A/45/PV.15 General Assembly

9.  GENERAL DEBATE Mr. MUSHQBEK!!A KALIMBA WA KATANA (Zaire) (interpretation from French): Mr. President, the forty-fifth session of the United Nations General Assembly has begun in political and economic circumstances which are particularly alarming for the international community as a whole. Peaceful solutions to all the questions to be considered during your presidency are hoped for. On behalf of the people of Zaire and its President, Marshal Mobutu Sese Seko, I therefore congratulate you on your unanimous election to this important post in our Organization. Your outstanding intellectual and moral ~ualities, coupled with your 10l1g experience as a statesman in Malta, are ~ absolute guarantee of the success of the work of the current 'essioD of the General Assembly~ I assure you that my delegation is fully prepared to make a positive contribution throughout your term of office. I should like, furthermore, to acknowle~ge the praiseworthy work done by your predecessor, Mr. Joseph Garba of the Republic of Nigeria. I feel it my duty to pay (tlE.s MuIh9b9kva Illlmba NI IatUA, b1E.tl) I wara t~ibute to ht. for the progre.. he helped our Organisation to Dake In its constant quest for peace throughout the world and for the dyalDism he displayed throughout hi. t.~ of offlce.* My aelegation wi.hes to pay a well-dsaerve4 tribute to the Secretary-Genaral of our Organisation, Mr. Javier Pere. de Cuellar, for hi. tireleSB efforts OD behalf of international poace and .ecurity, .ffo~t. that are leading to the peaceful ••ttlement of conflicts throughout the world, and to espre.s its great appreciation to him for the out8tandiag DaDDer in which ha has discharged hi. difficult functions as the artisan and corner-atone of our Organisation. Raving eDhence4 its prestige and .een ita ideala triuaph, our OrgaDiaatioa should be proud to count among ita Membera today the new lepublic of 58J11bl1 and the Principality of Liechten.tein. Zaire welce... the pre.eDco of the delegations of the.. two frat.rnal countri.. in our Didst at the current S•••iOD and assure. them of our co-operation" both in the United RatioD. and between our respective cOWltrlell • At a t1lle when a De. "in4 18 blowing throughout the world, briDging hope for democratic renewal in Bestern Europe aa vell 8. in Africa and Latin America and fostering the emergence of a climate of confidence in Bast-We.t and Borth-South relations, the international community is once again factid with I renswal of tension in the Persian Gulf aDd in the Middle Baat which challenges the values" the principles aDd the ruleaof international law calling for the peaceful settlement of disputos. • Mr. Thompson (Fi'i), Vice-President" took the Cheir. (Mr. MushQbepa Kalimba Ha Kataua, bia) The Middl& Ea~t crisis, which, recently, has been marked by the massacre Qf innocent civilians in the occupied Arab territories ef the West Bank and the Gaza Strip - events that fanned the flame of the intifidah - aroused the conscience of the entire world when, on 25 May last, the Security Council was convened in Geneva to consider the situation and to find an appropriate solution. Tension in that part of the world had reached its paak, and nQ one expected tensiQn to break out in an area so close to a ~egion already troubled by the absence of peace and &ecurity since 1945. In the Middle East, I~aq's invasion and illegal occupation of Kuwait are the last straw amd juatify the presence of naval and air forces from othe~ military Powers in dle region. Bat this presence exposes the enti~e region to the risk of an armed contlaqration, probably to a war, whose victims, once again, would be the innocent - women, children and people who, motivated by a spirit of friendship and co-op~ration, came from all parts of the world to make their contribution to the development of that desert region. The entire international community, whose representatives are assembled at this forty-fifth ses8ion of the General Assembly, has been called upon to deal with the crisis and, if possible, to find a peaceful solution. My country will continue to join all peace- and justice-loving membors of the Security Council in the search for a peaceful settlement to the conflict, so that the Kuwaiti people may regain the independence of w~ic~ they ha~e bee~ robbed and its sovereignty as a Member of ,.. this Organization• At the same time, we must deal with the question of Palestine, which is the . crux of the Middle East conflict. We must see to it that Se~"~lty Council resQlutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) are implemented in an effective manner, as those resolutions define the conditions fo~ the establishment of a just and lastinq (Mr. Mushobepa "aHmba Wa Katan§• .b.:im) peace in the Middle East - namely, the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force or by war; the withdrawal of tsraeli armed forces from Arab territories occupied since 1967; the termination of all belligerency; respect for, and recognition of, the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of every State in the area, and its right to live in peace within secure and recognized borders free from threats or acts of force; and the necessity for achieving a just settlement of the refugee problem and for guaranteeing the territorial inviolability and political independence of every State in the area. The Security Council, in resolution 338 (1973), decided that negotiations between the ~arti~s to the fighting in the Middle East should begin immediately, but these people continue to oppose any spirit of dialogue and negotiation. Thus, it is incumbent on the international community to bring about between the p~otagonists a disposition for peace and discussion, all the while overcoming psychological, historical, legal and other obstacles. Certainly my delegation is convinced that peace requires, first and foremost, justice and equality for the Arab people of Palestine, who, like the people of Israel, have a right to a homelaDd and a State. This has long been understood by the United Nationo General Assembly, which, on 29 No·"ember 1947, laid down the principles for a Jewish State and for a Palestinian Arab State by adopting resolution 181 (IX), which contained the Plan of Partition of Palestine. Zaire places its hope in the United Nationa, which, within the scope of its historic responsibilities, gave a State to the Jews of the Diaspora and decided ~n the creation of a Palestinian Ar,ab State, which it must now succeed in setting up. Similarly, the international ~~atus of Jerusalem must be safequarded in accordance with the relevant resolution~ of the General Assembly. (Mr. MushobekwA Jalimha Wa KatDDa, ~) As for Lebanon, my delegation believes that the General Assembly should constantly follow developments in that country and, in this regard, adopt a firm position - one that would preserve the territorial integrity, unity and sovereignty of the country, so that an end might be put t~ all external interference and foreign military presence in that State which is a Member of the United Nations. Zaire will work to promote co-operation with Arab countries in the context of South-South relations. Asia, which continues to see tension in Afghanistan, in Cambodia and in the relations betwsen the two Koreas, in spite of the withdrawal of Soviet forces from Afghanistan and the "uounced, but not yet verified, withdrawal of Vietnamese forces from C&~odia, seems to be bogged down in talks, which have not yet led to substantial progress. Indeed, in Afghanistan the conditions of peace that should encourage the return of Afghan refugees, primarily from Pakistan, have not yet been brought about. In Cambodia, the political factions, which met at the initiative of the countries of the Association of South-East Asian Nations, as well as in Paris with the co-operation of the permanent members of the Security Council, have not yet managed to achieve satisfactory progress towards the establishment of a democratic State, unified and within the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. We welcome also the unification of the two Yemens and, 8S of 3 October 1990, of the two Germanys. This new era of unification should extend to the two Eoreas, whose absence from the United Nations has been a handicap. It has been observed that the United Nations framework enabled both the two Germanys and the two Yemens to embark on fruitful contacts, which were the basis for the negotiations leading to the accords that we all welcome. Therefore my delegation is of the view that (Mr. Mushobekwa Kalimba Wo Katana.. bill) admission of the two Xoreas to the United Nations, in whatever way they choose, would be likely to accelerate the process of negotiations towards unification. This year 1990 - has been a historic one for Africa. Important events have marked the political life of the continent after 30 years of independence for most of its countries. The freeing of Nelson Mandela, after 27 years of illegal detention in South African prisons, the independence of Namibia, obtained at the cost of great loss of human life, the victorious struggle waged by the South West Africa People's Organization, which the international community supported in every possible way, and, finally, the democratization process that gave pride of place to a multi-party system in many countries, including my own, illustrate that 1990 has been a political turning-point for Africa as a whole. There is no doubt that an unprecedented economic recession, compounded by the weight of external indebtedness, has characterized the African economy, in spite of the praiseworthy efforts made by a substantial number of African Governments in the framework of structural adjustment and of agreements with the International Monetary Fund. The progress that has been achieved in the political sphere has, however, met the hopes of the African peoples. Indeed, the political changes currently under way in Africa, with a view to the increased democratization of its institutions, are justified, on one hand, by a wave of· democratic renewal, which has swept over the countries of Eastern Europe, and, on the other hand, by the dete~ination of African peoples to enter into a new period of democracy in which the participation of all Africans in the management of public affairs will be increased. (Hr. MushobekwA ltal1mba !faX§.tapa, bia) In Zaire, specific action has been taken, after broad consultations of the population, conducted by the Bead of State, to advance towards democratic reforms, which should lead towards the Third Republic. It was solely the political will of the Zairian people that underlay the adoption of a multi-party system; no foreign State brought any pressure whatsoever to bear. This new path chosen by the Zairian people can in no wise be interpreted as being the result of any concession made in order to obtain additional official development aid; the decision was taken by the Zairian people itself. It should be stated in this regard that no linkage should be attempted betweon aid and democracy in Africa, for that might draw the economic, trading and co-operation relations between Africa and its foroigu partners into a new style of international relations, one based on diktat. At this point I should like to appeal to the international comrnunity: all peace-loving and JUBtice-loving States should show their solidarity and increase their co-operation with African States, so that Africa will not be marginalized, to the advantage of other regions of the world, at a time when all African States want to make fundamental changes in the political and economic orders in their countries. In ~outhern Africa, the granting of independence to Namibia on 21 March, which expanded the frontiers of freedom in Africa, was cause for justifiable pride for the whole continent. The South West Africa People·s Organization (SWAPO) won the elections in Namibia by democratic means and raised to the highest position in the land a valiant 80n of Africa, the uncontested leader of SWAPO, now the first President of the Republic of Namibia, Mr. Sam Nujoma. On behalf of the Zairien Government and people, I should like to pay a resounding tribute to him and to our brothers, the people of Namibia, for having overcome the illeg51 occupation of Namibia and freed their country from the colonial yoke. (Hr. MushoboJcwa Kalimba Wo !Catana, JAim) Bordering this new independent State, there are new political developments under way since the accession to power of President De Klerk and the freeing on 11 February of Nelson Mandala, a worthy and distinguished son of Africa who embodies in his own person the struggle against racial discrimination, racism and apartheid. The steps taken so far by President De Klerk are, in our view, a prelude to the radical changes which must be made towards the total dismantling of apartheid in South Africa. Zaire wishes to reaffirm its solidarity with the oppressed people of South Africa and give assurance of its total support in this crucial phase of the struggle. Zaire stands beside that indomitable fighter for the freedom and equality of peoples, Nelson Mandela, and pays him a well-deserved tribute for his courage, far-sightedness and UDselfishnessq which will leave BD indelible mark on the history of his country. Zaire will support any action the General Assembly may plan with a view to speeding up the effective implementation of the D~claration adopted by the General Assembly at its sixteenth special session, devoted to apartheid. My country believes in dialogue, and particularly in the one which has just been launched by President De !Clerk ~d the Vice-President of the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC), Nelson Mandela, between the two communities in South Africa, white and black, a dialogue which should lead to the total eradication of AeArtheid and the advent of a democratic and Don-racial society in South Africa. The recent confrontations which have pitted blacks against each other should end, and in their place there should be coherent, co-ordinated and well-orchestrated action by the black leaders round the flag of an undisputed leader able to represent the black community as a whole in the negotiations which have now begun. (Mr. Mushobebra ltaHmbD !fa ItHua, 1Alm) In northern Africa, more specifically in Western Sahara, the Secretary-General is continuing his efforts, which we firmly support, for the ho1dinq of a referendUl'Q there. My delegation wishes the Secretary-General complete success in achieving that objective. If there is one area whIch is closely bound up with the economic &nd social development of third-world countries, it is disarmament. General and complete disarmament, as it is construed in the Declaration of the tenth special session of the General Assembly, devoted to disarmament, no longer seems merely an ideal to be pursued by Member States thanks to the relaxation in international relations between East anel ifeac that began in Washington on 7 December 1987, when the United States of America and the Soviet Union signed the Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-Rango and Shorter-Range Missiles, which was ratified in June 1988. In the area of multilateral negotiations, tangible results have been achieved in the area of chemical weapons, and we understand that the draft convention prohibiting the production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons i. to be finalised by the Conference on Disa~ament at Geneva in the near future. We all know that the eighteenth special seasioD of the General Assembly, held in Nev York between 16 and 20 April of this year, devoted to international economic co-operation and, in particular, to revitalising growth and development in the developing countries, challengod the international community when it declared thata "In an 1ncreaBiDgly int.rdependent world, the developing countries should play an important role in the growth and expansion of the world ecoDomy for the progress anC! prosperity of all peoples." (&/8-18/1:1, p. 5. parOL .3.) (Hr. MUabobekwa Iplimba"~ ltotMD, lAiD) It also asked Member States to be prepared, in a ne. spirit of solidarity, to demonstrate a new will to act at the internatlon&l level in aD integrated maDDer in order to improve the international economic environment and to speed the expansion of the world economy and the economic growth of the developing cOUDtrie~. In the face of the internal and external factors which hinder development in under-equipped countries, my delegation believes that the establishment by the international community of a consistent investment policy in the developing countries could increase their productive capacity and help them, through increased exports, to obtain more substantial currency resources for financing their own development and for paying off their external dabtm, In tibia way, the climate of confidence created by the demccrati.aUon process which has begun in.most third-world countries could turn out to be a factor of fundamental importance in promoting North-South relations end could encourage the release of new technologies to benefit thoso countries, in the form of partnerships or joint ventures. In dealing with the debt issue, it ahould be pointed out that the management of public and private indebtedness haa been made mars difficult by the extreme instability of interest. and exchange rates. In the face of that instability, tho financial markets have developed a number of techniques, first called the Baker Plan and later the Brady Plan, to enable debto~s to defer payments, reduce coats and dec~eas. the likelihood of unpleasant aurpri••s caused by changes in interest and exchange rates. (Hr. Mushobskwa Kalimba Wa latona, .bill) The Baker Plan, which vas basad on the hypothesis of more rapid economic growth to enable debtor countries to solve their indebtedness problems, did not bear fruit for the simple reason that it vas based on the low export earnings of the debtor countries in international markets caused especially by protectionist measures and the reduction in direct investment flows, not to speak of stagnation and external assistance, which led to a slowing down of economic growth rates and even to negative growth rates in many cases. Our appeal for investment is thus largely justified by this analysis: by the end of 1989, the total indebtedness of all the developing countries had reached $1.290 billion, of which $264 billion was African. With a view to finding some grounds for understanding in dealing with the environment and development, we should mention a graver threat to our planet, the risk of the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere causing a greenhouse effect. An increase in the planet's average temperature will lead to a change in ra1nfall levels and a deterioration in crop conditions in the major temperate and grain-producing areas. In this respect, my country joined in the Hague Declaration on the der'9tion of the ozune layer and on etmospheric pollution and climate change. It supports the developmGnt of a framework convention in order to preserve our planet and the future of mankind. Zaire, which has 47 per cent of Africa's tropical forests within its territory, is helping to protect the natural environment by increasing to 15 per cent of its territory the protected reserves where rare species such as the otapi, the white rhinoceros and the gorilla live in full freedom. As one of the countries that initiated the World Charter for Nature, Zaire has set up a national committee to follow up on the preparatory work of the United Natio~s Conference on Environment and Development to be held in Brazil in 1992. Furthermore, Zaire supports the proposal to strengthen the role of the United Nations Environment Programme. The Programme's impact can only be more visible with the creation of subrsgional representation and with participation at the grassroots level in the world effort to protect the environment. Last weekend the World Summit for Children gave special attention to the needs and protection of children and the consideration that should be given to every child in the world. My delegation fully agrees with the principle that every child has the right to ~njoy all the rights recognized and guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights without any distinction as to race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political views or other opinions, and without any such distinction with regard to a child's parents or legal guardian. That is why my country duly appreciates the World Summit of Heads of State and Government just held at the Headquarters of the Organization with a view to expressing most solemnly the F,upport of all nations for respect for children's rights. It should be pointed out that the Convention on the Rights of the Child was signed by my country, which has already ratified it. In conclusion, I reaffi~ on behalf of my delegation, and on my own behalf, the dedication of my country, Zaire, to the principle of the sovereign equality of Member States as laid down in the United Nations Charter. There is no need here perhaps to recall once aqain that pursuant to the Charter of our Organization Member States have proclaimed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in equal rights for men and women, and have declared themselves resolved to foster soc~al progress and to establish better living conditions in greater freedom. (Mr. Mushobekwa KalimhA Ha Katana, 1A.ktl) ~alre intends to continue its active participation in the activities of the United Nations, whose role would seem to be decisive in th~ area of international peace and security. As a member of the Security Council and of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, Zaire will spare no effort to bring about the triumph of right, juatice, equity and equality, all of which underpin any activity of our Organization to safeguard peace throughout the world. The enco,lraging results of the efforts of all mankinc2 shov that, given the concern and determiaation of all, international peace and security can be maintained. A positive overview, however minimal, makes us optimistic for the future. May this forty-fifth session help to increase such optimism. Mr. SANI BAlO (Niger) (interpretation from Prench)1 Por my delegation and for myself it is a pleas~re to see Mr. Guido de Marco of Malta presiding over the work of this forty-fifth session of the General Assembly. We congratulate him moat warmly. We want bim to be assured that in the performance of his duties ha will enjoy the full co-operation of the deleqation of Niger. We are confident that under his distinguished guidance our work viII be successful to a degree commensurate with the high hopes of our peoples individually and collectively. Bis predecessor, General Joseph N. Garba of Nigeria, acquitted himself of his duties in a praiseworthy mannQr during e particularly busy year in which the General Assembly met three times in special session. Ne sincerely congratulate him on his brilliant accomplishments. To the Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, I wish once again to extend the cordial greetings of General Ali Saibou, Presidont of the Republic of Niger, and his unreserved support for his action in the service of world peace and international co-operation. Some days ago, at the opening of this session, the Assembly welcomed into its midst the Principality of Liechtenltei~ as the 160th Member of the United Nations. We welcome its admission because we are already certain Liechtenstein will make a valuable contributioD to the common endeavou~c of our nations in the service of peace and of progress. Last year from this rostrum many distinguiahed persons from around the world quite ri9htly welcomed the emergence of a Dew era of dialogue and international understanding born of the improving Climate between the super-Povsrs. The atmosphere of detente and co-operation haD heon maintained and indeed strengthened, as could be seen - until a few weeke ago - frem the growing calm and progress towards the settlement of several regional conflicts, the persistence and worsening of which had for 10D9 years marked international relations at tbie end of the twentieth century. (Mr. BaG. Rigor) It seemed that a new vision of the world and international relations, based on confidence.. mutual respect and faith in the future, was replacing the atmosphere of confrontation and mistrust of the post-war period. But recent events in the Gulf have cruelly reminded us that peace is, after all, precarious and fragile, because it can be won by man's wise conduct of affairs or lost by mad behaviour. Iraq's invasion on 2 Auqust last and then annezation of the free and Bovereign Islamic and non-aligned State of Kuwait, is in every respect inadmissible behaviour that violates the most basic provisions of the Charters of the United Nations, the Orqanization of the Islamic Conference and the Leaque of Arab States, of which both countries are members. Such actioDs run counter to all the rules of international law, good-neiqhbourlinsss and non-resort to the use or threat of force in relations between States, and respect for the national sovereignty and territorial inteqrity and have brouqht about a situation that today poses the qrave threat of a conflict of incalculable consequences. Such behaviour is inadmissible. It was only natural that it should have qiven rise to our indignation, our condemnation and our unequivocal demand for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Iraqi a~ed forces from Kuwaiti territory and the rightful return of the Government of Sheikh Jaber Al-Amad ,Al~Sabah. That had to be sald with clarity and firmness by the Security Council, as it did not fail to do with promptness and d3termination, but above all ~lth the unprecedented unanimity of its memDers. For Nlqer.. it ls not a matter of takinq sides with one country against another, or A-{Qrticr1 takinq sides with ~n. camp aqainst another, or one hemisphere aqainst another. It is a matter of simply but firmly recoguizin9 that in this unfortunate affair there ha. been a violation of law and ~e sacred principlos of international morality and the conduct of Stat.. have been flouted. (Mr, BUo, Riger,) We must unequivocably reaffi~ the primacy of law in international relations and the obligation of all States, la~ge and small, powerful and weak, scrupulously to obsQrve it in all circumstances, come wbat may. Indeed, what would become of our world if ODe State, by virtue of it~ strength and power, could do away with anothe~ with impunitYI if a State, by virtue of its strength and power, could, from one day to the next, decide the fate of another and bring to an end its very ,existence as an independent and sovereign State? The international community's unanimous condemnation of Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait is encouraging and healthy, for it provides clear evidence that the nations of the world still hold to the sacred values of universal civilization and that the foundations of the international legal order are still ver". sound. The demand for Iraq's total, immediate awd unconditional withdrawal from Xuwait, for the restoration of Kuwait's national sovereignty and ter~it~'"~ \ integrity, for the immediate release of all foreigners held against their will in Iraq and Kuwait and for Iraq's ceusation of threats against and intimidation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the other neighbouring States - all are, for my Government, indispensable pre-conditions for a peaceful solution to this conflict. That is why we once again address an urgent appeal both to Iraq and to all the parties involved to show restraint and wisdom, to work diligently to find an honourable political and diplot"o;itic solution, and to be courageous in their efforts to forestall the threat of an armed confrontation whose consequences under present circumstances would be disastrous, Dot only for the countries ef the region but for mankind as a whole. Indeed, all countries and regions of the world are already ezperiencing the adverse consequences of this crisis. Oil producers~ oil ezporters, developed countries, and developing countries especially, will pay dearly the already (Mr. vato, Nign) unacceptable bill of a new oil shoct. Hence it is O\'lr common duty to work t0gethsr~ pe~cefully and reaolutely, to bring about the speedy end of the Gulf crisis. The crisis has somewhat eclipsed other issues, other conflicts, other t~age4ies which, with equal urgency, call for the collective and responsihle attention of our States. Indeed, at a time when events in the Gulf continU5 to m~te headlines world "ide, there is a true human tragedy taking place in Africa - in Liberia, which is ravaged by civil war. The bloody clashes between factions which have been inflicted for several months now upon the population of this country on the verge of disintegration merit closer attention by African leaders and the international community~ just as the physical and moral sUfferiDgs of thG Liberian people require urgent humauitarian action. Despite the dramatic turn of events in Liberia in recent weeks, Niqer believes that everything must be done - and it can be done - to restore peace and unity to that country. We hope that the next extraordinary summit meeting of the Economic Community of West African Statas (ZCOWAS) will find a salutary solution to this question. In April this year, on the occasion of the eighteenth special session of the General Assembly, devoted to international economic co-operation, our Assembly welcomed to its midst the newly independent Republic of Namibia~ which thus took its place among the free nations of the world after a long national liberation struggle and thants to the courageous and judicious action of the United N&tlon~ and its Secretary-General and of the entire international community. I hail and once again con~ratulate our Ncmibian brothers and assure them of the full and complete solidarity of Nigar. The world also welcomed the release of Nelson Mandela after 27 ye~rs of imprisoDme~t. These achievements of the struggle of the peoples of southern Africa (Mr. Bako, Riger) and the valiant South African people are commensurate with the sacrifices they have made; commensurate with the determination of their commitment. Above all, they constitute grounds for continuing and intensifying the pressure being exerted upon t~e apartheid regime~ Of course, the South African Government, under the pressure of the valiant fightinq fo~ces and the international community, is trying to limit the damage by putting into place superficial ~eforms and changes that do not fundamentally unde~ine the leartheid system. But it is not reform of apartheid, or a softened APartheid with a human face that the black majority of South Africa needs. APartheid - it can never be said too often - must disappear; it must be quite simply abolished. The measures adopted by President De Klerk, positive though they may be, are entirely inadequate. They should not lead us to relax our efforts but rather to increase the pressure and the sanctions until the minority racist Gove~nmsnt resolutely and irreversibly commits itself to introduciDg a democratic and non-racial society in South Africa. And here we wi~~ once again to affirm our solidarity with the oppressed people of South Afri~a and its vanguard organizations, the African National Congress of South Africa (ARC) and the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), and with the front-line States, whose sacrifices have been enormous and contributions invaluable, and, indeed, with all the peoples of southern Africa. In this regard, we welcome the significant progress made in the search for a true peace in MozBmbique and for national reconciliation between our Angolan brothers. The goodwill that has been aeAD recently between the protagonists in these conflicts should be consolidated in order to acceler&te and make irreversible the movement towards peace, a peace that these peoples so Borely Deed in order to devote themselves to the much more pressing and demanding tasks of national reconstruction and oconomic and social development. With regard to intra-African conflicts, the same situations as last year still prevail and persist. (Mr, Bato, Niger) (Mr. Bak0' Biger) In Western Sahara, we welcome the patient efforts of the Secreta~-General, whose settlement plan received the blessing of the Security Council, when it adopted the plall 0111 27 June this year. We resolutely support that plan, whoso principal aim is to 9Dable the Organization to hold a referendum on self-determination and to establish lasting peace and stability in the reqion. The secretary-General's efforts, in close correlation with those of the current Chairman cf the Organization of African Unity (OAU), should be strengthened and maintained now more than ever before. Tbe process between Chad and Libya launched on 31 August 1989 in Algiers 8seme t~ be continuing and becoming stronger, as the results of the recent meeting in Casablanca prove. Biger welcome:: this development, which is encouraging in all respects, and appeals to both sides to turn their bacts once and for all on confrontation and take the read of fraternal and constructive dialogue - the only way to bring understanding and peace to that subregion. We are deeply concerned at the painful conflict that for a year now has pitted two brother countries, Senegal and Mauritania, against each other. Riger, a member of the Inter-Ministerial Mediation Commission of the OAD, maintains excellent relations of friendship and brotherhood with both countries on the ,ilateral level and through our ties in various subregional co-operation institutions, and Is following developments very closely. We are convinced that Senegal and Mauritania can reach aD understanding and overcome this unfortunate dispute between them so that they can once again live together in the brotherhood, solidarity and good-neighbourliness that always characterised their relations in the past. That is why we again address an earnest appeal to both parties to maintain their attitude of seeking peace and to mhow that they are open to dialogue. The Organisation of African Unity, through the activities of the Inter-Ministerial (Mr. Bako, Riger) Mediation Commission, invites them to do so and expresses its fervent hope for rapid normaliaation and a final settlement of the conflict. We rejoice that it is now almost two years since peace was restored between Iraq and Iran aft~r eight years of fratricidal var, and that Security Council resolution 598 (1987) provided the fram6work, the basis and the driving force of the cease-fire and the settlement of that conflict. We hope that this desire for peace will prevail elsewhere as well. May it also prevail with regard to the tragedies of all kind~ that the heroic people of Palestine continues to endure. For nearly three years now the Palestinian people has pursued its sacred intifadah - launched exactly 1,000 days ago - while Israel, with impunity, goes about modifyinq the sociological and demographic structure of the occupied Arab territories by settling massive numbers of Jews displaced from the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, and in this ~~ i~ following the classic pattern of colonial settlement. The internationr.2. nO~'i!1Wlity should ezert unrelenting pressure upon Israel to withdraw from all the occupied Arab territories, to free Al-Qude Al-Sharif and to recognize the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to a homeland. Niger continues to urge the convening without delay or useless manoeuvrinq of an international peace conference under the auspices of the United Nations with the participation of all the parties to the Arab-Israeli conflict, inclUding the Palestine Liberation Organization, the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. The conference would endeavour to settle once and for all, on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), all aspects of this long and painfUl conflict. There ie now a ql1mmer of hope in Lebanon. Some progresf' seems to be tllking place in bringing' that country security, stability, unity and territorial (Mr. Bato, Bigor) integrity. Niger hails the courage and dete~iDation that have made possible the achievement of the Taif agresments and the continued work of the Tripartite Arab Commission, which must overcome the difficulties and obstacles that face it ~d succeed in its mission of restoring the peace, tranquillity ana reconciliation so sorely needed by all the peeple of Lebanon. Last year at this rostrum we welcomed the conclusion of the Geneva Agreement that made possible the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan which has now taken place. But we note that clashes between Afghan brothers continue, leaving countless victims and inflicting indescribable SUffering upon that ~aliant people. ~at is Why we are following with great attention the tireless effortm of the Secretary-General, through his Special Representative, to achieve a final solution to the Afghan conflict. 'Similarly, we are observing with all the interest that befits our deep friendship for Cambodia the developments taking place there. The international community welcomed the decision to withdraw Vietnamese troops from that country. Even if tt~ international Conference held in Paris from 30 July to 30 August 1989 did not fulfil all the hopes placed in it, it at least enabled the protagonists in the Kampuchean case to meet, to speak to each other and to set a new direction. The framework agreement on the Cambodian question concluded on 28 August 1990 between the five permament members of the Security Council is a decisive turning-point. It entrasts important responsibilities to the United Nations and its Secretary-General and generates a Dew dynamic, which we must hope will lead to a compreho~8ive political agre.~.Dt tDat will ~ri~g true and lasting peace. We are closely following the developmgDt of the situation OD the Korean peninsula. Tbe aspirations of the Korean nation to peaceful reunification are stronqer today than ever before OD both sides of the Panmunjom demilita~i~8d sone. Ke are pleased to Dote that fer the first time in the turbulent history of (Mr. BDkoc liger) inter-Korean relations, direct talks between the two parties at a high political level recently took place and are to continue. At a t~ vhen centripetal forces are dominating inter-State relations and when the dynaaic toward unification iD gaining ground against old divisions - as illustrated by the reunlficatlon of the two Yemens that has already taken place and the reunification of the two Ger,aanys that is about to take place - it is encouraging to note the .fforts exerted by the authorities of lorth and South Korea. The.e efforts de••rve the bles8iug and support of the international community. In Cyprus, we Dote that talks between the Gr.et aDd Turkish communities on the island have entered a nev phase, in particular with proposals for the creatioD of a f.deration compos.d of two regions, on. administered by the Turtiah Cypriot cOI'llrlUDity and the other by the Greek Cypriot COIIIiIWlity. This is certainly a historic tine for Central America, with a renewed diplomatic dynamic set ln motion by the five Central AaaricaD Pr.sid.nte. The signature and implementation of the Zsquipulas Agr....nta trUly opeDed up the vay to the quest for a just solution to the Central American crlais. He re.a1D confident that the genius of the peoples of that region and the courago aDd Dense of responsibility of their leadera will onable theM to find the ..ans to reach the true and lasting peace their peoples need. Th.y descrve our full support and they may be assured that Bigor encourages them in their efforts. The end of the cold var and the thaw in Bast-M.at relations have mad. possible ever-more-freguent recourse to negotiated solutions to dispute. between States. The new type of rolatioDs between the United States and the Soviet Union aDd the vhole international legal order with respect to disa~"Dt - treaties, conventioDs and agreements - are mating the a~s race increasingly obsolete. !he world is going through a period of detente and undorsteadin9 of which vs must tate advantage (Hr. Boto. Rigor) in o1'der to bring dOWD even the lIO.t 80li4 barriera and do away with even the lIOat tenacioua tabooa in ~nt aatter., in order to achieve aiaultanoously conventional, nucl~ar aDd cho.ical di8a~nt. I sai4 last year frOll thla ro.tna that the auniva:!. of lIeDtil1d 18 our conaon re.pon81bility aDd requires that .. avoid a nuclear diaaster, which resolna a possibility. It 1a certainly frustrating, we aald, to note the state of the world ad the eaistonce of the stdklnq, not to aay tho revoltiDg, paradoz of the ezponentlal growth of military budgotc and arsenAla, 011 the one heDd, and th~ poverty an4 chronic raiaery of the lIajority 1')f the people of the world, on the other. That i. why, in Rig8f, wo attach tho great.st importaDce to the link between di.arraaMeDt and development, and to thQ establishment of reliable end operational ..chinery to chauel disal'lUlMDt c!1videl148 towards developaHnt. 1thlle international detente is viewed a. an urgent requirement for safeguarding, maintainiDg and streugthenlaq world peaee, we auat note the strange parodoz that the world ecollomic situation continues illezorably to deteriorate. (Mr. Beko, Rigor) The victims of that situation are to be found primarily in Africa, Asia, Latin America aud the Caribbean, ~ll of them reglons confronted with the tragedies of famin~, poverty, illiteracy, disease, natural disasters, desertification and locust infestation. Aa survival societies, with disintegrated and dislocated economies ravaged by continuing crises, marginalized and increasingly excluded from world trade and international decision-mating processes, the developing countries are increasingly reduced to muddling through from day to day. Of course, for a time we had nourished some hope. For example, there was the eighteenth special se.sion, devoted to international economic co-operation and particularly to the revitalization and economic growth of developing countries, held here last April, there was the Second United Rations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, which took place a few days ago in Paris, there was the fourth Lome Convention betwsen the countries of the European Community and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries' and there was the international development 3trategy for the fourth United NatioDs development decade, and there is also the eighth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, scheduled for 1991. All these initiatives are justified ID themselves because the growth and prosperity which can be seen in the economies of the North are in stark contrast wi~ the deterioration of the ecoDomiem of the South. A marked imbalance dominates the situation with r8gard to exchanges between those two hemispheres, of which one grows richer.whl1e the other grows inexorably poorer. Today, with the process of universality characteriaing the 1980s and this latter part of the twentieth century, we can see a growing interdependence between national e~onomies and an increase in world trade. However, d~Bpite this growing interdepenaence, the prosperity of the developed countries has not trickled down to the great majority of developing countries. Thus, for ezenple, it i8 thought that (~. Bako, Rigor) between 1970 and 1985 the gap between the incomes and standards of living of the developed and the developing countries has continuously become greater. The average per ccpita income in the rich countries is today approximately 50 times that in the least developed countries. This poor performance of the third-world economies during the 1980s, which persists even today, is the outcome of a whole series of factors, essentially exogenous, such as the debt crisis, the sudden declins in world commodity prices, growing protectionism, the fall in the volume of investments and the gradual decline in official development assistance. Thus, especially .hare Africa is concerned, the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development is drawing to its conclusion without completely attaining its legitimate goals for the African populations. Yet that plan is the type of aqroe~4t concluded in goed faith between partnsrs accepting mutual commitments in good faith. Today we must observe that in the final analysis the commitments undertaken therein have Dot been realized to a reasonable extent. The mid-term review in 1988 has already noted this. The final review will, we hope, bring to light all the lessons that we should learn from what has occurred. This Assembly is about to adopt a Dew international strategy that will quide the fourth United Nations development decade. We have taken stock of the Third Decade, and it must be said that it va~ a lost decade for the development of the third world, which bases its hopes on the Dew strategy. Therefore we hope that the fourth decade will bring innovative answers to the earnest questions of the poor, in the spirit of solidarity and joint responsibility that should characterize contempo~ary international relations. (Mr, BakQ, Riger) We must recall, in this regard, that during its eighteenth special sessiQn, held last April, the General Assembly cQnducted a very painstaking analysis Qf the world economic situation. The possibilities for the improvement of the situation of the developing countries contained in the Declaration that was adopted indicate what is at stake at the end of the twentieth century and the challenges that the international community must face. The declaration is also an e~ression of faith and a tangiblo expression of the predominant role that the United Nations intends to play as the preferred framework for multilateral co-operation and also as a profound force for international solidarity. The Government of Niger sincerely hopes that this Declaration, unanimously adopted, .ill mark the real resumption of the North-South dialQgue, the joint expression of a determlnat~Qn to reverse these trends. If we devote ourselves tQ this task, we can save mankind from the major dangers it faces today because of the terrible frustrations encountered by the majority. While ~uestlonB of peace, security and economic development remain at the forefront of our concerns, they must today vie with Qther priQrities. I refer to social and environmental issues. Questions relating to children, drugs and AIDS now have high priority on international agendas. Here in this Assembly last year we adopted the important Convention OD the Rights of the Child, which scores of countries, inclUding my Qwn, have already signed and ratified, thus expressing the great importance they attach to this essential component of our societies. Yesterday, OD the initiative of the United Nations Children's Fund, a historic event took place the World Summit for Children. This is the first time in the history of mankind that so many world leaders frQm every continent have met together to engage in a true profession of faith concerninq the protection, development and survival of children. (Mr. Bake, Biger) Biger associates itself with those nations that have expressed the hope that the Declaration issued at this hiatoric Summit will be rapidly given effect and constitute a point of departure for world-wide concerted action for children. As regards the var OD drugs and the illicit traffic in narcotics, we consider this a matter of high priority. This phenomenon threatens States, entire regions of the world and even civilization itself. We ezpress our solidarity with countries such as Colombia and others that have engaged in a struggle against the drug Mafia. However, concerted world-wide action is necessary to bring this calamity to an end. The spread of AIDS, which is increasing day by day throughout the world, is of concern to all Governments. No country is safe from AIDS. No country can combat it on its own. It is international action of broad scope that ie needed. Substantial resources, especially financial, mua~ be mobilized to sustain that action in order to bring the best chances of success. The United Nations and the ~orld Health Organization primarily but also nOD-qoveramental organizations and competent national institutions should be the driving force in this crusade against AIDS. I now turn to development. Increasingly, nations are unanimously realizing the full value of a healthy environment and the great risks to our planet of the generalized and increasing deterioration of the environment. The struggle to protect the environment has today become a cardinal imperative. Biger, because of its geographical situation at th& heart of the Sahel, Is deeply concerned over the various problems engendered by environmental deterioration. Climatic modifications acting on seasonal rainfall make all forecasts for agriculture from year to year unreliable. Desertification and soil erosion are depriving our hard-working population. of their best lands, which constitute a major factor of production. All theae Glementa are detrimental to the food self-sufficiency of our population.. However, envlroumental deterioration £eyond my country also affecta the atmosphere, the vaters and the O~ODe layer, which haB already been pierced in Bome plac3s, and then there are acid r&in, toxic wBstes, industrial wasteD and so on. (Mr, lako, Rigor) (Mr. Bako, Rigor) 1.11 of this shows us how taB enviromnent problem must be approached BB an integral part of development. The development plans of States m" 1 town and country planning should be based on a close relationship between environment and development from DOW on. We must stress the great importance we attach to the United Nations Conference in Brazil in 1992, which is to adopt a world plan of action for environmental protection to preserve present and future 9t,neratioDs from ecological catastrophe. Last year I indicated here the political and institutional process going on in my cOUDtry and the great ambition of President Ali Saibou for RigsI' and its people to restore a republican legal order after several years under e~ceptional legal regimes. Riger currently has republican institutions, the fruit of collective efforts and resolute will to join the ranks of fully democratic countries, giving each citizen the full enjoyment of his rights, with equal awareness of his duties. However, 5ige[, like other countries of the third world, has not been spared by an unrelenting economic and financial crisis that r~ns counter to our every effort. I touched on some of the elements of this crisis earlier. It demands of us self-control, courage and serenity. In a spirit of opann8ss and responsibility, it has led ~ Government, jointly with other sectors of society, to set in motion a number of political and economic responses. Politically, our people, based OD a lucid and responsible assessment of th& evolution of the society of Riger, sees itself as an integral part of the general trends in the world, seeking ways and means for greater democracy and for the expression of multiple end even contradictory views, in short, the yearned-for advent of political pluralism. To this end, at its session held last June the supreme organ of my country, the High Council of National Policy, decided to revise the National Chart ~~e CODstitution. But, it must be undOl"stood that this "ill, above all, bt:.,·' conclusion of endogenous processes particular to our people at this et~~ internal development and its sociolog'ical cnd political evolution. It if'; ~;,. . .'::;~ result of any outsid9 influence; far from it. This dsmocratic development ia findinq a natural concomitant in a V6st and ambitious programme of structural ~eform, whose purpose is to put the economy of Niger effectively on the ro~d to endogenous and Belf~sus~~:~laq growth once again. Ke intend to promote private initiative and the spirit of creativity and competitiveness necessary to enhance Nigerls economic and commercial fabric. Such an ~bjective will certainly entail sacrifices, as it raquires considerable external resources, and its implementation still r~quires unpopular social costs that generate moveme~tG that are hard to contain. But, as I have said ear11Qr, structural adjuetmant in our economies im an inasc81''3ble imperative, Thus, our Government must seek, in a spirit of joint responsibility, with the social partners and with oxternal partners, accommodations that can preserve social peace ~d the development process. Let me exprQ9S our app,reciation for the efforts made by our bilat~ral and multilateral partners and, particularly, the understcnding shown by the International Monetary Fund and the World Buk. I hope that the statements,", have h@ar4 here and the favourable me~cures announced l&st week at the ~ual mMetin~& of the Br~ttoa WOods institutio~e will rapidly take concrete mhop~, ~~~cially in the area of debt and official development aea13tance. Thes8 problems are Dot peculiar to Niger. Their solution, we repeat, vl11 They are the d.t.mlD~ the harllOny, equilibrium a4 the very Durvival of mankind. (Mu Buo, Diger) major challenge to the interDatio~al community. We must face these challenges together. "~must collectively assume our responsibilities to present and future qeneratio!lIs. We must shGW our colllltitment to the ideals of the Charter of the United Nations - the ideals of peace, solidarity and progress for all peoples. We must be present at our rend••VOU8 with history. Mt. AL-KBALIfA (Bahrain) (interpretation from Arabic): Mr. President, allow me, at the outset of my 3tatement, to present my sincere congratulations on your election to the Presidency of the forty-fifth session of the Genaral Assembly, and to pay tribute to your friendly country, Malta. In wishiDg you success in conducting the proceedings of this sesslon, we assure y~u of our readiness to co-oper.ate with you in the furtherance of t~e common goals which our Organiaation i. striving to achieve. I would also lite, OD behalf of the delegation of my country, to express our thanks to Mr. Joseph Garba for his still in conducting the proceedings of the Asaombly during hi. presidency over the previous ••ssion, as well as the special 508sion8 held in-between, for his distinguished efforts in the interest of the United Rati~ns. I avail myself of this opportunity to express the greatest appreciation to Mr. Jav!er Per•• de Cuellar, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, for his tirelesn effort. to QDhance the role ~f the Organi.ation in strengthening security and mallltaiDi~q peace iD the world. It is also ~ plea.ure to estead, once 8gain, to the chairman and members of the doleqatloD of the aepUblic of Namibia the congratulations of the State of Bahrain OD tba acc•••iOD of their country to the United Rations. Ho regard. this as aD historic accomplishment by any standard, a true ezpre8sio~ of tho vill of the Namibien people who, after long years of atrugqle and. perseveranco, have attained their independence. This i!l a victory for international legitiJlacy, ea repr•••nte4 by the United Rations. Ke are confident that !ndepe~d.nt H...lb1a "ill a••WIe ita role in supportinq the iust cau.es in the world. Similarly, I would like to ezpress, on behl',lf CIf my country, Bahrain, our sincere congratulations to the Principality of Liecht~nstelnon the occa.ioft of its accession to the Organization. Ife ai'e sure that it .ill contribute to the achievement of the objectives and purposes of the United Rations. The forty-fifth session is convening ss the Unit.d Rationl!l i. vitDe••iDg an important period in its histo~, one of transition tra- the cold war era to an era of djt,pte as a result of a novel and innovative vision that ••eks to car~ ideological 4ifferences and rivalry of interest. to a ne. level of internatioaal co-operation that i. based on an enlightened dialogue and a clear un4er.ten4iDg of world iel3luea. This ditento undoubtedly repre.enta the return of relation. bet..en nation. to their correct course, guided by a political philosophy rooted in adherence to the principles and obiectiv.s of the Charter, which the founc'lers of the United ••tiOD. had 10llg hoped would constitute tha approach to peace in the world and the framework for the security of all mankind. ID the midst of their positive orientation toward. a ne. world order ca.s the Ira~l invasion of the territory of the sister State of Kuwait on 2 August to test the mettle of international dit'Pt, and underscore the fact th~t, unl.s. there i. a concerted international effort to e.tablish DD effective aeauritl' syet.. in the world, this Dew philosophy .ill collapse. (Mr. AI-Eholifg, Bahrsln) We agree with the statement in the Secretary-General's report that the world is in dire need of "0 coherent strategy of peace" and that it is important to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the concept of peace, as laid down in the Charter. Bowever, we do not view peace as a necessity imposed by events and developments or dictated by pressures and influences, but as an approach to the fo~ulation of relations between peo~les on 0 basis of equality and justice so as to preserve the legitimate rights and interests of all parties, guarantee their stability and safety and pe~it them to direct thei~ energies towards meeting the requirements of construction and rehabilitation. It is also a framework for settling differences and disputes through dialogue and accommodation, an essential requirement of collective life, whether in the past, present or future. Such a peace is a choice that genuinely reflects the aspirations and hopes of our peoples. The Iraqi invasion of the State of Kuwait, that small country Doted for its positive interaction with world issues, has deeply wounded the cODscience of humanity and caused a huge fissure in the wall of international security. It has also placed world peace atop an erupting volcano at a time when the world thought it had reached an acceptable degree of CODSensus OD the fo~ulatioD of a common regional and international policy, capable of comprehending and absorbing the ditente movem~nt in our new world, 8S well as a reasonable measure of agreement on the importance of resolving hot regional conflicts through dialogue and by peaceful means. The world vas surprised when Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait, that peaceful and pacifist country which was bound to Iraq by the stroDgest and deepest of fraternal relatioDS and shared with it membership in the League of Arab States, the United Nations and several other regionol and international organizotions, only to be repaid for its noble postures by the victimization and dispersion of ita people. (Mr. AI-Ibolifa« BahlOin) The Ira~i invasion has caused a severe trauma to Kuwaiti society and total upheaval in Kuwait's public life. Business activity has ground to a halt~ institutions have been demolished, properties have been seized and all financial and economic activities completely paralysed. Hundreds of thousands of Kuwaitis and aliens residing in Kuwait fled the country in fear and dread of the pilfering, looting, sabotage, assaults, killings and destruction perpetrated by the Ira~i forces~ not to mention the raiding of homes and the shooting of innocent UDarmed civilians who refused to collaborate with the occupation forces. This amounted to an attempt to destroy the very foundations of the State~ Obliterate the identity of its people and erase it from the map of the world for all time. In this respect, we CaNlot over.lock the plight of the thousands of foreign nationals displaced from the State of Kuwait and the detention of some of them as hostages to serve as human shields without regard to moral principles ur human values. This crisis has placed the United Nations at the forefront of events. The Security Counc!l was quick to act, adopting eight reSOlutions so fare all demanding the immediate end unconditional withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwaiti territory and the restoration of th~ legitimate Government of the country. The common will of the States of the world was reflected in resolution 665 (1990), which ezpre.sed the insistence of the international community that economic sanctions be imposed against Iraq by every possible means. Bahrain's po~iticn, yil-A-yis the Iraqi aggression is clear and unequivocal. iraqi forces must withdraw unconditionally from Kuwaiti territory, DO racognition of Iraq'. annexation of Kuwait DOl' of any consequences thereof, but insistence on the restitution of the legitimate Government that had existed in Kuwait prior to the invasion as represented in the person of Hia Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-AhIIad AI-Sabah, the Emir of the State of KuwaitI the rights of (Hr. At-Dalifo. BWaln) civilians in the Iraqi-occupied territory of Kuwait should be respected, their safety guaranteed and their lives and properties protected, in accordance with the provisions of th~ Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, in addition to the d.-an4 that the Iraqi authorities refrain from effecting any chanqes in the 4.-ographie composition within Kuwait which would con8titute a violation of international law, affirming the legal ~i9ht of all injured Kuwaitis and others to receive fair inde!llDlty for damages and lose~s incurred by thelll and consldering as null 812d void Iraq's decision on the closure of diplomatic and consular .i••ions accreditad to the State of Kuwait. We call upon Iraq to comply with the resolutions of the Security Council and to respond to the internatiollal cOlJllunity'. uaniJIity with a vie. tc ~reserviD9 international legitimacy. The acute crisis created by Iraq has caused a basic disruption in the regional security system of the Gulf, constituting as it has a blatant br.ach of the principles of the United Nations, of all international 1l0~S and eOV8nanta and of the provisions of international law and fundamental hUII&D rights. Since its inception, the Gulf Co-operation Council has worked consistently on co-ordinating political and economic ties between it. members, developiag the indig&oous capabilities of their peoples &Dd proceeding forward on the roed to laying the foundaUoDil of co-operation betweeD its Dl8itbGr States, with the ala of developiDg positive attitude. on achieving .ecurity and atability iD the Gulf, In co-operation with all States in the region through understanding and dialogue, a. veIl a8 respect for the principles of good-neighbourlinoss, territorial sovereigaty aDd nOD-interference in the internal affairs of other States. However. the .ecurity challenges posed by the Iraqi iDvas10a .ato it illp8ratlve for us to reconsider the question of the security of the Gulf in a new contezt, that would be compatible with the req11ire..nts of the e~a of 4itente and ensure the protection of (Hr. Al-Ibalif.. 'AbroAa) regl0.1 u4 iDtel'utloDal illtere.ts. ID thi. r••pect. I would like to rerer iD particular to the D••d to adopt the nec•••ary iDteraatloaal ..aaure. iD t~~ of cri...8. ..pecially tho•• pr••cr1bo4 111 Chapter VII of the Charter. whlch call for the applicatioD of ....ure. agrHd to by the lIMber. of the Security COUDcil iD c.... where thore esl.te a threat to or br.ach of peace or act of 899r~••loD against ay State Haber of the UDit.cl Ratiou. ~ wi«-.pre84 colldolmatloll of the Iregi iDya.ioll of the .i.t.r State of Kuwait ha. provod that it i3 po••ibl. to apply the .yet.. of collectlve .ecurlty ia the poat-cold .ar .ra. ...paciall~ after the Soviet UDion and the Unite4 State. had agree4 011 the way to 4e.l with rtJ9iolUll cri.... !ha Security COUDcl1 ha. beeD abl. to a40pt the vl.e aD4 apt r••olutioD 6'0 (1990) iD which it cleJND4a the u.acliate a4 WlcoD4itloDal withdrawal by Ifacz of all it. force. to the po.itioD. lD bieb they wer. deploye4 OD 1 Au;u.t 1"0. Face4 with the failure of the Iraqi authoritie. to ccaply with that re.olution, the Couse!l 414 Dot h••itate to a40pt it. hi.toric r••olutioD 661 (1990) ~alD9 eeo~c auctioD. agalD.t Iraq aD4. ~r. rec.Dtly. r••oluttoD 670 (1990) .tr.Dgth~aiD9 the blockad. t.po••4 ega1aat Iracz. fta iDtel'utlonal c0RaW11ty. whim had .uff.rea u.ea••ly frOll the eff.cta of the co14 var u4 its Il~ative eff.ct. over the pe.t four 4eca4ea. ClUUiOt perait UJ' contraveatiolll of latenatlowal legitlucy lD thla ph••e of tl'U~ 49t-'t- which the uorld i. expedeaclD9 DOif. IrlMJt. occupatioa of the State of Ku.vaJ.t wa. the fint serious t.at of the DeW interaatioaal ordor. aiace it repre.eated a departure frea the pllOral ataospbere of ';qpt- wh1ch .tr••••• cUalogue IUU1 uc!e!'.tu4iDCj iD r••olvl89 interDatio..l ,robl... aDd -.pha.i... a balaDce of iat.r••t. rather tbaD a belaace of power. The Stat•• that ba4 already ~ reorg8Di.i89 thelr affairs within the fr....:rk of thi. Db iDteraatlollel order wore Dot r.ad!' to allow a ngioaa1 "'1' to deput fl'_ tU•• na1... !Ill. tnrpla!u. pttrUpa. why latena~!OU1 .a,delty ete!u~ 11'8C) CI'J8ta11b..s 80 fJUlet1:r U4 wily tbe Security Ir....fic.tiou .. (Hr, AI-DalifD, Bahrain) There CD be DO doubt that the 9 Septellber 1910 Bel.iui sUllllllt between Pr.ddeuta Georg8 Bush and Mikhall Gorbachev was an 1aportaut milestonD on the road towards the layi!ltJ of the foundations of a ne" international order that iI!I besed on respect for the principles of the United RatioDs Charter and international law. We fUlly support the joint stat&fiittnt of thfl Relsinki sWllllit, which reiterated several fundamental principles, among the most important of which is that no peaceful international 01'401' is po.sible if larger States are permitted to devour their smaller neighbours. It may be appropriate no" to pause to consider a few points of special importance to my delegation by virtue of their re1evanc. to regional security and their impact OD our visioD of the future of the region in which we live IDd the Arab nation to Which wo be10n9. The first point relate. to our absolute rejection - whieh I reiterate - of the logic of occupation by force of the territory of others or the invasion of ODe State by another and it. annexation under threat of the us. of ams. The starting point to deal with this subject in all its dangerous and complicated dimensions is that we must not helB1tate to tackle it. Nor must we be satisfied vitlll voicing protests that are devoid of content e4 do not produce results. For if we do so we shall be contributing. intentionally or unintentionally, to the aggravation of the damage to 1nternational legitimacy. Our clear ai. should be to prevent developments from ieopardi~imq peace and security in the Gulf region and to insist on the implementation of Seeurity Council resolutions in letter and in spirit. The second point relates to the importance of emphaahin9 the right of any State to adopt all legitimate measure. of .elf-defence and safeguard the security and safety of ita citi.ens, in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter, which deals wit~ legitimate self-defence. In that context, we laud ~e alacrity of (Mr. AI-Ihallfa, Bghrei») the sister and friendly States - totalling more than 22 from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Ro~th America end South America - in responding to the invitation ef the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to join it in the defence of its territory, and in responding to the behests of internAtional legitimacy with determination and firmness in order to det~r aggre3sioD and preserve p~ace in the Gulf region. The third point relates to our conviction that the Middle Bast must be made a zone free of weapons of mass destruction, namely nuclear, chemical and biological ~eapons. The achievemnt of that goal vil1 be a step forward towards safeguarding the future of peace-loving Stat~s in the region &Dd removing the spectre of the nuclear and chemical threat under which they live. This is a requirement that steml from thG legitimate right of those States to self-defence and to deter any attempt to violate their inalienable rights. It is also in keeping with the concepts, values and trends of our ago. There are several political, economic and social issues OD which our attention and that of the world i8 focused. Foremost among them is the question of the Palestinian people and the various kinds of suppression and terror used by the Israeli occupying authorities against the intifadab. It is therefore l~erative that a just ODd comprehensive settlement of the question of Palestine be achieved through the convening of an international conference on peace in the Middle East under the auspices cf the United Rations, in accordance with General Aasembly resolutions 43/176 of 15 Docember 1988 and 4t/t2 of 6 December 1989, with the participation of all the parties concerned and of the permanent members of the Security Council, in order to enable the Palestinian people to ezercise their right to self-d.te~inationODd to the establishment of a State of their own on th6ir (Mr. Al-Ihalifoc Bohrain) national soil. The conference should almo stress the need for the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from the occupied Arab territories, including southern Lebanon and the Syrian Golan Heights 0 As regards Lebanon, it was gratifying to see the parties concerned in this crisis agreeing to the Taif accord which represents 8 basic foundation for national unity. We welcome the Lebanese Parliament's ratificatioD in August 1990 of that important instrument, and hail it as a historic step towards the implementation of all phases of the accord, the restoration of Lebanon's unity and the preservation of its independence and sovereignty. The world is united in statiDg that racial discrimination and the policy of apartheid are a blatant violation of human principles and the dignity of mankind, and contravene the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On 14 December 198t, the General Assembly at its sixteenth special session, adopted by consensus the Declaration on ~artheid and its Destructive Consequences in Southern Africa, which sets out principles that can be acceptable points for the elimination of ~theid in South Africa. As regards the Cyprus problem, ve hope progress CID be achieved in the dialogue between the two Cypriot communities under the auspices of the Secretary-General, so that the unity of Cyprus COD be restored. The Korean question also occupies the attention of the international community today owing to positive developments on the political level in the two !toreas. We reiterate our support for all efforts aimed at reuniting the two parts of the Korean peninsula and at realizing the hopes of the Korean psople through the accomplishment of national unity. (Hr. AI-Khalifa, Bahrain) The political changes in the world today, notably the policy of detente between the two super-Powers and the tendency of the ma'ority of States to abide by the provisions of the Charter and the principles of international law have not been reflected in an improvoment of the deteriorating ecoDomic situation of the developing countries, which continue to suffer from the excruciating economic crises that are the legacy of th~ 10708 and 10808. Perhaps the debt crisis, the negative effects of which the world began to suffer in the early 1980s, is the most striking of the problems that developing countries have been facing of late, since it has led to economic recession and in the inability of a number of those countries to meet their financial obligations. There are indications that the adverse effects of the deteriorating economic conditions in th~ developing countries will not be limited to thOS8 countries, but vill spill over and affect the developed countries as well. It is our sincere hope that international co-operation can be strengthened in or~er to settle this indebtedDe6s vithin the framework of the United Rations. We hope too that the obligatioDs set out in the economic declaration of the eighteenth special session of the General Ass.mbly~ devoted to international economic co-operation, iu particular to the revitalization of economic growth and development of the developing countries, will be duly honoured and implemented in isolation from political differences. We also hope for success in efforts to secure the adoption of the International Development Strategy for the Fourth United Nations Development Decade. (Mr. AI-Khalifa, Bahrain) Since the founding of the United Nations, this Ball has witnessed numerous debates and discussions on the problems, crises ~d dangers that beset the world. Those debates and discussions were held in the hope of securing the support of the United Nations in resolving them, and containing their causes. Our viewpoints on those issues sometimes converged but, more often than not, diverged. The reason we are now hopeful and optimistic is that the current session of the General Assembly is convened at a time when the world is experiencing the easing of tension with regard to a number of internation~l issues and an important transformation in the functions of the United Nations, the trustworthy custodian of the world's interests and a major partner in facing up to the dangers that confront it. This puts our Organization back on track, for the role prescribed for it by its Charter is that of a centre for co-ordinating the actions of nations and a vehicle for. adopting the important decisions required for the preservation of international legitimacy and respect for the provisions of international law and the principles of justice, with all that this requires in clarity of thought and flexibility of action. We look forward to the day when this living edifice for peace which the authors of the Charter envisioned io completed, so that it may proceed with sure steps towards achieving affluence and prosperity for all the peoples of the world. The EBBSIDEUT= We have heard th9 last speaker ~or this eveninq. I shall now call on those representatives who wish to speak in exercise of the right of reply. May I remind members that, in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, statements in exercise of the right of reply are limited to 10 minutes for the first intervention and to five minutes for the second and should be made by delegations from their seats. Mr. RQCHlRIAU DE LA SARLIERE (interpretation from French): In her statement today, the representative of New Zealand challenged my country over undergroun~ nuclear testing which France has been conducting in its territory in Polynesia. My delegation once again recalls that French underground nuclear testing - I repeat "undElrground" - does not in the least harm the interests of the States of the region, the health of those who live there or the environment, as several international verification missions have been able to see. The missions' studies are available to all. I would add that when resolution 44/119 F was adopted the French delegation reminded the Assembly of the reasons why my country was not able to subscribe to the Pr~tocol to the Treaty of Rarotonga, and our position has not changed.