potentially suceessfu1, it .ust be grounded 111 the realiti.s of .ae~ society and be lntegrate4 into the Ilol'llal h1Btodca1 evolution of each count!.'!'''. aignify by uy MIlD. that peace bas beea achievlld ODce _4 for all throughout the world. There are 1lUJ' hotNc!s of te.sion stUl parc1atlDCJ ev.ryvhe:C'e. In Liberia, in the very heart of the Icona.1e C~lty of w.st Africea States (ECOWAS), a trag.dy which cau••• great CODcerD to all 1. tulDg place. My country, restralnt, and, ill a aovlDg appeal dellvered OD 23 August, cal1e4 OD th.. to agre. to u early c.ase-fire, at the aemo time proposiDg that a special BumEit of BCOWAS .hou14 be called with e vie" to proaotl89 a peaceful ud laatlug .ettlement to this fratricidal conflict and bringing about reconci1iatioD of all of that COUDtry'S sons. The conflict lD Mestern Sahara ha. been ROving towar4c a fair an4 lamtlDg ••ttlement slace both partl.. accept.d the ••ttle...t plea put forward OD &Dd the PoUsado Pront ."ast continue to co-opar".te c10s.ly wlth the VIlite4 Rations aDd the OrguIsatioD of African Unity (OAD) with 8 view to establishing an effective ce8se-fire and holding the ~.lf-determiDatioDref&r.ndum. The positive developments in the situation in South Africa are to aome extent the result of the historic consensus reached by the intarnatlonal community at the sixteenth special 8essioD of the General assembly, devoted to the subject of ARArth,id and its Destructive Consequences in Southern Africa. The Dee1aratioD adopted by that important sessioD embodies the categorical end unanimous rejection of APArtheid and highlights the urg3ncy of eradicatIng it once and for all. Togo accla1ms the far-sightedness and sense of rasp9Dsibility of the decislon by the African Rational Congress (ANC) to sUllpend the anae4 .truggl~. It 8lso urges Pre.ident De Klerk to take this historic opportunity to create condItions favouring a wide-ranqiD9 dl&logue among all el.ments of South African society with a view to demolishing the gplrt',14 system quickly and creating a d.~cratic, non-racl&l society. If 8uch conditioBs ar, to obtain, they auat necessarily be preceded by the freeing of all political detainees and by BD end to the violence blacks are sufferIng on a dally basis. The aecession of Namibia to independence and its aa.issloD to the United Ratiolis were sips of the tiMs shoving once again that the United RatioDs had regained its prec;tige ad effectiveneslI. That is why it i. fitting to pay a particular tdbutet to the _D u4 women who, by their courcge, devotion and competence, made it possible for the United RatioDs Tranllition Assistance Group (UNTAG) to carry out its difficult mission successfully. Togo considers it an honour to have taken part iD that mission aDd thereby demoDstrated that it subscribes cOlllp1etely to the noble values and obiectives which guide our Orguhation. The involv...nt of the United Rations in settling the erisia iD Central barica is, to a great extent, the ezpluatlon for the pr09I'&8. aade in applying the peace pIu. draWJl up by the lea4ers of the region. In the Gulf the international community ia today confronted by serious breaches of the rules aDd principlos on which the Charter ia founded. (Mr. Mgdo, Togo) (Mr. Modo, Togq) The invasioD and annezation of Kuwait by Iraq constitute an act of aggression which must be eond8llJ1e4, not only because it contravenes international law but above all because it could ODce again lend respectability to violence and force as means of settling international disputes. In adopting ita reso1utioDs on this subject, the Security Council has fully lived up to it~ primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and has genuinely striven to ensure scrupulous resp~ct for international law. For that reason the Government of Togo fully endorses those resolutions and urges the IraCJi Govermnent to withdraw its troops and to end the occupation and annezation of the 8ov~r.iqn State of Kuwait unconditionally. We call on 511 States in the ~egion and outside it to spare DO efforts to find a peaceful soluticnto the crisis. With regard to the foreseeable disastrous eODseCJuencea of this crisis for the economies of our countries aB & result of large increases in oil prices it is vital for the internatioDa1 community, including both States and financial institutions, to do their utmost to shield the least developed countries from new financial cODstraints whlch would frustrate their development efforts and inflict shocks with incalculable cona.~u.DC.8 OD their societies. A lasting overall settlement of the Cambodian question is also an urgent task, who.. accomplishment should be greatly facilitated by the improvement in East-West relations and the str.ngtheDi~g of confidence in the world Organisation. Recent developments OD this issue clearly indicate a heightened awarene.s of the need to end a conflict which has brought great sufferiDg to the Cambodian people, a people whiCh should DOW b6 able legitimately to exercls8 its right to .elf-dete~inatioD. (Hr. Modo, togo) In Afghanistan, following the departure of foreign troops, tho various partiss will have to engage in negotiatIons in order to restore independence and unity to the Afghan people. 'rhG merger of the two Ye_nil and the upcOiIlill9' UIlification of th. two G.manys should impress on the conscience of the world ths vital need to rectify the mistakes of history by enabling divided peoples to re-establish their cultural and political identity withlD a homogeneous State structure. This conf!~s the importance ~ Government attaches to the reunification of the two Itoreaa as a factor to promote stability in Asia and strengthen international peace and security. For that reason, my Government ardently hopes that the free-circulation ezperiment going on now between the two Eoreas vill be continued and viII herald a genuine thawing in the relatioDs between the two States. The Organi=atlon has made .tremen4ou8 efforts to end the conflict which has torn Lebanon apart fer two decade8. Restoration of peace to that country vUl r.~uir. first and foremost the departure of all foreign forces, whos. preseDce tends to promote the state of war. In the occupied territories of Gasa and the Meat Bank the intransigent positions of the parties concerned continue. to maintain a permanent atmosphere of violence. In this connection, we mate a solemn appeal to all parties concerned to agree to the holding of an international conference under United Rations auspices. The stability of the world dependiJ' Dot 01111' on the improvemeDt of international political relations. It now depGads even more on a fairer sharing (Hr. Adodo. TQgo) of economic prosperity. The burden of the economic crisis by which the world has been beset for two decades ia not borne equally by the wealthy and the poor countrios. The confusion and disarray created by an anachronistic international ecoDomic syst.em based, among other things, OD rules that work to the exclusive a4vantege of the doveloped countries, are genuine obstacles to economic growth development in the developing countries. It is important to note here the particularly critical situation of African countries Which are hit even harder than others by the imbalances of the international economic systom. In order to escape from this state of profound crisis, the African countries have courageously undertaken reforms designed to establish tha political and social conditions required for renewad eeonomic growth through the use, among other things, of Btructural-adjustMent programmes. However, their potential for success is often negated by the collapse of commodity prlcss and hence of ezport earnings, and also, most particularly, by the reduction in real terms of external financial imputs and the increasing burden of debt servic80 It is vital for +he international community as a whole to implement the recommendations of the last United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries. It must strive to create an open and fair trading system, to support the least developed countries' efforts for diversification and economic modernization and to inerease substantially the flovs of financing to those countries. We must urgently resume the North-South dlaloque in a joint effort to find solutions to our common problems, particularly the decline of commodity prices, since a fair return far thsse products is indispensable for the survival of our economies. In this connection, I appeal to all to redouble their efforts to endow the Common Fund for commodities with the means it needs in order to operate effectively. There must also be international actiQn to apply a bQld strategy tQ external debt, placing stress in particular on debt deferral, reductiQn Qf interest rates, eztension of repayment doadlines and the granting Qf assistance consisting substantially of grants or i~terest-free loans. The actions taken by certain donQr CQuntries tQ lighten the debt burden Qf the developing cQuntries, particularly African countries, are praisewQrthy and should be encQuraged. The least developed countries require increased attention and assimtance, in keeping with the Programme of Action adopted by the Second United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, hold at Paris at the beginning of this month. In this connection the intentions stated recently by the leaders of the seven most industrialized countriem at Houston are particularly encouraging, and we hope that they will soon be translated into action. The grave threats to mankind inherent in the accumulation of weapons of all kinds and in the continued existence of certain hotbeds of tension are compounded by the crucial problem of the rapid deterioration of the environment. The deterioration of the ozone layer, deforestation, desertification, marine and river pollution and air pollution hav9 particularly destructive effects the environment all share. Today Climates are unstable, the earth is warming up, and specialists predict future disasters resulting from the melting of the ice-cap, which WQuld cause ca~astroph!c flooding in coastal regions. The same experts also foresee famines and epidemics consequent on those atmospheric disruptions. For that reason, the international community must act resolutely to prevent those evils. Togo attaches crucial importance to environmental problems and has taken measures to protect its fauna and its natural heritage. An environmental code has been adopted, and the Government is enforcing it very strictly. Working together, we have unquestionably made progress in solving sonu of the great issues of international life, but in order to ensure that this progress is irreversible and leads to the emergence of a world purged of fear, violenc~ a·~. injustice, it is essential that we should cODstantly strengthen our commitment to the United Nations. Nothing lasting has ever heen achieved or can be built OD the basis of mistrust or in an atmosphere of violence. Genuine security will be established not through deterrence but through persuasion, and the only weapon for that purpose ls dialogue, a dialogue based OD the ideas and fundamental aspirations ve hold in common, a dialogue aimed at building trust among peoples and peace among individuals. While it 1s true that natio~s are motivated only by their own interests, nevertheless today those interests are increasingly blended into one common objective, that of defending the principles we have set for ourselves, mindful of the shared destiny of peoples and individuals. Today's events demand that we should reassess the beliefs underlying those principles and the determination with which each of us pursues them and strives to ensure that they are respected. We IIU.t rofu.e to be part of the conspiracy of silence and commit ourselves -"", struggle to protect mankind and its environment. Only thus shall we have contributed to ensuring' a better future fot" ,- person ud for all of mankind. %hi PRESIDENt (interpretation from French): I shall now call on those repre.entatives who wish to speak in exercise of the right of reply. May I remind members that, in accordance with decision 34/4Cl of the General As.eably, .tatements made in exercise of tha right of repl~ ~~a limited to 10 .inut.. for the first intervention and five minutes for the second, and should be ..d5 by delegations from their seats. Mr. M!OBN9tIJ) (Iraq\ (interpretation from Arabich I should like to apol09b~ for =paaking at t~d.s late hour. However, I find myself compelled t.) do .0 in reply to the United States representative. At the end of the meeting 78aterday, in his reply to the Fureign Minister of Cuba, he reiterated United State. ~lai.s to the effect that its forces entered the Arab Gulf region at the reque.t of the Saudi Arabian regime. Can the United States represent8tive make public the d~ta11. of that alleged request or agreement? ft. truth of the aaatter ref"tea .uch a claim. It is bElcOmin9 clearer from ODe day to the a_at that the U4ite4 State. has occupied the Arab territories and the holy l.l~~ a!tee at nobody's re~uest but its own and in response to nobody .1•••• wisbe. and or4er.G It has done that in order to occupy the tjf;~dtorie21 of other Statv. !n the region and thus control the oil fields and the ~~~tt~!es of the people of the region in lIne with its own unlawful interests and to serve the well-known {Dter••ts and ~itions of the Zionist movement at the expense of the iat.r••t. of the Arab people and thQ peopl~s of the re9i~D &9 a wholo. The United Statel! acts speak for themselves and reveal from ono day to the next those aggressive ohjectives, foremost amo~g which is the continuea violation by the United States of the Security Council resolutions that the United States itself had formulated and imposed. The United States continues to prevent the delivery of foodstuffs and madical supplies to Iraq in contravention of those resolutions. It imposes a wholesale starvation embargo against the people of Iraq with a view to preventing them from exercising their right to life. This inhuman activity runs counter not only t3 Security Council resolutions, but also to the Charter and the noble aim:J for which it was drawn up. It is a cloar act of aggression. In committing suc~ acts of ftqgress!on against the people of Iraq, the United Statea behaves from the position of the Power that has emerged victorious from the era of the Cold War. Hence it has the right to reap the fruits of its victory under cover of the so-called new international order. Such behaviour very clearly runa counter to the international conSODSUS, that takea its point of departure from the hope that the peat-Cold War era wl11 be one of genuine international accord in which the principle of peace are to be consolidated side by side with the principle of justice. Contrary to this, the United States, through its acts of aggression, selective policies and ~~uble-stan4ards, aborts all such hopes and creates a new era in which the United States and its allies will have the upper hand, being the victors of the post-COld Mar era. Th!e vill not serve the Clause of peace and 'ulStica in any way or shape and will expose the peoples of the third wor14 to grave dangers. Mr. MARKER (Pakistan): The Foreign Minister of India made an eloquent and powerful statement of support for the United Nations. Bis appeal would aae,ume greater credibility if it vere backed by a strict adherence to the resolutions of the United Rations. Pakistan categorically denies any interference in the internal affairs of India. To lend substance to this assertion, Pakistan has proposed the stationing of impartial international observers to monitor, examine and investiqate any accusations of interference. India has, regrettably, rejected this offer. Nevertheless, Pakistan continues to adhere to its principles, and it is hoped that in the ongoing bilateral discussions between the Foreign Secretaries of Pakistan and India some progress will be made in an understanding of this issue. While pleading abstinence on commenting on the internal affairs of Pakistan, the Foreign Minister of India asserted that an elected government had been dismissed. Let me only state that the President of Pakistan acted strictly within the Constitution and that Pakistan has maintained the democratic process through ele~tions that will take place within a month. The Foreign Minister of India mentioned terrorism. This is in fact being practised in Kashmir by the Indian security forces. I do not want to go into details, which have been well documented by international agencies, such as Amnesty International. But there is one quotation from an Indian agency, called the Indian Human Rights Organization, which ~hould suffice. I quote from its report: liThe security forces are being used by the State as instruments of terror as part of a deliberate policy to terrorize the Kashmiri people into submission. It began with a crack-down on the militants and is fast becoming & policy of brutal suppression of the entire Kashmir! people. The people of the valley are now living under virtual military rule. There seems to be a deliberate attempt to make women the primary target of attack by the security forces. The manner in which searches and interrogations are conducted smacks of a planned strategy to break the morale of the people". May I conclude by repeating ~hat the Indian Prime Minister Mr. Jawaharlal Hehru said in his statement to the Indian Constituent Assembly on 25 November 1947: "The issue in Kashmir is whether violence and naked force should decide the future .. or the will of the people." Over the past four decades it should be quite clear to the international community which path the Indian leaders have decided to follow. Mr. GBAREKBAN (India): I shall be brief. India's position onJammu and Kashmir is well known and doos not need repetition. Jammu and Eashmir is an integral part of India and shall continue to remain so despite all Pakistan's attempts at destabilization, involvement in terrorism and subversion. However hard representatives of Pakistan might try to distort the facts, they will not succeed in misleading anyone here or public opinion even in their own country. The meeting rose at 8.45 p,m