A/46/PV.43 General Assembly

Members will recall that the Assembly concluded its debate on this agenda item at its 50th meeting, held on 4 November. I call on the representative of Norway to introduce draft resolution A/48/L.24/Rev.2.

It is indeed a great honour and pleasure for me to introduce draft resolution A/48/L.24/Rev.2, on the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s. It is an honour This record is subject to correction. Corrections should be sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned within one week of the date of publication to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Section, Room C-178, and incorporated in a copy of the record. NEW YORK because the draft resolution deals with a most important subject, and it is a pleasure because it is my understanding that we will be able to adopt the draft resolution by consensus. The draft resolution before the Assembly is the result of what is called the first preliminary consideration of the implementation of the New Agenda, as foreseen in paragraph 43 (a) of that document (resolution 46/151, annex II). It was also my honour a little more than two years ago to present to the General Assembly the basic document, the New Agenda itself. On that occasion I made the following description of the document, which I shall permit myself to quote today: "The document, which should be regarded as a political document, makes clear the common recognition that, although Africa’s development is primarily the responsibility of Africans ... the international community accepts the principle of shared responsibility and full partnership with Africa and commits itself to giving full and tangible support to the African efforts. I think that such a statement, solemnly accepted by the General Assembly, is of considerable importance for the decade ahead". (A/46/PV.43, pp. 8-10) The New Agenda is not a treaty which can be enforced juridically. It is what I would call a political compact between Africa and the rest of the world community, entailing tasks for both partners towards a common goal. The draft resolution before the Assembly tries to follow up on this compact. Aware of the time constraints, I shall not try to go into any detail as regards the content of the draft resolution before the Assembly. It does not try to reformulate the New Agenda, but it reaffirms its basic principles. It commends the African countries for the actions undertaken so far to promote an economic Distr. GENERAL A/48/PV.87 28 January 1994 ENGLISH Likewise, the General Assembly renews its call upon the international community to pursue vigorously its commitment, in the words of the Agenda, "to giving full and tangible support to the African efforts" (resolution 46/151, annex II, para. 1). In this connection, the United Nations, under the leadership of the Secretary-General, is also called upon, in close cooperation with the Organization of African Unity and other organizations and organs within the United Nations system, to follow up the implementation of the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s. The draft resolution deals in some detail with some of the elements contained in the New Agenda, such as debt, financial assistance, investments and human resources development, as well as social and economic infrastructure rehabilitation and development. In this connection, reference is also made to the Tokyo Declaration and the commitments contained therein. A special emphasis and interest is given in the draft resolution to the question of economic diversification , and in this connection to the proposed establishment of a diversification fund for African commodities. It was not possible, within the short time at our disposal, to come to any final conclusions on this important issue. However, the General Assembly is asked to address rigorously the full range of issues related to the diversification of African economies in the time ahead. In this connection, consultations are foreseen with both interested States and the relevant financial institutions, as well as with other United Nations organizations. On the basis of these consultations, appropriate action is to be taken at a resumed session of this Assembly in order to, in the words of the resolution "strengthen support for the diversification of African economies, including the proposed establishment of new funding arrangements, together with the organization of follow-up activities, such as seminars or expert workshops" (A/48/L.24/Rev.2, para. 18). An important programme of work in this field has thus been laid down. I shall end my introduction by extending some expressions of thanks. We first thank the Secretary-General for his valuable reports, which helped us greatly in our informal group. As for this group, I can say it worked diligently and well. Consensus did not come about easily, which is perhaps not surprising, bearing in mind that we are here dealing with difficult economic and social problems. I We rejoice, particularly at this time of joy and expectation, that we have reached, I trust, a full consensus, which bodes well for the continuation of the programme geared towards the great task which is the development of Africa in the 1990s. But as far as the future of that programme is concerned, let us remember that, although words and language may be important, action is decisive. As a Norwegian poet once put it, "The good deeds save the world." I commend this draft resolution for unanimous adoption by the Assembly.

I understand that the delegation of Egypt wishes to speak on a point of order.

Operative paragraph 13 of document A/48/L.24/Rev.2 should read as follows: "Affirms the need for further efforts to promote the diversification of African economies" rather than "African countries". The second editorial correction is in operative paragraph 18. The phrase "appropriate action" should read "appropriate actions", in the plural rather than the singular form.

I thank the representative of Egypt for drawing our attention to those deficiencies. The corrections will be made. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/48/L.24/Rev.2. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of the draft resolution is contained in document A/48/810. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution A/48/L.24/Rev.2 by consensus?

Since Egypt is currently Chairman of the Organization of African Unity, our delegation would like to express deep satisfaction at the adoption of draft resolution A/48/L.24/Rev.2 by consensus. We feel that this is an extremely positive sign, and an affirmation of the importance the various parties attach to Without going into details, the draft resolution we have just adopted is of particular importance, since it is considered to be the first step towards assessing the progress made in implementing the programme since its adoption by consensus in 1991. This assessment will be made at the high-level substantive meeting of the Economic and Social Council in 1995; after that, a mid-term assessment will be carried out by the General Assembly in 1996. The intensive and difficult negotiations on this draft resolution show the importance that Africa and its donor- State partners attach to the items it contains and to the three reports (A/48/335, A/48/336, A/48/337) presented by the Secretary-General on this agenda item. We pay tribute to the efforts and the talents of Ambassador Martin Huslid, the Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations, who conducted those very difficult and intensive negotiations with great diplomatic skill. Although the draft resolution does not meet the expectations of the African States with regard to implementing the Secretary-General’s recommendation that a diversification fund for African commodities be established, in the framework of the African Development Bank, there was consensus on the importance of consolidating the international community’s support for the efforts to diversify African products, which they consider to be one of the serious problems hindering the development of the African countries. My delegation would like to emphasize that the resolution provides for intensive consultations during the first quarter of next year and for asking Africa’s donor-country partners to participate effectively in those consultations with open minds and hearts so that we can adopt a well-defined resolution and concrete measures to realize Africa’s aspirations to establish this diversification fund. Egypt, which has the honour of presiding over the current session of the Organization of African Unity, would like to take this opportunity to draw attention once again to the importance African States attach to the role of the United Nations and to the support of the international community and of the international financing agencies in expediting the implementation of commitments and recommendations within this programme, in order to consolidate African development efforts during the rest of the 1990s, and also so that Africa can march with certainty towards the end of this

Speaking on behalf of the European Union, I wish to say that it took a very active part in the debate on following up the United Nations New Agenda for the development of Africa. The links between the European Union and Africa are such that everything concerning the African continent is also of great importance for the Union, which is both the principal commercial partner of and the biggest donor to Africa. The New Agenda is in many respects a remarkable document, both in terms of its content and the balance between the respective commitments of the African countries and of the international community which is reflected in it. Hence, it should prove to be a solid basis for our concerted efforts for the development of Africa. The content of the New Agenda has been carefully negotiated, and its balance between various matters and the responsibilities of various parties should be scrupulously respected. The African countries have courageously recognized their primary responsibility, and the international community has undertaken, among other things, to improve the general framework within which these efforts will be most fruitful. We understand perfectly, of course, that the African countries want vigorously to pursue the implementation of the New Agenda and that the operational priorities should be submitted for approval by the donor countries. With regard to the problem of diversification of commodities, it became clear to us, during the negotiations and discussions we held throughout this session, that we did not possess all the necessary information to enable us to take a decision in the way initially proposed by the African Group. This in no way detracts from the primary importance which we attach to the subject of economic diversification in Africa in general and in particular for the countries which are largely dependent upon basic commodity exports. Economic diversification is a complicated subject. Subsequent consultations on this subject will enable us to identify the problems and needs of African countries in this regard. The optimum use of existing machinery remains a priority from our standpoint. I should like in this regard to recall that all the members of the European Union are members of the Common Fund as are indeed the majority of the Members of the United Nations. With regard to the many other subjects tackled in A/48/L.24/Rev.2, which we have just adopted by consensus, we welcome the great spirit of compromise on the part of all the negotiators. On a number of subjects, the text of the resolution requires, as we see it, an interpretation which respects the former consensus text, particularly for those parts which deal with the problem of debt and the commitments of the international community with regard to the objectives to be achieved in official development assistance. With regard to debt, we reaffirm our support for differential treatment adapted to individual cases in accordance with the language of the recent resolution of the Second Committee. The reference to the proposal with regard to an international conference on the problems of indebtedness in Africa is to be placed within this context. We continue to believe that the measures taken, and to be taken, within the framework of the existing strategy offer the most practical remedies for these problems. With regard to other objectives of official assistance, let us recall that the text of the Agenda on this subject represents the current state of international consensus. The fact that we should be talking again about the question of the economic diversification of Africa before the end of the forty-eighth session of the General Assembly gives us another forum for maintaining the focus on the New Agenda. We hope that the best use of this will be made. In the meantime, we express the hope that this resolution will contribute to maintaining the high priority that the economic development of Africa deserves. I cannot end without thanking Ambassador Huslid for his role as coordinator of our discussions. I would also like to pay warm tribute to the negotiators of the African Group, and particularly to our colleagues, Mr. Soliman Awaad of Egypt and Mr. Rogatien Biaou of Benin, for the often difficult task which they performed with so much conviction and so effectively.

My delegation also welcomes the adoption by consensus by the Assembly of resolution A/48/L.24/Rev.2, entitled "The United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s". In October this year my Government hosted the Tokyo International Conference on African Development. It is now actively engaged, with the cooperation of other partners, in activities to follow up the results of the Conference. It is therefore particularly gratifying for my delegation to note that the resolution also underlines the spirit of cooperation and partnership proclaimed in the Tokyo declaration. We understand that we are to have further consultations over some outstanding issues early next year. My delegation wishes to assure you, Mr. President, of our continuous commitment to actively contributing to the international efforts towards pursuing the effective solution to the problems with which Africa has been struggling in recent years.

The United States is a leading supporter of international efforts to assist the troubled economies of Africa, and considers the resolution to contain many positive elements. However, in joining the consensus on it we feel obliged to clarify our position on two important points. The first concerns the proposal to establish a diversification fund for African commodities. The United States recognizes the need for African countries to diversify their economies, including their commodity exports. However, the United States does not believe that establishing a new fund for this purpose is the answer, nor do we believe that the General Assembly is competent to decide on the establishment of such a fund. The proposal requires full discussion and consideration by one of the international financial institutions that might be responsible for managing the fund. The United States further considers it ill-advised to set up a new fund for commodity diversification when there are already funding sources that could be used for this purpose. Creating a new fund will not generate additional resources. It will, however, create additional bureaucracy and additional costs, which would come out of existing development resources. The second point concerns the reference in paragraph 21 of the resolution to convening an international conference on African external debt. The United States opposes convening such a conference. As we explained in our statement on the debt resolution under agenda item 92, the United States strongly believes that international debt matters are best handled on a case-by-case basis through Our decision to join the consensus on this resolution should not be seen as altering our position on these two important issues. My delegation would also like to clarify its position with regard to paragraph 22, which refers to the "agreed international targets of devoting 0.7 per cent of gross national product to official development assistance". The United States has never accepted this target. We believe that establishing aid targets detracts from the more important issues of the effectiveness and quality of aid and the policies of recipient countries. The United States has traditionally been the largest donor of development aid in volume terms, and we will continue to provide high-quality aid on a case-by-case basis in a way that encourages reform efforts.

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 24.

I call on the representative of Australia to introduce draft resolution A/48/L.51.

I have the honour to address the Assembly today in my capacity as Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the Fiftieth Anniversary of the United Nations. I can be brief in introducing the draft resolution, the text of which is found in document A/48/L.51. The draft resolution has been the subject of consultations - in the first instance, among members of the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee and then among the wider membership of the United Nations. Its text is simple. It takes note of the fact that at an earlier meeting of the Preparatory Committee the Secretary-General made it clear that commemorative activities in connection with the fiftieth anniversary would be financed from a Trust Fund for the Fiftieth Anniversary Celebrations established by the Secretary-General for that purpose. The text further notes consequentially that it was agreed that it would be essential to the effective functioning and proper management of the fiftieth anniversary that its secretariat be assured of adequate staff and related resources. In other words, a distinction was drawn between commemorative activities, which would be financed from extrabudgetary sources, and the necessity to make provision within the budget for an adequate staff and resources for the secretariat for the fiftieth anniversary. The General Assembly, in accepting the reports of the Preparatory Committee, has already accepted this approach and this distinction. What is proposed now in the draft resolution is the specific approval following upon that approach of the creation of the post of Special Adviser at the As is right and customary, this draft resolution has been considered by the Fifth Committee, and as is reported in document A/48/809, the Committee considered the programme budget implications of the draft resolution and found that it should inform the General Assembly that, "should it adopt draft resolution A/48/L.51, no additional appropriation would be required under the proposed programme budget for the biennium 1994-1995". (A/48/809, para. 3) In conclusion, I note that this draft resolution is based on consultation; it is based on agreement amongst the membership; and it has no additional budgetary implications. Under those circumstances, it remains for me to thank colleagues for cooperating in this work and in making possible the establishment of an appropriate set of resources within the Secretariat, and within the budget, for the work we must do in-house for the preparation of the fiftieth anniversary, and finally to commend the draft resolution to the General Assembly for adoption - which I believe can take place today, by consensus.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/48/L.51. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of the draft resolution is contained in document A/48/809. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/48/L.51?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 47. FINANCIAL REPORTS AND AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, AND REPORTS OF THE BOARD OF AUDITORS: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (PART I) (A/48/752) REVIEW OF THE EFFICIENCY OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL FUNCTIONING OF THE UNITED NATIONS: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/801 and Add.1) PROGRAMME BUDGET FOR THE BIENNIUM 1992-1993: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/804 and Corr.1) IMPROVING THE FINANCIAL SITUATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (PART I) (A/48/756) JOINT INSPECTION UNIT: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/740) PATTERN OF CONFERENCES: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/753) S C A L E O F A S S E S S M E N T S F O R T H E APPORTIONMENT OF THE EXPENSES OF THE UNITED NATIONS: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/806) UNITED NATIONS COMMON SYSTEM: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/737) UNITED NATIONS PENSION SYSTEM: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/738) FINANCING OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL FOR THE PROSECUTION OF PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR SERIOUS VIOLATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW COMMITTED IN THE TERRITORY OF THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA SINCE 1991: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/802) PERSONNEL QUESTIONS: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (PART I) (A/48/805) FINANCING OF THE UNITED NATIONS PEACE- KEEPING FORCES IN THE MIDDLE EAST: (b) UNITED NATIONS INTERIM FORCE IN LEBANON: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/813) FINANCING OF THE UNITED NATIONS ANGOLA VERIFICATION MISSION: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/814) FINANCING OF THE ACTIVITIES ARISING FROM SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 687 (1991): (a) U N I T E D N A T I O N S I R A Q - K U W A I T OBSERVATION MISSION: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/815) FINANCING OF THE UNITED NATIONS MISSION FOR THE REFERENDUM IN WESTERN SAHARA: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/816) FINANCING OF THE UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN EL SALVADOR: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/817) FINANCING OF THE UNITED NATIONS TRANSITIONAL AUTHORITY IN CAMBODIA: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/818) FINANCING OF THE UNITED NATIONS PROTECTION FORCE: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/819) FINANCING OF THE UNITED NATIONS OPERATION IN SOMALIA II: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/820) ADMINISTRATIVE AND BUDGETARY ASPECTS OF THE FINANCING OF THE UNITED NATIONS PEACE-KEEPING OPERATIONS: (a) REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (PART I) (A/48/807) (b) RELOCATION OF BELARUS AND UKRAINE TO THE GROUP OF MEMBER STATES SET OUT IN PARAGRAPH 3 (c) OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION 43/232: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (PART II) (A/48/807/Add.1) FINANCING OF THE UNITED NATIONS OPERATION IN MOZAMBIQUE: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/821) FINANCING OF THE UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN GEORGIA: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/823) FINANCING OF THE UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION UGANDA-RWANDA: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/825) FINANCING OF THE UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN HAITI: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/826) FINANCING OF THE UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/827) FINANCING OF THE UNITED NATIONS ASSISTANCE MISSION FOR RWANDA: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/828) FINANCING OF THE UNITED NATIONS MILITARY LIAISON TEAM IN CAMBODIA: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/829) PROPOSED PROGRAMME BUDGET FOR THE BIENNIUM 1994-1995: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/811) REPORT OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL (a) REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/48/743) (b) CHAPTERS CONSIDERED DIRECTLY IN PLENARY MEETING [chapters I, V (sections A and B) AND IX] APPOINTMENTS TO FILL VACANCIES IN S U B S I D I A R Y O R G A N S A N D O T H E R APPOINTMENTS

I now request the Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee, Mr. Mahbub Kabir of Bangladesh, to introduce the reports of the Fifth Committee in one intervention. Mr. KABIR (Bangladesh), Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee: I have the honour to present to the General Assembly the reports of the Fifth Committee on the agenda items allocated to it. Members will recall that 51 agenda items were allocated to the Fifth Committee at the forty- eighth session of the General Assembly. From 28 September to 22 December 1993 the Fifth Committee held 46 plenary meetings. Negotiations were carried out through numerous informal consultations. This year, the Fifth Committee had to work under very difficult circumstances; yet with hard work, dedication and a spirit of cooperation and flexibility, we were able to conclude our work successfully. I am happy to report that all the draft resolutions and draft decisions of the Committee were adopted by consensus. The following is a brief report of the result of the work of the Fifth Committee. The report of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 120, "Financial reports and audited financial statements, and reports of the Board of Auditors", appears in document A/48/752. In paragraph 5 of that report the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution. The report of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 121, "Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations", appears in document A/48/801. In paragraph 10 of that report the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of two draft resolution. Draft resolution I is entitled "Managing works of art in the United Nations: report of the Joint Inspection Unit"; and draft resolution II is entitled "Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations". In document A/48/801/Add.1, the Fifth Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of two draft decisions. These relate to the biennial programme of work of the Fifth Committee and to action taken by the Fifth Committee on certain documents. Regarding agenda item 122, "Programme budget for the biennium 1992-1993", the report of the Fifth Committee is contained in documents A/48/804 and A/48/804/Corr.1. In paragraph 6 of the report, the Committee recommends to the Concerning agenda item 124, "Improving the financial situation of the United Nations", part I of the report of the Fifth Committee is contained in document A/48/756. In paragraph 7 of that report the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution. The report of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 125, "Joint Inspection Unit" is contained in document A/48/740. The Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft resolution in paragraph 6 of that report. Concerning agenda item 126, "Pattern of conferences", the report of the Fifth Committee is contained in document A/48/753. In paragraph 7 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution. Concerning agenda item 127, "Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/806. In paragraph 11 of its report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft resolution entitled "Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations", which, I am proud to report, was adopted by the Committee without a vote. Under the same item, the Committee also recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft decision entitled "Appointment of a member emeritus of the Committee on Contributions", which relates to the appointment of Ambassador Amjad Ali. The draft decision was adopted by the Fifth Committee. Concerning agenda item 128, "United Nations common system", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/737. In paragraph 6 of this report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft resolution which it adopted. Concerning agenda item 129, "United Nations pension system", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/738. The Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft resolution contained in paragraph 7 of the report. This draft resolution was also adopted by the Committee. On agenda item 168, "Personnel questions", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/805. In paragraph 5 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a procedural draft decision, which was also adopted by the Committee. Concerning agenda item 130 (a), "Financing of the United Nations peace-keeping forces in the Middle East: United Nations Disengagement Observer Force", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/812. The Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft decision which it adopted and which is contained in paragraph 6 of that report. On agenda item 130 (b), "Financing of the United Nations peace-keeping forces in the Middle East: United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/813. The Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft decision which it adopted and which is contained in paragraph 6 of that report. Concerning agenda item 131, "Financing of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/814. In paragraph 6 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft decision which was adopted by the Committee. On agenda item 132 (a), "Financing of the activities arising from Security Council resolution 687 (1991): United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/815. The Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft decision which it adopted and which is contained in paragraph 6 of that report. Concerning agenda item 133, "Financing of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/816. In paragraph 6 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft decision which was adopted by the Committee. On agenda item 135, "Financing of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/818. In paragraph 6 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft decision which was adopted by the Committee. Concerning agenda item 136, "Financing of the United Nations Protection Force", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/819. The Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft decision which it adopted and which is contained in paragraph 6 of that report. On agenda item 137 "Financing of the United Nations Operation in Somalia II", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/820. The Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft decision which it adopted and which is contained in paragraph 6 of that report. Concerning agenda item 138, "Administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peace-keeping operations" part I of the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/807. The Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of two draft resolutions which were adopted by the Committee and are contained in paragraph 9 of that report. Part II of the report of the Committee, relating to the relocation of Belarus and Ukraine to the group of Member States set out in paragraph 3 (c) of General Assembly resolution 43/232, is contained in document A/48/807/Add.1. The Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft decision entitled "Administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peace-keeping operations", which was adopted by the Committee and is contained in paragraph 7 of that report. Concerning agenda item 149, "Financing of the United Nations Operation in Mozambique", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/821. In paragraph 6 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft decision which was adopted by the Committee. Concerning agenda item 160, "Financing of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/822. The On agenda item 162, "Financing of the United Nations Observation Mission in Georgia", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/823. In paragraph 6 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft decision which was adopted by the Committee. Concerning agenda item 164, "Financing of the United Nations Observer Mission Uganda-Rwanda", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/825. In paragraph 6 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft decision, which was adopted by the Committee. Concerning agenda item 165, "Financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Haiti", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/826. In paragraph 6 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft decision, which was adopted by the Committee. Concerning agenda item 166, "Financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/827. In paragraph 6 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft decision, which was adopted by the Committee. Concerning agenda item 173, "Financing of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/828. In paragraph 6 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft decision, which was adopted by the Committee. Concerning agenda item 174, "Financing of the United Nations Military Liaison Team in Cambodia", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/829. In paragraph 6 of that report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft decision, which was adopted by the Committee. Concerning agenda item 123, "Proposed programme budget for the biennium 1994-1995", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/811, as a cover page. On the substance of the work of the Committee, with regard to agenda item 123, delegations may wish to refer to document A/C.5/48/L.10, which contains all the recommendations of the Fifth Committee in this regard. Finally, under agenda item 17 (f), "Appointment of members of the International Civil Service Commission", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/697. In paragraph 5 of that report the Committee recommended to the General Assembly the appointment for a four-year term of office beginning on 1 January 1994 of Mr. Mario Bettati, France; Ms. Lucretia Myers, United States; Mr. Antonio Fonseca Pimentel, Brazil; Mr. Alexis Stephanou, Greece; and Mr. Ku Tashiro, Japan. Members are fully aware that the Fifth Committee always finishes its work somewhat behind schedule. The Committee has had to deal with an ever-increasing workload, and this year the difficult review process of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 1994-1995 has been completed with a full consensus. Hence, it was a very rewarding process. This is important to all delegations in the Committee, and we are proud that this consensus has been achieved in all the decisions taken by the Committee. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to the very able Secretary of our Committee, Mr. Joseph Acakpo-Satchivi, and his dedicated assistants for the smooth functioning of the work of our Committee. I would also like to thank the Controller, Mr. Yukio Takasu, the Budget Director, Mr. Jean-Pierre Halbwachs, and all their staff for the full support they have extended to the Committee to bring its work to a successful conclusion.

If there is no proposal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I shall take it that the General Assembly decides not to discuss the reports of the Fifth Committee which are before the Assembly today.

Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote or position. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Fifth Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. May I remind members that, under paragraph 7 of decision 34/401, the General Assembly agreed that May I remind delegations that, also in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Fifth Committee, I should like to advise representatives that we are going to proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Fifth Committee. The Assembly will first consider part I (A/48/752) of the report of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 120, entitled "Financial reports and audited financial statements, and reports of the Board of Auditors". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 7 of part I of that report. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 120. The Assembly will now consider the reports (A/48/801 and Add.1) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 121, entitled "Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations". The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 10 of document A/48/801 as well as on the two draft decisions recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 5 of the addendum to its report. We turn first to the two draft resolutions contained in paragraph 10 of document A/48/801. Draft resolution I is entitled "Managing works of art in the United Nations:

Draft resolution II is entitled "Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations". The decision of the Fifth Committee concerning the programme budget implications of draft resolution II is contained in paragraph 13 of document A/48/801. The Fifth Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We will now take a decision on the two draft decisions recommended in paragraph 5 of the addendum to document A/48/801. Draft decision I is contained, for the time being, in document A/C.5/48/L.33. Draft decision I is entitled "Biennial programme of work for the Fifth Committee for 1994-1995". The Fifth Committee adopted draft decision I without a vote. May I take it that we will do the same?

Draft decision II is entitled "Action taken on certain documents". The Fifth Committee adopted draft decision II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly will do likewise?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 121. The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/804) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 122, entitled "Programme budget for the biennium 1992-1993". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution (A and B) recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report and the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 7 of the same document. The Assembly will first take a decision on the draft resolution (A and B) recommended for adoption by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report (A/48/804).

We turn now to the draft decision recommended for adoption by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. That draft decision concerns the "Second performance report on the programme budget for the biennium 1992-1993". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 122. We will now consider Part I of the report (A/48/756) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 124, entitled "Improving the financial situation of the United Nations". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the fifth Committee in paragraph 7 of Part I of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 124. We will now consider the report (A/48/740) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 125, entitled "Joint Inspection Unit". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report (document A/48/740). The draft resolution was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 125?

We will now consider the report (A/48/753) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 126, entitled "Pattern of conferences".

May I take it that it is also the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 126?

The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/806) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 127, entitled "Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations". We will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 10 of its report and the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 11 of the same document. We turn first to the draft decision entitled "Appointment of a member emeritus of the Committee on Contributions". The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We turn next to the draft resolution entitled "Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations". The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

I shall now call on representatives who wish to speak after the decision.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of Estonia, Lithuania and my own country, Latvia. The Baltic delegations are grateful to Ambassador Maycock of Barbados, who chaired the long and difficult informal negotiations on agenda item 127. His skill and patience were essential for reaching consensus. The Baltic States joined in the adoption, without a vote, of draft resolution A/C.5/48/L.13, in the belief that it is a The remaining two steps that would achieve the two above-mentioned goals will have to be taken by the Committee on Contributions at its next session and by the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session. The achievement of these two goals will not mean that compliance has been achieved with the principle of sovereign equality enshrined in Article 2 (l) of the Charter. This is true for two reasons. First, the excessive assessment rates for the current scale period, determined by an ad hoc method that discriminated against the 22 Member States, will remain unchanged despite the fact that the principle of sovereign equality means that all Member States have equal rights and obligations, including financial ones. Secondly, the current assessment rates of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are derived from the assessment rate of the former Soviet Union, and their advance to the Working Capital Fund is paid out of the advance of the former Soviet Union - that is, the Baltic States have been forced to accept a financial obligation and an asset of the former Soviet Union. The position of the Baltic States is that they are not successors to the former Soviet Union. Rather, they were occupied and illegally incorporated into that State. The principle of sovereign equality requires respect from other States for positions that are a part of the personality of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The Baltic States reserve the right to take actions concerning assessment rates and advances to the Working Capital Fund intended to achieve compliance with the principle of sovereign equality. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania believe that the excessive assessment rates for the 22 Member States were caused in part by the present procedure and methodology for determining scales of assessment. The Baltic delegations support the reform of both the procedure and the methodology for determining scales of assessment, and are ready to contribute to this endeavour.

In joining the consensus on the adoption of the draft resolution on the scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations, my delegation wishes to repeat its conviction - expressed for the first time at the San Francisco Conference - that the rights accorded by the Charter to certain Member States should correspond to the Mexico continues to be convinced that the contribution of the permanent members of the Security Council to the regular budget of the United Nations must reflect that link. But, in the nearly 50 years since the establishment of the United Nations, there has been a considerable reduction in the amount paid by these States towards the expenditures of the United Nations - from 61.09 per cent in 1946 to 43.5 per cent in 1993. My delegation regrets that in the draft resolution we have just adopted, it was not possible to include a reference to the usefulness of exploring possible criteria for the apportionment of a fixed percentage of the costs of the United Nations corresponding to the rights and obligations devolving upon the permanent members of the Security Council under the Charter. In our view, this is a question linked to the equity which should prevail in the Organization and also to the legitimacy which ought to derive from powers that are exercised by only a certain group of countries. That is why my delegation reserves the right to raise this matter again in the appropriate place at the appropriate time.

First, the delegation of Kazakhstan supports whole-heartedly the adoption of the draft decision now contained in document A/C.5/48/L.11, and it welcomes the appointment of Ambassador Syed Amjad Ali as member emeritus of the Committee on Contributions, in recognition of the invaluable service he rendered to the Committee for 27 years as its Chairman. Our delegation’s position on the scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations has been made clear on several occasions. We believe that the Organization needs a scale of assessment which is based on a transparent, simple and non-discriminatory methodology that eliminates its highly distorting elements, in particular the scheme of limits and the long statistical base period. The scale methodology should clearly reflect its basic principle, that is, the capacity to pay. The delegation of Kazakhstan joined the consensus on the draft resolution now contained in document A/C.5/48/L.13 with the understanding that its adoption will serve as the first step towards a major reform of the scale methodology. As a part of the former Soviet Union and of a group of Member States referred to in the context of the scale of assessments as the Group of 22 - the rates of which are highly overassessed at present and have been calculated using an ad hoc approach and not applying the standard scale methodology - the delegation of Kazakhstan notes that operative paragraph 3 of part B of the draft resolution in In conclusion, the delegation of Kazakhstan would like to extend special thanks to His Excellency Ambassador Maycock, Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations, whose professional and diplomatic skills and tact in coordinating the informal consultations on agenda item 127 proved to be very important in bringing about the consensus that resulted from the negotiations. Our delegation welcomes the adoption by consensus of the draft resolution in document A/C.5/48/L.13 and believes that it will serve as an important guideline for fruitful work by the Committee on Contributions at its next session.

I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the delegations of Ukraine and Belarus in explanation of vote after the consensus adoption of draft resolution A/C.5/48/L.13, "Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations", which is contained in the report (A/48/806) of the Fifth Committee. A year ago, in the General Assembly Hall, the delegations of Ukraine and Belarus were forced to state their disagreement with the adoption of a decision because extremely important circumstances with respect to the national experience of those two States were ignored: their membership in the United Nations for almost 50 years, the difficult restructuring of their social life on a democratic basis, an acute economic crisis and an exhausting struggle to eliminate the consequences of humankind’s worst disaster in history - the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. As a result of the adoption of that decision, the rates of both States were increased by more than 50 per cent, which greatly increased the gap between Member States’ real capacity to pay and their financial obligations to the United Nations. The representatives of many States who voted for the adoption of that decision (A/47/456) at that time indicated the need for such a step and expressed their sympathy to us. Time was to determine the depth of the sincerity of those words. Today, our delegations have joined in the consensus adoption of the draft resolution because it is evidence that last year’s sympathy was sincere and that the unfairness towards my country and Ukraine can now be corrected. During the negotiations prior to the decision, the delegations of many Member States expressed their sincere understanding of the special circumstances in which Belarus and Ukraine find themselves with respect to carrying out their financial obligations to the United Nations. I take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to all the participants in the difficult negotiations for the flexibility they showed and their aspiration to find constructive approaches. This inspires hope in us that the international community is prepared to assess the depth of the political and economic problems in our States and to try to respond to the appeal for assistance in restructuring our life on a genuinely humane and democratic basis. We would like to hope that the adoption of this resolution is a firm beginning of a shift to new fundamental elements on the basis of which contributions to the regular budget of the United Nations will be determined for all Member States of the United Nations. The task before us is to come up, finally, with a scale which is more stable, more simple and more balanced. An important role in that process is to be played by the Committee on Contributions, whose activities, in our view, should be more open and more modern. The delegations of Belarus and Ukraine are counting on the Committee on Contributions constantly to bear in mind our two countries’ special problems, as well as the problems of new States Members of the United Nations emerging from former republics of the Soviet Union, which inherited inflated statistics on national income, and ruble exchange rates against the dollar that led to elevated assessments for the United Nations budget and for peace-keeping operations. Let me stress once again, in referring to the particular circumstances of our countries, that the Governments of Belarus and Ukraine continue to assume that the only legally justified rates of assessment for Ukraine and Belarus are the ones calculated in accordance with resolution 46/221 A of 20 December 1991. Let me conclude by conveying the gratitude of the delegations of Ukraine and Belarus to the Permanent Representative of Barbados, Ambassador Maycock, for his

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 127. The Assembly will now consider the report of the Fifth Committee (A/48/737) on agenda item 128, entitled "United Nations common system". We shall take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Committee in paragraph 6 of that report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Committee without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly too wishes to adopt the draft resolution?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 128?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 129?

We will now consider the report of the Fifth Committee (A/48/802) on agenda item 159, entitled "Financing of the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991". We shall take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 6 of that report. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 159.

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 168. The Assembly will now consider the reports of the Fifth Committee (A/48/812 and A/48/813) on agenda item 130, relating to the "Financing of the United Nations peace- keeping forces in the Middle East". We shall first consider the report (A/48/812) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 130 (a), which relates to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force. We will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended in paragraph 6 of that report - which for the time being is contained in document A/C.5/48/L.15. The draft decision, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force", was adopted by the Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly too wishes to adopt the draft decision?

I call on the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic, who wishes to speak in explanation of position.

My delegation wishes to state its position on the draft decision contained in document A/48/812, relating to the financing of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), and on the draft decision contained in document A/48/813, relating to the financing of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), under agenda item 130.

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 130. The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/814) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 131, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission". We shall take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 6 of that report - which for the time being is contained in document A/C.5/48/L.17. The draft decision was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly too wishes to adopt the draft decision?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 131.

The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/815) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 132 (a), entitled "United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended in paragraph 6 of that report. The draft decision is, for the time being, contained in document A/C.5/48/L.18. It is entitled "Financing of the activities arising from Security Council resolution 687 (1991): United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission" and was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 132 (a). We will now consider the report (A/48/816) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 133, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara". We will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended in paragraph 6 of that report. The draft decision is, for the time being, contained in document A/C.5/48/L.19. It was adopted by the Committee without a

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 133. We will now proceed to consider the report (A/48/817) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 134, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in El Salvador". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended in paragraph 6 of that report. The draft decision is, for the time being, contained in document A/C.5/48/L.20. It was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 134. The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/818) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 135, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia". We will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended in paragraph 6 of that report. The draft decision is, for the time being, contained in document A/C.5/48/L.21. It was adopted by the Committee without a vote. May I take that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 135. The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/819) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 136, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Protection Force". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of that report. The draft decision is, for the time being, contained in document A/C.5/48/L.22. It was adopted by the Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/820) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 137, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Operation in Somalia II". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of that report. The draft decision is, for the time being, contained in document A/C.5/48/L.23. It was adopted by the Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 137. The Assembly will now consider parts I and II of the report (A/48/807 and A/48/807/Add.1) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 138, entitled "Administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peace-keeping operations". We shall first consider part I of the report (A/48/807). The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended in paragraph 9. Draft resolution I is entitled "Support account for peace- keeping operations". It was adopted by the Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly will now consider part II of the report (A/48/807/Add.1) of the Fifth Committee, on agenda item 138 (b), entitled "Relocation of Belarus and Ukraine to the group of Member States set out in paragraph 3 (c) of General Assembly resolution 43/232". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. The draft decision, entitled "Administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peace-keeping operations", was adopted by the Fifth

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 138. The Assembly will now take up the report (A/48/821) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 149, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Operation in Mozambique". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of that report. The draft decision is, for the time being, contained in document A/C.5/48/L.24. It was adopted by the Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 149. The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/822) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 160, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 6 of that report. The draft decision is, for the time being, contained in document A/C.5/48/L.25. It was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 160. We will now proceed to consider the report (A/48/823) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 162, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Observation Mission in Georgia". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of that report. The draft decision is, for the time being, contained in document A/C.5/48/L.26. It was adopted by the Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly also wishes to do so? The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/825) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 164, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Observer Mission Uganda- Rwanda". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of that report. The draft decision is, for the time being, contained in document A/C.5/48/L.27. It was adopted by the Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 164. The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/826) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 165, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Mission in Haiti". We shall take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of that report. The draft decision was adopted by the Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly too wishes to adopt the draft decision?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 165. We turn now to the report (A/48/827) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 166, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia". We shall take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of that report. The draft decision was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly too wishes to adopt the draft decision?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 166. We shall next consider the report (A/48/828) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 173, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda". We shall take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 6 of that report. The draft decision was adopted by the Committee without a vote.

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 173. We turn next to the report (A/48/829) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 174, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Military Liaison Team in Cambodia". We shall take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of that report. The draft decision was adopted by the Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly too wishes to adopt the draft decision?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 174. We turn next to the report (A/48/811) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 123, entitled "Proposed programme budget for the biennium 1994-1995". The Assembly has before it five draft resolutions and one draft decision, recommended in paragraph 7 of that report - which, for the time being, is contained in section V, paragraphs 32 and 33, of document A/C.5/48/L.10 (Part I). We shall first take a decision on the five draft resolutions recommended by the Fifth Committee. Draft resolution I is entitled "Questions relating to the proposed programme budget for the biennium 1994-1995". The Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Draft resolution III, entitled "Questions relating to the proposed programme budget for the biennium 1994-1995", was also adopted by the Fifth Committee. May I take it that the Assembly will follow suit, and adopt draft resolution III?

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report - which, as I have already indicated, is contained in paragraph 33 of section V of document A/C.5/48/L.10 (Part I). May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to adopt the draft decision?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 123. The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/743) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 12, dealing with those chapters of the report of the Economic and Social Council that were allocated to the Fifth Committee. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision contained in paragraph 4 of that report. The Fifth Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of that draft decision. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of those chapters of the report of the Economic and Social Council that were allocated to the Fifth Committee?

Under agenda item 12, the Assembly will now turn to the report of the Economic and Social Council (A/48/3). Members will recall that chapters I, V (sections A and B) and IX of the report of the Economic and Social Council were assigned for consideration directly in plenary meetings. May I take it

May I further take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of chapters I, V (sections A and B) and IX of the report of the Economic and Social Council?

We have thus concluded our consideration of all the chapters of the report of the Economic and Social Council. The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/697) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 17 (f), entitled "Appointment of members of the International Civil Service Commission". In paragraph 5 of that report, the Fifth Committee recommends that the General Assembly should appoint the following persons as members of the International Civil Service Commission for a four-year term of office beginning on 1 January 1994: Mr. Mario Bettati, Ms. Lucretia Meyers, Mr. Antonio Fonseca Pimentel, Mr. Alexis Stephanou and Mr. Ku Tashiro. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to appoint those persons?

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 17 (f)?

The Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the sub-items of agenda item 17 allocated to the Fifth Committee, and of all the reports of the Fifth Committee. Let me take this opportunity to thank sincerely the Chairmen of the Fifth Committee and of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, and to echo the praise addressed to Ambassador Maycock, for their excellent work to ensure that we not only had a budget but were able to suspend the session in good time for the holidays. PROGRAMME OF WORK

Apart from organizational matters and items that may have to be considered by operation of Item 10 Report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization Item 16 (b) Election of twelve members of the World Food Council Item 17 (h) Appointment of a member of the Joint Inspection Unit Item 17 (i) Confirmation of the appointment of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Item 24 United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s Item 31 The situation of democracy and human rights in Haiti Item 33 Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council Item 35 Question of Palestine Item 36 Law of the Sea Item 38 Elimination of apartheid and establishment of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa Item 42 The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina Item 47 Commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations in 1995 Item 49 Armed Israeli aggression against the Iraqi nuclear installations and its grave consequences for the established international system concerning the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and international peace and security Item 53 Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly Item 54 Question of Cyprus Item 55 Consequences of the Iraqi occupation of and aggression against Kuwait Item 114 (b) Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms Item 114 (c) Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives Item 120 Financial reports and audited financial statements, and reports of the Board of Auditors Item 121 Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations Item 122 Programme budget for the biennium 1992- 1993 Item 123 Proposed programme budget for the biennium 1994-1995 Item 124 Improving the financial situation of the United Nations Item 127 Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations Item 130 Financing of the United Nations peace-keeping forces in the Middle East Item 131 Financing of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission Item 132 Financing of the activities arising from Security Council resolution 687 (1991) Item 133 Financing of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara Item 134 Financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in El Salvador Item 136 Financing of the United Nations Protection Force Item 137 Financing of the United Nations Operation in Somalia II Item 138 Administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peace-keeping operations Item 149 Financing of the United Nations Operation in Mozambique Item 159 Financing of the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991 Item 160 Financing of the United Nations Peace- keeping Force in Cyprus Item 162 Financing of the United Nations Observation Mission in Georgia Item 163 Programme budget for the biennium 1990- 1991 Item 164 Financing of the United Nations Observer Mission Uganda-Rwanda Item 165 Financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Haiti Item 166 Financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia Item 168 Personnel questions Item 170 The situation in Burundi Item 173 Financing of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda Item 174 Financing of the United Nations Military Liaison Team in Cambodia May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly that those agenda items remain for consideration during the forty-eighth session of the Assembly?

We are about to close this very momentous session. It has been said that we diplomats are doubly condemned - not only must we make innumerable speeches, but we are also obliged to listen to them. I am sure, therefore, that after a most exhausting session - and I am certainly exhausted after reading out that extensive list - a session at which we have had a surfeit of words, the last thing members would wish to have from me at this stage of our proceedings is another lengthy statement. I therefore propose to break with tradition and not make an extensive review of our work during the past three months. That may be safely left to a later date. I should like, however, with members’ indulgence, to make a few general observations which are intended not so much as an assessment of our performance so far, but, rather, as an attempt to plan a programme of work during the intersessional period. If I may say so myself, this regular session has been remarkable not only for the reaffirmation of faith in our Organization, but also for the many imaginative proposals aimed at its improvement. All leaders of delegations who addressed the Assembly in plenary session this year were at one in the confidence that, notwithstanding the setbacks faced in the search for peace and development, multilateralism is an ideal worthy of pursuit. It occurred to me as I listened that, if we could only capture their political goodwill and spirit of commitment in all our deliberations, we would be making considerable headway towards achieving agreement in all areas of common concern. Somehow, therefore, we must find the means of making the general debate - and indeed all our operations - more practical and productive. I therefore urge the Working Group which has been set up to consider the revitalization of the General Assembly to give urgent and continuing attention to this task. It cannot be "business as usual" for the future. Experience has shown that the collective voice of the Assembly is also, especially when raised in unison, a powerful factor for change in international affairs. Often when successful breakthroughs are achieved - as recently occurred in South Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere - we tend to give credit only to those associated with the immediate events, forgetting the many who have worked tirelessly over the years to bring them about. And yet it is undoubtedly the constant reaffirmation of common principles and policies by this Assembly that eventually creates the circumstances which can lead to the settlement of many longstanding and seemingly intractable situations. Clearly, one of our most urgent tasks is the further strengthening of the Organization’s system of collective security in order to respond to attacks upon the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States. With the establishment of an open-ended Working Group on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council, we now have the opportunity to enable the Council to deal more effectively with the many challenges which have arisen in the post-cold- war era. It is my intention as President of the Assembly to convene a meeting of the open-ended Working Group towards the end of January 1994, at which time we may have an exchange of views on how our mandate may best be fulfilled. The Secretariat has been requested to prepare a basic working paper, which will serve as a framework for initial discussion. It is to be hoped that we will all approach our task in good faith and with a sense of purpose. So pressing, however, is the need to strengthen our Organization’s machinery in the area of peacemaking, peace- keeping and preventive diplomacy that swift action needs to be taken to put operations in these various fields on a more sound and reliable footing. We must ensure that this vital issue is satisfactorily addressed in the relevant Committees. There is also merit in a full exploration of the potential which Chapter VIII of the Charter contains for greater cooperation between the United Nations and relevant regional organizations, which, with their particular experience and expertise, can effectively bolster the United Nations in the management of many critical situations. As I have mentioned time and again, I would very much wish to see a meeting early next year under United Nations auspices of the heads of these bodies to explore possible areas of cooperation. On the economic side, I welcome the role given the presidency in the elaboration next year of an agenda for development. The open-ended, broad-based consultations that are foreseen will provide a significant contribution to the process already begun by the Secretary-General. I would think also that they can provide great impetus to the several important development-related conferences scheduled to take place in 1994. Our aim should therefore be to raise public awareness and to mobilize international support to ensure that these deliberations are all conducive to the alleviation, if not the eradication, of the terrible problems of poverty, Much of the discussion, both in the Assembly and in Committees, clearly reflected the urgent common concerns of all humanity. We considered the worldwide scourge of drug abuse and pledged renewed support for the Global Programme of Action. We reviewed the humanitarian work of the Organization, gave it our endorsement and promised additional support. We affirmed the universal validity of human rights and took measures to begin to translate into practical terms the Declaration of the Vienna Conference, most notably by the establishment of the post of High Commissioner for Human Rights. It is fair to say, therefore, that the session has been a productive one. Whatever success has been achieved is in great measure due to the readiness shown by all delegations to work in a spirit of cooperation and compromise. It has also been made possible by the dedication, efficiency and professionalism of the staff of the General Assembly Affairs Secretariat, Conference Services - especially the interpreters and translators - and the Meetings Coverage Section of the Department of Public Information. I was at all times the beneficiary of their great expertise. I would thus wish to convey on members’ behalf, and more particularly on my own, my profound appreciation of their assistance and to solicit their further cooperation in the year ahead. I am equally indebted to our Vice-Presidents, who have shared with senior Secretariat officials - particularly Mr. Sukhodrev - and me long hours on the platform. Special mention must also be made of our competent Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen and their Secretariat staff, who worked assiduously to bring our work to a successful conclusion this evening. As President, I count myself fortunate to have had such a magnificent team. My sincere gratitude is also due to the Permanent Representatives of Benin, India, Mexico, Norway, Singapore and the United Republic of Tanzania, who, at my request and on my behalf, conducted necessary consultations on several of the delicate and important issues which were before us and brought them to speedy fruition. The meeting rose at 7.40 p.m.