A/46/PV.37 General Assembly

I call on the representative of Peru to introduce draft resolution A/46/L.17. Mr. LUNA (Peru) (interpretation from Spanish): I have pleasure in introducing, on behalf of the co-sponsors, the draft resolution entitled "Cooperation between the United Nations and the Latin American Economic System" (W46/L.17) and co-sponsored by all the member States of the Latin American Economic System (SELA). The main purpose of the draft is to strengthen and extend the cooperation between the United Nations system and the Latin A?lerican Economic System. As has been demonstrated, such cooperation is an effective tool for the practical application in our region of the economic and social objectives of the United Nations. The new emerging international order, and specifically the present trend towards the globalization of the international economy, have given a renewed impetus to the consultative and harmonizing role of the regional organisations. If we are to rebuild the world economy on an equitable basis, we must take into account, in addition to the liberalization of economic flows, their impact on the social conditions of peoples. Otherwise, the social and political distortions which impede the full application of the system of collective security enshrined in the Charter will continue. In this col~test tha repions orqanirstions become the link wmlencs betwoen the qlobal effort6 of the international comnunity and the practice1 application of the measures rerultinq from them. Xn the cane of Latin America and the Caribbean the global wbject8 which today are on the international agenda and which demand a new dialogue based on cooperation and underatandtnq. acquire in SGLA a renewed political rignificance because it is the ideal vehicle for advancing along the path of international harmony. This intordepondent virion of the world gives added significance to the rimed to continue deepening the ties of cooperstion between the United lritions and SSW. I an wry ploamsd to recall here that tha draft resolution welcomes the signing, on 27 September last, of the Agreement of Cooperation between the United Nations system and SSLA. I am sure that thia Agreement will strengthen and expand the already broad ties of cooperation between SCLA and the various bodies of the United Nations, since we no.4 have a solid frameuork within which to carry out efficiently joint projects for improving the quality of life of the Latin American and Caribbean peoples. In this connection I should like to conmend the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the former Permanent Secretary of SELA for the interest they have shown in the conclusion of this Agreement. I am sure that in so doing I am fblly reflecting the feelings of all members of the system. The praamble of the draft resolution submitted for t\e Assembly's coasideration refers, btor alin, to the many activities carried out by SELA jointly with various bodies of the United Nations system. as well as SELA'a implementation of priority progranwnes for the economic development of the countries of the region. In its operative paragraphs the draft resolution takes note with satisfaction of the report of the Secretary-General and urges the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the United Nations Development Progranwne (UNDP) to strengthen and broaden their coordination with and support for the activities of SELA. It also urges the specialised agencies and other organizationa and programmes of the United Nations system to continue and intensify their support for and cooperation with this regional orgsniaation. It requests both the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Permenent Secretary of SCLA to assess jointly the implementation of the recently signed Agreement of Cooperation between the United Nations and ;El,A, to which I referred earlier, and to report to the General Assembly thereon at its next session. Since the draft resolution contains no controversial elements and reflects the aspirations of the peoples of Latin knerica and the Caribbean with respect to the broadening and strengthening of cooperation between the United Nation8 and SELA, the delegation of Peru, on behalf of all the sponsors, hopes that the draft resolution will be adopted by the General Assembly without a vote. &, WXITA& (Mexico) (interpretation from Spanish): For the Latin American and Caribbean region in general, and Mexico in particular, the item before the General Assembly today is of particular significance. Sixteen years after its establishment, the Latin American Economic System (SELA) has become the regional body with the broadest participation. During this period SELk has played a leadinq analytical role and has stimulated coordinated action with respect to the developments which have had the greatest impact on the economic and social situation in the area. Today, Latin A*erica, like other developing regions, realizes the need to adapt, with determination and clear aims, to a radically changing world. The combination of structural problems and new challenges in the present global context has led us in various ways to intensify joint efforts. SELA has qierved not only es a collective catalyst for iutorregiondl cooperation but alao as a forum for consultation snd cocrdination in the adoption of joint positions and strategies. This role will be enhanced to meet the challenges of our times and respond to Latin America’s desire to affirm its presence in the world. The past decade was a difficult one from which we learned valuable lessona. The region is still faced with the consequences of that adverae period, which to a great extent derived from global macroeconomic imbalances. For us. the externsl debt problem has undoubtedly had the greatest impact. The crisis led ua to reassess our potential and try to find new hitherto unexplored paths to overcome it. With a practical and realistic approach, we are assuming the responsibility that is incumbent upon us, as is shown by the programmes of adjustment and moderaization the entire Latin American region is carrying out. In the face of the emerging international economic system characterized by interdependency and globalisation, we the Latin American nations are aware of the need to adopt plans that are in keeping with the dimensir>ns of the transformations. We must recover the dynamism our economies experienced for several decades. We know our limits, but we also see ‘the opportunities the present situation offers. We are trying to overcome the inertia and rigidity that still impede our development. We now view modernisation as a necessary daily process. Thanks to the will and efforts of the peoples of our region, there is a new impetus for cooperation and integration giving rise to a more favourable environment. There is a proliferation of various initiatives with distinct goals. The desire for interreqional cooperation has never been greater and we are working more consistently to this end. We Latin American an8 Caribbean countriss have discovered in political harmoniration and foreign trade excellent channels for bringing us together. Recent years have seen many such endeavours in which all the nations of the region have been involved. This has led us to create imaginative cooperation mechanisms; no option that we have perceived to be feasible has been discarded. It ~8s in the context of these aspirations that in July last Mexico hosted the First Ibero-American Conference. The hopes of the 21 participating countries are well reflected in the Guadalajara Declaration, in which we reaffirm our determination to contribute to the regional integration efforts with the firm resolve of having them open to the world. Isolation is not what we want. We want to contribute actively and resolutely to the emergence of a new type of organitation of international relations. as well as to cooperate in global efforts for peace, security and well-being. We thank the Secretary-General for the extensive and complete report on cooperation between the United Nations and SELA he has submitted in connection with the discussion of this item. We are pleased to note in this document that cooperation between both bodies has been intensified. In recent months, this cooperation has been extended to areas of priority interest to our region. In this respect, we should stress the valuable and fruitful relationship vith regard to the Uruguay Round negotiations: many meetings have promoted the harmonisation of positions with respect to the agenda of these most important negotiations. Thanks to this cooperation, Latin America and the Caribbean were able to present a detailed and broad assessment at the Ministerial Meeting of the Committee on Trade Negotiations, held in Brussels last December. In the context of thim collaboration, the challenge8 and opportunities which Latin America ir facing ere being approeched from a special viewpoint. The challenge of industrialisation, which is eo relevant for un, ha8 been widely disCusBed by SELA and various bodien in the United Nation8 system. Just n few days ago. in fact, a regional conference was held on the subject to consider the problems and prospects in this sector. Other subjects of importance, not just for the area alone but also for the world, are receiving growing attention in SELA: these include the environment and inteller’ual pr0pert.y. We want this fruitful cooperation between our two organisations to rise to greater levels. We are therefore pleased to see included in the report (A/46/419) a number of organisations which are carrying out activities of great importance for the region. Of recent project8 in which SELA ha8 served a8 a forum for considering issues of common interest for the developing countries, we would mention the recent meeting in Caracas at which Latin America and the Caribbean countries agreed to give a boost to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) as a forum for studying and promoting development. We should also highlight the meeting in April last year on the region’s relations with the United States at which the American Initiative was evaluated. The area’s relations with countries and groups outside South America are also receiving attention in SELA. Thus, we welcome the cooperation agreement with the European Conmunity and the beginning of a process of harmonisation with Japan. This is a token of the desire of SELA and its component countries to be open towards all regions of the world. (Mr.) We are certain that more and better-articulated collaboration between SELA and the United Nations system will strengthen SELA's capacity to promote regional harmonisation and cooperation and will boost the United Nations contribution to the efforts of the Latin American and the Caribbean countries to achieve integration. My delegation therefore supporte the appal by the delegation of Peru to support draft resolution A/46/L.17. "Cooperation between the United Nations and the Latin American Economic System". Mr. MOWTERQ (Chile) (interpretation from Spanish): The delegation of Chile is glad #at the subject before us today has once again been included 12 the agenda of this forty-sixth regular session of our Organisation. We note with satisfaction that cooperation between the United Nations and SBLA is becoming more and more important, and we hope that it will become even more so following the recent conclusion of au accord between the two institutions establishing a stable cooperation mechanism which opens up enormous opportunities. Chile supports the terma of the agreement as it will create new channels to expand the economic and social development prograxmnes which are so necessary for our region and to strengthen other initiatives which involve joint participation by SELA and the United Nations. We are certain that this instrument gives us the best chance of improving and diversifying institutional cooperation through the necessary ccordination of activities and reciprocal exchange of information which are essential if this work in support of the governments of Latin America and the Caribbean is to be optimised. When are spoke last year from this aame rostrum on tbe same subject as is being considered in tbis plenary meeting , we expressed the commitment of the Government of Chile to tbe multilateral regional organisations and the need to bring them into an interrelationship uitb the United Nations system. Today. we express that notion once more in the conviction that a degree of complementarity between those organisations and the United Nations is necessary and desirable. Our view is expressly reflected in the report of the Secretary-General (a/46/419), in which he gives us a detailed account of tbe various cooperation progranmes between the United Nations and SELA carried out over the past year. The report, which we welcome, is in perfect accord with what was requested under resolution 4.515, and reveals the enormous range of opportunities opened up by tbis collaboration. We take note with special satisfaction of the ma:ked increase in the cooperation programmes between SELh and the United Nations over the past few years; in this respect, tbe Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLA) has assumed a major role in managing and implementing many projects which have benefited our region. We recall the effective contribution the two bodies have made in the recent past to regional development projects in the areas of transport and communications: industry and technology: social improvement programmes; technical cooperation; and cooperation in the field of inteliectual property. The joint initiatives carried out between SELA and the specialized agencies have been equally valuable. c-1 In this very positive account, I am bound to mention the recent coardisation meeting of the two institutions in hew York. attended al80 by may representatives of offices. agencies, organinativns and grogrammes of the United Nations system. Among its conclusions the meeting highlighted the opportunities for joint action between all the participants, particularly in the areas of integration, development finance, industrialixativn, technical cooperation in general. industrial property, social questions and the eradication of the extreme poverty in our continent. My delegation would like to emphasize the importance the Government of Chile attaches to the social aspects vf development. We therefore strongly favour the possibility of giving priority ta the social problems of our region in future cooperation prvgraumes between the United Nations and SELL We cannot ignore the painful realities with which, regrettably, our region is afflicted or the persistent deficiencies in such important areas as health, education, housing and employment. Faced with these realities, to which Chile is no stranger, my Government has accepted - as a challenge which it must take up and to which it has given priority in its basic programmes - the imperative need to solve, without delay, some of the aforementioned social problems. Mvreover. in a spirit of solidarity with Chile's most backward sectors, it has assumed a commitment, uhich will enable them to share, in equity and social justice, in the major economic achievements of our Government. In the context of the cooperation schemes which we are studying and of those vhich have recently started between SELA and some of the specialised sgeaciem, I mhould like to recall thst SELA har just received frnm the United Nalionm Development Progrsmne (UNDP) conmidsrablo help In derllinq uith foreign debt problemm and the trade negotiations of the Wrugusy Round. Thim collaboration has been fundamontnl and we hope it will continue, bearing in mind the great challenges and opportunities the world economy offers the region. ?or this reason, the advice and support of the regional and international bodies is more vital than ever. In the context of theme joint activities, ue should like to highlight, in particular, the progranune being carried out between the Permanent Secretary of SELA and the regional UNCTM/ECLAr/UNDP progrwmne of support for the countries of the region in the Uruguay Pound negotiations. My Government appreciates the important cooperation made possible by this initiative, which provides the technical basis for coordination in the context of these negotiations. We are convinced that this close relationship should be maintained in the future, so that, with the continued support of the United Nations Development Programme, we may face the challenges that are presented by the multilateral trade system. Finally, our delegation expresses again its Government's desire to see the scope of the existing plans for cooperation between the United Nations and the Latin American Economic System widened, so that the plans may become effective, fast and modern tools to further the dynamics of Latin American integration and secure the progress and well-being of our peoples. Therefore we invite the Latin American countries to associate themselves and to cooperate with the various subregional bodies to which they belong and to participate. with the United Nations system, in this very important and positive new stage. Mr. MORET (Cuba) (interpretation from Spanish): First, I should like, on behalf of the Government of Cuba, to congratulate Mr. Salvador Arriola on his election as Permanent Secretary of the Latin American Economic System (SELA) and to express gratitude to Mr. Carlos Perez de1 Castillo for his important contribution at the head of that very important body. My delegation has always supported the Latin American economic system most firmly. We regard it as one of the most appropriate mechanisms for the promotion of economic and social consultation and coordination in the Latin American and Caribbean region. SELA was created in response to the perceived need to establish a genuine regional forum in which its own positions could be discussed and common strategies could be adopted as a genuinely regional (Mr, Maret. Cubs) approach based on the principles of squslity, sovereignty rind solidarity. Throughout t.hese years SRLA her plnyed a centrnl role In the process of 1st in American intcqrat.ion and has token an importnntpart in harmonixinq the region’s economic policies. My delegation fesls that 6tt.A is called upon to play a dual role, which is much more important than Its present role: it is called upon to be An appropriate forum fnr internal concertation, as well as for representing the interests of its members in their contacts with third cour!t:ries and international bodies. In this raqard, we fsel that SELA should be the point. of contact for sdvancinq Latin American theses on extrareqional responsibility in the araas of foreign debt, trade and technical cooperation between countries in the region. After 30 years of cautious and timid efforts, it seems that regional integration is becoming an irreversible process. Now, significant subregional and sectors1 agreements are confirming a trend towards integration, and creating greater opportunities for the Latin American and Caribbean region within the world economic system, which is becoming more and more interdependent. In this cont.ext, SELA’a role ia of increasing importance. Its particular characteristics and its capacity to promote technical and economic cooperation between the countries of the region provide the Uniter! Nations with a vehicle to move forward its development activities and with a means of supplementing the efforts of the United Nations system in various sectors. Once again the delegation of Cuba endorses the appeal that cooperation between the United Nations and SELA be strengthened and that this regional body be given a greater and more relevant role in the implementation of (Hr. MoLrt, Cube) aconomic snd technlcsl cooperation programmes - in psrticulat , those offered through the United Nation8 Development Programme. Th9 p&BfiJQIH’I (interpretation from Arabic); We shall now take a decision on draft resolution A/46/L. 17. May I t.sks it thst. the Cenaral Assembly wishes to adopt the draft resolut.ion? Draft aarQlutloR-~i_Q~~~.7_‘lr~ adsmtsd ( resolution 46112). Th9 pRgsIl&m (interpretation from Arabic): In accordance with General Assembly resolution 3513, of 13 October 1980, I now call on the Observer of the Latin American Economic System. IQ, I)E.BQJAS (Latin American Economic System (SELA)) (interpretation from Spanish): I should lilts, very briefly, on behalf of the permanent secretariat of the Latin American Economic System (SELA), to thank the States of t-he Latin American reqion for submitting draft resolution A/4G/L.17, and the Members of the General Assembly for adopting it. We ara certain that, with the implementation of the resolution - I refer in particular to the new Aqreement of Cooperation between the United Nations and the Latin American Economic System, which it mentions - tThc*re will be even qreater possibilities for joint and complementary action in the various fields flerivinq from one and the same objective: the development and proqress of our countries. Mr. Salvador Arriola recently assumed office as the nev Permanent Secretary of SELA and spelt out a programme of 11 priorities for the work of the Latin American Economic System over the next four years, based on the mandates of t.he Latin American Council. Much of this work vi11 require technical and financip I support from the international community, including t he Iln i t p.4 Nations. Therefore we are encouraged that the General. Assembly has decided, throuqh thlr resolution, to urge the Unltod Ilationr DWmlOpmnt Proglarnne (UMDP) to l trengthen and broaden ita #upport for SLlLA’8 progr~r, including the adoption of a now regional project within the context of the Fifth Progranuning Cycle. This will bo of the greatrrt importance for the future work of our orgsnlsation, and we hope that It will be given positive consideration at the next meotlng of the UMDP Govrrnlag Council. Once again wo erpraer our gratit.udo to you, Hr. President, and to all the msmbera of the General Asnombly.* xh9-.- (interpretation from Arabic): We have concluded our consideration of item 25. l Mr. Al-Ni'mah (Qatar), Vice-President, took the Chair. AGENDA ITRM 27 COOPRRATION BRTWREN THR UHITRD RATIONS AND THR ORGAMIZATION O? THIS ISLAMIC CONFRRRNCRI (a) RRPORT 01 ‘MU SECRRTARY-GRNRRAL (A/46/417 and Add.1) (b) DRAFT RESOLUTION (A/46/L. 16) TBhBBElm (interpretation from Arabic): I call on the representative of Turkey to introduce the draft resolution in document A/46/L. 16 tlr,AKMR (Turkey) t On behalf of the member St.ates of the Organisation of the Ielamic Conference, I have the honour to introduce draft resolution AI46IL.16, dated 23 October 1991 and entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Organiration of the Islamic Conference”. This draft resolution is designed to promote cooperation between the United Nations and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference. Given the fact that all members of the Orqanization of the Islamic Conference are also Members of the United Nations and that from its inception the Organiration of the Islamic Cocference has been fully dedicated to the realization of the purposes and principles of the United Nations, it is only natural that the two organixations should cooperate in promoting their common objectives in the field of pesce and security as well as social and economic development. The text of the draft resolution is similar to that of resolutions adopted under this item at previous sessions of the General Assembly. In the preamble the General Assembly stresses its conviction that the strengthening of cooperation between the United Nations and the Orqanization of the Islamic Conference contributes to the promotion of the purposes and principles of the United Nat,ons, and recognixes the need for closer cooperation between the United Nations system and the Orqanization of the Imlamic Conference and itr mpecialir*d inrtitutlonm in the inplemsntation of the propomalm adopted mt the coordination meeting of the focal pointa of the lead agencier of the two organirationm. Am delegationr may bo aware, a general Meting between representativem of the aecretariatm of the orgsnirations of the United Nation6 system and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and its specislised institutiona is scheduled to take place in Geneva from 19 to 22 November 1991. In operative paragraph 1 of the draft rerolution, the General A*.aernhly taken note of the report of the Secretary-General contained in document A/46/417 and Add.1. In operative paragraph 2, the Assembly takes further note of the conclusions and recommendations of the sectors1 meeting on human resource8 development 8 education and training which was held in Rabat in April 1991. In operative paragraph 3, the Assembly notes with satisfaction the active participation of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference in the work of the United Nations towards the realisation of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. In operative paragraph 4, the Assembly request8 the United Nations and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference to continue cooperation in their comrsron search for solutions to global problems. In operative paragraph 5, the Assembly encourages the specialired agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system to continue to expand their cooperation with the Organization of the Islamic Conference. In operative paragraph 6. the Assembly reconunends that a general meeting between representatives of the secretariats of the United Nations system and the Organization of the Islamic Conference and its speciolized institutions be organised in 1992 at a date and place to be determined through consultations with the concerned organiration8. In operative paragraph 7, the Assembly urges the organisations of the United Nations rryrrtem. especially the lead agencies, to provide increased technical and other forms of assistance to the Organiration of the Islamic Conference and its apecialited institutions in order to enhance cooperation. In operative paragraph 8, the Aaaembly expresses again its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his continued efforts to atrengthen cooperation and coordination between the United Nations and the Organiration of the Islamic Conference. In operative paragraph 9, the Assembly requests the United Nations and the Organiration of the Islamic Conference to hold consultations on a regular basis between representatives of the Secretariat of the United Nations and the General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Conference by focusing on the implementation of programmes, projects and follow-up action. In operative paragraph 10, the Assembly requests the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in cooperation with the Secretary-General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, to continue encouraging the convening of sectoral meetings in the priority areas of cooperation. In operative paragraph 11, the Assembly expresses its appreciation for the efforts of the Secretary-General in the promotion of cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of the Islamic Conference, and expresses the hope that he will continue to strengthen the mechanisms of coordination between the two ,lrganizations. In operative paragraph 12, the Armombly further requests the Secretary-General to report to the General A~~ssmbly at ita forty-seventh smgnfan on the rtate of cooperation between the United Ration8 and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference. ?inally, in operative paragraph 13, the Asrembly decides to include in the provisional agenda of it8 forty-seventh seasion the itom entitled “Cooperation between the United pations and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference”. On behalf of the member State6 of the Organixation of the Islamic Conference, my delegation urges all Members of the General Assembly to support this draft resolution. Before concluding I should like to take this opportunity to express the sincere thanks and appreciation of the member States of the Organization of the Islamic Conrerence to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Javier Peres de Cuellar. for his tireless efforts in strengthening cooperation between the two organirations. 7 (interpretation from Arabic): In accordance with General Assembly resolution 3369 (Xxx) of 10 October 1975, I now call on the Permanent Observer of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. b,m (Organisation of the Islamic Conference) (0XC)r It is a matter of groat privilege for me to address the General Asretily on an item of particular significance to thr United Rations and the organisation I represent, namely, “Cooperation between the United Rations and t.he Organisation of the Imlamic Conference”. Allow me to begin by oxtending to the President of the Assembly our warmest congratulations on his election to his lofty post. His election is a reflection of the respect and esteem that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoys in the comity of nations and is equally a tribute to him personally for his well-known abllitiem, statesmanship, personality, vast experience and long association with the United Nations and everything it stands for. I rhould like to avail myself of this opportunity to pay a tribute to the President of the General Assembly at its forty-f\fth searion, who served in an exemplary manner. I take thin opportunity also to express our deep appreciation for the significant contribution being made by the Secretary-General of the United Notions. Hr. Perez de Cuellar, to the effectiveness and smooth functioning of the world body. Be has earned the qratitude and respect of all of us and of the international community as a whole because of his humane attitude and deep understanding of global problems. His various achievements on behalf of peace during the short span of a few years speak for themselves. We heartily thank him also for his excellent report contained in document A/46/417 and Add.1 on this agenda item. We wish him the best of everything in the future. The members of the Organitation of tto Tslamic Conference have from the ;rery outset clearly identified the role of our organisation within the overall framework of the Wnited Nations Charter. The charter of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference stresses the determination of ite member Gtatss to make effective contributions for the enrichment of mankind and t.he achievement of prograss, freedom and justice all over the world by promoting global psacs snd security. The Organiration of the Islamic Conference derives its inspiration from the eternal and noble message of Islam, and its establlahment warn predicated on the principles of peace, harmony, tolerance, equality and justice for all. The charter of our organisation reafirms the conunitment of our r,cmbers to the Charter of the United Nations. The perceptions of the members of our organisation are identical to :hose of the vast majority of the United Nations membership on important international issues. It is quite natural that the two organitations should work together closely to promote the ideals. principles and objectives that they share. Since its foundation in 1969 the Organisation of the Islamic Conference has adopted numerous resolutions and declarations, both at the aunmtit level and at the level of meetings of Foreign Ministers, addressing the issues that confront the Islamic world as well aa important global developments relating to international peace and security, disarmament, human rights, minorities, decolonization and issues relating to socio-economic development, particularly the establishment of the new international economic order. Cooperation between the two organiratioas received an important boost in 1975, when the Organisation of the Islamic Conference was granted observer status by the United Nations. By the late 1970s it was felt that the ever-increasing interaction of the two organizations should be given an institutional framework whereby the secretariats end the specialised agencies, organs and bodies of the two organitations could hold regular consultaticns to review their ongoing work and to examine the possibilities of expanding md enlarging their areas of cooperation. Since the adoption in 1980 af General Aesembly resolution 35/36, which was the first resolution on cooperation between the United Uations and the Organization of the Islamic Conference, a number of agreements of cooperation have been concluded by our organisation with specialized agencies and other bodies of the United Nations system, such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation UllISSCO), the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Pun& the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. the United Nations Food end Agriculture Organixation, the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, and the United Nations bodies concerned with technical cooperation for Gevelopment. The cooperation between the United Nations and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference has been mutually satisfactory and has been developing in a meaningful manner. Ever since the first meeting betveen the representatives of the secretariats of the Orgsnization of the Islamic Conference and its specialised institutions and those of the United Nations system, which was held in 1983, the two organirations have been collaborating on a number of iapartant projects in the seven already identified priority areas of cooperation which have been discussed in the Secretary-General's report (b146/417) dated 3 October 1991. Within the fiemework of cooperation between the OIC and the United hations, and in pursuance of United Nations General Assembly resolution 4519 of 1990 on cooperation between the two orgauizations, the first sectoral meeting between the organisation and the agencies of the United Nations system and the OIC on *'Ehunan Besovrces Development: Basic Education and Training", was held in .-Bat. Morocco, from 24 to 26 April 1991, with the following objectives: first, review of eurrent and planned programmes of the United Nations and the specialised agencies of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference ia the domain of basic education and training in Islamic countries: secondly, review of needs and priorities in basic education and training identified by Islamic countries and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference: and. thirdly, identification of possible areas and modalities of cooperation between the United Nations aad the OIC specialised agencies to meet the needs of the Islamic countries. Based on the recommendations of the Rabat Forum in cofijunction with the United Nations system's specialised agencies, such as the United Nations Development Programne, UNESCO and the International Labour Organisation, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, together with the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, ia developing a comprehensive and integrated human resources development framework for the OJC member States. The next general meeting between the representatives of the secretariats of the United Nations system and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and its specialised institutions will be held from 19 to 22 November 1991 in Geneva. The meeting will review the progress that has been made in different priority areas. Let. me a~nuro the Assembly In the meantim that the Orysnization of rho Islamic Conferonce is fully conscious of the fInancia1 constrainta on both Sides, and therefore our cooperation procers takes that factor into account.. ha is customary, the 1992 cooperation rneetinq is subject to consultations nq regards time and place between ths secretaries-general of the tlro organisations. The draft rsrolution (A1461L.16) which hss juut been introduced and explained in detail by the Permanent Representative of Turkey, the representative of the current Chairman of the Twentieth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, takes into coasideratiotil. hm. di~R, the recommendations -. contained in the report (A/46/417/Add.l) of the Secretary-General - of the first ssctoral meeting held between the organiration and agencies of the IJnitsd Nations and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference on “Human Resources Development: Raaic Education and Training”, held in Rabat in April 1991, and reflects the firm determination of the tr*o organizations to cooperate in various other fields. Recoyniziug that there are no additional financial implications in regard to the draft resolution before the Assembly, I am confident that it will have the unanimous approval of the membership of this body. Tha.pmJJ)dff); (interpret.at ion from Arahlc) I The Asnembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A1461L.16. I should like to inform membera that the Secretary-General doer not foreraa orogramme budget implications in the implementation of this draft rest, trtinn. May I take it that the Assembly adopts draft resolution A1461L.167 Draft r~an~uti~~..A/~fifL,AL WBLI edoptrd (resolution 46/13). m6_J&t.mlm (interpretation from Arabic): I shall now call on representatives wishing to explain their position. May I remind them that., in nccordance with General Assembly decision 341401, explanations are limited to 10 minutes -qd should be made by delegations from their seats. MrL..A&ZQ (Indie) I My delegation has had occasiorr to express our views in regard to the item under consideration, “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Orgaoitation of the Islamic Conference", including at the forty-fifth session of the General Assembly. We should like to recapitulate our views on the subject, particularly with reference to the resolution just adopted, which we supported. India has the second largest population of Muslims in the world, next only to Indonesia. We pre proud that the people of India, including the Muslims, have chosen for themselves a secular State where differeot religions flourish in harmony and contribute to the enrichment of the composite culture of the country. India’s Constitution 9u rantees equal opportunities and rights. without discrimination of any type, to all its people and in all aspects. Our ties with the world of Islam, which 90 back several centuries, have been close, multifarious and mutually beneficial. Our own approach to many issues of Crucial importance to international peace and security, such as the question of Palestine or those concerning West Asia and Africa, as well as on a wide ran90 of Oc0nO~ic. social end humsaitsrlaa ratter., coincides very significantly uith thoao of tho Islamic countrior. Wo in India have alraym moupht to dimcournqe a mactsrian or denominational approach in de, ‘1~9 with political, economic, social, cultural or humanitarian questions, or the use OC r~lipious rentlmentr for promoting sectarian interests. The teachings of all religions subserve the same end and nhould unite rather than divide peoples. Groupings of nation8 on the basis of religious sentiments or beliefs nead to be particularly mindful of these considerations. The increasing cooperation between the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and the United Nation8 is vimwed as an indication of the former’s acceptance of the Charter of the United Nation8 as the principal roposltory of the idealr and priociplom that should guide global interaction and promoto the prvqreas of mankind. We believe that, like other bodies that have such cooperation, the Drganization of the Islamic Conference will strive for a proqreasive, tolerant and just society and tcr a world order based on freedom, equality. justice and brotherhood. We have taken note of the fact that the proposals contained in the Secretary-General’s report (A/46/417 and Add.11 3re aimed at increasing the interaction between the United Nations and the Organitation of the Islamic Conference in the econo .ic, social, humanitarian and environmental fislds. As India is not a member of the Organiration of the Islamic Conference, we shall not be in a position to judge the extent and value of such interaction. We would stress, however. that the cooperation between the United Nations and any observer intergovernmental organizationa represented in the United Nations should be along the same lines and on terms of complete equality. The F&7tSIQc101; (interpretation frfJm Arabic): We have thus c*onclucled our considerstion of agenda item 27. PROC,RAM?dIZ OF WORK The PRA;SiDRNI (interpretation from Arnbic)r At the request of the members of the Europesn Comnunity that ate St&tea timbers of the llnitod Nations, with the concurrence of the sponsora. consideration of sqanda item 34, “Coopsration between the United Nations and the League of Arab Statea”, which vao originally schaduled for this aftornoon, haa been postponed to a later dat.e to be announced in the Journal.