A/46/PV.55 General Assembly

I should like to inform members that on Tuesday, 3 December 1991, at 10 a.m." the Assembly will take up agenda item 16, entitled **Appointment of the Secretary-General", and immediately afterwards continue its consideration of agenda item 37, "Policies of apartheid of the Government of South Africa". With regard to agenda item 16, I trust that representatives will be punctual as befits the significance and importance of the occasion.

I call on the representative of Gabon. who will introduce the d:-.,t resolution in the course of his statement. hw (Geton) (interpretation from Irronch)r Uo are ploasod with thm dynamic development that har taken place and with the ever-stronger cooperation bstweon the United ktionr and tha Organisation of African Unity (OM) - the morm l o rinca for almort 30 yearm now thio cooporation, which ham bmcoma traditional, ham booa barod oa the principles of law and justice and of progrerr In all fialdr of mutual iatrrort to the tu . organirations. Following recent changeo, which, fortunately, have opened a new era of interdependence and understanding betwean nationr, with promieing prospects of international cooperation in the political, economic, social, technical, legal, cultural and administrative epheroe, how could we fail to encourage this positive development of the relationship betweoa the United Nations and the OAU? The United Nations and the OAU welcomed and celebrated the independence of Namibia. We were all gratified at the United Nation8 plan, without whose success independence would undoubtedly not yet have taken place. Unfortunately, and in spite of recent events, the two organisations remain at the stage of hope as regards political evolution in South Africa. This is in particular a question of the insufficiency of measures being taken to establish a climate conducive to the smooth conduct and early success of negotiations aimed at the complete elimination of apartheid. It was therefore a source of encouragement that, through resolution 441244, adopted by consensus, the General Assembly (para. 3) called upon all Governments and intergovernmental organizations to maintain mea8ure8 aimed at encouraging the South African regime to eradicate apartheid until there was clear evidence of profound and irreversible changes, bearing in mind the objectives of the Declaration adopted by the Goners1 Assembly at its sixteenth special session, dovoted to the question of apartheid. At the level of their secretariats, the OAU, the United Nations c,nd their respective organs continue to hold periodic consultations. which conrtitute an excellent mechanism of cooperation between the two organirations. 1n this respect I wish to pay a well-deserved tribute not only to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Secretary-General of the OAU but also to all the agencies thet have participated actively ir the effective functioning of this mechanism. We should like to mention the United Nations Development Programme, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the World Food Programme, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, the International Civil Aviation Organiration, the International Labour Organisation, the World H@alth Organlzation, the Universal Postal Union, the International Telecommunication Union, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization - to mention just a few bodies. The report of the Secretary-General which is contained in document A/46/468, together with its addenda 1 and 2, dated 2 October 1991, details the many spheres of cooperation between the OAU and the United Nations. It points out the progress that has been made in these fields, despite all the work that remains to be done given the broad range of problems still confronting Africa. The critical economic situation that has prevailed in Africa since the mid-1980a is no longer a secret to anyone. The rate of growth of the African countries in genera? has steadily deteriorated, partly because of ths drop in the prices of ‘raw materiaJ.s, the negative transfer of resources, the debt burden and natural ;iisa?cers, aa well a8 the consequences of policies of deatabiliaation adOILed by South Africa against its neighbours in southern Af rice. The continued decline in living standards that results from these factors puts unprecedented polit3cal. social and economic pressure on African Governments. At the urging of international financial institutions - especially the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund - Africa has undertaken profound structural-adjustment policies that involve serious political and socio-economic risks. Unfortunately, however, these reforms, which have been carried out by many third world countries - in particular, the African countries - have not been helped by the international situation. The result is that today Africa includes almost three quarters of the world’8 least developed countries. Furthermore, the United Nations Progranwne of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development 1986-1990 has not fulfilled expectations, as can be seen from the report (A/46/41) of the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole of the General Assembly on the Review and lppraisal of that Programme. All those factors, aggravated by debt servicing, were described in great detail and eloquently by the current Chairman of the Organisation of African Unity - the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Thrahim Bahangida - in the statement that he made from this rostrum on 4 October 1991. Africa tharofora appeals to the United Iationm and to the international ctnanunity in gaooral to work effectively to l ocuro roopect for the comnitmsnts and 8uccorrful attainment of the objoctivar met out in the United Pationo Hew Progranmne of Cooperation For tho Development of Africa in the 19908, in accordance with the relevant, follow-up docirionr that will be taken at this version of the Ooneral Arrombly. In thir context, I have the ploamuro, on behalf of the African Group, of introducing draft rarolution W461L.191Rev.1, entitled "Cooperation between tho United llationr and the Organisation of African Unity". This is the traditional &raft rerolution, whore main objective is to outline the broad aroa8 of political, racial and economic cooperation between the United Nations and the OAU. Although it refers to the action of the international community, the major roles will be taken by the secretariats of the two organizations. Bence , I should like to mention a few of the elements related to the priority areas of cooperation between the United Nations and the OAU. In the political sphere, under paragraph 6 of draft resolution A/4G/L.19/Rev.l the General Assembly would reiterate "the determination of the United Nations, in cooperation wit!: tho Organization of African Unity, to continue its efforts for the early eradication of racial discrimination and apartheid in South Africa and to provide adequate assistance to that end". In the social sphere, under paragraph 9 of the draft resolution the Assembly would urge "all Member States and regional and international organisations, in particular those of the United Nations system, as well as non-governmental organizations to provide economic and technical assistance to African countries of asylum to enable them to withstand the heavy burden imposed on their limited resources and weak infrastructure by the presence in their countries of large numbers of refugees". In the economic sphere, under paragraph 11 of the draft resolution the Assembly would reaffirm that "the implementation of the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s will necessitate the full participation of the international community, in particular of the Governments, organisations and programmes of the United Nations system, as well as intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and emphasises the importance and the need to ensure the follow-up, monitoring and implementation of the Agenda in accordance with General Assembly decisions". (& Danaue Rewaka, Gabon) In paragraph 14 of the draft rerolution the Assembly would urge "ths Secretary-Conoral of the United Nations and tho relevant agencies of the United Nations ryrtem to extend their support and cooperation to the member States and the Secretary-General of the Qrganiaation of African Unity for the effective organisational arrangemmt and smooth functioning of the African Economic Cormnunity”. As for the administrative sphere, in paragraph 21 of the draft resolution the Assembly would call upon “the relevant organs of the United Nations system to continue to ensure the fair and equitable representation of Africa at senior and policy levels at their respective headquarters and in their regional and field operations”. As regards the implementation of these recommendations, under paragraph 20 of the draft resolution the Assembly would also request “the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity to ensure that the representatives of their secretariats continue to hold regular consultations, as and when appropriate, on the implementation of the present resolution”. Those were the few main points that I wished to stress in submitting for the Assembly’s consideration draft resolution A1461L.191Rev.1, entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Organixation of African Unity”. In conclusion, I should like to thank very sincerely the other regional groups for the spirit of friendship and cooperation which they showed throughout our consultations and which I hope will make it possible for the Assembly to adopt this text by consensus. (Mr. Danaul, Rewake.QQm.r.) Mr. VAN SCNAHC (Netherlands): My delegation has the honour of addressinq this plenary meeting of the General Assembly on behalf of the European Community and its member States on agenda item 30, "Cooperation between the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity". The value the Twelve attach to regional cooperation is well known to everyone a There is no harm, however, i?l stressing once more the benefits that are to be reaped from regional cooperation. The experience of the Twelve allows them to testify on this issue. In view of their own development process in terms of regional cooperation, the Twelve welcome and applaud the efforts to ensure greater cooperation amongst the countries of the Organisation of African Unity. These efforts merit the full support of the United Nations. The European Community and its member States note with great satisfaction the good relations that exist and are continuing to develop between the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity in many fields of mutual interest, The Twelve consider that the role played by the Organisation of African Unity in the consolidation of national independence, both politically and economically, and in the development of the nationhood of its members is an important one. We believe that the way in which African countries are working together deserves the full support of the United Nations. The Twelve also believe that where conflicts occur the countries most directly concerned should be encouraged to find solutions. This applies not only to political problems, but also to economic, social and environmental issues. The Twelve fully support efforts aimed at finding regional solutions to African problems. They once again endorse the activities undertaken by the Organization of African Unity with regard to a number of complex issues. They note with interest that during this years' summit meeting of the Organization crf African Unity discuaeions took place on African cooperation in the field of riecur i ty. The Twelve also fully support the cooperation between the Secretary-General of the United Natians and the current Chairman of the Orqanization of African Wnity in their quest for peaceful solutions to African problems. We welcome the joint effort of the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity to solve the long-standing isaus of Western Sahara. The Twelve noted with interest the statement by the current Chairman of the Organiration of African Unity to the forty-sixth session of the General Assembly, in which he informed it of the results of the summit meeting which the organization held this year in Abuja. He stated in particular that African countries should fully embrace democratic culture (.n order to enable their peoples to enjoy fundamental human rights and to participate effectively in decisions that affect their lives and well-being. In this regard the Twelve warmly welcome the exemplary democratic conduct of the elections held in Zambia six days ago, for which all who contributed to that are to be commended. The Twelve welcome the fact that there is a growing number of African countries moving rapidly towards political liberalisation. These changes indicate a new African awareness that the continent is rru.idriS? responsible for its own fate. This awareness is reflected within the d~libera~cions of the Organizatfon of Africrn Unity: over the last two or three years more attention has been paid to ecxaomic recovery and good governance. The necessity of popular participation, the creation of free and democratic institutions and the solution of acute economic restructuring problems were recognized as simultaneous tasks to be addressed in the process of development. The Twelve welcome this growing consensus on the need far full respect for universally recognised human rights and fundamental freedoms and for the establishment of a democratic pluralistic society and of a Government which is responsive to the wishes and needs of its people. The Community and its Member States hope that the Organization of African Unity will continue to contribute to this process of change by inspiring their members in this direction. Realizing that new policies cannot be established overnight, the Twelve reaffirm their commitment to assist the African countries in the process of political change. Although Africa has been endowed with vast - often still untapped - resources, it still faces a critical economic situation. This is particularly true for the least developed countries, the largest number of which are African. The Twelve will continue, as they have in the past, to se+i. -qays and means to help alleviate the suffering of Africa's populations caused by economic problems. The European Community and its Member States have, during the past few years, provided half of the total development aid received by the African countries. We shall naturally continue to pursue actively our contacts and good relations with African countries and to contribute to the search for appropriate solutions to their economic problems. The European Community and its member States have played an active role in the final review and ,ippraisal of the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development (UNPAAEBD). The Twelve believe that the results of this review Provide a usetul framework for the development efforts of the African countries themselves as well as of the international comunity. The European Community and its member States will certainly try to do their utmost to honour the commitments undertaken in this respect. In order to overcome their difficulties, however, African countries are in need of adequate assistance from the international ecmmunity as a whole. The Twelve reaffirm their undertaking to pursue their efforts to provide additional resource flows to Africa which will complement domestic efforts and financial resources. The important contribution of the European Community and its m.xnber States to the continent underlines their attachment to the ultimate goal of the development of Africa. In view of their attachment to these goals, the Twelve intend to cooperate with all relevant organizations in order to promote the economic growth and development of the continent. To this end they attach particular importance to cooperation with the Organization of African Unity, regional organizations, African Governments and non-governmental organizations. The Twelve trust that the Grganization of African Unity will continue to play an important role in African and world affairs in harmony with the guiding principles of the United Nations Charter. The Twelve are equally convinced that the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that unite the members of the Organization of African Unity and (Mr. van Scbaik, Netherlands) the States membor8 of the ISuropean Community will continua to intensify in all their various aspects over the years to come. mm (interpretation from Arabic)r The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/46/L.lP/Rov.l. May I take it that the General Aasemhly decides to adopt the draft resolution? -utios-mnsa (resolution 46120). Tha (interpretation from Arabic): I shall new call on those representatives wishing to explain their position. May i remind them that, in accordance with General Assembly decision 341401, explanations are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. Mr. PADU (United States of America): The United States is pleased to be able, once again, to join consensus on the resolution promoting increased cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity (OAU). International organizations, including regional group5 such as the OAU, are taking on added importance in the world today. They can do much to support the trends towards democratiration increasingly found throughout the world. We wish to reiterate our continuing support for the CAU and its efforts to coordinate with the United Nations on ways to address the problems of Africa. While we generally endorse the sentiments expressed in the resolution just adopted, an important point was overlooked. The General Assembly, regrettably, did not include in the resolution a recognition of the positive changes taking place in South Africa. We are disappointed that the States members of the Organisation of African Unity and the United Nations did not seize this moment to play a positive, active roSe in the historic efforts being made in South Africa to eradicate apartheid and bring into existence a democratic, non-racial Government. Purt.hermore. references to acts of aggression and destabiliration by the Government of South Africa focus on the past, rather than on the future. Given the encouraging developments in South Africa over the past year, the independence of Namibia, the peace accords in Angola and the ongoing negotiations in Mosambique, we see no raason to retain these outmoded referencea. None the less, let me reiterate my country’s conviction that the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity will continue to cooperate in achieving the important aims we all share fur the continent. Hr. VAN DER lJ&T (Netherlands): The European Community and its 12 member States have already been able to explain the importance they attach to cooperation between the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity during the debate. In that spirit they have in the past nlways supported the resolutions on that subject. This year too they have joined the consensus on this resolution. However, draft resolution A/46/L.19/Rev.l, submitted at this forty-sixth session of the General Assembly, presents a number of difficulties. With regard to the economic aspects, the Twelve, while underlining that the primary responsibility for development lies with the African countries themselves, would have welcomed a reference in the draft resolution to the considerable and continuing efforts by the international community and the donor countries in support of the actions undertaken by the African countries. (Mr, Fadilla, United States) The Twelve undarmtand that any cooperation and arsirtancm provided to t.ha Organisation of Africsn Unity (OAU) by the United Nations, ao requested in paragrsph 10, must pny due regard to the competence of the relevant organs 01 the United Nations. The Twalve believe that the resolution doeo not take into account sufficiently the recent delrelopmenta in the region. Regarding the situation in southern Africa. they do not agree with the apparent presumption that the South African Government still engages in the dsatabiliaation of the neighbouring countries. Finally, with regard to cooperation with the OAU on the issue of decolonisation, the Twelve attach importance to making arrangements which reflect current requirements. We note that once the question of Western Sahara is resolved, there will be no Non-Self-Governing Territory on the Committee of 24's list left in Africa. Ms. m (Australia): Australia joined the consensus in favour of this resolution because we support the maintenance of the productive relationship which exists between the United Nations and the Organixation of African Unity (OAU). We are making an explanation of position, however, because we consider that the language of paragraph 16, referring to acts of aggression and destabilixation by the South African regime, is out of date and not rele-qant to the current situation in southern Africa. Regarding paragraph 10, Australia believes that such proposals should be considered on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the terms of Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter.

The Observer of the ..- _. .- .._- -.--- Organization of African Unity has asked to be given an opportunity to make a statement at this juncture. (ME....Yan.Rar.-LIIgL...#othsrlbnde) May I consider that, taking into account resolution 2011 (XX) of 11 October 1965, by which the General Assembly granted observer status to tha Organisation of African Unity, the Assembly accedes to that request7 ItuBA* Thr6MEJE (interpretation from Arablc)r I therefore call on the Observer of the Organisation of African Unity. u (Orqanisation of African Unity (OAU)) (interpretation from French) 8 May I, on behalf of Mr. Salim Ahmed Salim, Secretary-General of the OAU, thank all those delegations that supported draft resolution A/Qb/L.lY/Rev.l, which constitutes an important stage in the process of cooperation between the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity. The progress made in the struggle against colonialism in Africa and apartheid in fact means that economic and social problems arc taking an increasingly central place now in the cooperation between these two organisations. This is why the resolution that has just bean adopted stresses support for the African Economic Community, which is the most important pan-African project since the adoption of the Charter of the OAU in 1963. The Community, which will have 19 protocols, deals with issues as diverse as the promotion of trade and the establishment for the first time of a pan-African parliament. The African Economic Community, drawinq a lesson from earlier such projects, will base itself fully on the participation of the people and will have an adequate framework for strengthening the process of democratisation in Africa. In order to establish this very important project, the OAU needs the support of the United Nations on a wide range of issues in the social. economic and political fields. We need, i&Run, increased technical cooperation in the economic ant1 financial fields, and the support of the United Nations in the settlement of disputes with regard to which the OAU has for come years now been taking action. We could alro benefit from the United Nations experience in launching such projects ae peace-keeping operatioor. Similarly, United Nations assistance is still needed to cope with the consequences of apartheid in South Africa and in neighbouring countries. The resolution just adopted by the Assembly is therefore an appropriate framework within which to allow our two organisations to benefit from their shared experience, thereby contributing to the strengthening of both. In the years to come, it is our intention to establish various programmos in new fields related to economic questions, such a8 the economic recovery of Africa, the environment, and the development of human reeourcea. Those are the comments I wanted to make on behalf of the Secretary-General of the Organisation of African Unity, and once again we thank all the delegations that have supported the reaolution, m PRESIDm (interpretation from Arabic): We have thus concluded our consideration of agenda item 30.

I should like to propose that the list of apeakers in the debate on this item be closed today at 12 noon. If I hear no objection, I shall take it that the Assembly wishes to proceed accordingly. It was so decided_. Tbr (tntorprrtstion from Arablc)t I therefore request those raprorantativor wirhlnq to participate in the debate to inscribe their names on the lirt of rpeakera am ooon as possible. Mt (Hwunei Darursalam) 8 The opportunity for a comprehensive peace in the Middle Lart har novor boon greater. The peace initiative begun in Madrid is indeed mort encouraging. The contintsd occupation of Arab territorien seined by Iarael ir the cause oil instability in the Middle Cart. In itself, this represents a violation of ths basic human rights of the people of thaw tsrritoriea. The illegal occupation of the Arab lands must not continue if long-term regional security in to be achieved. Israel maintains that it must keep the occupted territories as a guarantee of its security. I 8ee a paradoxical situation here. There can never be peace and security as long as there is an unlawful Israeli presence in the West Bank, the Cana Strip and the Golan Heights. The position taken by the Israeli regime only cause8 further tension. Peace will never be achieved and there will always be instability if the potential for war remains. Good will is needed from all the parties if this threat is to be removed. This must be demonstrated right at the start by the granting of freedom by the Israeli authorities to the lands it has occupied since 1967. My delegation calls on Israel to houour and implement Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 336 (1973), with regard to the occupied territories. We note with appreciation the efforts of Secretary of State James Baker and b:- continued reference to these resolutions and the principle of land for peace. The question of the land of Palestine remains the core problem in the Middle East. The Palestinians are people who have been deprived of their fundamental human rights, whose lend has been forcefully taken and whose rights to a home have been denied. My delegation joins the call of the international community for Israel to return to the Palestinians the lands that are rightfully theirs. There can be no lasting peace in the Middle East without a homeland for the people of Palestine. Related to the inalienable rights of the Palestinians is the status of Jerusalem. The annexation of the Palestinian part of Jerusalem deprives the people of an area that is not only sacred but also a symbol of the Palestinian nation. Israel’s claim to exclusive possession of Jerusalem reflects a confrontational stance. In the spirit with which the Madrid conference was convened my delegation calls upon Israel to accept compromise. In this context, we welcome the willingness, oxprar~~ed by the leader of the Palest Inian delegation, to live aide by side with Israel. The Iarasli delegation has reiterated here its claim that it needs the Golan Heighta, the West Bank and Gara for Israel’s own security. But my delegation believes that the real throat to the 8er:urit.y of the region is Israel’s own military power. This 18 clemonstrate~ by it8 development of a nuclear capability. This potential represents a very grave threot to it8 neighbour8 in the region. At the ~nme time, Israel has repeatedly denied the International Atomic Energy Agency the right to inspect, despite Security Council resolution 487 (1981). My delegation calls on Israel and all parties to the Madrid conference to honour the desire for peace of the international community. I believe that the! principle of land for peace reiterated by Secretary of State James Baker will lead to a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East. Occupation, oppresaion and the denial of a people’8 right to self-determination will not assist this process. It ia incumbent upon the Israeli occupying forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza, the Golan Height8 and the Palestinian part of Jerusalem. Long-term security cannot be attained through military might. It can only be realiand through the will of the people themselves to live in understanding, peace and harmony. Mr ..-,--VQ.RQNt4.SQ~ (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) (interpretation from Russian): The changes for the better in international pOlitiCBe characterised by a shift from confrontation to broad-based cooperation between countries, have opened good prospects for building reliable security structures in various reqions of the world, including the Middle East. Proof (Mr*.-.JhYa* ..Brutmi Dmuirrslm) of thie ir the procera now under way for a praceful settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the longert conflict of the recond half of the tvsntieth century. That conflict bore the grim stamp of the cold war, and only when that war ended did a peaceful settlement of the problemn that have accumulated in the Middle East become attainable and realistic. It is true that the path to the peace conference on the Middle East was a long and hnrd one, and am the representative of a country which wae a Co-Chairman of the Madrid conference, I feel compelled to say that had there not been a fundamental change in Soviet-United Statea relations, we would not also be seeing those profound changes for the better in thn world that enable us to speak today of a completely new period in world history. That point was stressed by President Gorbachev when, in his speech at the opening of the Madrid conference, he said: “The fact that there is hope for an Arab-Israeli settlement can be understood only in this context.” It is our conviction that the ongoing negotiations on the Middle East should guide the parties involved in the conflict to a historic compromise whereby the psychological, territorial and national disputes can be overcome. The settlement process must bring an end to the tragedy of the Paleatinian people, which, like other peoples, has the riqht to self-determination, as established by the Charter of the United Nations. The Soviet Union’s support for the rights of the Palestinian people remains unchanged. The conclusion of the Madrid portion of the peace conference opens prospects for a genuine solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. It is now important, we feol, to make sure that the talks are actively continued and that the practical work of all parties is stepped up. The Soviet Union hopes that the second half of the peace conference, set to be held in Washington, will yield positive roeulta. In any C880, a# ra8 noted at the recent meeting between Mr. Shevardnadre, Minister for l’orslgn Affairs of the Soviet Union, and Mr. Strauen, United States Ambassador to M~IICOW, the Soviet Union and the United States, a6 Co-Chairmen of the Middle East peace conference, will continue their ac’:ive cooperation and partnership in encouraging the efforts made to attain a comprehenrive and jurt 8ettlement in that region. Accordingly, we bolieve that the main task of all member6 of tho world community is to promote the aucceaa of the conference, to establish conditions that will promote practical progress at the talks, and at the same time to avoid any action which might hamper the forward movement that has now begun. That, in our view, is the main task of the General Assembly with regard to the Middle East problem. In these circumstances, we feel that it would make aense for the General Assembly at its current session to refrain from adopting the traditional resolutions on the substance of the questions relating to the Middle East settlement, since that substance is now in the hand8 of the parties to the conference, and we can then look at the practical results produced by the post-Madrid phase of the peace process. A successful Middle East settlement is 1x1 everyone’s interest, not o?ly because in our time the rights of peoples and nations and human rights are coming to be an ever more generally recognized and universal basis for the world order but also for a particularly urgent and pressing reason. (Mr. vocQu~ov. JE.EB) The Middle East has become one of the most weapons-satGrated regions. Having learned from the experience of the Persian Gulf crisis, we tleod now to start to establish in that region a reliable security structure, one of whose pillars could be a aone free of all types of weapons of mass destruction. Many initiatives of great importance have been put forward: their implementation would contribute significantly to creating a less explosive Middle East. Such initiatives include the proposa!. to create totally demilitarised rones, as well a8 zones with a defused military presence, which could fulfil an important function in preventing sudden attacks and providirq for a system of mutual and international control. I wish to strens that that proposal to a certain extent has already been given practical effect along the Egypt-Israel border and has stood the test of time, which WQ) feel given 1~s grounds for serious hopes for the success of implementing si.milar measures between Israel and the Arab parties to the conflict. Of course, this and other types of joint measures must be backad up by appropriate guarantees. The possibility of a political settlement of highly complex problems has been demonstrated by the example of Lebanon. We welcome the implementation of the settlement plan for the Lebanese conflict in all its aspects, and support the restoration of the sovereignty, independence, territur ial integrity and national unity of Lebanon. At the same time, we view the cooperation between the League of Arab States and the Security Council jn seeking a solution to the Lebanese conflict as a promising example of cooperation by one of the leading regional organizations and the United Nations. For several decades, a range of questions regarding the situation in the Middle East has been on the agenda of the General P.ssemhly. NCIW, for the first time, we have the hope that in the foreseeable fu!.ure the rl:ty will come when our Oryanlaation w\lX he able t.o remova thorre queutionn from the sgends and concJign them to hiatory, and to focus its affortu on ancouraqiny the countrisa of the rngion to establish among themaalvea rslstionn not aimply of peace, hut of good-neiyhbourlin~ns rend cooperation. Mr, .._ YM.._6CHAXK (Neth*rJandf3) I I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Community aqd its member St.atea. Since the last. seaaion of t.he General Assembly, the Middle East has passed through a period of both despair and hope. On the one handr we have witnessed the events of the Gulf War and itr aftermath3 on the other, we have witnessed what we hope are important steps on the path towsrds a comprehensive and Iast:itrg aet.tlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the question of paleatine. I shall first touch upon the ait.uetLon In Irag and the problems that arose in the wake of the war. Subsequently, I shall apeak on the problems of the region as a whole, In particular on the Arab-Israeli conflict and the question of Palestine. on the situation in the occupied territories, 011 Iran--Iraq and on Lebanon. Reporta of the Secretary-GoneraX give evidence of the critical situation in which large segments of the Iraqi population still. find themselves, .in particular in northern and southern Iraq. The European Community and its member Stotcjs have act.ively participated in international efforts to address the problems of the displaced persons in Iraq and the refugees in the region. resulting from t.he situation in Iraq. We appreciate the efforts made by neighbouring States to snoulder a large part, of the burden of supporting Iraqi citizens who sought refuge in their countries. We actively supported the internntionaf action taken on the basis of Security Council resrJlrJt.iorJ 088 (19Yl), which paved t-he wa.y Ior tilt? estahl j,s+‘-nent. of the [JniLed Nations Guards ct)ntingent in Irrcq and ttic ar r ival of international Irun7an;tax iarl relief. Following the rocont virit to Baghdad of Prince Gadruddin Aga Khan, the Lracutivo lIelegato of the fiecrotary-Grneral, the Twelve welcome the renewal of the memorandum of understanding on the United Nations humanitarian operation in Iraq for a further six months and the renewal of the United Nations Guards scheme. Personnel and mst~.,~ial have bmn made available to the Guards cont,ingent from among the Twelve. The European Community and ita mombe,: States pledged to meet the contingent's arigjnal budget deficit of $7 million. We appeal to the Government of Iraq to allow the United Nations Guards to help the Iraqi people concerned to take full advantage of international aaaistance. We commend the Secretary-General and his Executive Delegnte and his staff for their efforts in this regard. The European Community and its member States call upon Iraq to permit the establishment of United Nations humanitarian centraa in Kirkuk and the marshes in southern Iraq. The Twelve welcome negotiations between the representatives of the Kurdish population and the Government of Iraq. We call upon all parties to reach a settlement that guarantees the Kurdish people security and respect for their political and civil rights. The Twelve hope these rights will be respected equally for all communities in Iraq, including the Iraqi Shiitcs. In March of this year the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva endorseo a resolution in which the grave situation prevailing in Iraq was addressed. The United Nations Rapporteur, appointed by the Secretary-General pursuant to that resolution, has recently submitted an interim report that is at present being discussed in the Third Committee. It gives no reason to allay our fears. The adoption of Security Council resolution 667 (1991) on 9 April 1991 marked an importnnt point in the development of the procore whereby the United Nation8 entrurte the Organi8ation and ite Secretary-Geaorsl with a compreheneive and important task. Reeolution 667 (1991) providoa the Unit4 Nations with an important inrtrument, unparallolad in the Organimstion’s hirtory, which roquirer Iraq to live up to itr interaetional rerponribilitier. The Twelve wirh to conmend the Secretary--General and hle staff for the way in which they have performed their demanding task. We should also like to conunand and encourage the work done by the Special Commiaalon of the Security Council with regard to the implementation of the provisions of resolution 667 (1991) concerning the inspection and elimination of Iraq's mass destruction weapons. The Twelve deplore the lack of cooperation of the Iraqi authorities with respect to the implementation of some essential parts of Security Council resolution 667 (1991). This applies in particular to the implementation af the provisiona regarding the elimination of Iraq's weapons of maaa destruction and missiles. The European Community and its member States are deeply concerned about the reports by the Director General of IAEA that the Government of Iraq has still to comply with its obligations under the safeguards agreement with the Agency. The European Community .amains deeply concerned with the food and health situation in many segments of the Iraqi population. We urge the Iraqi Government to cooperate with the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolutions 706 (1991) and 712 (1991). We condemn the failure of the :'Dvernment of Iraq to meet the humanitarian needs of its population by not implementing these resolutions and we hold the regime in Baghdad fully responsible for the consequences. Last August, the Security Council endorsed the report of the Secretary-Genera' on the financing of humanitarian supplies through the exports of Iraqi oil. If the Iraqi authorities were to export oil, as provided for in the Tforementioned resolution, a major part of the Iraqi oil income could be spent on food and other humanitarian supplies for the Iraqi people. We cannot and must not forget the humsn tragedy and material deatructlon which have been inflicted upon Kuwait by the Iraqi armed forcea. The serious impact of the burning oil wells still haa to be aesssred in detail. This is nlso true for the deliberate oil spills in the ma that have resulted in the serious deterioration of the environment aa well aa of the living conditions in the country and the surrounding region. All thlrr is also a direct consequence of the brutal acts of the Iraqi military authorities for which the regime in Baghdad is held fully responsible. It must pay for the damage, as has been stated in the relevant Security Council resolutions. The Twelve regret the difficulties that emerged in Kuwait in the post-war situation. We are preoccupied by the plight of the Palestinian community in Kuwait about which we have expressed our concern. The Twelve welcome recent improvements in relations between the Government of Kuwait and the Palestinian community in Kuwait and we would like to encourage the Kuwaiti Government to pursue a policy of tolerance and respect for human rights. Before I turn to the situation in other parts of the Middle East, I should like to mention the situation between Iraq and Iran. The Twelve wish to stress the importance of the full implementation of Security Council resolution 598 (1987). which has important implications for the security in the region as a whole. Prospects for a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Palestinian question have improved. Political will from all parties concerned brought about the convening of the Middle East conference in Madrid at the end of last month. In Madrid, the European Community and its member States stressed their constructive partnership in all phases of the neqotiating process thus contributing to the efforts to reach a comprehensive, just and lastinq settlement of the conflict. We continue to be guided by the princlplom which have long governdl our position. These principles ore Security Council reaolutionr 242 (19671 and 336 (1973). The principle of land for peace, the right of all States, including Israel, to live within secure and recognised boundaries, and the right to self-determinatron by the Palestinian people. Our position on issues relating to the occupied territories, including East Jerusalem, is equally we 11 known. A comprehensive settlement should, in our view, encompass these principles. However , we do not claim to prescribe to the psrties involved in the current negotiations process how these principles should be put into practice on the ground. Furthermore, the Twelve reiterate that the Fourth Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949 relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War is fully applicable to the occupied territories. We call upon Israel to abide by its provisions and to cooperate with the United Nations. The Furopean Community and its member Staten underline the need for Paleatiniana and Israel to contribute to a climate of mutual trust. The European Comnunity and its member States exprers their condemnation of the Israeli policy of building new settlements and enlarging existing ones in the occupied territories, thus changing the demographic structure in those territories, including East Jerusalem. We reiterate our appeal to Israel to stop ita illegal settlement policy. We also restate our commitment to assist the social and economic development of the Palestinian population of the occupied txrritories, a situation which WRS further aqqravated by the consequences of the Gulf War. I shall now addresn the situation in Lebanon. The European Community and its member Stator wolcomo the improvomont of the l ituation in that country. The European Community and its member Staten atroan the importance of the full implementation of the Taif Aqreement by all partios concerned, thus bringing about the complete reatoration of the soveraignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of a Lebanon free of all foreign interference and sll foreign troops. We welcome the progressive disbandment of the militias and the efforta of the Lebanese Government to restore its authority in southern Lebanon. The Twelve stress once again the need for the full implementation of Security Council resolution 425 (1978) which, u&~-u, calls upon Israel to respect Lebanese territorial integrity and to withdraw its force8 from all Lebanese territory. The Twelve reaffirm their support for the role of UNIFIL, the United Nations peace-keeping operation to which the member States of the European Community contribute three contingents. We deplore any actions which endanger the liven and safety of personnel serving with that force. The Twelve call upon all Member States of the United Nations to meet their financial obligations amd thus enlure the continuation of the operation. The Twelve warmly welcome the recent release of hostages in Lebanon and commend the Secretary-General for his continuing efforts in this respect. However, we remain dooply concerned about the fate of those rtill detait!od. The Twelve call upon all parties concerned to bring about their immediate release. In the light of all the elements regarding the Middle East that I have mentioned in my statement, allow me to conclude by underlining once more the commitment of the European Community and its member States to contributing their share towards bringing about lasting peace and stability in the regivn. Mr* fi:NI ‘.w (Qatar) (interpretation from Arabic) t I believe thnt., in this present session, we are trying to understand new concepts and data on the situation in the Middle East, characterized in some of their aspects oy the seriousness that has resulted from the efforts made by the main parties at. their negotiations on starting the search for a just and permanent, peaceful settlement of the situation in the Middle Eaat and the Arab-Israeli conflict. I believe that the time for a practical r:olution to the problem has come with the emergence of a new dawn in internrtional relations and the hopeful beginning we see in the international political climate, which will help us find the best solution to a problem the international community has been discussing ior a long time. That time was spent in trying to fathom the lurking difficulties and dilemmas and overcome the obstacles. Those difficulties and obstacles had almost slammed the door in the face of every solution and blocked every way out. The reason for all this has been Israel’s occupation of Arab territories by force after commiting acts of aggression against their owners. This created a crisis from which the region is still suffering. We are still suffering the effects of this act of occupation with 313 its attendant oppression, repression and destruction. This occupation har threatened and continue8 to threaten the region with yet more dsrtruction and calamities. The crisis has been aggravated by Israel’s persistence In practices which do not show any intention to pursue the path of peace and conciliation. This has been the himtory of Israel in the region ever since the conflict. began 1 a history of occupation after occupation, aggression after aggression, undeterred expansion, injustice and plunder. The policy of the fnit.ac,cQmpli ia the policy that dominates the region. Israel drawr 8trongth from this policy: Iarasl, for which international law has set bounds that it has by fnr transgressed, in contravention of international legality, the rule of law and the will of the international community, buoyed up by a sense of absolute power and unbridled aid from every direction. During the period under discussion, Israel occupied the West Rank, the Gaaa Strip and the Syrian .‘;rab Golan. Occupation became usurpation and annexation. Further steps followed! settlements were built in the territories under its occupation, with Israel claiming that it has the right to establish settlements in all occrrpied territories in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and the Syrian Arab Golan. It enacted laws to annex Arab Al-Quds and the Golan. It invaded Lebanon and established, after withdrawing, a zone on the Lebanese border it calls the security zone. It has pursued in these territories a policy of oppression, degradation, humiliation and deprivation that has undermined the c:conomic, social and political right.s of the P;,lestinian people and the inhabitants of the other occupied ter ritorics. As 8 result, the Palestinian people he6 lived under tyranny. It. has suffered bitterly from the oppresalon manifested in the pslicies and practices through which lsrael hers violated international law and Unit.ed Nationa resolutions, as well ao the provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. This has led to the intif;adah of the Palestinian people. Here we find the Palestinian people in the crucible of a new nation, a new nntion with a new spirit, with the blood running hot in its veins, hot with a detsrminntion that shines bright in a world too wan to deter Israel. The int;ifmdah of the Palestinian people is at its glorious height, shedding light in the darknesa of our darkert night, whence are arising thone whose will it is to be the first to make the ultimato sacrifice when that call comoo. Why do such people arise? Their secret lies in the hope of martyrdom and the will to resist. The uprising of the Palestinian people ia a resounding clarion call to the people of the occupied territories and is echoed by them, (I clarion call to rouse our faint hearts and drown our suffering! evary hill and every valley in the Middle East is shouting to the Israeli occupation forces to heed that clarion call and withdraw. Recent international developments have sparked a glimmer of hope Lhat a solution to the conflict in the Middle East will be found. These efforts were crowned with the holding of the Madrid conference, which augured well for a new era without precedent in recent years: all parties concerned showed readiness to cooperate in the negotiations, except Israel, which was intransigent and imposed conditions nobody could accept, The Arab rids made fundamental conceaxionr for the rako of reaching n settlement of the Arah-Israeli conflict, and ahowod considerable f lexibil Ity in trying to overcome all the obstacles that Ihs Israeli side put In the way of negotiations. The Arab side did this because it considercr that those neqotlationm offer an historic opportunity snd a hope of reaching an acceptable settlement to the crisis between the two parties. However. Israel did not listen. It pursued act.6 that do not show it believes in participating in the forthcoming negotiations. It has continued to establish settlements on the West Bank end the Syrian Arab Golan, rind even qoox em far a8 failing to lirt the Golan Hoightm region among negotiable items. Israel tries to block the road to auccexa. It metr one obatacls after the other. It uses flimsy pretexts that are part of its deliberate schemes of annexation of the occupied Arab territories snd realiaation of its dreams of expansion through the denial of realities with a view to achieving its ends. In Lebanon, Israel persists in its occupation of the southern part of the country, using pretexta in which it turns its back on the world, in the hope that its usurpation of Lebansae territory will become a tdt ~CCQFQJ$ with the passage of time. Lebanon’s right to its territory is sacred and cannot be questioned. Peace will have no merr; *f the Arab territories remain under occupation. Poreiqn occupation and peace cannot coexist. Those who have lonq supported Israel must now wake up. It is through their assistance and support that Israel has persisted in its excesses. It got carried avay because it has been able to get away with every act of aqqression, contempt for international public opinion in violation of the human rights of t.he population in the occupied Arab terr itor ies, and the t.r<ampling of all norms of international behaviour. The moat danqeroua aspect of 8ur.h behaviour is the huge number of immigrant8 brought to Iarnel, to n territ.ory that hardly has room for its original inhabitanta, and the houainq of Chose immigrants in settlements built on the landa usurped from their Arab owners, who hsve been uprooted and whcae aocio-economic life ha8 been disrupt-ed. In Syria, Israeli occupat.ion ban led to the displacement of hnlf a million Syrians who have been forced to leave thnir Syrian villages and towns and who are still unable to return to theiK homea. In the southern, very fertile, part of Lebanon, Israeli occupation hn8 forced the inhnbitants to flee to other Lebanese cities. All of this ia happening to those Lebanese who have been forced to leave their home8 under the eyes of the whole world while ten8 of thousands of Jewish immigrants are brought in to settle in and occupy the land8 that belong and have belonged to the Arab inhabitant8 for thousands of years. Nevertheless, the international community remains silent in the face of this paradox and look8 the other way. In tolerating all this, the international community ignores the injustice done to the AKab inhabitants. I would like to state here that the desi1.e to live in security i8 a common denomin8toK nnd the common dream of all mankind. How could it be denied to the Arabs and made the prerogative of Jsraei, Israel of whose security and safety the world speaks piously? Israel is a country that goes on arming itself as if it were girding up for a new war. In addition to its superiority in conventional weapons, Israel possesses a nuclear arsenal that is far greater than all estimates. The whole world knows that Israel possesses nuclear weapons. Tha whole world knows full well this Israeli superiority. It has been made clear by investigative reports which have confirmed Israel’s nuc:le;\r superior ity <lIltI t.t1c tlnrlgarous SLmp? of development attained by its nuclear capability, which it can use tactically ond strateqtcally in threntening t-he security of neighbouring Arab count.riso. The efforts made to establish a nuclear-weapon-free aone in the Middle East are bound to reach a dead end so long as Israel has a monopoly on nuclear supremacy and can use such supremncy in a manner that can frustrate the world’8 efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, It is strange indeed that the internationnl community should allow itself to work hard to prevent nuclear proliferation everywhere except in the case of Israel. Why ignore Israel? How can we reconcile this with efforts for peace? Israel, which weaved its ambitions from the remnants of dreams attributed to ancient kingdoms, is not unique and exclusive in the world. Israel has the uppor hand today and has established itself on the basis of occupation and plunder. It stands in perfidy, unheeding the beliefs of our world, the dialectic and logic of the internationalist will and the principles of right as enshrined in the resolutions of this, our international fcrum. Israel stands at the pinnacle of its aggression, with its arms reaching out to usurp ancient Arab homes that I~ ant eternity to their Arab inhabitants. Israel in its ambitions is trying to nullify the will of a nation and of a whole world. Israel tries ta achieve the goalr of its unending ambition8 and am noon as it. achieves one 9oa1, it moves on toward8 the schlevsment of yet another. Once it turnr a dream into reality, through the abrent-mindedness of the international community, it maps the fruita of aggression and moved on to another act of a99rosrion. Iarsel has in itr glossary only words of domination and knows only hunger to ratisfy ito insatiable desire for expansion. It finds in domination and expansion a beacon that guidea the march of its desires. After liotening in Madrid to the call for peace, Israel 900s on avoiding the dictates of logic and falls back on gall in its desire to achieve its goals. It wants to ignore justice and ignore the United Nations and its resolutions. My God, what irony! The irony is in Isrsel’s eschewing of the path of reason as if it were deaf to the calls of the international community, as if it were not listening, to the voice of the United Nations. How long can the international community accept this? One wonders whether in the cane of the Middle East one will find nothing but Israel’s persistence in refusing to take heed and its eschewing of any path that may lead to peace. This ia Israel, trying day after day to defy justice. This is Israel, trying to expand day after day. In the throes of its delusions of grandeur it continues to threaten to use its might against those who do not possess the weapons it possesses. I do not think I would be wrong in saying that it is euphoric of the international community, in spite of all its good intentions, to follow the path already embarked upon so that it may become a shininq guide for those who are trying to travel at night in the Middle East seeking new hope with a new dawn in which peace ar,d justice will prevail. Yes, our Middle East hopes to see more efforts on the part of the international community without which ali United Metions rorolutionr will remain “dead lettera” in the annals of history and without which the world will be simply an unrealised dream had it not been for the tireless efforts and honourable position of the United Nations, hopiny that we will see a new dawn with a new alphabet that will give meaning to iristory. The new international ditrnte will be extended to our Middle East. This is why my country, which is honoured to preside over the meetings of the Arab Gulf Council for this session, guided by His Excellency the Emir, supported all aspects of peace and cooperation among nations. We supported the convening of the peace conference in Madrid and participated in the negotiations, through the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council who attended as observer. My country hopea that negotiations will proceed until a durable and just peace settlement is achieved with ihe withdrawal of Israel from the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Syrian Golan Heights and southern Lebanon. This forum is called upon to cooperate in calling upon Israel to implement Uillted Nations resolutions, in the hope that a new era may be ushered in in which a durable and just peace will be established in the Middle East. Hr. AL-YOUSPT (Yemen) (interpretation from Arabic): The undeniable fact is that anyone who has bean following developments in international relations can discern the unanimous belief that these relations are going through a positive and important stage in which the new international political order based on cooperation and goodwill in the peaceful and just settlement of international disputes is evolving so that the United Nations can play its desired central role already clearly enshrined in its Charter and thus enforce the will of the international community as expressed in General Assembly resolutions. This optimistic vision has been consolidated through the ,-esolve and determination shown by the Security Council in its recent handling of a number of urgent international issues. In order for this resolve and determination to become the rule rather than the exception, we believe that this international Organisation must ahow tho same determination with regard to all international issues, in particular the Arab-Israeli conflict in the Middle J!Iast, at the core of which is the question of Palestine, through implementation of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter on which this Organization is based as the only principles that would guarantee that the foundations of a just and durable peace in the Middle East and throughout the world would not collapse. Our stand with regard to the Middle East question is based on firm foundations, namely, the international unanimity clearly reflected in General Assembly resolutions adopted in recent years and the fact that the question of Palestine is at the core of the Middle East dispute and that there will be no comprehensive just and lasting peace in the region unless the Palestinian people exercises its inalienable national rights and Israel completely withdraws from Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including Al-Quds, and from occupied Arab territories. Moreover, international unanimity has defined the framework for the peaceful, comprehensive political settlement in the Middle East. This can be summed up in the invitation to convene an international peace conference on the Middle East, under the auspices of the United Nations, in which will participate the five permanent members of the Security Council and all parties to the dispute, iqcluding the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the sole authentic representative of the Palestinian people, on an equal footing. (Mx. Al-YaunfL YemagI The terms of reference have beon deeipned with the aim of enabllnq the conference to achieve a just and comprehensive solution based on the clearly defined and universally accepted principles enshrined in United Nations resolutions on the question of Palestine sad on the situation in the Middle East - in particular, Security Council retrolutlonr 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). Our emphasis on the foundations and framework of a peaceful political settlement in the Middle Cast doss not in any way belittle the efforta that led to the convening of the Madrid conference this year. These are efforts which we hope will be crowned with success and lead to results that will be consonant with the will of the international community. We welcomed the conveninq of the Madrid conference although we thought that it lacked some positive elements which would have given it a better chance of EUCCBSII. The main positive element that it lacked was participation by the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, with a more earnest role that would have reaffirmed that the settlement of the Middle East question must be achieved within an international context. Moreover, the PLO could have been allowed to participate in the conference on an equal footing with the other parties to the dispute in the Middle East. Our Arab peoples look with optimism upon the new characteristics which have come to prevail in international relations, and hope that the same resolve, determination and earnestness will be shown in regard to all questions in our region and will lead to the restoration of peace and justice in the Middle East. This will be achieved only if the unlimited political, economic, military and financial support qiven to Israel is discontinued, only if practical measures are taken to put an end to Israel’s defiance of the international vil.1, and only if Israel desists forthwith from its actions t!lnt run countPer to General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. Let me awmnarire these actions. First. Israel failed to comply inrnediately with Security Council reaolutiona 476 (1980) and 478 (1980) and relevant General Aaaembly reaolutiona - in particular, the resolution that declares null and void Iarael'a annexation of Al-Quda, its declaration of Al-Quds as its capital ax well aa all the metiaurea aiming at changing the city's demographic composition and architectural character and calls upon Inrasl to rescind all this forthwith. Secondly, Iarael persists in its policies and practices of nggrsaaion against the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the expropriation of land, the establishment of settlements and the annexation of territories, among other measures of terrorism, aggression and repression, which constitute a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law and other relevant international instruments. Thirdly, Israel persists in establishing settlements in the West Bauk and Caza and in settling Jewish immigrants in those territories in violation of resolutions adopted by the international community in this regard. Qourthly, Israel has failed to comply with Security Council resolution 497 (1981) and with relevant General Assembly resolutions which stipulate that Israel's decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration in the occupied Syrian Arab Golan and declare its laws and jurisdiction is null, void and illegal. Fifthly, Israel has failed to comply with Security Council resolutions 425 (1978), 508 (1982). 509 (19R2) and 659 (1990) and with other relevant resolutions. It continues to occupy southern Lebanon and to effect demographic changes therein in defiance of the will of the international community. (ML AArXouafi., xm!*n 1 Ieraol’a record ir replete with flagrant and constant violationr of Security Council resolutions, and its parsiatence in consnittlng those violations with impunity in full view of world public opinion. This Israeli record ia the exact opposite of the importsnt contribution8 made by the Arnb States with a view to achieving the inalienable national righta of the Palestinian people and arriving at a lasting, peaceful and comprehensive settlement in the Middle Bast. In the light of these facts, we hope that the international will, aa rmflected in Security Council and Goners1 Assembly resolutions, will be justly and immediately enforced - that thoae resolutions will not continue to be a cry in the wildernoes, aa has been the case in previous yearn. This mutt come about if our peoplea ara not to be disappointed and if the United Nations is not to lose its credibility. Can we hope for that? The anawer to this que,tion will emerge through the positions and actions adopted by countries towards the situation in the Middle East.* Mr. (Saudi Arabia) (interpretation from Arabic)8 The situation in the Middle East which we are considering today is a tragedy that began with the trampling of the rights of the people ousted from its lands and denied its legitimate rights - the Palestinian people. It will not be possible to resolve this question unless that people recovers its legitimate rights and is enabled to exercise sovereignty over the land of its ancestors. Through the expansionist policy pursued by Israel, the falsification of history and of geographical realities, that situation has been aggravated to the extent of expulsion of the majority of the Palestinian people, as well as l Mr. Wilenski (Australia), Vice-President, took the Chair. part of the Syrian and Lebanese paople, and the occupation of the territories of those peoples. The conference on the Middle East began its woz,k in Madrid, and we hope that this process will continue (10 that a just, comprehensive nolutlon may he arrived at. But peace will not be achieved through the distortion of facta or through continued occupation and aggression. Recent evsnts and well-documented works of research have given the lie to the Israeli myth that Israel ia a amall, defenceless State that wants to live in peace in an ocean of enemies vho reject the principle of a just pence. The Arab position indicates a real desire to arrive at a just and comprehensive solution. whereas Israel has been trying to find ways of hampering the peace process and has created many a side issue on the regional end international levels with a view to diverting attention and putting in doubt the credibility of Arab intentions. The world looks forward with hope to the success of the conference, whereas Israel is trying to convince the international community that it has already made all the concess/pns it can make. Israel - indeed, the whole world - knows that security is impossible without a just peace based on compliance with the Charter and resolutions of the United Nations and on respect for international legality and the right of States in the region to exist within secure borders, with permanent recognition of the full right of peoples to sovereignty and of the need to enable them to exercise their rights. The post-cold-war period is now a reality. We are witnessing profound changes in international affairs, and we hope that these will lead to the l rtsblirhment of a new world order bared on the right of pooplrq to rolf-detarminstion. Thir spplior to sll peoples, incl ading the Arab paople. In the past year, the United Nations has shown that it 11 able to force regimes that commit international crimes to return to the right path. Inrael’n attempts to change demographic structures and to impose II [ol.~~~nmpli on the Golan Heights, the occupation of the border strip and aupport of armed gang6 in #outher* Lebanon cannot be accepted, neither in the Middle East not internationally. Israel muat realise that implementation of United Nation8 reaolutiona ia the first step towards legality and the achievement of lasting peace baaed on justice to the region. The Arab delegations will 90 to a peace conference to find out whether Israel ia prepared to shoulder its responribilitiss in implementing United Nations resolutions on the Middle East and whether it is prepared to recoqnizc the legitimate righta of all parties. While Israel persists in its arbitrary acts of repression against the inhabitanta of the occupied territories and its militnry operations against civilians in Lebanon, the Israelis call for peace and good-neighbourlinesa and, at the same time, go on inaugurating new settlements in the Golan Heights and the West Bank with the aim of changing the demographic Ch8raCt8r of the occupied territories. While we hear much talk about civiliration, law and peace, the Israeli authorities continue to breach the Fourth Geneva Convention which, according to the United Nations, is applicable to all the occupied Arab territories. Peace is indivisible. Peace is the peace of good intentions, of good objectives and of sound correct actions. The Palestinians in particular and the Arabs in general aim at peace. It is hiqh time the international community made peace the only possible option in the region: peace that would be based on justice, law, United Nations resolutions and international legality. L&Jb&pJJ (Sweden) r I am very honoured t.o be here today and t.o sddreas the Assembly on the situation in the Middle Csst. We are witnessing profound changes in the international arena. The cold war is over and a new political climate of cooperation is gaining ground in spite of eome regional setbacks and serious global problems that need to be addressed. All over the world there is a trend towards peaceful settlement of conflicts, democracy and respect for human rights. There is a growing renlization that in the long run parties in conflict may enhance their security by searching for common ground for cooperation instead of continuing to adhere to sterile confrontations1 postures. The Middle East conflict has long been regarded as one of the moat complex and deep-rooted regional conflicts. For decades the situation in that part of the world has caused great concern. That tormented region, with its human richness and vast potential, must not become an exception to the present positive trend in solving regional problems. In the past year, the Middle East was once again the scene of armed conflict. Iraq’s aggression against Kuwait was, as we all know, a flagrant violation of international law. In the long-term interest of peace and security, it is of crucial importance that aggression not be rewarded and that potential aqqressors be restrained from violating international law. The conflict between Iraq and Kuwait involved much suffering for the people in the affected countries. In the wake of the conflict the Kurds, with tht!ir long history of suffering, were particularly vulnerable. The brutal violence to which this ethnic group has been subjected is unacceptable, as are the violent acts committed against other groups of the Iraqi population. We welcome the agreement that seems to be within reach between the United Nations rind Iraq on the continued presence In Iraq of International rrqencien for humani tar inn purposes, Wo are encouraged that the sltufition In I.ebanon is gradually returniny to normal. Sweden conmnends the efforts of the Lebanese CovernmHnt. to ext.snd it s nut her 1 ty in accordance with the Taif Agreement. 11. ia OUT Sincere hOp thi\t the severe hardahips suffered by the Lebanes- people dur iny the long civi 1 writ nre over. In the aouthorn part of the country the situation is still unresolved, Wn urge Israel and the forces under its control to cooperate with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFII.) and to comply with Security Count,it resolution 425 (1978), The sovereignty of Lebanon must be respected and foreign domination must cease. The situation in the territories occupied by Israel remains a source of yrave concern. Curfews, administrative detentions, confiscation of land, demolition of houses and administrative harassment by the occupying Power are depressing parts of the daily life of the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. We are deeply disturbed by reports about the treatment of detainees and the use of excessive force by the Israeli security forces when confronting Palestinian demonstrations. We are constantly given tragic reminders of the deep roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Approximately 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in intiLa&&-related incidents since the beginning of the Palestinian uprising four years ago. There are a great number of victims of intra-Palestinian confrontations, and Israeli citizens have died as a result of violent actions by Palestinians. (Mr, Eliaaooa,. Swden) The conrtruction of rottlementr In the occupied territorlen la one of 1tw manlfs@tationa of Isrsel’r policy that mont dirertly vlolatss international law. We urge Iarsel to ha-t Inunediately the construction of new ssttlaments and to be prepared to deal with all aspocto of the ireus In the forthcoming neyotiationr. In many parts of the world great expectations have been attached to Iarasl aa a democratic example. It Is therefore of great importance that Israel eneuro respect for human right6 in the occupied territories and fully comply with the stipulations of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Rwpect for fundamental human rlghta Is clomely connectad with the efforts to achieve iotornationsl peace and sscurity. It in thermfore of tundamantal importsnco that roapect for human rlghtm emerge as the general norm In the Middle ISart, a region where human rights vlolatlons are sadly common occurrencab. Reportr from Iraq of conrirtent and outrageous cont.ernyt. for human rights 88 roll al) for fundamental principles of international law nro n cana in point. We sincerely hope that the global wind af democratisation and enhanced respect for human right6 that has swept over the world will have a positive impact also on those countries in the Middle East where democratic institutions are lacking, or not fully developed. One factor highlighted by the Gulf conflict is that in the missile age control over territories and military superiority cannot ensure the security of the civilian population. True and lasting security is more likely to be achieved through a political process in which the legitimate concerns of the adversary are taken into account than through continued confrontation and military build-up. We appeal to the parties to consider this in their quest for a settlement. In Sweden’s opinion the basic principles for a Middle East settloment remain unchanged. It is our firm conviction that a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East must be baaed on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 336 (1973). No settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict will be possible if Israel is not willing to negotiate withdrawal of its forces from the occupied territories. It is equally necessary that Tsrael’s riqht to exist within secure and internationally recoqnixed boundaries be accepted by the States in the region. At the same time, Israel must recoqnixe the national aspirations of thp Palestinian people rind their riyht to self-determination, Including the riyht~ to form a St.ate of their own. The Middle East. peace *onference in Madrid has rekindled our hope. This uns indeed a historic breakthrough. We nro pnrt.icularly pleased by the constructive atmosphere in the Israeli-Palsstinlan talka. The untiring efforts made by the United States to bring the parties together should be qrent ly commended. The conference, as ue all know, initiated a two-track approach aimed at simultaneously addressing the Israeli-Arab and the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts through direct talks between the parties concerned. This will be followed by important multilateral deliberations to address common regional problems. This process may pave the way towards the comprehensive settlement that the Government of Sweden has always considered necessary for achieving rl lasting peace in the Middle East. We strongly appeal to all partles concerned t.o show flexibility and far-sightedness, and to refrain from any act that may be a hindrance to the process. We welcome the fact that the United Nations was present in Madrid as an observer. The involvement of the United Nations in many aspects of the Middlt~ East conflict makes it indispensable that a link be maintained between the Organization and the future peace process. It is our firm belief that the United Nations may contribute to a settlement by, for example, expanded peace-keeping operations in the area, verification and monitoring, electoral assistance and increased economic and technical assistance through various United Nations agencies. The process initiated in Madrid can provide the parties with a framework for face--to -face discussions of their respective perspectives. We urye the partiea to take advantage of this opp0rt.unit.y and mmks (I slncexe effort. t.o (1” beyond their stated positions and seriously try to underst.nnd the underlyinq intereats and needs of the other aldo. As a first. step, mutual ~!onf~clence-building measure8 could ha t8ken t(J create a favourable atmosphere for the negotint iona. Such measures could bp of various kinda and pertain t.o aet.tlements, troop deployments, lifting of t.rade restrictiona, and so fort.h. In Europe we have much positive experirnc:p of thia confidence-building process. In closing, let me nay that we must- rid ourselves of the inclination to see Middle East negotiations aa a zero-sum game, where ogre party.5 qnin is the other’s loss. Rather, a comprehensive settlement will lead to a situation where all parties are bet.ter off at t.he ond of the process than they were at tl,e outset, Cooperation in the utilization of water resources will be of crucial importance for the fut.ure prosperity of the whole region. The environmental problems can only be handled jointly by the countries concerned. Through corz~on efforts to yrnmote trade and economic development. the potential of thv Middle East can be fully realized. A cooperative approach to arms control and regional security will in the long run be indispensable. The international community must make every conceivable effort to support this important peace process. The window of opportunity for peace in the Middle East must be kept. open. We all have a stake in peace in the Middle East. That region has suffered enouqh. Let us all try to make a reality of the vision of cooperation, the Vision of f~lo~;ilizdti~J~ CJf thP fJrf?ilt hurrl;\n <jr;d w,lt <!I i,ll resources of I hat crucial region ui Lht? wur 1~1. kl~Atl&AUb ( Nepa 1) I There have been far-reaching changes in internationnl relations in the psst few years. Although many of the international disputes are moving towards political settlements, the oituation in the Middle East rcrmains one of the top concerna of the international community. It is an outstanding regional conflict, which dates back to the founding of the United Nations. The situation not only hns a direct impact on peace and atability in the countries of the region but alao poses a threat to international peace and security. tioweve r , improvement in the general climnto of international relations has created optimism about finding a political settlement of the problem of the Middle East. My delegation has always supported moves and initiatives aimed at political settlement of the situation in the Middle East. I wish to avail myself of this opportunity to place on record my Government’s great admiration for the tireless diplomatic initiatives of the Secretary of State of the United States of America, Mr. James Baker, which were often pursued in the face of apparently insurmountable obstacles. His ceaseless efforts culminated in the opening of the Middle East peace conference in Madrid. Nepal joins the international community in applauding this historic event which has brought the parties concerned to a negotiating table, along with the two co-sponsors. Nepal has long stressed that a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in thrj Middle East must be based on three fundamental principles: first, the withdrawal of Israel from territories occupied in 1967; secondly, recognition of t.lle rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self -determination; and, thirdly, recognition of the rights of all States in the region, including Israel, to live in peace within safe, recognized and guaranteed boundaries. We continm to believe that Security Council resolrltions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) offer the only basis for negotiations Kor la,st.ing peace and security in the Middle East. The inadmissibility of acquieition of territory by force is a fundamental principle underlying any peace process. As long as a comprehensive and just peace does not materialise, the Qourth Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949 will continue to apply to the occupied territories. The safety and security of Palestinian civilians living under occupation continue to demand immediate att.ention. The establishment of settlements in occupied territories is contrary to the Fourth Geneva Convention and is an obstacle to the peace efforts. Similarly, normalisation of relations with Israel would strengthen mutual confidence, thereby ensuring political negotiations. Against the background of decades of wara, violence, terrorist activities and deep-rooted mutual suspicion, the recently launched peace process is one of the most formidable tasks ever undertaken. The peace process launched in Madrid seek8 to address all aspects of problems of peace, security and stability in the Middle East through direct bilateral and multilateral negotiations in stages. The parties concerned have a historic responsibility to work for step-by-atep confidence-building measures. Since 1988 when the Palestine Liberation Organization accepted Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) the Palestinian penple have demonstrated a willirigness to negotiate. Israel, Jordan and Syria have taken important steps by participating in the direct negotiations in Madrid. We welcome the participation of Lebancn in the process. As a troop contributor to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, Nepal supports the efforts of the Government of Lebanon to restore its lecjitimate authority over the entire tet ritory of Lebanon. Nepal looks forward to the second stage of the peace conference on t ho Middle East. It represents an historic opportunity. We appeal t.0 the pnr t.les concerned to desist from statements or action that might joopardire the whole process. Mu, r;llLQTO (Zimbabwe)t The present. debate is taking place et. R time of fresh hopes for a peaceful settlement of the Middle Gnat qusatian. The current initiative launched by the United States and the Soviet Union has broken the impasse on the pence process. tact month’s Madrid conference finally brought all the parties to the Arab-Israeli conflict to the negotiating table. The process set in motion at Madrid has now reached an important and critical stage. Our debate this BeBBiOn must serve the purpose of lending support and encouragement to this important process and, above all, of creating a positive atmosphere that facilitates the removal of any potential obstacles. All parties to the negotiating process have the responsibility to refrain from policisa and actions that might hinder the process. In this regard, we call upon Israel to halt the establishment of settlements in the occupied territories. The policy of creating such aettlementa not only places the delicate peace process in jeopardy but ia also illegal. We also urge Israel to demonstrate its commitment to a peaceful solution by ensuring the improvement of the livinq conditions and the safety of the Pnlestinian people in the occupied territories. The issue of Palestine remains at the core of the Middle Eant question. Zimbabwe is, t.herefore, of the view that a lasting resolution of the Middle tart conflict lion in the toalirrtion by the Palertinian poop10 of their right to relf-determination, which entail8 tha right to establirh their independent State. Also central to any peaceful settlement in the Middle East is the complete withdrawal by Israel from all occupied Arab territories. In this regarU Zimbabwe wisher to rtreer the impottanco of complete and uniform implementation of all Security Council resolutions pertaining to invarion and acquisition of territory by force in this region. The continued illegal occupation of parts of Lebanese territory by Israel in violation of Security Council resolution 425 (1978) hinders the efforts of the Lebanese people to complete the process of national toconciliation and to enable the State of Lebanon to l xotciee itr authority over all Lebanese territory. For ita part, the international conununity should stand ready to provide the much needed aarirtance for national reconstruction in Lebanon. May I conclude by expressing Zimbabwe’s full support for the peace process set in motion by the Madrid conference, and by commending the conveners of the conference, the United States and the Soviet Union, for their untiring efforts that have opened up this window of opportunity. ;Jr. (Austria) 1 During the past year the Middle East region has gone through a period of momentous change. The Gulf War, which has brought destruction and unspeakable suffering to numerous innocent civilians, has again highlighted the dangers to peace in this region and once more urlderlined the urgency of establishing a just and equitable solution to the problems in the Middle East. In the coureo of the Gulf conflict, the United Nations hsr been sntruotetl with new snd unprecedented taakn, in particular in Security Council tssolutic.~a 661 (1990) and 687 (1991). The full cooperation of the Troqi authorities wit,h respect to the implementation of all decisions of the Security Council is requirad. Iraq is called upon to guarantee the security snd the exercise of fundamental political and civil rights to all communities in Iraq, including the Kurdish people and tha Iraqi Shiites. All parts of the Iraqi population still need international humanitarian assistance. In order to provide such assistance, the continuing presence of international personnel, including United Nations quards, is of great importance. Austria welcomes the improvement of the situation in Lebanon, in particular the disbandment of the militias and the efforts of the Lebanese Government to restore its authority in the south. We commend the Secretary-.General for his untiring efforts in securing the release of the hostages in Lebanon and call upon all parties concerned immediately to release those still detained. With regard to the situation between Iran and Iraq, we note with concern that some elements of Security Council resolution 5YJl (1987) are still not. fully implemented. While commending the work of the Secretary-General, we call for renewed efforts i.1 order to arrive at a speedy resolution of al 1 outstanding issues. The opening round of the peace conference for the Middle East which wnn recently held in Msdrid ir a firrt step on a long and rocky road. The convening of this conference mnrka significant progreoa, which is due mainly to the political efforts of the Co-Chairmen, and in particular the unrelenting efforts made by United States Secretary of State James Baker to briny the partiea toqether. Ws hope that the parties will reapond positively to the invitation to hold the second round of bilateral talks in Washington in early December I In their search for new horirons all parties concerned have shown historic courage, which requires the broadeat nupport. Austria has always held that the best way to end this long-lasting conflict would be for the adveraariea to get together at the conference table and face their problems eye to eye. Therefore, we fully support the present peace talks. There is no real alternative to these talks except renewed destruction, misery and suffering. However, we do not believe that to these complex problems in the Middle East region quick solutions can be found, but we firmly hope that endurance and the spirit of compromise on all sides finally will bring about the long-awaited peace in that shattered region. To this end, Austria appeals to all the parties concerned to show a maximum amount of goodwill and flexibility in order to make the onyoing talks succeed. We are convinced that Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), which laid down the principle of land for peace, must form the basis for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East region. A conflict settlement along these lines must, on the one hand, include the implementation of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and, on the other, rocognitioa that a numbor of moaaurea murt necorrarily be taken for the full implementation by Irrrol’r noighbourr of Xmraol’m ripht to l xi8t within rsfe and recogni8ed boundarimr. In l spter#iog hope for the l etablirhment of peace, which ia wry vulnerable to all kind of impedimente, wo cannot but voice our concern thst Israeli sottlomentr are rtill being built in the occuphd torritorios and that international agroemeat8 arm rtill being violated in thorn territories. If peace ir to come, impodiment8 of thir kind have to ba aomovod and poritive devolopment8 initiated. The l rtxblirhment of a aolid barir for economic cooperation botroon Irraol and itr Arab nmighbourr would bo a fir8t 8tep in thi8 diraction. Confidence-building mea8urea and l reduction of armament8 in the region rhould further pave the way to peace, which i8 crucial not only to the region but to the whole world.