A/45/PV.7 General Assembly

9.  (con~i~ued) GENERAL DEBATE Mr. HARCHANJ) STENS (Peru) (interpretation from Spanish): In greeting you, Mr. President, and in congratulating you on your well-deserved election in circumstances of epecial significance for internAtional peace and security, I reiterate Peru's commitment to the United Nations system and to the norms and principles of international law. It was no coincidence that the first action taken by Mr. Alberto Fujimori as President-elect of Peru was to approach the United Nations system with the firm intention of reintegrating Peru into the international financial community. President Fujimori intended that gesture also to express recognition of the decisive role the United Nat10na plays in maintaining international peace and security, the rule of international law, respect for human rights and the promotion of effective solutions to the difficult social and economic problem9 affecting the developing world. The evolution of world political events over the past 12 months has taken on the pace characteristic of historical turning points: 1989 and 1990 symbolize changes in the international structure comparable only to those of 1789, 1914 and 1945. The cold war has end~d. Bloc politics is on its way out. The physical, political and economic geography of post-War Europe has also chan~ed, promising unimaginable consequences - a situation that could not have been foreseen only a few months ago. Those changes, which affect the political, military and social structures of the European continent, go hand in hand with profound reformulations in the field of ideas and political and strategic doctrines. The dynamics of such changes are harbingers ot the twenty-first century in our own time. The changes in Eastern Europe are the expression of an essentially peaceful revolution that, along with the globalization of the world economy and the ongoing evolution in technological progress, entails the rise and consolidation of four principal peaceful trends in the new international situation. First, the cold-war dichotomy based on the supposed inevitability of conflict, which pitted competing strategic doctrines against each other, is being replaced by realities that have made bloc-oriented dogmas obsolete. Those realities are finding expression in the rise of a more hopeful logic, one of conciliation, dialogue, understanding and co-operation among the great Powers. Thus, the so-called East-West conflict has evolved into a new system free from ideological antagonism in which the differences between socio-economic and political systems tend to diminish. Those factors, along with initiatives and agreements on the limitation of nuclear and conventional arms, clearly give the North a degree of stability unprecedented in this century. They represent the winds of a qualitatively new kind of detente that we salute and welcome in a spirit of solidarity with peoples that are rightly rejoicing in reunification, in reconciliation, in progrese towards peace and security and in prospects of economic union and improvement of their standards of living. Secondly, a dispassionate and well-balanced assessment of the world economic and social situation tells us that the end of the cold war has not yet had positive effects for developing regions. The international economy continues unable to bridge the gaps created by existing disparities. The impact of economic globalization and interdependence is not yet balanced. The developing countries continue to face increasing and more radical marginalization. For the first time in this century a well-co-ordinated system of guidelines for a truly macro~economic international policy h~3 begun to be formulated among the industriaiized economies, the international financia~systemand the competent international organizations, within the framework.of struct~ral adjustment. However, the developing countries have so far been only passive actors in that process, despite the fact that their economic policies must necessarily take into account external factors that are, in many cases, basic to their own development. There is therefore an urgent need to integrate the developing countries, through an ad h02 mechanism based on consensus, into the international macro-economic decision-making process and, in particular, to introduce into comprehensive schemes for adjustment and stabili~~tion element~ that can recast development theory and take account of goals for social progress designed to h~lt and reverse the spiralling and inhumane increase in dire poverty. Thirdly, as the Secretary-General stresses in.his annual report to the General Assembly, at the apex of those two trends - balance and detente in the North, on the ono hand, and, on the other, imbalances and growing poverty in the South - we find a Janus-like international situation that wears both the face of hope and the face of dangerous unrestraint. A number of complex factors have been added to the imbalances in the South and the legitimate .espair to which the vicious circle of poverty and recession might lead. Such factors could unleash new and u~foreseen conflicts in a reg~onal context. Further contributing to that situation are the negative factors of uncontrolled and incr.easing arms transfers. While trends towards disarmament and dstente grow stronger, the spread of technological and industrial know-how finds expression in the prolifera~ion of centres of production of increasingly sopblstlcated ~.pons. The gualitativG improvement in arms production has brought about the risk of new conflicts in the third world. Lestly, looking at Janus' positive face, dogmatic ideologies are being re)c~;t.a by peoples e~.rywh.re and we note that the sole ideology on which univeraal co~.enSU5 exists is that of humaD rights. Individual liborties, political, social and econondc rights and the rights of peoples - in Short, all the inh~r.nt rights of the human being - have becomo universal. Democracy has become the c.OaNOn heritage of mankind. ~1e ~~ctacular progress achieved in this essential field of political and soclal 11fe In recent years, particularly with regard to individua~ liberties and cl~il and social rights in Eastern Europe, or, as in the case of Namibia, the right of tbe people, stands in sharp contrast to Janus' other, pessimistic, face, reflecting as it does the deterioration of the economic and social rights of the p~oples of the third world and the inadequate level of international co-operation lD the fight against dire poverty. Khen we see increasing levels of hunger in a world ~,roduclng food surpluses we know that humanism cannot remain a mera ~.traction~ Ke must also bear. in mind that human rights should not be proclaimed .xc1~Glv.ly for future geDerations of the developing world but also for all men, ~D and children who at this very time are enduring the affront of poverty that is their daily lot. At the a~ level of ~,ntornatlonal social problems, nation States are facing new cballenges. new fo~s a~4 modalities of ~g9reSS~Qn, conflict and violence. Terrorism and the illicit traffic in drugs have become deadly factors in international relations. The illicit traffic in drugs is a phenomenon which affects most parts of the world: we are seeing the emergence of a veritable narcocracy, and we Bre sUffering from this as much in producer countries as in those affected by consumption and illicit traffic. This is not just a matter of the dual danger inherent in drugs trafficking and narcoterroriem; it is a matter of an economic power threatening the very fabric of society and generating unnaceptable pressures and imbalances in the economic and political structures of States. Peru is one of the countries mast affected by illicit production, and my Governmeut is resolutely committed to intensifying the struggle to eradicate it. However, ve are convinced that we will not win this battle by using repressive measures alone: ther~ is a· need for strategies to promote crop substitution and a ,. drastlc reduction in consumption. This is a struggle where international responsibility is shared, in which the international community and the countries most severely affected by consumption must play their proper parts, given the extraordinary scale of the problem. T~le Cartagena Declaration, signed by the Governments of Bolivia, Colombia, the United States and Peru, is a substantive step forward, but if it is to become reality, all the undertakings made must be implemented as matters of urgency. Give~ that the United Nations Conference on the illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and the new Convention on drugs have made provision - as anothp~ substantive expression of the worth of multilateral concertation - for a wide range of measureR to combat, as priorities, the production and illicit traffic in drugs, it is imperative that an international conference should be called on the SUQject of the consumption of drugs and the laundering of the income from the drugs traffic. (Mr. Marchand Stens, Peru) In the pr.sent crisis in the Persian Gulf, the Security Council has 4efined international legality, and ray Government strongly supports the demand that IraCJi troops should withd~aw from Kuwait. Ne hope that the consensus that international law must be respected will in the end make ~8.ible a peaceful solution to this seriou8 situation. In this progre.s towards strengthening the United Nations and increasJng its effectiveness, the international community is finding new opportunities for dealing with complez situations in the economic and social fields. (Hr. MArchODd Steps. PeEn) He do not ezpect the l!edoul!I prGblems of the South to be solved only through multilateral action. That would be too much to expoct. However, whUe it is acknowledged that the economic problems of developing countries will have to be solved essentially by their own means, ~t is equally true that there is a need for a multilateral approach to problems such 8S inadequate financing for the stabiliaation process, depressed prices for commodities, trade ~estrictions, reverse resource transference, limited transfer of technological innovation and, basically, ser19ulS questions of poverty and the deterioration of the living standards of the people. It i. indispensable to reappraise, within a multilateral framework, the variables of social development and the rolo which a renewed strategy of co-operation for development must play in tho new world economic situation. Multilateral definitions in this area cannot be too specific, but they must establish appropriate guidelines in order to make it possible for regional, subregional and bilateral agreements to produce effective solutions. Peru has established a new Government, Which was democratically elected by the majority of its people, despite the threat made by terrorists to violate the social and political rights of the Peruvian people and despite a serious economic and social situation. Needless to say, the economic and social situation in Peru shows symptoms of an emergenc;;r of such dillNtDdons that" above and beyond compromising its economic basis, has clearly expressed itself in social conditioDs that demand a concerted effort of national unity to overcome the crisis. Therefore, my country's new Government has appealed for a national consensus calling OD all the political and aocial forces to join together to overcome the present crisis and to eliminute illegal drug trafficking and terrorism. (Mr. Narchan4 Stens, 2.ru) The ••riou.n... of the situation wo ~.ruvians face can be judged by certain clear signsl in a region of the Andes, the poorest region in Peru, infant mortality has reached a rate of 114 out of 1,000 - between 1907 and 199G the total gros8 investment was less than the ahlOunt required to offset the depreciation of the infrastructure, factories and equipment in the count~ - between 14 May 1900 and 27 July 1990 the Peruvian people were victims of some 18,000 terrorist 5ttacks and this same homicidal activity has violated the fundamental right to lifo of almost 18,000 persons who have 41ed as a result of political violence. Conse~ueDtly, despite the inevitable ~triDgency, the progrDmml of economic stabllization ha. be.n received with under.tanding by the Peruvian people, who, in their best ethical tradition, have decide4 to face the monetary coat of this stabilization patiently, vhile maintaining their hope for better times and the trust angendered by a leadership that is seeking to restore a moral meaning to political affairs. It ls in such circucstances that nations emerge as agents of their o~ deiltiny. This i. the case of the Peruvian people, who, in the arduous tal!l~ of overcoming the crisis, act with the same dignity and the same sense of solidarity aa that which characterized ancient Andean civilizations, which build societies where uell-being, justice and 6fficiency were shared values. In order to overcome the crisis, three programmes have been outlined and are being implemented in the most efficient way possible I a programme for economic stabilizetion, a social emergency programme, and a programme to neutralize the effects of the dr.' :.lght. It is indispensable for the success of the atabil1:lation programme that the GovGrnment.4 the church and the non-governmental organizations should bo 'able to carry out tho soclal emergency programme effectively. ~ social 9a~ 1n Peru ha. widenedl 55 per cent of ita population live in dire poverty ad 32 per c.nt in conditions of deprivation. Thia social gap has been worsened by the negative effllcts of the drought in the southern Andes and, for th9 tilMt being, by the teaporary impact that every econoale stebi1i.atioD programme inev1tably bring_ about at first, .specially when it is CQMD8D.urat. with the magnitude of the iaba1ance. to be .4dr••••d. It i. ~rtaat to Dote that the .ocial eMergency prQgramme reflects not only the demanda and n8048 of the Peruvian people but a180 the int.rnational con••n.ua that ie .Merging with regard to the Peruvian situation in it••ffort to e.tablish .tabi1ity, while at the same time pre.erving the human aspects of the Peruvian • conoll1'. In a way that 1, in teeping with the political con.eneus and national unity, austerity ....ur.. have been proposed which involve an inte". fight against corruptionI an austerity that i. un4eeDto04 not only a8 a roductioD of goverDmeDt expenditur., but also a. • means of restoring tbe ancient principl.. which are iDherent In our Andean tradition and which are in keeping with a way of life that we muet preserve in or4er to strengthen the traditional values of our people for the future. Tbis is the challenge which we Peruvians are ready to face ID calling for a national CODsensus and through a moral and political commitment. We are convinced of the active suppo~t for th••e efforts by the international community and, most especially, by tho~e fri8n41y nationl that are enjoying greater stability end prosperity as well as by international organisations, non-governmental agenci.s and organisations commltte4 to co-operation for development and emergency as.istance. Kw are confident the,t w. Itave the aupport of ~11 of th... we hope the response will be COMmensurate with the needD and the enormous efforts of the noble and exegp1ary Peruvian people. As a special request of the President of Peru, Mr. Alberto ru'~rl, I would lite to put OD record the warm gratitude of the Goverament and the people of Peru for the valuable as.~jtaDce and support given by the Secretary-General of our OrganisatioD, Mr. Jav'::'.r Pere. de CueUar. Ke fim1}' believe that the ...asures he has instituted to establish a broad scheme of co-operation with Peru will reach their lofty goal. I also would lite to extend our gratitude to the Governments &Dd interDational organisations that have already given their co-operation and support, e.pecially in regard to food. For the Peruvian people, overcOftllnq this situation is not only It qovermant re.pon.ibility, but al.o pri.arily an ethical and moral commitment of national scope. Thill ls the .ame ccaitment that, with regoard to the struqqle against terrori.., ~n.plre4 Preaident Fu'imori to stress the respect for human rights, whi~h i' rooted in our historic traditions and recognized in our constitutional structure. Praeidftnt FU'l~ri was catega~lcal when he stated: "The tttrtoriat violence faced at this time by our YOUDg democracy COlUlot justify, in any caa~, the systematic or sporadic violation of human rights. The anti-terrori.t fiqht my Government will wage will be framed by and carried out ac~ordinq to the prin~ipleD of the Constitution and the laws of the Republic. This perspective will be applied with fairn~ss and justice, both to those who presently commit of~onces against 'our' society and to those who protect it". We are obviously familiar with the moral difference betwaen them. Mankind is on the verge of the third millennium of our era. In spite of events and situations that threaten the possibility of having a safer and more just world, there are global trends that make us more optimistic. Peace, justic~ and security are interrelated values. We hope that the now international situation now bolnC) shaped takes them into account in an unprecedented agreement of solidarity between the poor and the rich, the weak and the strong. Mr. HAKAXAMA (Japan) (spoke in Ja~8nese1 English text furnished by the delegation): On behalf of the Government and the people of 'Japan, I, would first like to express my congratulat!oDG to Mr. Guido de Mareo on his election as Pres1~ent of this forty-fifth session of the General Ae~embly. At the same time, I would be remiss were I not to express our apprecic~t~n to Mr. Joseph Garba for the ezemplar.r manner in which he presided over tho forty-fourth session. I would also lite to e~tend a hearty welcome to the Republic of Namibia and the Principality of Liechtenstein, both of which are joining us at the General Assembly as now Members of the Unit~d Nations. Established for the paramount purpose of maintaining international peace, the United Nations has ODce again ber-ome the focus of international attention and hope, as it has moved prom~tly and appropriately to deal with the recent Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, to work for peace in Cambodia and to fulfil its other missions. I sincerely welcome the revitalization of the United Nations role in maintaining and restoring peace, and,ezpreas my profound appreciation and respect to the Security Council, the Secretary-General and the entire United Natione staff for their contributions to that end. Since we last gathered in these halls one year ago, the international situation has undergone changes far greater than any of us could have imagined. We are now trUly at a historic watershed. In the light of perestfoika and the "new thinking" that guides the foreign,policy of the Soviet Union, democratization and the shift to market economies in Eastern Europe and the advent of a new era in United States-Soviet relations, the cold war is now a thing of the pa~t. The transformation from discord and conflict to dialogue and co-operation that began in Europe has extended to other regions as well, and now shows signs of spreading world-wide. The collapse of the Berlin Wall and German unification are symbolic of this quantum leap to freedom and co-operation. However, despite thl' laudable historic changes, the sudden shattering of peace in the Gulf region with !raq's illegal invasion of Kuwait is a reminder that the future of the international community remains uncertain and a demonstration that even this new international order is fraught with peril. (Hr. NakAYAmac JDP811) In this rapidly changing international situation, what ore the international community'. ultimate needm and what role can the United Nations play in meeting them? These are crucial issues, and our response to them will help determine whether we shall Ducceed in ensuring that this new world order is one of peace and justice. In taking a series of prompt and effective measures against Iragi aggression, the Security Council became the embodiment of the international community's conscience and underlined the vital role the United Notions hos to play. The collective security mechanism of the United Nations is based on a solemn pledge: States will re.olve their differences peacefully through discussion, and meet with united opposition any State that breaks these vows. Nbile in the era of East-West discord this system 414 not always work as 9ffectively os we might have hoped, it may be said that a new era has dawned in which it could come into full flowar. Terrorism snd regional disputes grounded in ancient territorial or ethnic rivalries are the main destGbilisinq elements at this time of transition, and ~t is easential that the United Rations play a central role in their prevention, elimination and resolution. The wave of democratiaation spawned by reform and free elections in the countries of Bastern Burope gives us hope that a veritable tide of democratization will overtake Africa, Asia and Latin America, and that 0 current ef r~form will spread across the Gntire world. Market principles likewise are being embraced in more and more countries around the world. All people, regardless of where they live, must be guaranteed their fundamental human rights, must enjoy freedom of ezpresaioD and have the right to pursue economic activities freely. The concept of each person realising his or her full potent~al is crucial to the a{~.}.inment of a truly just and humane world based OD respect and equality. I believe that the World Summit for Children, to be convened this week-end, will be meaningful in raising awareness of the issue of the rights of the world's children. By dispatching election observer teams to monitor free elections in diverse psrts of the world, the United Nations has contributed immensely to this tide of democratization &Dd, under the banner of "ballots not bUllets", has proclaimed tLIoi gospol of Belf-d~termlDation, which holds that a nations's futur~ is determined by the will of its people. I am confident' that the United Nations will play an increasingly important role in ensuring h3sic human rights and economic freedom. , (Mr. hkayam8. JAPlm) Although in the post-war era much of the free world has enjoyed development and prosperity, many developing countries are still beset by grinding poverty and crippling debt. If the international community is to achieve sustained growth we must strive to ensure that developing countries share in it. There are als~ numerous problems - such ae tho~e relating to the global environment and drugs - that affect all humankind and thus demand a common response. Because it is clearly impossible for anyone country alone to resolve these issues, co-operation through the United Nations system is essential. Since the Second World War Japan has developed a foreign policy whose object, above all else, is peac6 and, in line with its Peace Constitution, has restricted its military activities entirely to defence, seeking to resolve diffarencas with other nations through discuesi~n. The spirit underlying Japan's Constitution is based on th6 principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes that is embodied in the United Nations Charter. Thus, ever since being admitted to membership, Japan has made the United Nations an extremely important part of its foreign policy. Japan is firmly resolved not to become a military Power that could pose a threat to other nations, steadfastly to uphold its three non-nuclear principles, not t~ export arms to belligerents or countries on the brink of bell~gerency, and to contribute t~ world stability through peaceful means. Basea on the position that it will discharge those international obligations it deems most appropriate, and in view of its dual position as an Asia-Pacific nation and an industrial democracy, Japan will seek to contribute to a bett 'r world and to pu~sue an activist foreign policy in the quest for peace and stability throughout the international community. Addressing the General Assembly last year, I stated that Japan would co-operate to the best of its ability in the cause of world peace - through diplomatic efforts, financial and personnel support for United Nations (Mr. NakaYama, Japan) peace-keeping operatIons, and assistance for refugees and for national rehabilitation following tha resolution of conflicts. Along with continuing to promote such co-oporation in the cause of peace, Japan is determined to make broad-based contributions to those most urgent issues facing the international community: world-wide peac3, stability, and democracy. Accordingly, Japan is prepared to co-operate in every possible way within the bounds of its Constitution so that the United Nations collective-security mechanism can function effectively. Responding to the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq, Japan had ind~pendently decided to impoae economic sanctions even before the Security Council took such action, and it is faithfully observing all the terms of the Security Council resolutions. Seeking to contribute ~igorously to intern~tional efforts for the restoration of peace and stability in the Gulf region, Japan has responded positively to the call f~r material, transport, medical and financial support. Japan is also extending assistance to the many refugees this conflict has generat~d, and aconomic support to the countries.in the region most severely affect~~. Japan calls upon Iraq to heed the repeated Security Council resolutions and to withdraw promptly and unconditionally from Kuwait. The Iraqi measures barring the departure of many Japanese and other foreign nationals stranded in I~aq are intolerable from a humanitarian as vell as an international legal standpoint. Japan demands that the Government of Iraq allow these people to leave as soon as pos~ible. I hope the Secretary-General will continue his efforts towards that end. The peace-keeping activities of the United Nations have taken on added breadth and intensity in recent years. I am p&~ticularly pleased that the areas of possible civilian participation have expanded, allowing a greater number of coun~ries to become involved. I rofer, in particular, to civilian monitoring of elections and the incorporation of a civil administrative function, as envisaged for the operations in Cambodia and W68tern Sahara. The United Nations is thus (Mr. NakQYama, JlPan) participating in the establishment of democratic governments, representing the best interests of the entire international communityQ Japan has been making a special effort to support peace-keeping operations, inclUding voluntary contributions to their start-up costs and also to a trust fund for strengthening their financial base. I should like to call upon other Member States to do likewise. Japan has also provided civilian personnel for the election observer teams in Namibia and Nicaragua, and I assure the Assembly that it will continue to extend both financial and persoonel support for these activities. In an effort further to expand Japan's participation, Prime Minister Kaifu announced that he would review the legal system of Japan and seriously consider enacting new legislation - for example, a United NatioDs peace co-operation law. This would enable Japan within the framework of its Constitution to assume greater responsibilities regarding United Nations activities for preserving peace and to participate in international efforts in support of those activities. Indeed, the Government is DOW engaged in intensive deliberations on this legislation. I believe that Japan can best contribute to the cause of world peace, and in a manner consistent with its Peace CODsti~ution, by participating in United Nations activities to restore and maintain international peace and stability. Tumultuous changes witnessed in Europe are spreading to other regions and have begun to have a global impact. In the Asia-Pacific region they include impro~ements in Sino-Soviet and in Korean-Soviet relations, the start of the Soviet withdrawal from Mongolia and Cam Ranh Bay~ and the process of democratisation in MOngolia. These changes will surely be followed by others. At the same time, however, the Soviet Union continuas to occupy Japan's Northern Territories, stability haD yet to come to the Korean peninsula, and many problems stand in the way of a comprehensive political settlement in Cambodia. Moreovor~ there are fears that conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir may escalate. Peace and stability in the ~sia-Pacific region has a direct bearing on Japan's own stability, end I feel it is essential to work together to dispel the political distrust and solve other problems in the region. Accordingly& it is Japan's policy, as part of its diplomatic efforts, to encourage more vigorous and constructive dialogue among all. countries concerned. In this era when new relationships, based on dialogue and co-operation, are being forged uorld wide, I am hopeful that progress will be made towards normalizing Japanese-Soviet relations, resolving the still unsettled Northern Territories issue, and concluding a peace treaty between our two countries. Progress in these areas not only yill contribute immeasurably to buttressing peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region but also will help extend to other parts of the world the substantive improvements in the East-West relationship that are taking place in Europe. It is on this basis that Japan will continue further to expand and strengthen the dialoguel I hope that the Soviet Union will likewise make greater efforts for fundamental improvements in the relationship. It is crucial to peace and stability in the ~sia-Pacific region that the People's Republic of China remain open'to the rest of the world and en10y domestic stability. Japan hopes that China will continue to pursue policies of reform and openness, and, .for its part, w111 continue its policy of extending all possible co-operation to such Chinese efforts at modernization. (Mr. Nakayama, Japan) A comprehensive political settlement in which the United Nations is involved is essential to any lasting solution to the long-festering Cambodip~ problem. Following last year's international conference in Paris, efforts for a political settlement have bee~ made, at the international level, at the regional level, and at the national level, among the principal parties. An Asian nation itself, Japan hosted the Tokyo meeting on Cambodia in an effort to find a solution to this problem, which is the primary destabilizing factor in the region, and has taken an active part in the peace process. The momentum for peace is building, with the formulation of a framework for a settlement by the permanent members of the Security Council, and with the establishment, at the Jakarta meeting, of the Supreme National Council. I very much hope that the Paris conference will be convened soon, that the remaining problems will b~ ironed out, and that peace will come to Cambodia in the near future. Japan is considering how it might extend co-operation with United Nations peace-keeping activities and, once peace is attained, with national rehabilitation efforts. The issue of the Korean peninSUla is, as a matter of principle, one to be settled peacefully through direct dialogue between the authorities of the North and of the South. Highly ap;?reciative of the fact that the historic North-South Prime-Ministerial meeting took place earlier this month in Seoul, Japan hopes that further progress will be made in the North-South dialogue. I~ the light of this new situation, Japan is working positively to improve relations with North Korea, with due regard for the maintenance of international pOlitical balance. Japan hopos to contribute to the creation of a climate conducive to further dialogue between North and South Korea. Moreover, we have maintained the pOBition that we would welcome and support United NatioDs membership for North and South, as an (Mr. Nakayoma, Japan) interim mftasure towards the goal of unification of the peninsula. This would also contribute to the relaxation of 4 tensions and would enhance the universality of the United Nations. We hope that constructive talks will be hold between North and South on the basis of the outcome of the recent North-South Prime-Ministerial meeting. I place the greatest importance on the progress made recently in South Africa towards the elimination of apprtheid. Preliminary negotiations between the Government of South Africa and the African National Congress have prepared the way for true negotiations on the drafting of a new constitution, and I beliove that this represents a significant step towards a peaceful resolution of the problem. Japan supports the efforts of all the principals involved in South Africa towards the establishment of a free and democratic regime, a regime from which APartbei~ has been fully eradicated. Wo must not forqet that, ~ven today, internal fighting continues in Afghanistan. Japan has long emphasized that true stability cannot be attained in Afghanistan without the establishment of Q broad-based Government that reflects the popular will. Japan has been working actively for refugee repatriation - for example, by contributing to the Office of the Co-ordinator for United Nations Humanitarian and Economic AS3istance to Afghanistan. I sincerely hope that, through the determined efforts of the Afghan people themselves to solve their problems, and through the negotiations between the United States .and the Soviet Union, peace and stability will be restored to Afghanistan an~ that refugees will be enabled to return to their homes as soon as possible. Japan has consistently supported the efforts and initiatives of countries in the region to restore peace to Central America. We attach the greatest importance to the fact that a change of Government was effectad in Nicaragua th~ough free and fair electioDs held under UDlted Nations supervision, and we hope that iD • Sl Salvador a cease~fire will be achieved with United Nations co-operatioD. In the field ol arms cODtrol aDd disarmament, it is gratifyiDg that the Strategic Arms Reduction Talks aDd the NegotiatioDS OD ConveDtioDal Forces in Burope have beeD accelerated. This progress both reflects aDd reinforces the overall improvement iD Bast-West relatioDs. Y~t of ever greater urgency is the question of how to structure, maiDtaiD aDd streDgthoD global &rrangements agaiDst the proliferatioD of weapo~s of mass destruction, iDCludiD9 nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, e~ well aa of missiles aDd other armaments. The current situation in th~ Gulf vividly demonstrates this. I am conviDced that Japan's firm policy of restrictiDg the export of weapons has contributed to the maintenance of international peace and security. Believing it imperative that there be greater disclosure and greater transparency iD the transfer of conventioDal weapoDs, I very much hope that a productive conclusion can be reached on this issue in the deliberations by the group of experts, as called for in the General Assembly resolution. Khile the receDtly cODcluded Fourth Review CODfereDce on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (lfPT) did not adopt a fiDal declaratioD, it did reaffirm the siqDlficaDce of the NPT structure. JapaD will cODtlDue to work for the maintenance and 8treDgtheniDg of the NPT regime, aDd calls UpOD all of the signatories strictly to observe the Treaty's provisions. We believe that having PraDce and China preseDt as observers at this Fourth Review ConfereDce was beDeficial iD that it made the NPT regime more universal, aDd we appeal to all countries, nuclear aDd DOD-Duclear alike, to accede to the TreAty as soon as possible, if they have not already dODe so. (Mr. HokUMa. JAPaD) In th. .ame vein, Japan was pleas.4 that this y.ar at the Geneva .Conferenc. on DisarMament the ad hoc co~itt•• was reconvened to deliberate on subatantive issue. relating to the limitlnq or banning of nuclear testing.. That the United Statea and the Soviet Union have .xchang.d instrUMent. of ratification for two treati•• relating to Duclear tellting ill also encoura~i.ng, and we hope that this work w11l be continued next y.ar .. If v. are .v.r to achieve a fundamental solution to the i ••u. of ch••lcal weapon., it ill ••••ntial that we make further efforts, in the .pirit of the Final Declaration of the Paria Conference, to achieve ID early conclusion by the Geneva Conference on Dis.~ament on a comprehensive ban on th.se weapons. The initiatives takon recently bl the United State. and the Soviet Union on this iSllue de.erve our high••t re.pect. Japan, for its part, will continue to work ~t the United Nation., at the Geneva Conferen~e on Disarmament, an~ in other forums, for effective a~s control and disarmament. As an industrial democracy, Japan is contributing vigorously to the movement towards democracy manifest in so many places around tho world. Japan's basic policy i6 to co-operate actively, as appropriate to each situation, with countries that are themselves undertaking democratization. In co-ordination with the other industrial democracies, Japan vil1 continue to support actively the democratic Governments that have been established in Bastern Europe. I believe that it is incumbent upon us to demonstrate our support, through economic and other forms of co-operation, for the democratization efforts of developing countries by eztendiD9 economic and other forms of ~o-operatioD. Aa ia cl.ar frOM the efforts for R'r.,troik~ in the Soviet UnioD and from the ahift to .arket ecoDOMie. in Eastern Europe, the driving force behind the world ecoDa-y'. dyne-ic development ha. been the aystem of free trade centred QD market-economy principles. Moreover.. it is hoped that the integration of the European COlllnunity.. slated for 1992.. vill Dot succumb to regionalism and protectionism.. but vill be open to the r.at of the world. It ia essential that the free-trade system be preserved and etreDgthened in order to ensure sustained development everywhere.. including East European and developing countries. Accordingly, our most urgent task Is to ensure that the Uruguay Round is concluded Bucc••afully.. stemming the tide of protectioni.m and restructuring the international trading order for the tventy-first century. With little more than two months to go in the negotiations .. it ia ••••ntial that every Government concerned have the political vill t~ make a cODcerted elfort to re.olve tha remaining issues. ~e effort to .upport the East European countri.. in their tran.ition to market economies mu.t not adversely affect as.istance to devel~piDg countries. Thi. position wa. reaffirmed in the Economic Declaration of the Houston Summit. Support for developing countries.. particularly non-oil-producing countries, ia e.pecially important in view of the effects that the current .itu.tieD in the Gulf i. having on them. ThuH.. we mu.t recognize that the need to co-operate with the developing countrie. of A.ia.. Africa and Latin America a. they gtrive to overcome their economic difficultie& i. greater than ever. Japan has systematically enhanced its official development aasistance (ODA) in an effort to expand the flow of capitalan4 technical co-operation to developing ~ountries. As a ~msult, last year Japan became the world's largost donor of ODA. At the s8l'lle time, it is working to implement measures to recycl'! private and pttbl1c funds on aQ untied basis to developing countries burdened by debt and other problems. The land-locked developing countries (LLDCs) of sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere demand particular consideration as they struggle with declining market prices for their primaE'y commodities, low-growth rates, trade deficits, burgeoning debt, and other grave difficulties. Japan has been strengthening its support for the economic structural adjus~18nt efforts of these countries by extending .. non-project grant capital co-operation as veIl as grant assistance to offset obligations arising from past yen credits. The recent LLDC Paris Conference played an important role in bringing to world attention the desperate plight of the LLDCs and the need for international co-operation. Japan intends to extend assi~tance to these countries to the best of its ability. As Japan's ODA disbursements have increased, making it the world's leading donor country, I have frequently been asked if this assistance is truly designed to meet actual needs of the r~cipient countries, if due attention is being paid to environmental conce~na in development pr?jects, and if the ms.istance is being used effectively. I hOE~ \~at the system for assessing the effectiveness of aid will be improved and the dialcgu~ OD aid policies and programmes between donor and recipiant countries strengthened. The United Nations, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other international bodies play the leading role here, and I sU9gest that they streD9then all possible measures to achieve theme ends • The draaatic political and .conomic chang.. which the international eomauaity iB now vitne.sing are clo••ly relat.d to dramatic advances in science and t~chDology. Ever sinc. the inv.ntion of the steea 8ngine gave rise to the In4us~rial r.volution and irr.vocably alt.r.d the .ocial .tructure, sci.ntific iuovatioD has aff.cted the way society ha. d.veloped. Today, ,c5vaac.s in telecomMunications satellit•• have made it po••ible to oxchange information and imago. in real time, od advanc.s in transportation technology have .I\abl.d us to travel m@re frequently aDd at faster speBd.. Ind••d, the in.tlDt~.ou. tran~Mi5.ion of IDfo~ation vas a major fact~~ ~ehind the chain r.action of rapid, radical r.fo~ iD East.rD Europ.. Sciontific and t.chnological advanc•• off.r infinite po.sibiliti•• for human progr•••• The other sid. of this coin, however, i8 th~ ala~in9 progre•• mad. in weapons technology with it. potential for the total d.atruction of human .ociety. ADd the vast increase. in produ~tion and ~onsumption that have accompani.d .cientific and t.chno10gica1 advance. ~av. iD turn giv.n ~i8. to the problems of global warming, de.truction of the ozone layer, depl.tion of the tropical rain foresta, ccid rain, cr••ping d•••rt.ificati('~' and other disruptions of the global .co1ogica1 ba1anc•• S.cauae the.. 1saue. are of the mo.t ~rgent importance to the entire global community, it 1. incumbent upon the United Hation.~ humankind's most universal organization, to mobilize all of the capabilities available to it in the .earch fo~ solution•• Japan'. as.iduou8 efforts to overcome it••eriou. enviroamental pollution prohlem. have re.ulted, for example, in the achievement of the lowest carbon dioxide emis.ion levels relative to it. 9ro.s dcme.tic product (GDP) of any industrial ~&tioD. I assure tne A~~.mbly that Japan will utie its scientific and technological experti.e, experience and wisdom, a8 well aB it•. econOMic .!ght~ tn contribute .ver 8Or. vigorou.ly to Int.raatloaal co-opera~lon on 910bal env!roDOntal i ••ue.. Conslat.nt with tb1. poUq, u4 with ita continulftCJ support for the activiti•• of ~ Unit.d .aUoD8 hvlrolleent Pr._ (nD). toM International Tropical T~r Organiaation (I~) aDd other bo41••, Japan 1. incre••i09 it. ODA for .nviroa.8stal progr..... to approzt.8t.17 300 billion yen over the thre.-ysar period fr_ 1'" to 1991. JMpu Is al.o tUiag .. active part in pr.parations for th. 1992 United _atioaa COllferenc. on SDviro...nt aDd Developlttnt. aDd v111 e.t.1UJ co-operation to .upport developiag countri.... through. for ••..,le# the Multl1at.ral Fund und.r the MOntreal Protocol. The transf.r of tGcbDology i. aD ~rt~t part of a••i.tanc. to doveloplag count-de.. A .tudy 1. now ua4.r way on the po••ibillty of ••tabU.blag ID Japan the UlBP c.ntr. f~r 910bal .nvlro~ntal coaaervatloD. This would .erve a. a central body to co-ordinat. th. coll.ction of t.CbDlc.l data to ...t the need. of dev.loplng countrl.. and provide GCC... to approprlate t.cbDology tbro~ tralalag aDd other progr...... Aa .OOD a. VlBP .at.a a fo~l decl.loD. the Gover~Dt of JapaD vll1 eo-operate vlth .fforte to ••tabll.b tbl~ ce.tr•• The 1990. bave been d••igaat.a the Iat.raatioaal Decade for ••tural Disa.t.r Reduction. Aa OD. of the countri.. that propo••d this de8igaatioD, JapaD appeal. to all countri.. of the world to ..ke .very effort to rai.. international c~n.c!ou.D... about Datural di.a.tere. to .iat-i.. the d..age fr_ .uch di•••ter•• and to prot.ct the 910bal .nvlronment. It i. ~D the fleld of ..dici.. iD vbieb .. have -ost dir.ctly .~rl~ac.d the ben.fits of scleDca and t.cbDology, aad it la cl.ar that iat.raatioaal ~o-oper.tion ID tbia field i. BlOat l~rtaDt If we are to 90 Gill to cr.ate a global c~tl" in which all peOp18 ca 11" full and h.althl' 11".s. ftrough a4vaaco. ID _dldu. tube~culo.i., saal1poz, aD4 Many other oace-f.ared dl...... have beeD largely (MI' e 'U."', e1MM) foUD4 to tl'eat Cuell' aN AIDS. Ybe accideDt at Cb.I'DO~l was a stal'k I'..iudll' of the pot.ati.l of scientific aDd tecbDoI09ical advaace. to threatea huaaakiad'. very survival. Tbis year the 8eo~c aa4 Socl11 Council hac clllea for bilateral aad .u1tl1aterll ...18tanc5 to the vlctima of tbat tragic accideDt. As tbe oDly country to blve .uffer~d the Iffecta of the .t~c ~, Jape. iatlad. to us. the experie.=e It hae gIlDed ia tbi. fiald to beaefit tho•• victl... 2he drug ,robl.. i. another is.ue that CaD o~ly be re.olved with laternatioDII cO-GplratioD, and here too hopes are blgh thlt the United .atlon. will play ID effectivo 1'01.. Japu supports tbe Uaited .IUons rWlC! for Drug Abuse Coatl'ol (UllfDAC) aDd Is wol'l!!ill9 to :1.-pl...n.t the 910bal act1~D progr.... aDd political Declaratioa adopted at tbe special a.••lon OD .al'cotic drugs. Coaslsteat with ~.e effort., Japan ba. proposed that aD Asia-Pacific druq coafereace be coaVlDod to pr080te end co-ol'dialte i~traregloa.l co-opel'atioa OD tbic i~aue. In. tbla era of ch'll9' it ls i.,ol:tut t.blt .edous tbo\l9ht be «jiven to tbe question wbetber the role. and lunctioa. of th~ Uaited Matioe. Ire fully auited to iDcre.singly ~rtlDt role to play ia this age of dillogue aDd co-operatioa i. _iatalD1D9 aa4 r••tol'1ag ,.IC.; eVOD belol'l conflict erupts, it should, tOCjltb.r with the "cl'.ta~-Geaer.l, 189age In preveatlve diplOMaCy to warn of the 4aDger aa4 to lowl' the llvel of ten.loD. ! beUeve that a system should _ put In place vbieb" ia 11 dtuaUon where laternat!oaal peace ad security was threatened, would eDable the Security Council to conduct fact-flndlDg activitie. aa4 418patcb. pl'e..at conflict at an .&l'ly stage. Such a .y.tea would constitute a pal'tl~larly (Mr, I"QM" J'MQ) effective Mans of pr"':I\!llting the olScalation of disputes. Jai- m is prepared to work in eernemt with other Member States to take the necessary measures to .tre~gth.n these ~onflict-preventio~functions. All Member States should tate full part in United Nations activities, working a. equal. in this new era of eo-operation. Consist~~t with this principle, I believe that the so-called former enemy clauses remaining in the Charter are entirely inappropriate ana meaningless in this new era, and I should like to call upon other United Nations Members for their understanding and support for the eliMination of the•• clauses•• • The President returned to the Chair. Th. speedy r.sponse of the United Nations to tho Iraqi crisis has opened the eyes of leaders and people the world over to the usefulness of the United Nations and especially of its efforts to maintain and restore peace. In Japan, the media offer detailed r~ports of every ~ecurity Council meeting and thorough analyses of the Secretary-Generales every diplomatic move. ~t the same time, there is an earnest public d~bate now under way aa to how Japan, a pacifist nation, can more fully co-operate with the United Nations to achieve world peace. I trust that similar debates are talcing place in other nations around the globe. Never before have hopes been higher that the United Nations will play a leading role in the pursuit of world peace and stability; in the creation of a free and democratic society, where human rights are respected; in the achievement of lasting prosperity; and in solving the environmental and other global problems facing humanlcind. Ne are now in the final decade of the twentieth century and, as we loolc back, it is clear that this was a century of protracted war and conflict. It should be just as clear that the twenty-first century must be one of peace and co-operation. All nations will have to co-operate to preserve the global environment, control drug abuse, deter international terrorism aDd prevent ths deplotion of the Earth's resources. Having made the United Nations a central focus of its foreign policy ever sine. being accepted as a Member, Japan plac•• its full trust and hope in the Organisation. Japan is 4etermlnea to make every possible effort for world peace and stability for a humane internationol community end for an enduringly beautiful planet. ~~STBIBR (C.ecboclovakia)a Mr. Presid3nt, allow me to congratulate you on your .lec~ion. Your professioDal skills and your kindness, which I had the oppo~tunit7 to know during my recent visit to your country, will be much needed in guIding the prement .esslon of the General Assembly. Yhe past year was to a substantial extent a year of Europe. Tha eastern half of Europe is regaining its freedom and sovereignty. Your presidency appears to me to be a symbol. You ar~ taking office as a representative of a European country which is, however, also fairly close to Afric& and whosa port of La Valletta was for centuries a place of clashes as well as a refuge that was always available on the rout~s between Europe and Asia, the Nest and the Bast, as was said 1~ Rudyard Kipling's time, or tha Nerth and the South, as we are beginning to say nowadays. The most recent 8essioDs of the General Assembly have al~vady indicated that the United Nations is only now returning to the opportunities of the time of its founding. The succ£ss of last year's session was due ~o your predecessor, General Joseph N. Carba of Nigeria, who deserves our gratitude. It has become customary to address here all the particular areas of United NatioDS activities. I shall certainly comment OD some of them today, ana we will express our views on others later. Yet I feel a Deed to b. a little bit personal~ whiCh will take a little time. It is a special honour for m~ to be w.lcomed into the comm~ity of natione os the first Fore1gn Minister of newly liberated Czechoslovakia. Twenty~two years ego I was sitting in this Ball in the pr.ss gallery and listening to a statement by the then Soviet Foreign Minister, Andrei Gromyko. B. vas putting forward arguments to back up a definition of aggr.ssion. It vas a fin. definition. However, I f.lt a shiver runninq dOlfil my spin.. Gromyko was speaking as if h. did not know that he was defining. deecribin9 and condemning precisely what his own country had perpetrated against Czechoslovakia no more than six weeks .arlier. Then, for many y.ars~ I followed from the pleces where I had to live and work because of that a99re.sion - among oth~rs frcm a prison - the difficulties and sometimes even political paralysis of this Organisation, the cascades of rhetoric and mutaal accusations. It was not until the pest few years that, among other things because of the aore favourable developments in the eaetern part of Europe, certain results umerged. To & considerable extent we ove it to the tireless activities of the Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Per.s de Cuellar, that the United Nations has. after all, played a meaningful role - for e:ample in N~ibia'8 accession to independenc~ and in the assertion of minimum human-rights standards. I have sai4 that the past year was a year of Europe - a year of historical failure of its totalitarian regimes. My country, teo, is now, after 50 years, rededicating its.lf to its democratic traditions. He are all still somGwhat surprised. No more than a year ago I was living in a country mired in immorality, economic declinG and police persecution; now I am living in a country full of hope that has already had free electio~s and is taking the first steps towards introducing a ma~k.t economy. A year ago I was working 8S a boiler-room attendant, publishing an independent un4erground newspaper and being chased by the secret police, while today I am addressiDg you as the Foreign Minister of my country. In the heart of Europe, at the crossroads of European history, we have often b.en compelled to think about our place within the community of natioDs. Armies u.ed to roll over OQr territory, and a number of European wars started and endcd there. More than once, forces stronger than ourselves forced us to give way to their intereats. Khen we were not willing to do ~o - as at the time of Munich or the Prague Spring - they sent troops to make us obey. Nevertheless, we have alvays 5uccee4e4 in recovGring. The first C.echoslovak President, Tomas Garrique Masaryk, believed that 9reatness was Dot a matter of si.e or numbers of population but rather a matter of inner atrength, truth, culture and education, of the contribution a person or a nation cu lIake to .nrich the connon treasury of humanity, of the values he or ahe vill create and off.r to others. Standing on the threshold of our nev demOcracy, we vut to Met thi. chall.ng•• Th. rapid di.int'9ra~lonof the totalitarian structures in Central ud Bastern Burope vall the fruit of the activities of people yearning to live in freedo!l in a just, d.mo~ratic ud prosperous society. However, it vas also a ~roof of the fact that ayst••s incapabl. of r.fl.ction and self-renewal at ever higher 1.vGla are dOOMed to passivity, rigidity ud ultimately to extinction. Many dictators have t.rroris.d people. in this century. ~ure were Stalin, Hitler, MUSSOlini, thoro ..r. nUllborll of others in Asia, Africa ul! Latin America. In the .nd, th&y always 1.d th.ir countri.~ to failure and defeat. Undoubt.dly, these continuing along .t.ilar lines today vlll .n4 up in the same way. That, howev.r, alvaY8 coats a lot of suffering, mis.ry ud h'Q1lu lives. ... also bov frOll our experi.iDc. that those who caulS. sUff.ring alvaY8 ••eh to justify th~ir actions by invoking lofty ideals, the only true faith; the interest of the nationI the struggl. for the best of worlds. Thon" 'm aggression 1rJ not u ~r'881on but a holy var or a liberation struggle, killing ia DOt murder but the def.at 02 en.mi.8 of fr.edom or of criminal elements. In the United NatioDs, too, we were encount.ring that approach for ovel' four decades. I IU'I happy to note that, by taking an unambiguOUB IItand on the Ir.'atii a99re••ion again~t Kuwait, our Orqani.ation is cQmlng back - definitively, I hope - to ita real mission. Only with the end of confrontation and with the East and the Kest engaging in genuine cQ-operation will the United NatioDs ~e able to exert more effective efforts in prOMOting global security and human rights, eradicating famine and underdevelopment, protecting an4 improving the environment, combating drug abus. and terrorism and building up mechanisms of economic development and co-operation for the whOl~ world community. If we ar. to &ucceed, we need a peaceful, favourable international environment where nobody Buffers too much ad where everybody has a chance. Naturally, there are differing priorities as to course. of development. The wealthier part of the world is in a process of economic integration. Burope at present is seeking ways ·?warda integration DOt only in the economic sphere but a180 in the political and social spheres, and perhaps in defence as well. Most countrios of the South have other prloritie~1 the ne.d to cope with hunger, population explosion, debt, falling prices of their traditional products and raw materials, lack of investments, an inadequate infrastructure, insufficient levels of know-how and a lact of acce.s to modern technologies. We bow well from our Ovll experience what it meus to have a malfunctioning ecoDomy which creates a Bystem of ever-present shortages and what cons.quences that entail. for: the life of the society in economic and moral terms. This is alrso the rea80D why wo do not want to s.e confirmed the anzieties that a part of development assistance, already insufficient, might be drawn off bscause of the needs of Central and Bastern Zurope. In the pest, development assistance was shrouded in numerous illusions, many of them voiced e180 'in our Organlaation. But Iven in the form it took and the extont to which it was provided, such assistance has resulted in a lot of good. Yet, fundamental iSlues have remained unr~Golved. At times development aid was turned into an instrument of ideological rivalry in third world countries, with the Baat-West conflict looming in the background. At present, nothing could be worse than the replacement of the disappearing cold war bipolarity by a Dew North-South bipolarity. One hundred years ago, Rudyard lCipUng saidl "Bast is Ealt and West is West Bnd Dover the twain shall meet". For the author of the Juggle BQOk, admirer of Asi~, Africa and the golden schools of fish at Man~alay, the diff.rence in civililations between his England ~d hi' India seemed impossible to overcome. From the mechanical viewpoint of that century. he could not foresee the age cf computers. From the period of colonial empires and clearly geographically defined interests, he could not envision our global civililation, where we can already determine common principles lead1ng to the luccess or failure of our activities. Now, even a minor iSlue can become a global one - a conflict of religioDs or nationalities in the Middle East also makes itself felt through murders at an airport in Rome or the Olympics in Munich. We Cllchs and Slovaks highly value our own national identity. Throughout our history, we had to struggle to preserve it. Thet ls perhaps one of the reaBons why we know that the identity of peoples cauot be cODfuse4 with the political intentions of those who leek to stay in power or to goin power by fomenting fanaticism, be it of a nationalist, religious or ideological nature. Thus, we do not consider Saddam Russein's attack OD lCuwait to be just a regional matter confined, let us saY6 to the Middle East. We perceive it to be an attack on the fundamental rules of coexistence among D~t1oD8 and State.. These rules are also enshrined in the Charter of the United NatioDs. Once we have succ••d.d in r.aching the point where ve are beginning to speak the same languag., we should not let this opportunity of the world community slip out of our hands. Thos. who do not understand this or who do not want to understand this, those who would att.mpt to make us. of the current 81tuationto settle some problem of th.ir own, j.opardize not only that opportunity and thu international community, but a180, ultimately, themselves. n1lB is certainly an emotional moment for 110, persollally # but I de.m it much more important that my country has ended the long nightmare that bef.ll a large part of ths world and that vas also impeding the activities of the Unit.d Nations. Although we had to oxert efforts of our own to make the revolutionary change happen, we would Dot have be.n succ.ssfu1 without the support and ansistanc. of. all democratic and fre.dom-loving co~'trlea and force. of the world CUMmunity. Thes. included the SQvsn courag.ous Rus.ians who d.moastrat.d at Red S~uar. against the occupation of Caechoslovakia in August 1968, the Polish Solidarity movement, members of the Congress of the United State. and members of both Keaterll European B&d American human rights movements, writers and politicians, people lik~ Francois Mitt.rrand g Olof Pa1me and Andrci Sakharov, all of whom have support.d us through personal contacts. I am naMing but 8. few of those who have always known that the struggl. for human rights, freedom aDd democracy is univ.rsal, that if v. allow injustice to exist elsevhere, it can app.ar on our dooretep aB well. Thoy have also included those Sovl~~ politicians who. like Mikhail Gorbachev or Bduard Sh.vardnadze were not afraid to op.n a window to the world and set in motion the democratisation of their own society. C••choalovak foreign policy is DOW independent and ready to bear its ahar. of re,ponsibllity for the future of the international community. First of all. we had t.o normalbe our r.1ations with our Ii.ighbourlle W. wish to participate in the econoaic int.gration of Burope and to contribut. in an activ. DanDer towards creating commo~ human rights standards and a common Buropean economic, legal, environmental, cultural and s.curity structure. K. wish to become • f\111 ,.lftber of the Council of Burope. Ke want to mate a contribution to the in.tltu~ionali.ationof the proc.ss established by the ConfereDce on Security and Co-operation in Burope (CSCB). N. have put forward specific proposals. w. are offering Prague .s the host city of a permanent CSCB secretariat. OUr interest in building a united Burope also determines our stand on the unification of Germany. Csechoalovakia con8iders the forming of a single Germany .a an aet in impl.mentation of the German p.ople's right to self-determination, the outc~ of a democratic process and a prere~ui8ite for definitively overcoming the 4ivi810D of Burope and for settling the outstanding issues of the Second World War. This ye-..r th. United RatioDs rub have grown even more with nev Members 'oining the Organisation. We have welcomed in our midst the long-awaited ladependent and free Hamibia. W, admitted Liechtenstein a few days ago. It gives .. gr.at ple••ure to e.pres. my congratulations to both n.w Members from this ro.tr... The principle of universality of our Orqaniaation r.quires that it grant ~r.hip to all independent countries: that show an interest 1D joining it, as Is the alas with the Republic of Korea at present. Preed from th~ shackles of confrontation, the United Nations nQW offers a wide range of opportunities for the advancement of international co-operation in all fields. Por our part we .hall do our utmost to that end. Ke reaffirmed this during the visit of the Organization's Secretary-General to the Czech and Slovak F.deral .epublic this year. Me ara now offering a spacious palace in Bratislava, with numerous halls and conference rooms, no more than 60 kilometres from Vienna, for activities of the Vienna IntofnationGl Centre. We shall continue to support the peace efforts of the United Nations. Beginning neat year we shall be ready to send, upon the re~uest of the Security Council~ a battalion-strength military unit to join in United Nations peace-keeping operations. Ke are prepared to act 8S mediators in the settlement of conflicts if we are requested to do ao. It is our conviction that crises have to be settled solely on the basis of the United Nations Chartor. Negotiation and the striving for. compromise is, in our opinion, the only po.sible way out for the Middle East, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Cyprus and elsewhere. Peaceful rather than violent means should be sought to eliminate the shameful system of apartheid. Agreements OD arms limitation and disarmament require verification and confidence-builcUng _asures. Therefore, we shall continue to publish data on our military ezpen6itur•• according to United Nations quidelines. At the Conference on Disarmament iD Geneya we shell contribute towards elaborating binding international instruments. We intend to become a party to the convention on the prohibition and de.truction of chemical weapons as soon as it is finalized. Ne have published detailed information on our peacetime chemical potential. Ke have testod the feasibility of challenge inspections at chemical plants, as well as in military facilities. Ke have withdrawn our earlier reservation to the 1925 Geneva ProtOCOl on the prohibition of the use of chemical weapons in var. Ke are encouraging endeavours aimed at achieving a general and complete nuclear-weapon-test ban and we (Mr. nilDltbior. CzechoslovakiA) Ehal1 tate an active part in the Conference on the MOscow partial test-ban ~reaty in Janu~ry 1991. We attach particular importance to the activities of the United Nations in the sphere of human rights. We are connltted to this stand in view of the genesis of our revolution, and in view of our membership of the Connission on Human RIghts from the begInning of next year - for the fIrst time since the Commission was founded. We shall accede to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political RIghts and sign the Second Optional P~otocol to the same Covenant concerning the abolition of capital punishment. ·We are preparing to eccede to the CODventIon relating to the Status of Refugees and to the relevant Protocol. We a~e also making preparations f~r the signing of the European Convention OD Human Rights. My country and Austria have co-sponsored at the current sessIon of the General Assembly a proposal for the conclusion of an additional protocol on consular functions to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. Our endeavour to build up a country fully gove~ned by the rule of law is inseparably linked with support for the rule of international law in inter-Stato relations. We are therefore withdrawing our reservations to the provisions in international conventions on obligatory jurisdiction of the International Court of JustIce. I could name here a number of other steps through which we are se~ting, often with a delay of several decades, to redress the consequences of the narrow-minded ideological approach of the undemocratic governments of ~ country to the development of the international connunity. But we want more than that: we want to learn from the experience of the past 40 years and use the resulting leSIons not only for our own benefit but offer it to be used for the benefit of all. The aim of our peaceful democratic revolution was firlt ~Dd foremomt to free men and women from fear, to reitore to th6m their human dignity and freedom of .xp~.ssion, freedom to .l.ct their own r.pr.s~nt&tiv.. and to build a Stato under the rule of law, to giv. our citiz.ns the poasibility of taking personal r.sponsibility for th.ir liv.s, for their work and its outcome. Thus in y.t another part of the world th.re is now a growing beli.f that f1rs~ we are hWllan beings and citil.ns and only aftar that whit.s or blacks, Catholics, Mu~lias, or people without r.ligion, CI.ch., Slovaks, Americans, Chin.s., Arabs or J.va, rich or poor, .ducat.d or illit.rate, Westerners or Easterners, North.rners or South.rners. The colour of our skin, our nationality, religion or political convictions conatitute persor.sl charactoristics that neith.r givo 1'8 a right to put ourselv.s above oth.rn nor make u. inferior. This applie~ to personel r.lations, to domostic and foreign policies of countries, and also to United Rations activities. Never again should the United Nations adopt one-sided positions that impair its credibility, such as it did once in the resolution identifying Zionism with racism. It i. my opinion that the time has come for the United Nations to carry its original underlying idea further by formulatinq principles that would repr.sent the common heritage of the dev.lopment of the whole human civilization, principl.. that have prov.d to be an ess.ntial pt.-condition for the .ucceasful d.velopment of any society, regardless of the part of the glob. in which it lives. W. have a worthy foundat10n in the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Ruman Rights and the int.rnational human rights covenants. W. hope that all United Nation. Members w~ll adopt tb.s. documents as their OUD and that efforts will be made to .nsur. their unifo~ int.rpretation ana consistent implementation. But let us go still furth.rs let us try to formulate principle. of conduct for the world community to follow, so as to create a world .conomic apace where each and .v.ry society,. r.qardJ,eslS of ths level of its dev.lopment and sp'cifie cultural tredltions, would find ita place, a wor14 where opportunities and a chanc. of r.solving soclal 1~~~.. through pro.pcrity~ of rai.ing the l.v.l of .duc.tio~ and of havi~g the voice ol its national culture h.ard in the conc.rt of world cult~re would be as.u~.4. This r.lat•• also to the env!roDMGnt surrounding us. Th. Unit.d Ration. i. certainly the forum best suited for the t~rmulation and as••rtion of C~D principle. for tho conservation aDd il!lPrOvesMnt of the .nv!reWllent. "e knQ')l fro. our own .xp.rience that interfer.nc. with nature in onl part of the globe influences th~ destiny of us all. Ne shall discu•• thic subj.ct at the Unit.d Nations Conference OD EnviroDment and Dev910pment to be h.ld in Brazil. I bope that it will produce binding prlD~ipl.s and ••t in motion broadly conc.ived programmes. In hi. ms.sage to the Pr••id.nt of the Co.-is.ioa of the European CommUDity~ Jac~ue. Delor.~ Czecho.lovak Preaident Vaclav Bavel~ propoe.d that tb. European CommUJlity~ together with the countries of CeDt~al and Sa.tern Europt~ ••t up a programme 6ime4 at a continent-vide solution of enviroDmental probl•••• I have already .tat.d that after overco.tag last-Wost bipolarity we CaD and must work harder than before to bridge the North-South gap. The cODclusioD' drawn at the eighteenth special sessloD of the G.n.ral Ass.mbly OD the revitalizatioD of .conomic growth can be inspiring but financial resourc.. remain the ••••ntial factor. I am afraid that the pr••ent conflict in the Persian Gulf vill again substantially limit the possibiliti•• for development aa.istance. Alr.ady today~ aa a result of rising oil prie•• ~ the situation of many countries is becoming cdtical. However ~ financial grants or loans to the dev.loping 1fOr14 CartJlot be seen aa the only rescue. Ne ha.- to look for other .~lutions &~ voll. For instanc., .. ~gst activate co-operation within regions or developaent areas. Ono oe ;be available options .lght consist in the application of the ~lan I outlined at Barvard Unlversity last May for stabUisatlol! of Central Europe and the USSR. Ne bave Iluggested that the wealthie.t State. of the world set up a fwad in the fom of a dollar loan to th. Soviet Unlon. That fund, to be adainlatered by aD international bank, such as the Suropean Bank fQr aeconstruction and Developaent, would ~ uaed to pay for suppli•• would be required to luv••t a part of thei~ dollar carnings in thoir ova MOdernisatioD. The Soviet Union would undertake to lavellt the rouble equivalent of tile a. paid f.r_ the fund in the developlMtDt of ita own fac::onoay. HoboeSy would get any money in advance; payments would be COMMitted to specific effective progr..... UD~~r the supervision of the respective bank. The sti.ulatin9 effect of such operations 0.\ the develOPMent of local Inau.t~le. 1. evl~"nt. Such a proposal offer.~ of cour.e, just e model that could be elaborated so .s to suit the specific CODCUtiOO. in incl!vidual caae.. Most of the atteapt. ~ade se far involving an active donor and a pa••lve recipient have falle4. Nby not try soma other vays? Over the 45 years of ita existence, the United Nations has gone through many & twist of fate. Yet, despite all drawbacks, it survived eyeD the vorst t~. of the cold war. Every third Tuesday in hptember those who vould not have met othendse met 1n this Ba111 a thin thread cODDectiD~ the international community vas still ~ere. The end of bipolar confrontation, llnked with the sweeping changea In Central and Eastern Europe, ia mak1D9 possible a renaissance cf the i4eas eDchrlnea In the Charter of our Organisation. I am confident that it is the Unltad Nations tbrough wbich the new era of c~-operation, in an area .ztendinq from San Francisco to VlQdivost~k, will be projected into co-operation with the South, and that this will create the essential pre-conditions and make available the resources that are necessary to eradicate poverty and to solve the problems of the environment. One of the founding fathers of the United Nations - Czechoslovak Foreign Minister Jan Hasaryk, son of our first Prssident - pointed out, as long ago as 1947, th~t there are four cardinal points, not just east and west. In vain did ha call for the forging of a democratic chain to encircle the whole globe. After the fall of democracy in Czechoslovakia in 1948 he tragically ended his life with a fall from a window of Cernin Palace, the seat of our F~relgn Ministry. Sometimes I take my visitors to that window, thinking about how he would rejoice to see that we are 8gain taking up thi. dream of his with renewed hope. Let me therefore conclude my statement with the same words with which he concluded his at the first General Assmnbly session: "So onward United Nations, marching as to peace". Mr. ITVRRALPB BALLIVIAH (Bolivia) (interprotation from Spanish): On behalf of my Government and on my own behalf, allow me to express warmest congratulations to Hr. Guido de Harco upon his election to the presidency of the General Assembly at this forty-fifth session. Given his personal qualities, his presence here is a quarantee of evenhandedness and fairness. Allow me also to pay a tribute of admiration and ~upport to Secretary-Genoral Javier Perel de Cuella~ and, through him, to the United Nations and ita specialized agencies. We wish on this occasion to welcome to our Organization the Principality of Liechtenstein, confident that it vill make a valuable contribution to the continuing efforts of the United Nations and its Members for a better world. We likewise hail the presence in our midst of a free and independent Namibia, which throughout its struggle enjoyed the support of my country• (Mr. D!enstbier, CZlchos1Qyakia) We are living in amazing times, when unusual, sometimes unforeseeable, changes have oc~urred and continue to occur - changes that are of the greatest import to the history of mankind. We have saen the collapse of anach~onistic political confrontation, a vigorous resurgence of democracy, broader respect for human rights, and other positive developments that allow us a glimpse of better times for future generations. But, unfortunately, we are far from living in an ideal world. There persist enormous inequalities between the developed and the developing countries, and, despite the new climate of detente and dialogue, we can still see conflicts bringing destruction and SUffering to ~ome regions. Moreover, political liberty still requir~s the firm underpinning of economic liberty. Just when we thought that the new mood of dialogue and detente would finally hold sway in international relations we were taken unawares by Iraq's invasion of Ku~ait. Bolivia - a country long dedicated to paace, supported the resolutions of the Security Council. Consistent with its tradition of pacifism and strict compliance with the principles of the Charter, Bolivia believes that the time has come to address regional problems in a climate marked by rational and constructive dialogue. In thi~ regard, we call upon the parties to the Cambodian problem to spare no effort to arrive at a peaceful and negotiated SOlution under the auspices of the OrgDDizatio~. With regard to the situation in the Middle East, Bolivia, as it has done in the past, will support every effort aimed at a negotiated solution - in particular, the proposal to hold an international peace conference, under United Nations auspices, in which all parties concerned would pa~ticipate. The fall of the Berlin Wall and the ensuing German unity are bound to give us great satisfaction. We believe these events to be indicative of the new course in relations between East and West, for this is the peaceful destruction, by the will of a people, of one of the last of the stigmas that are a legacy of the Second World War. My country 13 observing with high hop&s the process being pursued by the GoverDDents of the Republic of Korea and the Democratic Republic of Korea in this new cliaate of detente and dialogue. We fraternally urge both parties to ezert every effort towards reunificat!on, for the benefit, ultimately, of the noblo Korean people. We, the Strt.tes Members of the Organization, have other urgent problems to face on the heavy-laden agenda of the Assembly. The scourga of drug trafficking and drug addiction continues to afflict all people. Its frightfUl prevalence, matched only by the arms race, has already spread all over the world. It ie safe to say that no society is free from this The illicit profits from druq trafficking have found their way into the formal economic channels and are a source of corruption, violence and de3tabilizatioD of the democratic processes attained by our peoples at so great a cest. Much rem~ins to be done in our joint endeavour to eradicate drug trafficking and to save its victims. We should, however, recognize that important, meaningful steps have been taken to that end. We hail the entry into force of the United Nations Convention OD Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Subst3Dces, of ~hich my country is already a signatory. Bolivia hae offered Affi~le evidence of ita political determination to eradicate this evil. Just a year ago, in this same forum, the President of Bolivia, Jaime Paz Zamor8, presented to the international community the broad outlines of the thesis of "Alternative Development", the key elements of which are the creation of new sources ot employment, growth and diversification of exports, the attraction of increased capital flows," and the opening of new markets. Bolivia approaches the resolution of the problems linked to coca and its derivatives through a nationcl development strategy that seeks, not just crop substitution, but substitution of the coca economy, a t&~k which requires the involvement of the producer countries and the rest of the world community. We can afford no delay in introducing new patterns of production that will provide farmers employed in planting coca leaves with an alternative livelihood, and this implies a change in the structural process of socio-economic developmsnt. Bolivia has put forward the thesis of alternative development on various occ&sions and in different forums. That thesis has been reco9Dize~ and incorporated in various international documents, but we are still awaiting fruitful and realistic international joint action. Its full acceptance allows us to believe that its implementation will lead us to the resolution of this problem. We reiterate today that the success of alternative development will be the result not only of the efforts of the Bolivian people and Government, but also of the po~itive economic and trade response of the international community. Another item that deserves priority attention at this session of the Assembly is the environment. Dire poverty brings environmental deterioration in its vake, and this in turn leads to a vicious cycle of ecological blight and human misery. In Bolivia, environmen~al protection and conservation have taken on new dimensions and concrete measures have been adopted. We have declared an "ecological moratorium" throughout Bolivian territory for five years, beginning with the present administration, which will mark a milestone in the dynamic relationship between development processes and the protection of nature. Protection of the environment is the expression of the political will of the people and Government of Bolivia to break with the irrational past in the management of our natural resources. It also reflects Bolivia's response to the international community's concern with this issue. .' As regards the environment and development. Bolivia holds that protection of the environment must be harmonized with the processes of development and economic growth so urgently ne6ded by poor countries. Conservation of nature cannot imply condemning our peoples to backwardness, poverty and underdevelopment. On the contrary. the mechanisms that link the environment and development will have to be based on strategies for rational economic growth, always linked with respect for the interests of the international community and the region in question. Bolivia views President Bush's Americas Initiative as an innovative alternative designed to mitigate the onerous burden ef external debt while simultaneously bringing sufficient resources to bear on an active programme to preserve the environment. We are confident that the forthcoming United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. to be held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. in which Bolivia will take an active part. will give rise to practical, effective decisions with regard to the solution of this problem in conformity with the principles laid down by the General Assembly in resolution 44/228 and the preparatory process for the world Conference so auspiciously begun in Nairobi last August. I must also mention a problem which weighs heavily upon my country and which has been the Subject of numerous debates in thio Organization ao well as in regional organizations for many years. I refer to Bolivia's land-locked status. In this same forum last year Bolivia's President recalled that when it lost its Pacific Ocean territory Bolivia also ceased to be a maritime nation, as it had been upon attaining independence. The President addressed an appeal to the countries involved to face this problem in the Dew integration-minded spiri't that befits the twenty-first century. It is in that spirit of fellow-feeling ADd integration that we turn to the Assembly. Bolivia once again calls upon the international community to grasp the importance of this problem, which the Organization of America States (OAS) has repeatedly declared to be ODe with hemispheric implications. In this period of major changes, when old differences are bsing overcome by political will ADd constructive imagination, it is incomprehensible to the Bolivian people that the problem of its land-locked status, rooted in the past century, should not be resolved OD the basis of fraternal dialogue ADd commonality of interests. Bolivia is convinced that the solution of m~y of the problems beaetting Latin America C3D be found only through integration. It is in that spirit, and by virtue of our geographical position, which makes Bolivia a crossroads, that we are taking part resolutely and optimistically in processas of integration and co-operation such as the Latin American Integration Association, the Latin American Economic System, the Andean Group and the Plato Basin ~nd the Amazon Pact, initiatives which are intended to focus efforts and harmonize ac~ion in pursuit of their ~esJ?8ctive objectives. with respect to co-operation and ,development for the elimination of poverty, permit me to speak briefly about my country's economic and political situation and about the Bolivian people's efforts to achieve a better life within a democratic, pluralistic system with full respect for human rights. The economic process in Bolivia has been e~amined in various forume and by various world leaders. The success of an economic and financial stabilisation policy has checked galloping inflation ana instability has been acknowledged. This was no easy matter for the Bolivian people. Each citizen waa required to make a great measure of sacrifice and to postpone the attainment of their most legitimate rights and aspirations for a better life. We have not yet resolved structural problems that are basi~ to socio-economic development. We have been unable to improve the level of employment, which has been further constrained by economic and financial adjustments. We have not alleviated the health problems affecting the inhabitants of my country, and the beneftts of education are not rsachinq vast sectors of the popUlation. The necessary economic revitalization that was to follow the stabilizatloD process is proving slow and ~ifficult. Our development continues to be hampered by the adverse offsets of the 1980s 6 such as unequal trade relations and international financ., the collapse of commodity prices and, principally, the cru.hiD; burden of .xternal debt. I Il~W have the honour to ad4res. the Ass.mbly on b.half of the Group of 11, ainc. my country, BQlivia, i. the curr.nt Chairman of that important group of 121 d~velopin9 States Members of the Unit.d Nation•• Th. Group of 11 has on many occasions ezpr.ase4 its conc.rn at the .conemic stagnation of our countries throughout the past decad.. But it should be 8tr.s••d that a n.w political turning-point has be.n reach.d by the !4embers of the Unit.d Nations with the adoption by cons.n.u. of the historic Declaration of the eight••nth special ••••ion ef the Gen.ral As.embly" d,voted to international economic co-operation, in particular to the r.vitalisation of .conomic growth and d.velopment of the dov.loping countri'l!. That gave ria. to n•• hopes. I urge the international community to take the stepB needed to put into practice without d.lay the commitments and policies set cut in that Declaratian. Lik.~i•• we appeal to the international community to adopt and implement the International Development. Strat.gy for the Fourth United Nation. D.volc1pa8nt Decad." which is now in the final phase of n.gotiQtion. Th. Group of 11 vi,,,s the Strategy as eminently suitable for finally ov.rcoming the oconomic lag with which the majority of our countries are grappling today. I "ish a180 to .zpress our concern over the possible impact on the .eonom!•• of developing countries of th0 ••ri.. of structural changes taking place in the world economy. W. are witn.ssing important political and .conomic chang•• which, to~thor witb the international commun!ty'8 growing awarone.s of the common p~obl.ms we face, are bringing about a new patt.rn of int0rnstional relations. Those changes and tran.formations are l.ading to an increasing globalisation . of the economy and to greater interdepondence among countries. Nbile each State and each nation is responsible for adopting its OVD policy for economic development, such policies depand also on the existence of a favourable international economic environment. Because interdependence has .different effects on different countries depending OD their capacities and their impact on the world economy, it can advance the development policies of developing countriel1, or it can hamper them and cause them to fail. Accordingly, that process must be handled with greater equity and justice in order to avoid the increasing morginallzation of developing countries, especially in the financial, trade and technolcVical spheres. Such marginalization could have grave consequences with respect to improving the possibilities and standard of living of more than three quarters of the world's population. My country, Bolivia, wants fervently to ensure that all these statements may help strengthen the universal task of ensuring peace, development and integration in the democratic world, which made this a historic century through the establishment of the United Nations. ~iROZALI (Algeria) (interpretation from Arabic): It gives the Algerian delegation great satisfaction to see you, Sir, presiding over the work of the Ge~eral Assembly at its forty-fifth session. In plecting you to the presidency, the Amsembly paid a well deserved tribute to your vell-knoVD personal and professional qualities and to Malta, with which Algeria has long enjoyed relations of friendship, understanding and co-operation. As I convey to you our warm congratulations, I wish to assure yo~ of the friendly and complete co~operatloD of the Algerian delegation. Our congratulations and fraternal greetings go also to your predecessor, Mr. Joseph Garba of Nigeria. The ability.. wisdom and devotion he displayed during his term deserve our gratitude. It is always a pleasant duty for my delegation to reiterate it. gratitude to the Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, for his tireless efforts that so perfectly embody the cOlllllitment of the United Nations and its irreplaceable s.rvice to peace and development. The people of Yemen are now represented in this Assembly by a single delegation. Algeria is proud, joyful and satisfied at this, and we reiterate our wam good wishes to that fraternal people which is now reunified. We also welcome amoDg us the delegation of Liechtenstein, which we cODgratulate on its admission to membership of the United Nations. The great transformations which have btien taking place on the international scene and the resultant clean break with the cold war, herald the emergence of a ~ev political order. New joint action and co-operation signal the end to earlier antagonisms between the two super-Powers. It is only fair to recognize that this haa aIr_ady had positive ~ffects, if only because it has paved the way to th~ re.olution of certain regional conflicts, consolidated the procecs of disarmament and affirmed the promotion of co-operation and security in Europe, mating it possible in the heart of that continent for the peaceful reunificatioD of Germany. In that connection, Algeria conveys its warmeat wishes to the German people, which is about to celebrate its unity. We also express the hope that a reunified o.~any will use its economic and political power to strengthen world peace ~4 ••curity and to bolster international solidarity and economic co-operation. Nbile it is only fair to acknowledge the potential benefits of all these developments, it would do no harm to point out that by and large they have affected only one part of the planet: In the other part, the South, all we see is the persistence, even the deterioration, of negative situations. There is an increasing contrast between the Dew prospect3 opening towards greater security, freedom an4 well-being on the one hand, and ever-inc~easing injustice, violence and uncSer4evelopIMnt on the other. Thia .buUcate. the magnitu4e of the challenges involved in establishing a De" p!.)liticGl order that can respond to the fundamental needs of all mankind. There is not a more telling 111ustration of the magnitu4e of the challenge than the tragedy gf the Palestinian people. International law has been constantly flouted in the Ml441e Bast~ the repression of the Palestinian people and its 1nt;if04. ill daily growing more syetematic" harsher an4 more inhuman; the rejection of peace has grown more obdurate, and, through the arrangement of mass emigration of European Jewish citi~eDs to the oc~upied territories, Israel's expansioDist option is raore the ever openly avowod. It was in the midst of this clear deterioration of the situation in the region that the Gulf cdsis burst upon us vith its attendant grave dangers for the entire Arab wor14 and the threats it pos.s to international peace an4 security. For lUgeda, th1e crtst. i. a new and deep wound in ita flesh. We abhor the use of force to settle disputOB g particularly aince, in this case, the rift is 4aving the double effect of casting the fraternal people of Kuwait into total distress and of espos1ng another fraternal country, Ir~, to being nakened or even potential destruction. Both those effects are equally unscceptable. Ke must also consider all the foreign workers living in those two sist@e countries, who f~ce the horror of destitution and exile and the anguish of an uncertain future. Khen the crisis broke out, Algeria made very clear its commitment to international legality, the provisions of th& United Nations Ch&rter ADd the norms BIl4 principle. of international law, and firmly advocated a negotiated Arab solution fre. from any direct or indirect forelgu pressure or interference. My couatry also noted that the responsibilities of States and of the international comaunlty in this cri8is must be aimed above all at the victory of reason over any logic of war, particularly since the direct involvement of foreign forces in the region O~ an unpr.cedented scale would likely ex~cerbate confrontation, a developqent that is bound to have a serious effect OD the peoples and countries of the region, and the international community which vill not escape its effect. ~at is why we believe it is essential for the parties involved to display the greatest possib16 restraint in order to mate possible the search for a solution by all appropriate political and diplomatic means. Since the United Rations was founded to save mankind from the scourge of war and not to cODtribut~ in any way to creating new suffering, recourse to Chapter VII of the Charter must not give rime to any doubts and must result from a faithful interpretation of the spirit and the letter of all the provisions of the Charter. In that connection, Algeria has drawn attention to the dan7er that CODcern only with the effectiveness of economic sanctions, which will starve the Iraqi and Kuwaiti peoples, could ultimately clash with the international law of humanity. It mult be recogDi'84 today that the internatioDal c~ty bme all too often let flagrant vio1atioDI of interDation.l law go UDpunhhed. III the Middle Baet in particular, I.rme1'1 occupatioD of Arab ter~itorie. liaca 198' 8D4 ltl aubaequeDt ., aDDexatioD of the Golu ad El CUd., follo..4 b7 itll repeate4 invuionlof LebuoD and occupation of the loutherll part of that country, ail ...11 al its r.1?8ato4 899ressloll against TaIli.ia ID 1988 aDd 1988, tb8 air rai4 agaiDlt Iraq iD 1981, aDd fillally its cyateaatic auppre.llon of the Palelti8ian !atifl4lb bave all been the anabiects of Unit04 Ratiolls r.so1utloD. that Ilr.el hal r~iect.4 O'lIt of hue! od openly flouted. nerefore, it is our profoWld bope aDd urgent appeal that, 111 or4er to proDlOte aD unequivocal ~OD.en.u. OD the Gulf crisil, the Security eOUllcil will display the same commitment, determination end unity of action to ensuro the full aa4 strict imp1ementatioD of the pertinent United Rations «eciaicDa, so a8 to briag about a just: and compret.ns!ve solution that would put a definitive eDd to the cODf1ict iD the Middle Baat and rostore to the Palestinian peeple all their legitimate rights, inc1u4iIUJ their rigbt to their own iDdepenet.at State. Towards that end, the appropriate fraMework .i11 be the interDatloDa1 conference OD peace ia the Middle last,. OD which there is bro~ uu1Ritl', especially with regard to the eSBontial participation on an equal footiug of the Palestine Liberetioa Organisation (PLO), the sole an4 legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. Simi1&rly~ it i. our hope that the Security COUDci1 will bring to bear its full authority to put aD end to the I.ree11 ocoupation of southerll LebNlOD ud thUlJ enable the legitimate Government of Lebanon to ezercisG full sovereignty over its entire territory. In close co-operatioD with the two other member. of the High Arab Tripartite Committee, Algoria will continue to work relentlessly to reBtore a unified, (Ht. Gh~'lli, Algeria) sovereign, peaceful and prosperous Lebanon. We very much welcome the fact that the Lebanese Parliament has adopted constitutional reforms, and we would like to congratulate the legitimate Government and institutions of Lebanon on this progress towards national consensus. Finally, we would appeal for international support for the setting up of an international assistance fund to Lebanon, aa recently decided. Pursuant to Security Council resolution 598 (1987) and on the basis of the ,Algiers Agreements of 1975, Iraq and Iran have taken the initiative of settling all aspects of their dispute, thus putting an end, after the cessation of hostilities e to a long period of truce that could not, however, be called peace. Because Algiers spared no effort in working for that happy outcome, Algeria finds cause for self-con9ra~~lationin the fact that those tuo Muslim countries have embarked on the path of laa.ting peace and understanding, which is the only way towards friendship and co-operation between their two peoples. It is Algeria's hope that a peaceful solution of the current crisis will be an incentive to all the Gulf States to embark on the same path and thus restore the trust and co-operation which will free the Gulf and its States from fo~eign interference. The reaction of the Arab peoples to the Gulf crisis is closely linked to the discriminatory handling of the violations of international law that have been cOlllllitted with impunity in the region. This has convinced the Arab peoples that the international cOlllllunity applies a double standard, which very naturally nurtures a profound feeling of injustice. It is equally clear that that reaction also refle~ts strong aspirations after inter-Arab solidarity, that would rise to the level of the profound attachment of ~e Arab peoples to the Arab nation, a . solidarity that is so essential if we are to eliminate all 4hJ!'1~"\1e factors which tend to weaken the ability of Arabs to take charge of their cOlllllOn destiny. It is because they share that conv!ction that the countries of the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU), which recently met under the presidency of President Chadl! Bendjedid, are constantly striving to consolidate the march towards unity upon which they have embarked. Within the framework of permanent machinery for concerted and co-ordinated action to achieve common goals, specific and concrete actions strengthen at every stage a process that is in full accord with the requirements of the times and which is further carried forward by the irresistible will of the peoples of the ragion, whom a commo~ cultural heritage naturally prompts to base their hopes for development and prosperity on their striving for unity. The meeting in Algiers last June of the Conference of Foreign Ministers of the non-aligned Mediterranean countries - the third after LaValette and Brioni - ~.,,,,,. ' .' proved to be extremely timely in view of the need to evaluate in common the new fact3 of the international, economic, and political situation and its impact on the Mediterranean non-aligned countries. In that connection, the Conference considered ways and means of intensifying dialogue and co-operation with their partners in the European Economic Community (EEC) and the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Eur~pe with a view to meeting the legitimate concerns of the European Economic Community Mediterranean Countries, widening the scope of consultation between the two sides of the Mediterranean a~d setting up an institutionalized framework for such consultation. Much has happened in Europe that is now actively paving the way towards a new economic and security situation in that continent. It is the hope and resolve of our countries that the MediternlnellD dimension, which has been marqinal1zed in recent times, will ar,sume its full historic importance in the light of the common challenge of security and development6 which should be established and strengthened to the advantage of all tae coastal States if they are to be realized. In more ways than one, 1990 could be called the year of the United Nations. In Namibia, the United Nations amply demonstrated its great ability to implement the independence plan it had conceived. In South Africa, it has gone every step of the way in the struggle of the South African people to restore their inalienable rights in a unified and democratic society. The legalization of political struggle in South A~rica and the initiation of a long-awaited dialogue that would truly dismantle apartheid are the results of international pressure. Therefore,.it is essential to be vigilant when we see that divisive and diversionary tactics as well as repression still pose a threat to those objectives. The United Nations stand on the side of the collective African will already bears fruit and gives us every reason to hope that a solution will soon be found to the problem of Western Sahara. The joint good offices of the current president of the Organilation of African Unity (OAU) and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, which as recently as August 1988 led to the presentation of peace proposals acceptable to both parties to the conflict - the Kingdom of Morocco and the POlisario Front - have resulted, last June, in the drawing up of a genuine settlement plan which vas subse~uently endorsed by Security Council tesolution 658 (1990). Algeria welcomes this crucial stage in the process which'aims at the organization and ~upervision by the United Nations in co-operation with the Organization of African Unity, of a referendum on self-determination for the people of the Western Sahara without any administrative or military constraints. My country wishes to reiterate its tribute to the Secretary-General, Mr. Javier PerIl de CueIlar, and to the current president of the OAU for their efforts in that context. They know that they can count on Algeria's full support and co-operation in their efforts to finalize the settlement plan and to ensure its impartial implementation. National reconciliation processes supported by international dialogue and encouraged by the United Nations with a view to reaching peaceful settlement of certain regional conflicts are designed to serve the same goal - namely, to facilitate and support the free choice by peoples of their leaders, their economic and social systems, and their institutions as well as to preserve the sovereignty, independence, unity and very often - as in the case of Afghanistan, Cambodia and Cyprus - the non-aligned status of such countries. This also applies to the Korean peninSUla, where the meeting between the two Prime Ministers of those two Governments represents progress towards the peaceful reunifi~aticn of Korea. This is progress that Algeria welcome~ and encourages. While the integration of the Bastern countries into the world economy hes from th. outset aroused resolute support on the part of the international community, since it provldes fresh prospects for greater prosperity in the North, the simultaneous deterioration of the economic situation in the developing countries and the tragic widening of the North-South gap bear witness to the aggravation of the imbalances created by the international economic system. ne sprerJd of poverty, which has been further exacerbated by the harshness of structural adjustment programmes, ezternal indebtedness, dete~ioratidn in the terms of trade, and malfunctions in the international trade and monetary systems, have all demonstrated that international co-operation in the area of development remains outside the ambit of the renewals now so char~cterlstic of international political relat!,ODIII. In thi~, the United NatioDs system has e major rOle'to play, in view of the intimate link between peace and development. The revitalization of growth of the developing countries was defined by the eighteenth special session of the General Assembly laBt April as the most important challenge of the 1990s. It is important that the consensus that emerged on that occasion in favour of a Declaration on international economic co-operation mhould take a concrete form that would be commensurate with the commitment to enable international co-operation to rise to the challenge of development. Similarly, the programme of action in favour of the least developed countries which was recently adopted in Paris deserves even more determined support from the international community to put an end to economic regression and to lay the foundations of economic development in those particularly vulnerable countries. More generally speaking, the resuscitation of the North-South dialogue is a necessary target if we are to promote international economic relations that are fairer and more equitable. South-South co-operation is a fundamental principle of Algeria's policies. We are convinced that promoting varied trade between the countries of the South is a very promising dimension in international economic relations and a vital necessity if the developing countries wish to rise to the status of full-fledged partners in a world that is undergoing fundamental changes. In this context, the creation of a summit consultative group on South-South co-operation, whose first summit vas held in Kuala Lumpur in June 1990, is likely to give concrete meaning and decisive political thrust to South-South co-operation. The report of the South Commission with respect to international co-operation in general and South-South co-operation in particular must be viewed as a valuable contribution. It is based on innovative thinking and advocates a fruitful approach and realistic steps which we owe it to ourselves to take into account both individually and collectively. I should like here to pay a fraternal tribute to a great man and worthy son of Africa, MWalimu JuliuB Hyerete, as well as to the entire membership of the South Commission over Which he presides. Any new outlook in international relations should be a =eflect!oD of the international will and should be based, therefore, OD the contributions of all States in a context of co-e~uality regardless of their international weight, their level of economic development or their military might. This means that if the United Nations is to be an impartial tool of the collective will and collective action, it must constantly ensure respect for the rules of objectivity and equality of treatment. The United Nations is the very embodiment of all the best that humanity desires for itself. The vision that the United Nations has of the world cannot therefore be identified with that held by any particular State or group of States. Transcending strategies and interests defined in terms of restricted econoMic circle. and exclusive military clubs, it is rather by merging individual advantage and common cause that this noble work can be accompliahod. That vision demandn a great deal of the Members of our Organization, partiCUlarly of those who have power and prosperity ia their favour. It requires that they be exemplary in their behaviour in the international arena. In effect, their individual and collective contributions will be decisive in strengthening international peace and security and bringing about the international economic co-operatioD that would promote sound development. Peace iD the world will be much more effectively guaranteed if ecoDomic development ie more wi4ely shared. It la our profound hope that the Unitea HatlonB will work to provide humanity with what may prove to be its most valuable asset. Mr. BLLEMABN-JBNSIB (Denmark): I congratulate you, Sir, OD your election as President of the General Assembly at its forty-fifth session. I am confident that you, like your predecessor, will give us wise guidance in our efforts to achieve tangible results at this session. Khen the founders of this Organization met in San Francisco in 1945 they had a common vision: a vision of a peaceful world where peoples lived in tolerance as good neighbours, a world of equal rights of men and women, of natioDs large and emall, a world of social progress and better standards of life in greater freedom - all based on a firm belief in the dignity and worth of the human person. This vision has only partly materialised. We have not yet been able to save our pl~et from the scourge of war. Fundamental human rights are still being violated in many countries, causing human SUffering and heavy flows of refugees. Freedom and democracy remain elusive in too many nations. Hunger and poverty afflict millions of people.* And Dew scourges have emerged: the ugly face of terrorism, the degradation caused by drugs, the environmental problems, the dreaded and deadly virus causiD9 acquired immunodeflclency syndrome (AIDS) - to mention but a few. However, there ls no reaSOD to despair. On the contrary, important parts of the vision are being realised, and increasingly 80. AD invigorated world Organisation is assuming its responsibility in an atmosphere of growing co-operation and realism, determined to settle disputes by peaceful means based on the rule of law. The tic£e is changing. Peace" freedom and democracy are gainin9 ground. Ke must counter ay attempt to stem that tide. * Mr. Flemming (Saint Lucia), Vice-President, took the Chair. Our first priority should be to prevent the use of aggression and military power for political ends. We must make it abunda~tly clear that military 8ggressionwill naver be tolerated, will never succeed, will never pay. Iraq's naked aggression against a peaceful neighbour, Kuwait, represents the most blatant violation of all fundamental principles of international law. Its demand that foreiqn embassies in Kuwait be closed is totally unacceptable. Its use of foreign citizens as bombing shields is an abhorrent breach of basic human principles. Those committing these heinous acts will be held personally responsible and must be brought to justice in accordance with international law. The increasing violence and pillage by the occupyinq forces in Kuwait represent barbaric acts that muet be condemned by the world community. The world community faced Iraqi's aggression with determination and unanimity. For the first time the Security Council - acting under Chapter VII of the Charter - decided on far-reachinq mandatory sanctions against an aggressor. Security Council reeolution 661 (1990) an~, Dot least, resolution 665 (1990) on the enforcement of the mandatory sanctions represent hallmarka in the history of the United Nationa, and just half an hour ago, as we sat in this Hall, the Security Council again lived up to its responsibilities. Denmark firmly believes in the need for a peaceful solution to the crisis in the Gulfe This requires the full use of all the instruments of the United Nations, embodied in the Charter, and contributions from all members of the world community. The mandatory sanctions must be made as effective as at all possible and must be enforced rigorously. To ensure a broadly b~sed international effort, Denmark, for ita part, has decided to send a naval veasel to the Gulf to participate in the enforcement of the mandatory sanctioDs in accordance with resolution 665 (1990). We feel that the United Hatlo~s must play aa central a role as possible in the co-ordination of the multinational efforts to ensure strict implementation of the sanctions. This would strengthen the Organization's position in respect of future conflicts and would bring us closer to the 88tablishment of the collective security system envisaged by its founding fathers. At the same time, we must not forget the grave humanitarian problems caused by Iraq's aggression. Denmark, like many other nations, has already contributed to alleviation of the plight of the countleae refugees. But mere must be done. And we must strengthen the abilities of the United Nations system in this respect as well. Nothing short of the complete and unconditional withdrawal of the Iraqi forces from Kuwait and the re-establishment of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kuwait will be acceptable. We must demonstrate clearly, once and for all, that aggression will never pay. Iraq's invasion and annoxation of Kuwait represent a blemish on an otherwise positive political situation in the world at large. When historians look back on this century they will no doubt regard the year 1990 as the most important in the post-war period. And they will probably focus on the tremendous changes in Europe, on the closing chapters of what used to be ca~~ed the cold war. Developments in Europe have given new hope to millions of people around the globe. Past confrontations have been replaced by co-operation. The divisive wall through Europe has literally crumbled. In Eastern and Central Europe freedom and democracy sre rapidly emerging. Pluralistic political systems and free market economies are being developed with vigour and enthusiasm. The most prominent expression of the new era is the unification of Germany. A unifiad Germany will, in a few days, take its proper place in our world Organisation. ADd iD Europe, Germany vill play its role in the context of the Europea~ Community, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and other mUltiJ.ateral organizations. We conqratulate the German people on their achievement. New structures are emerging in Europe. A dynamic European Community continues on its path towards closer political and economic co-operation. It does so with unreserved openness towards other countries, with a firm determination to live up to its responsibility and make its contribution to a stronger and more democratic Europe, and with a wish to give practical expression to its political and economic support for the budding democracies in East and Central Europe. The dramatic events in Europe expressed tde will of the ordinary citizens. It was the people who made the revolution. But all this had not been possible without the courage and foresight demonstrated by President Mikhail Gorbachev, or without the new partnership between the United States and the Soviet Union. (Mr. Ellemann-Jensan, nenmark) One of the very positive results of President Gorbachev's refo~s has been the free elections this spring in the three Baltic republics - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Only a tragic history has prevented the Baltic peoples from taking their place among the free nations of Europe. They should be here today, and one they will ~e. The three Baltic republics were members of the League of Nations as independent Statcm for some 20 years. Denmark recognized the Baltic republics in 1921 and never accepted their forced incorporation into the Soviet Union in 1940, We support their efforts to give real substance to their formal independence. We hope that before lonq they will be allowed to shoulder their responsibility as full-fledged participants in international co-operation, We realize that difficult problems will have to be solved in negotiations with the Soviet Union. We appeal to the parties concerned to show flexibility and goodwill in this endeavour. A firm foundation has already been laid for a future Europe living in peace, freedom and democracy. Major contributions have been made within the context of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE). At the second meeting~ in Copenhagen in J~ne, of the Conference on the Human Dimension of the eSCE Process the eSCE States adopted a historic document - a freedom charter, containing basic principles for the development of pluralistic democracies based on respect for human rights, including free elections, freedom of expression and the free political choice of the individual, The CSCE process has other important dimensions, however. It has the potential to be a key element in a new European structure, bridging the old divide in Europe and enhancing security and co-operation on our continent. We are confident that the summit meeting of the CSCE States in Paris this autumn will advance that goal significantly. We are convinced that the coming transformation of the CSCE will also enable the participating States to make a better contribution to world peace and security. And we trust that the meetinq between the Foreign Ministers of the CSCE countries here in New York early next week will contribute to the further development of the CSCE process. There will be no peaceful world without disarmament on a world-wide scale - disarmament covering all categories of weapons: nuclear, conventional and chemical. We are encouraged by the proqress made in the negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union on strategic nuclear forces. The possibility of signing a Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) by the end of the year seems within reach. Optimism seems justified in the field of conventional disarmament also. We hope that a conventional forces in Europe treaty will be ready for signature at a CSCE summit in November. We attach great importance to the world-wide handling of conventional disarmament that takes place in the United Nations. Events in the Gulf have once mor·a emphasized the urgent need for a global convention on a comprehensive ban on chemical weapons, and the necessity to avoid a further spread of nuclear weapons. It is our hope that the complete text of a convention on chemical weapons can be submitted in the near future. Even if the recent Review Conference in Geneva on the Non-Proliferation Treaty failed to produce a final document, we feel that the conference was useful and, on the whole, strengthened the Treaty. Now let me turn briefly to some of the regional conflicts. It is a further injustice to the Arab peoples that Iraq's aggression against Kuwait has delayed the search for progress towards solutions to other problems in the Middle East - the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Palestinian problem, and the situation in Lebanon. These problems must not be forgotten. We must continue the (Mr. Ellemann-Jensen. pepmark) search for just, comprehensive and lasting solutions. In view of the alarming situation in the occupied territories, it is essential to bring about a genuine Israeli-Palestinian dialogue as soon as possible. The agreement between Iran and Iraq on the implementation of Security Council resolution 598 (1989) is to be applauded. Developments in South Africa have been very positive. The meetings between the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC) and President De Klerk's Government, which resulted in the Groote Schur Minutes and the Pretoria Agreement, represent major achievements. Real negotiations about a future non-racial and democratic South Africa are within reach. We urge all South Africans to work together to end the violence that could threaten the road to the complete abolition of apartheid. Lasting changes in South Africa can be achieved only by negotiations and by peaceful means. The United Nations should continue to send a clear and unanimous signal to this end. The consensus resolution adopted at the resumed special session on ~rtheid last week waa encouraging. Ne hope that this session of the General Assembly will support that achievement with a balanced voice in favour of an urgent, peaceful solution to the complex problems of South Africa. In Cambodia, a solution appears to be imminent. We commend the five permanent members of the Security Council for the results achieved in establishing a framework for a comprehensive political solution. We note with satisfaction that the Cambodian parties have agreed to this framework, and we are very encouraged by the formation of the Supreme National Council. All parties involved should now concentrate their efforts on the implementation of the agreements. We strongly support the role of the United Nations in this process. The successful United Nations operation in Namibia has added new dimensions to the possibilities of the world Organization. This augurs well for the potential ne. taaks in, inter alia, Cambodia and Western Sahara. The Namibia operation has also reaffirmed the fundamental importance of the peace-keeping activities of the United Nations. Deumark remains a firm supporter of United Nations peace-keeping operations. Th9y must be based on efficiency, cost-effectiveness and flexibility. This is the yardstick we shall continue to use when reviewing our contributions - present and future - to the peace-keeping efforts of the Organization. We should like to see the peace-keepi~g role of the United Nations strengthened even further, and the possibilities of expanding it in the area of peace-making should be looked into. All p," __~e-keeping and peace-making operations should have a clear mandate, the full co-operation of the parties involved, and a sound financial basis. All member countries must i'ecognize their responsibility for the financing of peace-l.,flt .i.ng operations, and they must show willingness to live up to their responsibilities. A solution to the general financial problems of the United Nations is equally important. All member countries should pay their assessed contributions promptly and in full. Only if this prerequisite is fulfilled can the United Nations meet the enormous challenges of the years to come. The founders did not limit their vision to the solution of political problems: they envisaged a world where all people had the right to a decent life• (MT. Ellemann-Jensen. Denmark) w. must not forget our common responsibility for improving living conditions in the developing ~rld. The proble~s of the developing countries are still . immense. MOre than one billion people are still living in poverty. The situation in many of the least developed countries has deteriorated over the past 20 years. Me must all, rich and poor, realize that economic growth and development can he suceessfully achieved only if the de~alopm8nt process is broad-based. That waG the clear message from the second UDited Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, held in Paris earlier this month. Governments must be held accountable for their actions. People must be allowed to participate in the political process. Democracy, pluralism and respect for human rights are indispensable features of sustainable development. It is encouraging that political and legal reforms are on the agenda in an increasing number of countries. Demnark welcomes that development. It gives reason for optimism. Human rights, democratization and popular participation in the development process are both important tools and objectives in Dah~sh development co-operation. The international development agencies, increasingly, are following the ..... path. Ne, for cur part, will support this trend. Human rights and democratization are not to be seen as temporary items on the development agenda. It is our common responsibility to make sure they have come to stay. By doing eo we might also contribute to solving the ovorwhelming problem of r.fugees. Unless tackled in a comprehensive context, that immense problem could endanger our security in the foreseeable future. At the eamo time, we must not lose sight of other threats to developing and d~veloped countries alike. Climate changes, o~",_', ~ezploitation of the Earth's resources and pollution of the seas represent fundamental threats to social and economic development. International co-operation and concrete action are needed. The United Nations should continue to give high priority to environmental issues. ~1~c first session of the Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development augured well for the future. The greatest challenge will be to find ways and means to enable the developing countries to participate in international environmental co-operation and to integrate an environmental dimension into their own development policies and programmes. A comprehensive approach is necessary. It must include the transfer of environmentally sound technology and additional financial resources. The report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change calls for effective action to counteract climate change. Negotiations on a convention on climate change should be initiated as soon as possible, and the convention should be ready for signature at the 1992 Conference on Environment and Development. Other ohallenges must be met with equal vigour. The fight against illicit trafficking in narcotic druqs must build on tha momentum created by this year's special session of thG General Assembly. The outcome of the special session on combatting narcotic drugs last February laid a Dew foundation for the fight against this evil. Drugs and terrorism are closely related. But international terrorism has other sources too. The crisia in the Gulf has added fuel to the use of terrorism for political ends. The world community must never accept the use of terrorism. All nations must work closely together to prevent the perpetrators of terrorism from committing their brut&l and s~nseleaa acts. Today W8.have unprecedonted opportunities to fulfil the obligations set out in the Charter of the United Natiocs. We must 5eiae these opportunities. We must utilize Charter provisions to establish a system,of collective security. We must (Mr. Ellemann-Jepsep, penmark) demonstrate in deeds' that military aggression w111 never be tolerated and never rewarded. We must make full use of the peace-keeping and peace-making ro~e of the Organization. We must establish an international community based on the rule of law, where conflicting interests are settled by peaceful means and based on democratic processes, political pluralism a»d respect for human rights and freedom of expression. We must assist the less-favoured nations in solving their enormous problems of development. We must combat the threats to the environment and the evils of narcotic drugs and international terrorism. We must practise tolerance and counter anti-Semitism, racism and practices based on hatred. And we must do so in a world Organization that is truly universal. Together we must help realize the vision of the founders, not for their sake, but for ~urselves, for our children and for all future.generations. Mr. NDOLQ AYAU (~snya): On behalf of the President of the Republic of Kenya, the Honourable Daniel Arap Moi, allow me to convey to Mr. Guido de Marco Kenya's warm congratulations OD his election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its for.ty-fifth session. Kenya is confident that his wide ezperience will steer the session to a successful conclusion of its deliberations on complex issues of critical importance to the international community. I wish him a successful presidency. I wish also to pay a tribute to his predecessor, Mr. Joseph Garba, for the manner in which he conducted the affairs of the Assembly at its forty-fourth session. My country's sincere appreciation goes also to the Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, for his continued search for peaceful solutions to the seemingly intractable problems of the world. We should also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the new Member State of Liechtenstein and to welcome it to the United Nations. The o.ch.iovement of independence by Namibia in March this year was a historic event. The freeing of a peopla from decades of subjugation and discrimination was a testimony ,to the ~ventual triumph of good over evil. It was proof of what we have been saying for yoaral that if the international community is genuinely .erious about resolving conflicts, th6n conc~rted international action can and will rid the world of most of its evils. Kenya is proud to have made a contribution to the United Nations Transition Assistance Group, and we are fully committed to co-operating with Namibia in the years to come. (Mr, Ndol0 AyaJu.. Kenya) The past year alfto witnessed yet another significant contribution of the United Nations in a conflict-resolution situation. I have in mind the rolo of the United Nations in Central America, and particularly in Nicaragua with regard to the succossful ratification of the electoral process. Ne are confident that with the support of all Member States the United Nations involvement in the resolution of the Nester.n Sahara conflict will be similarly successful. rour months ago in this Rall the Secretary-General welcomed a great man long involved in the stru991eag~instapartheid, a man whose preaence he doscribed as a landmark in the United Nations. The Secretary-General aptly stated that Mr. Nelson Mandela was a symbol of the uncon<Juerable spirit of the people of South Africa and a champion of freedom and jumtice for all. Kenya joined the international community in applauding the release of Mr. Mandela after he had languished for 27 years in South African g801s. Ne have over the years sought to portray the indescribable evil of the i"~B~em of APartheid.. but on this occasion I shall CJ~ote Mr. Mandela.. who sai4 of .lI:lill>iliz "It has established its own brutal worth by the number of children it has killed and the orphans.. widows and widowers it can claim as its unique creation." (A/i4/pOO, DDDex VI, p. IQ}) I wish also to remind the Assembly of those other words spoken by Mr. Mandela. He saidz "It will for ever remain an indelible blight on human history that the apartheid crime ever occurred. Future generations will surely ask: what error was made that this system established itself ln the wake of the adoption of a Universal Declaration of Human Rights? "It will for ever remain an accusation and a challenge to all men and women of conscience that it tOQk BS long as it ham before all ef us stood up to say enough is enough." (.iJlid.) WhUe there. can be no denying that there have been some ~s1tive deve'.opmonts within South Africa, Kenya nevertheloss maintains that those developments are a tentative beginning to the long process ahead. The pillars of AParthoid have not yet been completely dismantled, and black South Africans continue to be d~~cived of their rights, their fre.dom and their lives. Thus, while we commend Pre.ident ne Klerk for the steps he has taken, we remain committed to the total eradication of apartheid. Me reiterate our full support for the maintenanco of comprehensive sanctions aqainst South Afric4 until meaningful changes have been accepted by the majority of South AfricaDs. We also confirm our support for the Declaration on South Africa adopted at the sixteenth special s.ssion of the G~neral Assembly. He urge all nations to abide by its call for the non-relaxation of existing measures aimed at encouraging the South African Govornment to eradicate apotthoj4 until there is clear evidence of profound and irreversible change in South Africa. The Middle last hae been a reglon of riming tension and confrontations for a long time. However, the situation has recently been exacerbated by the invasion and annexation of Kuwait by Irago Thet invasion hal! been condemned by the international connunity, including Kenya. My country, while complying with the United Rations Security Council resolutioDs OD the crisis, urges that no effort be spared in the search fo~ a peaceful solution to ths problem. Ms certainly cannot allow the aCiuisition of territory by use of force by any State. The Middle East has Baen little progress, and Kenya continues to be cODcerned over the unstable situation in the regi~D. At the core of the probl~m remains the question of Palestine, and we are deeply concerned at the continuad deterioration In the conditions of the Palestinian people in the occupied territories. He appeal to Israel to withdraw from all territorios occupied since 1967 end express our regret that all attempts to alleviate the situation have been rejected. (Mt. Ndolo Moh. Kenya) Kenya 8upport. a 'ust and laDtinq settle..~t to the Palestinian questioD based on the relevant United NatioDD resolutions. We believe that the rights of the Palestinian people, including thelr right to a hoaeland, _uat be reali.ed, .s well as the right. of all State. in the region, including Israel, to live in peace within s.cure borders. Me remain convinced of the importance of convaning u inte~natlonal peaco confsrence on the Mid41e Eaat, with the participation of all the parti.s OD an equal footing, aDd we hope that such & cOiiference would tate place in the very Dear fut~r•• Kenya welcOIHs all attellpts to achieve ~ac. and stability in South-Baat Aaia, particularly through a comprehensive political settlement of the Caabo41an prob1... Me continue to aalntain our pollit.!on OD the right of the people of Cambodia to d.te~in. their own d.stiny free from any outside interference, al~d we support the current Unitod Nationa initiatives aimed .t bringing a ce.se-fire a~d free and fair el9ctlons under United Nationa supervision. ID the Korsan p8nin.ula we are heartened by the continued dialogue between the two Koreas. aecent positive developments augur well for a peaceful ~eUDiflcation of the two countdos to the mutual beD61flt of all the Korean people. However, should either of the Koreas wish to be aa.ittea to the United Nations Kenya would support such an application. we believe that the unification issue should not be usad as a bad. for <leDying the "iah of elthel" of the Koro.s to beco_ a Member of With regard to the question of Cyprus, Kenya regrets the lack of progrees ..4e In the iDterc~unal talk. under the apon.orship of the S~cr.tarr-GenorQl. It 18 our hope that tb.ro will be a speedy withdrawal of all for~lgn troops aDd .ett1era fro- Cyprus and that all Stat.. w111 r.spect the independence of tbat lalaad Dation. It la ay country's HUef that d1samament i~ So moral imperative of the international c~ty 1f the basic objective. of maintaining international peace and ••curity are to be achiClved. It 18 on that prembe that we welcomed the 8ucc.ssful bilateral negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union in Washington, DC, iD May 1'90. Th. two super-Powera have signed various accords which iDClu48, iptlr alIa, ~rtant commitments to cut stockpiles of their long-range Duclear arMS and, of particular significance, an agreement to reduce by 30 per c.nt their stockpiles of Duclear missl1ea. The long-range nuclear-force agr....nt - although hUdble~ like the earlier Treaty on the Elimination of IDte~diate-Ran9.aDd Shorter-Range Ml••ile.~ In the number of ¥eapoDs it seeka to .liminate - 1. of great political signifieanco, .specially for many nOD-nuclear Stat.. that advocate a c08prehenslve Duclear-test ban. ~ country, X.nya, vi.ws the question of a nuclear-weapon test ban as one of paraaount t.portanc8. In our view a comprehensive test ban is the only viable way to stop tho technological IlIOlI8ntUII of the nuclear-arms race and is one appropriate tool for practical a~s-coDtrol policies geared to preventing further escalation in the qualitative-a~s competitioD. It ia in view of that that my delegation looks forward to the forthcoming amendment conference of the partial test-ban Treaty in 1991. Nithr.gard to the ~ueetioD of verification Kenya does not sbars the view that this is 8D obstacle to the conclusion of a comprehensive test-ban treaty. V.rification ia aD integral part of amm-limitation end disarmament agreements, which EU8t be verifiable in the inter••t of mecurity and compliance. Although it is a ce-pl1eate4 18.u., the history of negotiated &gr:Qfiments 1& on our side. It tells us that vben negotiating partieD were firmly dete~lned to reach aD agreement theyvere alwayD ehle to remove all obstacles pertaining to verification measures. The Secretary-Goneral's government ezpert study group~ of ~hich Kenya vas a member, has done a very commendable job in this area, and we hop.... that the General Assembly vill adopt tho Group's recommendations, thereby enhancing the United Nations role in verificatione For decade. African States have demonstreted their commitment to the cause of the denu~learizatlonof their continent as espoused by the Cairo Declaration of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1964. Kenya continues to attach particular importance to the establishment of ZODon of peace in various parts of the vorld. Such aones of peace would not only strengthen the fabric of regional peace and stability but would also ezton4 extraregioaal co-operation in the field of soclo-eCODomic development. In light of thlo, the concept of the lndian Ocean as a 30ne of peace reflects the hopes and aspirations of my country as a littoral State to enhance and share in the prompects of peace and security. We therefore strongly support the pro~sal to convene the United Nations Conference OD th~ Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace at Colombo, Sri Lanka, in 1991. It is our sincere belief that that Conference vl11 not only harmoni8e the interests of the countriea in the region but also those of th~ major naval Powers and maritime users. Thus V8 commend the Ad Boa Committ.ee on the Indian Ocean for the good work it has done in the preparation of the Conference despite the many obstacles it has faced. Before I comment on the international economic situation I should like to speak briefly on the Horn of Africa - my region - and the law of the sea. In the context of rogional Q~~?peration tremendous results have been achieved by the Inter-GoverDDNtntal Authority on Drought and Development (IGADD) in combating recurrenC droughts and desertiflcation,. vhlch are the major causes of widespread famine, 8nviroamental deterioration and economic hardships in our region. Hovever# it i. a matter of great significance that IGAAD bas served to foster the spirit of regional co-operation and become an essential forum for taking stock of Afric~'s problems. It is a forum within which we are able to take stock of the problems impeding economic development in our region. It is in light of that fact that my country has always supported efforts by all parties involved in the search for peaceful solutions to regional conflicts, inclUding intra-State wars, which lead to unnecessary loss of life and seriously hamper. implementation of development objectives. Our region is endeavouring to resolve destructive conflicts and to ensure peace among the StateD mambers of IGAAD in order to facilitate a better climate for wider regional trade and economic ties, which are a prerequisite for economic integration.* In this regard the Foreign Ministers of the six States members of the Authority met at Nairobi towards the end of August 1990 to el&borate on the implementation of the Declaration on peace, stability and davelopment adopted by their Reads of State and GovarDment cn 9 July 1990 at Addb Ababa. That Declaration emphasises the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of States members and the non-use or threat of use of force against each other, as well as the peaceful settlement of disputes. The Statss me~~ers of the Authority have committed themselves to the peaceful resolution of inter-State and intra-State conflicts and to co-operation in all fields of socio-economic development. Last year my Government joined the growing number of nations that have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Kenya believes that universal acceptance of that Convention vill be the only way in which the whole world can reap the benefits offered by the comprehensive regime of the Convention. To that end Kenya continues to participate actively in the work of the Preparatory Commission in the belief that any issues on ~hich nations may disaqree can be solved within that forum in a upirit of compromise. * The President returned to the Chair. To give further legal effect to Kenya's ratification of the Convention on the Law of the Sea we passed in 1989 a Maritima Zone Act and a Fisheries Act. 'Those two Acts of Parliament will clarify Kenya's claim to its maritime economic zone and ensure proper conservation and management of our maritime resources. During the 1980s world economic growth was slow, highly imbalanced and uneven compared to the previous two decades of the 19708 and 1960s. World output qrew by just over 30 per cent in the 1980s, more slowly than in the 1970s, when it increased by over 45 per cent and at a higher rate in the 1960s. That slow expansion of the global economy was characterized by great contrast in experience~ and performance. While on the ODe hand it was a period in which the developed market economies witnessed the longest uninterrupted growth and expansion uince the Second World War, the majority of the developing countries, on the other hand, were faced with continued stagnation and declining economieso The 1980. ¥AS, for most developing countries, a decede of struggling under unyielding- economic crisis, which seriously hindered progress towards the improvement of economic and social conditions reaultlnq in increasing and widespread acute poverty. Yet the global economy experienced increasing interdependence, increasing population, increasing environmental concerns, increasing trade protectionism, increasing development and application of science and technology end increos1ng flows of finAnci&l resources. While the developments on the political scene have given mankind 80 much hope for peace in the future, there is an urgent need to translate that into a real and durable gift through improvement in the economic field in the 1990s. It was against that background that the developinq countries took an initiative at the special session on economic co-operation held in April of this year to find ways and means of stimulating economic growth and development, particularly in the developing countries. The noble objective of improving the world economy for the benefit of all makes the Declaration that vas unanimously (Mr. Molo Moh« Keua) adopted at that special aession the baSis for action in the 1990s. It is Kenya's position that the implementation of this important Declaration, in particular through the injection of political will by members of the international community, would constitute a significant step 'towards the developmental efforts of developing countries. In the recent past the world has witnessed major changes, 30me of them extrao~diDary, some dramatic. The 8cone of theBe changes has mainly been in the political arena, but their impact in the economic field is taking shape and will soon transfo~ internAtional economic relations among nations. Among these changes are those that have taken place in eastern European countries and the ongoing economic process of modernization, together with the unprecedente41y quick response with regard to assistance from the industrialized countries. Tbe debate held at the last summer session of the Bconomic and Social Council confirmed that those chDDges have a potential to move North-South co-operation to the periphery of international relations and worsen the already severe social conditions in developing countries. While developing countries welcome the changes in Eastern Burope, they are apprehensive that resources "ill be diverted to that region at tha expense ef the developing countries. It was reassuring" however" that developed countries reiterated their cCh~l~~nts to assist the Scath and sald that they would not reduce the current financial resources• (MIC'. Molo Ayah. Kenya) Since its emergence in 1982, the external debt crisis of developing countries has been the major obstacle to those countries' development efforts, their efforts to improve the welfare of their peoplem, and has become a matter of serious concern to the international community. Despite the grave concerns that have been expressed, the many strategies discussed, and the various measures attempted so far, the crisis perDists and continues to be one of the major obstacles to social and economic development in developing countries. The total debt of developing' countries has been increasing, and now ~tands at the staggering figure of about $1.3 trillion, compared to $6 billion in 1980. The cost of debt-servicing has been growing rapidly as a result of the unjust rates of interest, which increased excessively in the 19808 and have not shown any siqnm of improvement. This problem ha~ been exacerbated by a peculiar uneconomic ph.nomenon: that, from their desperately needed domestic income, the developing countries are now transferring more to creditors in developed countries than the7 receive from those creditors. It is noteworthy that various measures towards solving the debt crisis - measures such as the Toronto scheme, the Brady plau, the rescheduling of bilateral loans, the cancellation of 80me official development assistance (ODA) loans# and cODversion debt-equity swaps - have been taken. These are welcome. It is, however, even more noteworthy that such measures have contributed to the control of only a very small proportion of the total debt of developing countries, that they have done little to reduce the overall burden of external indebtedness and its impact on economic growth and social conditions in developing countries. Recovery and the resumption of sustained growth in developing countries demand that immediate measures be agreed upon to end the debt problem. We therefore welcome the recently released report of Mr. Bettino Craxi, the Secretary-General's special (Mr. Ndolo kM, Kenya) adviser on debt, and we hope that his recommendations will help us to find lasting solutions to the debt problem. The creation of a multilateral trade system that is open, sustainable and just is essential to the expansion of a healthy world trade and to the efficient utilization of available global resources. The current trends to~ards increasing unilateralism, protectionism and rivalry militate against stable growth in world trade. In particular, they create serious difficulties for the developing countries as those countries endeavour to fulfil their role in world trade, and thereby affect their development. There is therefore aD urgent need to maintain an effective multilateral trading system that will safeguard the interests of all trading countries, including the smallest, by ensuring stability, pr~d!ctability and transparency in the economic and trading environment. The Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations is the most important event currently taking place in which this iasue will h~ve to be addressed. In this connection, we wish to stress tha importance of an outcome that will make it possible to take account equitably of the interests of all participants. The threat to the environment presents challenges that need to be addressed without further delay. Combined with the growing world population and increasing poverty in developinq countries, the threat to the enviromnent overshadows the very futwre of the human race. While the environment is the common concern of all, the developed countries - which have the greatest capability in technology; which control the existing wasteful global production and consumption patterns; end which are the major source of pollution - have the main responsibility to take appropriate measures urqently. The opportunity for aqreeinq OD 8ppropri~te measures ~ an opportunity presented by the preparatory process for the 1992 United Nations Co~ference On Bnviroament and Development and the Conference itself in Brazil:in 1992 - should be taken seriously. Kenya, as in the past, will work (Mr. Nc!o10 Mab, Kenya) towards the objectivq of a clean and sound environment f~r present and future ge~erations. The revitalization of development in the 1990s will require that the Unitc:'·' Nations play its unique role. The various processes that are under way - inc1u;·',').( the preparations for the Fourth United Nations International Development Decade, f~~ 1~92 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, UNCTAD V!II, and others - present our Organization with an opportunity to contribute signif.icantly to the solution of global problems, especially the acute problems facing- developing countries. The Member States have a responsibility to enable the U~ited Nations to perfo:m its important ~ole with increased effectiveness and productivity. Kenya will not be found wanting in this regard.