A/47/PV.100 General Assembly

This morning the Assembly will pay a tribute to the memory of the late President of the Republic of Turkey, His Excellency Mr. Turgut Ozal. On behalf of the General Assembly, I should like to convey heartfelt condolences to the Government and the people of the Republic of Turkey and to the bereaved family. I invite representatives to stand and observe a minute of silence in tribute to the memory of the late President of the Republic of Turkey. The members of the Assembly observed a minute of silence.

I call on the representative of Rwanda, who will speak on behalf of the Group of African States. Mr. BIZIMANA (Rwanda) (interpretation from French): On the untimely passing of His Excellency Mr. Turgut Ozal, President of the Republic of Turkey, I should like, on behalf of the Group of African States, to pay a tribute to his memory and to express, on behalf of those States, feelings of great sympathy and deep condolences to the bereaved family and to the Government and the people of the RepUblic of Turkey. The States of the African Group would also like to express their full solidarity with the delegation of Turkey at this very sad time.

I call on the representative of Bhutan, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Asian States. Mr. DORJI (Bhutan): The delegation of the Kingdom of Bhutan has the honour to speak in its capacity as Chairman of the Group of Asian States for the month of April. On behalf of the countries of the Asian Group, we should like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Government and the people of Turkey and the family and friends of President Ozal in their hour of irreparable loss. President Ozal was a man of many talents, and with bold vision and boundless energy he dedicated the last 30 years to the service of his country. President Ozal was born in 1927 in Malatya, central Turkey. He came from a modest middle-class family, but there was nothing modest about his accomplishments. His academic training was in electrical engineering and engineering economics, but he served with mounting distinction in various sectors of government and international and private organizations. In December 1983, Mr. Ozal was elected Prime Minister. In 1989 he becrune President, in which capacity he continued to play an active role in affairs of state, right up to his untimely demise. The international community will remember President Ozal for committing his country to the successful implementation of the Security Council resolutions in the Gulf war and for initiating bold economic reforms, as a result of which Turkey entered an impressive boom period. There are leaders who emerge once in a while who are giants in the breadth and depth of their impact on their countries. President Ozal was one such figure, and as Turkey enters a future without him, we should like to reiterate the heartfelt sorrow and to express the SOlidarity of the members of the Asian Group.

I call on the representative of Hungary, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Eastern European States. Mr. ERDOS (Hungary) (interpretation from French): On behalf of the States of the Eastern European Group, I should like to e~press our most sincere condolences upon the death of His E~cellency Mr. Turgut Ozal, President of the Republic of Turkey. We express deep sorrow to the family of the deceased and to the Government and the entire nation of Turkey. Heading an important country, first in the capacity of Prime Minister and then as Head of State, President Ozal was at the helm at a time of fundamental upheaval and historic change in the region. He was aware of the primary role Turkey can play in maintaining stability and settling conflicts in the region. At this time of maurning, we would-like to assert our belief that the Republic of Turkey, having lost one of its faithful sons, will none the less be able, in accordance with the intentions of the deceased, to make an invaluable contribution t~ the maintenance of reqional and international peace and security. In this time of sadness, on beha~f of the Gro1lp of Eastern European States, I pay a tribute to the memory of that great statesman, Mr. Turgut Ozal. the late President of the Republic of Turkey. The PRESID~N~: I call on the representative of Belize, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States. Mr. ROGERS (Belize): On behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States at the United Nations. I have the sad duty to extend condolences to the people and the Government of Turkey on the passing of His Excellency Mr. Turgut Ozal, President of the Republic of Turkey, which - occurred last Saturday in Ankara. The members of the Latin American and Caribbean Group and, indeed, the international community as a whole mourn the passing of President Ozal, who undoubtedly has left his mark on the community .... of nations as one of .the leading statesmen of our time, having served as Prime Minister and then as President of Turkey for the past 10 years. In his own country. he distinguished himself for his many years dedicated to public life, both as leader of his country and otherwise, in particular in areas of economic development in the private sector. He also leaves an indelible mark, and the contribution he made to his country and beyond will be remembered for years to come. The Group of Latin American a~d Caribbean States also extends heartfelt condolences to the family of the late President Turgut Oza1.

I call on the represen~ative of Iceland, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Western European and Oth~r States. Mr. SIGMQNDSSQN (Iceland): On behalf of the Group of Western European and Other States, which I have the honour to repres~nt today, I should like to present our heartfelt condolences to the Government and the people of the Republic of Turkey on the occasion of the untimely death of His Excellency President Turgut Ozal last Saturday. President Ozal had a long and distin~uished career as a politician, serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Prime Minister before his election to the presidency in 1989. I should like to ask the delegation of Turkey to convey our condolences also to Mr. Ozal's family.

I now call on the representative of the host country. Mr. WALKER (United States of America): We mourn today the death of Turgut Ozal, President of Turkey and a distinguished world leader. A devoted public servant, President Ozal worked tirelessly on behalf of the Turltish people and its political and material well-being. He never hesitated to address difficult problems nor to speak his mind on controversial issues. As President Clinton has noted, Turkey is stronger today thanks to President Ozal's dedicated and visionary leadership. Outside of Turkey, President Ozal gained renown as a c~ampion of democracy, peace and economic progress. He was a man of vision who sought better relations with Turkey's neighbours and attempted to build bridges linking East and West and bringing together former enemies and rivals in the pursuit of common interests. At the same time, President Ozal stood firm in the face of international aggression and intimidation. In the United States, President Ozal will be remembered as a trusted friend who contributed to the strengthening of the alliance between our two countries. %he PRESIDENT: I now~all on the representative of Turkey. M!:.BURCUCHlLU (Turkey) (interpretatiQ~ from Fre1llc~): My dl;!legation is extremely touched by the expressions of sympathy on this sad circumstance Qf the sudden passing of His Excellency Mr. Turgut Ozal, President of the Republic of Turkey. We are equally touched by the cQndolences conveyed by the Chairmen of the regional Groups and by the repr~sentative of the host country. The GQver~ent and the people have suffered a terrible loss. President Ozal was an eminent statesman firmly attached to the universal principles on which the internatiQnal cQmmunity and the United Nations are fQunded. He endorsed the nQble Qbjectives of the United Nations Charter. When he spQke with the Secretary-General of the Organization Qn 3 February, during his last visit tQ New YQrk, he reaffirmed the impQrtance he attached tQ the wQrk of the United Nations as well as tQ Turkey's ever-grQwing participation in all areas Qf its activities. I should like to cQnvey tQ YQu. Madam, our gratitude and sincerest thanks fQr your sharing, along with the regiQnal GrQups and the host cQuntry, in Turkey's painful mourning. In its SQrrow, my delegatiQn is consoled by the tr.ibute the General Assembly has paid to the very dear memory Qf President Turgut Ozal. We shall nQt fail tQ cQnvey these expressions Qf sympathy to the Turkish GQvernment and to the bereaved family Qf the late President.

In paragraph 4 Qf its repQrt (A/47/929) the Fifth CQmmittee recQmmends that the General Assembly appQint Mr. Tarak Ben Hamida as an alternate member of the United NatiQns Staff PensiQn Committee fQr a term of Qffice beginning on 20 April 1993 and ending Qn 31 December 1994. May I.t;ake it that the General A$sembly appoints this person? It was W2.. decided.

That~oncludes our consideration of sub-item (j) of agenda item 17.

I call on the representative of Belize. to introduce draft resolution A/47/L.56. Mr. ROGERS (Belize): On behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States I have the honour to introduce the draft resolution entitled "The situation of democracy and human rights in Haiti". contained in document A/471L.56. The Group of Latin American and Caribbean States has consistently supported the legitimate Government of Haiti. led by President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. It gives us immense satisfaction. therefore. that the draft resolution before us enjoys the unanimous support of the Group and the wide support of the rest of the international community represented here. The followipg additional countries have become spQnsors of the draft resolution: Belgium. Canada. Denmark. France. Germany. G~eece. Italy. Luxembourg. Netherlands. Portugal. Spain. Sweden. the United Kingdom.of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America. (~gers, Bel~) It has been 18 months since the democratically elected Government of Haiti ~as replaced by the military junta in a coup that was condemned forthwith by all freedom-loving countries. The denial of human rights and the atrocious crimes-committed since then and, generally, the absence of the rule of law gave the international community resolve and commitment to ensuring the restoration of the democratically elected Government of President Aristide and welcoming Haiti back into the fold of democratic countries. The disruption of democracy in Haiti since 30 September 1991 cannot continue to be tolerated any longer. It must be reversed now and the will of the people upheld. It is therefore a matter of great concern to us that today we move to consider another draft resolution on the tragic circumstances in Haiti. In this very Hall, we have heard in the past 18 months the unequivocal condemnation of the coup d'etat. The United Nations has played a pivotal role in bringing and strengthening democracy in Haiti. It is our sincere hope that the draft resolution under consideration by this Assembly will bring us closer to the final settlement of the protracted crisis. The draft resolution reiterates the international community's goal of securing the return of President Aristide and the full observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as promoting social and economic development in Haiti. It welcomes the deployment of the International Civilian Mission to Haiti and authorizes the participation of the United Nations in the Mission, which will assist in the re-establishment of democracy without delay. It reaffirms once again the commitment of the international community to an increase in technical, economic and financial cooperation when constitutional order is restored in order to strengthen those institutions responsible for dispensing justice and guaranteeing democracy, political stability and economic development in Haiti. The Group of Latin American and Caribbean States has watched with much alarm the tragedies that have been consistently carried out by a regime that has abused power, systematically creating fear and repression. We have witnessed a bad situation worsen in a society already beset by violence. The Secretary-General in his report iri document A/47/908 has outlined the further erosion of human SUffering. In our region, member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) that share common bonds of friendship and geographical ties with Haiti supported the electoral process in Haiti in 1991 and condemned its disruption eight months later. Since then, a number of initiatives have been taken to remove the de facto regime. Meeting in Dominica in March, the Heads of Government called for the adoption of all necessary measures with a view to accelerating the solution. Concern for the people of Haiti has in fact been universal. We are gratified that negotiations and dialogue with the parties involved, and in particular with the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS), Mr. Dante Caputo, have brought us closer to bringing justice and economic progress to Haiti. But we remain dismayed that the military junta still holds on to power. We therefore urge the international community to continue to bring pressure to bear on the military by strict adherence to the economic embargo. The draft resolution now before us and those already. adopted by the United Nations in concert with OAS send clear signals to the de facto Government that the international community stands firmly behind democracy and the institutions which protect and uphold fundamental freedoms and human rights. The special solidarity of the group of countries on whose behalf I speak for the restoration of democracy in Haiti and its social and economic development is clearly manifested in its unanimous support for the draft resolution. Our commitment to the consolidation of progress and stability in our hemisphere remains resolute. The early adoption of the draft resolution will contribute to the end of military rule and will return the constitutional Government of President Aristide and the institutions that guarantee justice. It also requires the international community to provide assistance to Haiti. It will close a sad chapter in the history of Haiti and open a new beginning. The Latin American and Caribbean Group is pleased to support the draft reso~ution. We urge the 'rest of the international community to lend its weight to the draft resolution for its unanimous adoption. Mr. CARDENAS (Argentina) (interpretation from Spanish): As the General Assembly meets once again to consider the situation of democracy and human rights in Haiti, we are at a turning point in the efforts to settle the Haitian crisis. Since this body met in 1992 to consider this item, there have been many developments and much progress, as well as a recent serious setback. I am referring specifically to the wise appointment by the Secretary-General of a Special Envoy and his confirmation in that post by the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), and to the organization and initial deployment of the United Nations/OAS International Civilian Mission to observe human rights. This is all accurately described in the Secretary-General's report in document A/47/908, with which Argentina is in full agreement. The setback involves the delays caused by those who hold power in Haiti. It is now clear that the entire situation that has been described and the parameters within which the Special Envoy - who is kind enough to be with us today and to whom we offer our firm support in his tireless efforts - has been working are designed to achieve the return of President Aristide, constitutionally elected,by the Haitian people in an election verified by the United Nations and the GAS. These parameters were established by an exchange of correspondence between President Aristide and Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, as reflected in the sixth preambular paragraph and operative paragraphs 4, 6 and 8 of the draft resolution before the Assembly, Those provisions must be read and interpreted as a whole and not separately. If draft resolution A/47/L.56 is adopted, the determination of the Assembly embodied in its entire membership will manifest the international community's objective of ensuring the prompt restoration of democracy in Haiti and the return of President Aristide. The latter is a prerequisite of the former: With the return of President Aristide, the re-establishment of the democratic process in Haiti can begin. The economic sanctions recommended by the GAS could be lifted, depending upon agreements that might be entered into on the situation of human rights and a settlement of the political crisis. Finally, the process of the international community's cooperation with Haiti remains contingent upon the full restoration of constitutional order. Unfortunately, at the present juncture the objective of normalizing the constitutional situation in Haiti does not yet appear to be within reach. The reluctance shown by the de facto authorities has made it impossible for the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to finalize satisfactory agreements. At this time the international community must strengthen its commitment to solving the crisis afflicting Haiti. We must make our message to the usurpers of the constitutional order crystal clear and leave absolutely no doubt that we shall not slacken our efforts until a final and comprehensive solution to the problem has been reached. If necessary, we must thoroughly examine the possibility of adopting economic sanctions, and if they do not achieve the desired result we must not rule out other options that could lead to measures for compulsory compliance. Protecting the human rights of the majority of the people of a Member State, ensuring the expression of the will of that majority at the ballot box, and making certain that there is no recurrence of the disruption of international peace and security: all this requires us not to neglect or delay concrete decisions or to postpone the negotiating process, thereby becoming involved in delaying tactics that would stall the adoption of a decision that is from all points of view necessary, indeed urgent. We therefore support the adoption of the draft resolution now before the General Assembly. Mrs. FRECHETTE (Canada)(interpretation from French): For a year and a naIf now fear and oppression have been an increasingly familiar part of Haitian life. During this period Canada has interviewed on many occasions and worked tirelessly with the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations in an effort to contribute to the restoration of democracy in Haiti and the return of the legitimately elected President. The joint leadership of these two international organizations gives us hope that a negotiated solution can be reached. The prestige and authority of the two Secretaries-General and their Special Envoy will be a determining factor in the success of this undertaking. By unanimously adopting the draft resolution before it, the General Assembly will proclaim its full support for the important steps they are taking to reach a solution to this human tragedy of major proportions. Mr. Dante Caputo, the Special Envoy of the two Secretaries-General, has approached his mandate with great determination and courage, in difficult conditions. We are pleased to cosponsor this draft resolution, which endorses his efforts and the Secretary-General's recommendations for strengthening the mission he leads. Canada places its full trust in Mr. Caputo and has made substantial resources available to him. Mr. Caputo's objective is clear: to create conditions in which Haitians can without fear undertake negotiations towards the establishment of a real government of consensus and the return of President Aristide. The first stage in the process set in train by Mr. Caputo is the establishment of the observer mission we are discussing today. The proposed International Civilian Mission, part of which has already been deployed under the auspices of the OAS, is a sign of the international community's strong commitment to Haiti. By its presence in all parts of the country, and through the skill of its members, this Mission is seeking to put an end to the repression that Haiti has experienced for far too long and to make possible the establishment of a civilian regime based on the rule of law, respect for human rights and the expressed will of the Haitian people. The rapid and full deployment of this Mission is essential to the success of Mr. Caputo's plan. The Government of Canada has shown and will continue to show its strong support for the International Civilian Mission. This support is an indication of the importance Canada attaches to its success. In addition, Canada stands ready to support the integrated plan for humanitarian aid prepared jointly by the experts of the OAS and the United Nations and intends to do its part within the international financial organizations to accelerate the process of reconstruction when the time comes. But we have not reached that point yet. The situation is still serious and obstacles arise from all quarters. Some officials of the de facto Government are engaging in acts of intimidation against Haitians who wish to cooperate with the International Civilian Mission. The Mission can help to restore civil peace - a condition essential to the full resolution of the Haitian crisis, but that will require the assistance of all Haitians of good will. Moreover, we are distressed by indications we have received over the weekend that the de facto authorities still do not understand the international community's determination to see the legitimate Government restored in Haiti. The return of President Aristide and the rule of law are essential to a just and lasting solution. Realism and good faith must prevail in Port-au-Prince. There is no room for threats or resort to fraudulent measures such as the so-called senatorial election in January, which only aggravate the problem. If the de facto authorities spurn the opportunity now presented to them, Canada is prepared to consider the adoption of further measures to resolve the Haitian crisis, including the strengthening of the OAS embargo. (spoke in English) The sending of an international mission is not an end in itself but, rather, the beginning of a process which must in short order bring about the res~oration of democracy and the return of President Aristide ~o Haiti. This process must also include the effective, 10ng-teDm support by the international community for the Haitian people in their task of reconstructing their country's economy and institutions. Canadians are prepared to play a substantial role, and will do so as long as Haitians want them to. I should like to conclude by urging all Member States to join the Government of Canada in adopting this draft resolution and in supporting the joint United Nations-OAS Civilian Mission to Haiti. Mr. LADSQUS (France)(interpretation from French): We unreservedly subscribe to the terms of the statement which will be made on behalf of the European Community and its member States by the current President, Denmark. But I should like on behalf of my own country to recall the main points on which France's position is based. First and foremost, we hardly need to repeat that we are deeply attached to the principle of constitutional legality, a principle which was flouted on 30 September 1991. Nor can we accept the de facto regime which was the outcome of the coup d'etat or the sham elections which have 'been held by that regime since then. We demand, therefore, a return to constitutional norms, a return which will not be complete if the functions and prerogatives of the legitimately elected President - President Jean-Bertrand Aristide - are not restored. SecQndly, my country notes that there have been persistellt mass violatiQns Qf human rights, which, according to much corroborative evidence, has in the space of a year and a half left seme 3,000 victims. This we regard as unacceptable. Finally, France notes with great regret that the political sQlutiQn to the crisis which a few days ago seemed tQ be in sight is again becoming more remote because of repeated delaying tactics. III this context, and stressing the importance Qf the draft resQlution before the General Assembly, I shQuld like to reiterate the full suppQrt that the French GQvernment will continue to give the effQrts Qf the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy, Mr. Dante Caputo. We had occasion in the past to welcome the appointment of the former. Argentine FQreign Mini.star, in his dual capacity as ~epresentative Qf the Secretaries-General of the United NatiQllS and the OrganizatiQn of American States (OAS), as a significant breakthrQugh which indicated the joint desire Qf the international Qrganization and the regiQnal organization to unite their ·efforts and to wQrk together to find a solution to the crisis. We m~Jt persevere alQng this path, which has already taken the CQncrete form Qf the deploymant of an International Civilian Mission. But, at the same time, we must give some thQught to the ways and means Qf overcQming the roadb~Qcks tnat have been placed Qn that path. The de factQ authQrities in Port-au-Prince should'nQt fOQl themselves, nor should they wager on the slothfulness Qf international public QpiniQn. On the cQntrary, there is a growing determination and an ever-clearer desire to bring the problem of Haiti before Qther bodies Qf the United Nations than the General Assembly alone. My country, with many others, earnestly hopes that this is the course events will take. will we have tQ gQ that far? We continue tQ hQpethat reason will prevail and that shortly negQtiati~ns will be resumed so that they can be successfully concluded as quickly as possible. Then, and Qnly then, will the reference made in the draft resolutiQn befQre us to technical, ecouomic and financial cOQperatiQn with Haiti will be really meaningfUl. Only then will the international community finally be able tQ ~esume assistance tQ Ilaiti - assistance that it sQrely needs. FQr the time being, the resumption Qf this aid is Qnly a possibility. It can become a reality only when the political crisis has been effectively left behind. NQ compromise is pQssible Qn this pQint. It is in that spirit that my delegation endorses and cospQnsors the draft resolutiQn befQre the Assembly. Mr. UAAKQNSEN (Denmark): I have the honour to speak on behalf Qf the EurQpean CQmmunity and its member States. At both the fQrty-sixth and fQrty-seventh sessions Qf the General Assembly, the European Community and its member States expressed their strong support for the restoration of the legitimate Government in Haiti and deplored the continued disruption of the democratic process, We welcome this opportunity to restate our position and to review recent developments in relation to Haiti.' In this regard, we wish to express our appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report in document A/47/908, of 24 March 1993, and to the authors of the draft resolution in document A/47/L,56, which we are pleased to cosponsor.. The European Community and its member States reiterate their condemnation of the military coup of 30 September 1991 in Haiti and deplore the continuing disruption of the democratic process. In our most recent statement on Haiti - on 24 January this ye~r - we noted that we had consistently reaffirmed our commitment to the restoration of the democratic and constitutional Government in Haiti, as well as our will to support all efforts conducive to a settlement of the Haitian crisis. We have therefore welcomed the efforts made by the Organization of Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations to bring about the restoration of democracy in Haiti, and we urge all parties concerned to work constructively towards that end. In particular, we welcome the appointment of Mr. Dante Caputo as the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States. We express the sincere hope that the consultations with the parties, on which he has embarked, will lead to a political solution to the Haitian crisis. In this context, the European Community and its member States concurred with the evaluation by the Secretary-General that the elections held in Haiti in January this year might significantly complicate efforts to return Haiti to democratic normality. We do not believe that those elections were free and fair, since the necessary pre-conditions, notably freedom of expression and assembly and the right tQan ope~ political dialogue have not existed in Haiti since the CQUP in September 1991. Consequently, the European Community and its member States do not consider thQse electiQns tQ have been a valid expression of the democratic will of the people of Haiti. The European Community and its member. States Qnce again strQngly cQndemn the cQntinuing abuses Qf human rights in Haiti. In additiQn tQ cQspQnsoring General Assembly reSQlutiQns 47/20 and 47/143, we cQsponsQred resQlutiQn 1993/168, dated 10 March 1993, Qf the Commission on Human Rights. These resolutiQns, and in particular the resQlutiQn adQpted by the CQmmissiQn QD Human Rights, make clear the deep concern Qf the international community at the substantial deteriQration of the human-rights situatiQn in Haiti since the CQUP Qf September 19~1 and the resulting increase in viQlations Qf human rights embodied in the Universal DeclaratiQn of Human Rights, the InternatiQnal CQvenant Qn Civil and PQlitical Rights, the InternatiQnal CQvenant on Economic, SQcial and Cultural Rights, the American CQnvention on Human Rights, and other international human-rights instruments. We remain deeply concerned also at the deterioratiQn of living conditiQns and the persistence of repressiQn, which compel the Haitian populatiQn tQ seak refuge Qutside the borders Qf their Qwn country. . The European Community and its member States therefQre strQngly suppQrt the deplQyment Qf a jQint United Nations-OAS International Civilian MissiQn to monitor respect for human rights and elimination Qf all fQrms Qf violence •.We also fully support the recommendations of the Secretary-General contained in his repQrt of 24 March 1993 calling on all parties to cQQperate with the Mission and urging in particular the de factQ authQrities tQ respect the Mission's right Qf access tQ all places and establishments, tQ meet freely and in confidence with anYQne, and tQ establish itself anywhere in the cQuntry. Tile development described in the Secretary-General's report gives us some hope that progress can be made both in the search for a political solution and in the restoration"of human rights. The efforts of the Special Envoy to arrive at a political solution and the participation of the United Nations in the International Civilian Mission demonstrate the willingness of this Organization and its Secretary-General to continue to play a major role in efforts aimed at the restoration of democracy in Haiti. By adopting the draft resolution before us unanimously, the General Assembly will underline its commitment to Haiti. That commitment, as the draft resolution makes clear, must continue after consti.tutional order has been restored, through technical, economic and financial cooperation. The European Community and its member States, which, following the coup, immediately suspended their economic assistance, with the exception of programmes for humanitarian relief, are considering how they can support economic and social development once democracy and full respect for human rights have been restored in Haiti. Finally. the European Community and its member States wish to pay a tribute to the Secretary-General and the members of the Organization of American States for their efforts, in pooperation with the United Nations, to resolve the crisis in Haiti. Mr. HATANQ(Japan): Japan has been closely following developments in Haiti since the Coup dtetat, in the earnest hope that democratic order will be restored promptly and the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all its people will be fUlly respected. Having participated in the election monitoring and thus having contributed to the establishment of ,a democratic Government under President Aristide, Japan is deeply concerned about the present situation there. At the same time, the tireless efforts undertaken by the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations are very reassuring indeed, and Japan has extended them all possible support. In particular, the renewed efforts of Mr. Dante Caputo a~e to .be highly commended. The success of his efforts would not only be a major step towards resolving the political crisis in Haiti but, as a well-coordinated joint action by the United Nations and a regional organization, also provide an important precedent for future endeavours. The voice of the international community is reflected in the draft resolution contained in A/47/L.56 and Japan trusts that all those concerned will recognize its intent and respond to it in good faith. Japan strongly supports the adoption of the draft resolution, and wishes to note, in particular, the idea contained in it of dispatching an International Civilian Mission to Haiti. This Civilian Mission will be conducive to a climate of freedom and tolerance which is essential to the re-establishment of democracy in Haiti. Japan, for its part, is determined to contribute to the success of the Mission, and will make a voluntary contribution of $1 million as an outright grant, and $1.5 million to help cover the financial requirements at the Mission's start-up phase. Japan hopes that these contributions will ensure the smooth functioning of the International Civilian Mission. Once again, Japan u~ges all those concerned to cooparatefully with Mr. Caputo so that necessary actions can be taken wi~hout further delay. I wish to conclude my reRlarks by paying a high tribute to the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy ~nd by reaffirming Japan's continued support for their ongoing efforts. Japan is eager to join with other countries i~ striving to achieve our common goal. Mr. WALKER (United States of America): We strongly support the draft resolution before the Assembly today. President Clinton, in his 16 March meeting with President Aristide, reaffirmed the United States Government's firm commitment to the restoration of democracy in Haiti, to the return of President Aristide to complete his term of office and to the strengthening of Haitian democratic institutions. The United States has actively supported resolutions adopted by the Organization of American States (OAS) calling for economic sanctions against the de facto regime in Haiti and we have supported international efforts to improve the human rights situation there. My Government has 8~ready provided $6 million to the OAS for deployment of the Civilian Mission now operating in Haiti. We also plan to contribute to the United Nations efforts outlined in the Sec:retary-General's report, and we urge others to do so. The United States also strongly supports the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretaries-General of the United Nations and the OAS, Mr. Dante Caputo, to broker a negotiated settlement which restores President Aristide and protects the rights of all Haitians. To coordinate my Government's efforts in support of the negotiating process the' Secretary of State has appointed his own special advisor on Haiti, Ambassador Lawrence Pezzullo. We also named a special Charge d'affaires in Port au Prince, Amb~ssadorCharles iledman, to help en's~re tJ1at our insistence on a just and democratic ~olution is made clear to the Haitian parti~s. The efforts of the United Natipns to resolve the Haitian crisis illustrate many of the very purposes for which this Organization was established, which, in the words of the Charter, are: to-save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, to establish respect for the obligations of international law and to promote social progress and better standards of life. Peace, development, democracy. Fostering these key elements of the United Nations agenda should form part of a shared policy promoted by all States. Without peace, nations will not have the security needed to develop; without development, people will lack the resources to live with dignity; and without democracy, neither long-term economic development nor long-term peace and stability will be possible. The United States stands ready to work with the United Nations and other Member States to create a stronger, broader commitment to international law, freedom and human dignity than the world has ever known. We therefore call upon all States, and especially OU! neighbours in this hemisphere, to actively support and contribute to the vfforts of the United Nations and the OAS to resolve the Haitian crisis. We call upon all States to actively support the work of the Special Envoy, Mr. Dante Caputo, to bring about a peaceful, negotiated settlement. (Mr. Walker. United States) We urge all States to make clear to those who block. the restoration of democracy that the internat.ional community will not now or ever support the continuation of an" illegal government in Haiti and that the current negotiations~mustadvance speedily to restore President Aristide under conditions of national reconciliation and mutual respect for human rights and wi~h a programme of real economic progress. Dilatory tactics will not be tolerat~d and will.provoke a serious reaction, since delay creates more suffering and hardship for the Haitian people, who endure a desperate economic situation as innocent ,·ictims. Our message is straightforward. To the Haitian parties we say: you must negotiate seriously and with promptness and flexibility; to the Haitian people we say: the world has not forgotten you; help is on the way. The international community's commitment· to Haiti cannot end with the signing of an agreement. As President Aristide said in his letters to the Secretaries~General of the United Nations and the OAS and as was agreed to in the terms of reference which established the Civilian Mission of the United Nations and the OAS, Haiti will require technical assistance to safeguard the human rights of all citizens, to professionalize the military, to create an independent civilian police force and to strengthen key civilian institutions. In addition, President Clinton has stated that he is prepared to commit the United States to its fair portion of a five-year, multinational, $1 billion effort to rebuild the Haitian economy. This is a plan of historic proportions to ensure the welfare of the Haitian people. We note that since the plan is contingent upon the restoration of democracy, those who block the ongoing political negotiations are also delaying the start of the economic reconstruction of their country and eKtending the suffering of their people. Our commitment to Haiti must be more than just restoring democracy now, since only when democratic institutions are fully functioning can democracy endure. As Secretary Christopher has said: "Democracy cannot be imposed from the top down but must be buil t from the bottom up. Our policy should encourage patient, sustained efforts to help others build the institutions that make democracy possible," Our commitment must be to see that democracy flourishes in Haiti. In order to meet this commitment, the United States urges nations and international organizations to contribute to efforts to strengthen the Haitian economy and Haitian institutions . Th~ world community faces an opportunity to help a President elected in democratic balloting monitored by the United. Nations and the OAS to return to his constitutional office. it is also an opportunity to foster national reconciliation and to put Haiti on the path to democracy and development. I am confident the concert of nat.ions will not let this opportunity pass, and I pledge the continued active participation of the United States in a multinational solution to the Haitian crisis. Mr. MouUIRIE (Bahamas): I have the honour and distinct pleasure to speak on behalf of those States members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which are States Members of the United Nations, namely, Antiqua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, the Republic of Suriname, which enjoys Observer status in certain CARCIOM institutions, and my own country, the Bahamas. The Chairman spoke on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean Group and we wish to assure the Assembly that we fully support ana subscribe to his statement. However, as you will appreciate, Haiti is a part of the Caribbean sub-region and the GO',ernments of CARICOM have e~joyed a long history of support for the Republic of Haiti. We wish to reaffirm that support today. Like Suriname, Haiti enjoys Observer status in certain CARICOM institutions which further highlight our solidarity with our sister Republic. Ever since the illegal disruption of the democratic process in Haiti, CARICOM Governments have been resolute in demanding the immediate restoration of constitutional government in Haiti and the return to power of President Aristide. At the inter-sessional meeting held on 22-23 March 1993, CARICOM Heads of Government issued a communique, a significant portion of which referred to the untenable situation in Haiti. I quote from that document: "The Heads of Government reaffirmed their condemn'ation of the continued suppression of the democratic process in Haiti. They reiterated their serious concern with the persistence of human rights abuses, political repression and the blatant disregard, by the Haitian regime, for the lives of Haitian citizens." CARICOM has always supported and pursued a peaceful resolution to the serious situation in Haiti, and we welcome the joint civilian mission of the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS) and the efforts being made towards the resolution of the Haitian political crisis. CARICOM has committed itself to continue to provide full support to the international civilian mission to Haiti. We applaud the efforts of Mr. Dante Caputo, the Special Envoy of the Secretaries-General of the United Nations and the GAS, and we trust that this initiative will prove successful. We are pleased that Mr. Caputo could be with us on this occasion. We wish to briefly dAmonstrate further the resolve of CARICOM Governments by again quoting from the communique of Heads of Government: "The Heads of Governments noted with profound regret the failure of the international community to observe the trade embargo imposed against the regime in Haiti. "With a view to accelerating a solution to this problem, the Heads of Government called for the adoption of all necessary measures including the imposition of a blockade if required, and for the urgent consideration of the situation by the United Nations Security Council." We hope that. in t.he cont.ext of the progress made by the Caputo Mission, this action of last resort will not be necessary, and that the present resolution will go some distance in aChieving a peaceful resolution to t~e crisis which threat.ens the peace and st.ability of the entire Caribbean sub-region. We urge the international community to remain vigilant to ensure full compliance with the terms of the resolution. Finally, CARICOM Governments which have enjoyed long traditions of democracy, can at.t.est. t.o t.he fact. t.hat democracy and development are inseparable. It is necessary that. the international community respond to t.he developmental needs of this impoverished Republic and we hope t.hat. once constitutional government. is rest.ore~ to. Hait.i we will all help to provide the substantial economic assist.ance which Hait.i requires to place it firmly on the road t.o democracy, development. and peace. The full development of .all of the democratic inst.it.ut.ions is a priority and must be part of any process of social, economic and political development. Taken together ~ith the Report of the Secretary-General on the Situation of Democracy and Human Rights in Haiti (A/47/908), the present draft resolution is part of that process and we therefo~e recommend its adoption by consensus. Mr. TELLQ (Mexico) (interpretation from Spanish): This is the second time since the beginning of t.he proceedings in the forty-seventh session that the General Assembly is considering the situation of democracy and human rights in Haiti - an item of utmost priorit.y for the region of Latin America and the Caribbean. Since the last time that we considered this item, cooperation between the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations has resulted in important progress in the search for a solntion to the crisis in Haiti, as reflected in the report of the Secreta~y-General to the Assembly. A particularly important example of cooperation between a regional body and our own Organization ,is the work that Mr. Dante Caputo has accomplished in his capacity as the Special Envoy of the Secretaries-General of both Organizations. His dual purpose has been to depioy an international civilian mission to monitor respect of human rights.and to establish a process of dialogue among the Haitian parties to achieve a solution to the political crisis in that country. We welcome his 'presence here. With regard to the first aspect, the Government of Mexico has already stated that it stands ready to give the Secretary-General a contribution to the financing of the joint civilian mission of the United Nations and the OAS. Similarly. it has announced its determination to contribute to that mission by sending a group of Mexican technicians to various priority areas to meet the immediate needs of the population of Haiti. Regretting the lack of, flexibility on the part 9f the de facto authorities in Haiti, as reported yesterday by the spokesman of the Secretary-General, my Government reiterates its determined support of dialogue, which has wisely been encouraged by Mr. Caputo, and which should iead to the restoration of constitutional institutionality in Haiti with strict respect for the principle of self-determination of the Haitian peopleo This process is without doubt the best option for achieving a solution which will make it possible for there to be a return to normality without delay and a resumption of programmes of cooperation with th~ international community in this urgent task of the economic reconstruction of Haiti. For the aforementioned reasons, my Government, in its capacity as a member of the Latin American and Caribbean Group, has joined in sponsoring the resolution which recognizes as a fundamental objective of the international community restoration of democracy in Haiti and the return of President Aristide, full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as the promotion of economic and social development of the Haitian people. Mr. ARRIA (Venezuela) (interpretation from Spanish): Once again today the General Assembly is considering the situation of democracy and human rights in Haiti, in pursuance of its resolutions 47/20 of 24 November 1992 and 47/143 of 18 December 1992. Let me first highlight the appointment on 11 December 1992 of Mr. Dante Caputo, former Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Argentine Republic, as Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to help solve Haiti's problems with the cooperation of the Organization of American States (DAS). His simultaneous appointment as Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the OAS gives Mr. Caputo all the political authority and regional and international institutional support he needs to succeed in his extremely complex mission. Since his appointment, the Special Envoy has managed to open avenues of dialogue which we trust can lead to a solution; these are described in the Secretary-General's report of 24 March 1993, which is before the Assembly today. Among these activities, let me cite agreements relating to the deployment - already under way - of a joint United Nations-DAB International Civilian Mission to secure respect for human rights and the elimination of all forms of violence, and to initiate dialogue among all parties to the Haitian conflict with a view to overcoming the political crisis on the basis of the restoration to power of the constitutional President of Haiti, Jean-Bertrand Aristide. That latter condition is indispensable. Despite various incidents including last January's illegitimate, partial parliamentary elections, it has been possible to identify the bases of a political settlement. Venezuela welcomes these political developments and trusts that there will be respect for the principles agreed to for this settlement. These include as a basic, indispensable p~emise for the restoration of the democratic process the swift return of Haiti's constitutional President to his legitimate functions. Venezuela will continue closely to observe this process and will support the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy; as a c:c>untry that is a "friend" of the Secretary-General we will provide all necessary cooperation. Our bonds of fraternal friendship and our historical obligations to Haiti oblige us to do this. We trust that f~ll support for the human rights. of the Haitian people and a swift solution of its crisis, in the framework of assistance and consultations carried out by our Organization and the OAS, will soon make it possible to reassess the economic measures recommended by States members of both organizations and eventually to resume the full economic, technical and financial assistance and cooperation that is necessary to rebuild Haiti's devastated institutions and economy. If that does not take place, it is Venezuela's firm position that the abusive de facto regime now in power in Haiti must bear the consequences of its intransigence and that we must resort to all measures under the Charter of the United Nations. Current mediation must lead to a prompt political settlement without further delay. My country trusts that the initiatives at cooperation taken by President Aristide to achieve such a settlement will be properly welcomed, and we warn those who still insist on blocking and preventing a way to restore the constitutional regime: they must understand that the international community has warned them that there is no way they can continue indafinitelyto repress the will of the Haitian majority. Venezuela appeals also to all States Members of the United Nations to remain firm in defence of democracy and human rights in Haiti and to be ready to stand behind the actions of the Secretary-General, through his Special Envoy Mr. Dante Caputo, with full political support for the measures he may consider necessary if the abusive de facto regime continues its pattern of intimidation, equivocation and broken promises. The Haitian nation must understand that those who violate its individual and collective rights are those who are carrying out the repression of its democratic will, who are exploitinq its poverty for their own benefit and who have no hesitation to sacrifice its development as a nation in order to continue enjoying the privileges and perquisites founded on the basis of an intolerable dictatorship. Mr. BAUADIAN (Brazil): Eighteen months have elapsed since the constitutional order in Haiti was disrupted by the coup d I·etat against President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a leader elec.ted by the freely expressed will of the people of Haiti: eighteen months and, despite the efforts of the international community, constitutional order and the legitimate Government of President Aristide have yet to be restored. The perpetrators of the coup d'et~t received strong condemnation by the international community. The response to their illegal act has been clear. W~ are hopeful that the ongoing negotiations will result in an early solution to the cri~is in Haiti, allowing that country to re~ume its endeavours towards desperately needed economic growth and development with the support of the international community. The future of democratic institutions and development in Haiti is at stake in the current efforts related to the situation in that country. The international community cannot, indeed must not, turn a blind eye to the violations of human rights and the denial of basic civil and political liberties in Haiti. The Organization of American States (OAS) has been acting in a decisive manner with respect to the Haitian problem. The resolutions adopted at meetings of Foreign Ministers of the hemisphere bear testimony to the true commitment of the nations of this hemisphere to re-establish the legitimate Government of President Aristide. Since the outbreak of the crisis the United Nations has engaged in constructive cooperation with the OASt In fact, all relevant resolutions adopted to date have demonstrated the willingness of the States Members of the United Nations to condemn unequivocally the breakdown of the democratic institutions in Haiti and to take action with a view to the restoration of those institutions. In dealing with the situation in Haiti, the cooperation of our regional organization with the United Nations has been extremely fruitful and has once again shown the importance of concerted efforts at the universal and the regional levels in addressing specific crisis situations. We welcome the appointment of Mr. Dante Caputo as Special Envoy of the Secretaries-General of both the United Nations and the OAS, and we strongly support his work aimed at achieving a democratic solution to the problem in Haiti. (Mr. Bahadian, Brazil) We have before us a draft resolution, contained in document A/47/L.56, introduced by the delegation of Belize on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean group. As was explained by the representative of Belize, the basic objective of the draft resolution is to authorize United Nations participation in cooperation with the OAS in the International Civilian Mission to Haiti. The Mission will have the initial task of verifying compliance with Haiti's international human rights obligations with a view to making recommendations to assist in the establishment of a climate of freedom and tolerance propitious to the establishment of democracy in Haiti. We fully support this initiative as an important step in our effort to restore the rule of law in Haiti. We believe that the agreement on the establishment of the International Civilian Mission creates a solid base for the full restoration of freedom and political liberties in Haiti. A lasting solution to the Haitian crisis is our goal. While not ignoring the difficulties of the negotiating process, we are hopeful that a peaceful and democratic solution will soon be achieved. The early restoration of democratic rule in Haiti will bring new responsibilities to the international community. Its main commitment will be to support efforts conducive to social and economic development in Haiti, which is essential for solving pressing problems of underdevelopment as well as for strengthening democracy and the rule of law. It is the hope of the Brazilian delegation that the work of the International Civilian Mission will be a significant contribution to that end. Mr. AROSEMENA (Panama) (interpretation from Spanish): There is no need to rehearse the Assembly with a lengthy exposition of my country's views on this question. It will suffice to echo the eloquent words of the representative of Argentina, whose views we fully share. I must take this opportunity to reiterate my country's constant support for the efforts of Mr. Dante Caputo to resolve the problem. He has acted with his customary tact, energy and wisdom, and he is continuing on a path that will surely lead to the desired results. His mission is an example of the kind of coordination that should always exist in our region between regional and international multilateral organizations. I wish also to place on record my country's support for the report of the Secretary-General (A/47/980) now before us. Sometimes diplomacy is a synonym for procrastination. Given the sterling manner in which this noble profession is exercised in the General Assembly, I do not think that will be the case with respect to the question of Haiti, For if procrastination is sometimes necessary, energy is a vital element in solving international problems. We must act, and act now, because it is possible, even probable, that the Haitian situation will be affected by other currents swirling in the Caribbean Sea of which we are so fond. Eighteen months have already passed. I do not think we have another 18 in which to act. In conclusion, I want to affirm my delegation's support for the draft resolution introduced by the Permanent Representative of Belize on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean Group, and for the International Civilian Mission that has already begun its perilous and delicate work in Haiti. It is our wish that constitutional normality will quickly return to Haiti. Respect for constitutional normality is the cornerstone of my country's foreign policy: we will never recognize any Government that comes into power through a violation of constitutional order, We endorse and are implementing the sanctions imposed by the regional organization, and we hope they may soon be lifted so that Haiti can return once more to the road towards the great future for which its noble people is destined.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item. Before proceeding to take a decision on the draft r~solution, I shall now call on two representatives who wish to speak on points of clarification. added to the list of sponsors of draft resolution A/47/L.56. Mr. OSELLA (Argentina), Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee (interpretation from Spanish): As Rapporteur of the Fifth Committ~e, I wish to call attention to an omission in the report of the Fifth Committee (11./47/930) on the programme budget implications of draft resolution A/47 /L. 56. In the fourth line of paragraph 3, under the heading "Decision of the Fifth Committee", the words "recommends that" should be inserted between the word "and" and the words "the Secretary-General", so that the text would read: "United States dollars and recommends that the Secretary-General should be authorized

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/47/L.56. I should like to draw to the attention of members that the report of the Fifth Committee regarding the programme budget implications of draft resolution A/47/L.56 is contained in document 11./47/930, as just orally revised by the Rapporteur. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution A/47/L.56? Draft resolution A/47/L.56 was adopted (resolution 47/20 B).

I call on the representative of Haiti. Mr. LONGCHAMP (Haiti) (interpretation from French): Madam President, the delegation of Haiti presents its compliments and, through you, conveys to the States members of the General Assembly the gratitude of the Government and the people of Haiti. We congratulate the Secretary-General on his report (11./47/908) on the situation of democracy and human rights in Haiti. My delegation notes the determination of the international community not to allow arbitrary rule, injustice and the violation of human rights to triumph, and to work with the Haitian people in its efforts to create in Haiti a democratic society that reflects the ideals of the United Nations as expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and conforms to the commitments undertaken in the International Covenants on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and on Civil and Political Rights. For five centuries the men and women of Haiti have struggled to gain full respect for their human dignity and to make Haitian society genuinely democratic. They took the first step in 1804, when they freed themselves from slavery and made universal the concepts of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. Unfortunately, a small minority seized the State apparatus as well as the economic and financial reins and devised a new form of colonialism by creating a society where the majority of the population was barred from the political, social and economic life of the country. The perpetuation of this state of affairs was possible because of the existence of repressive machinery which grew more and more sophisticated and whose central element was the Haitian armed forces. For two centuries two societies have shared Haitian soil: one society whose living conditions are analogous to those of the most affluent societies of the world, and another whose living conditions have not noticeably changed in comparison with those that prevailed during the era of slavery. The various attempts of the latter segment of the population to improve its lot have always encountered the brutality, the underhandedness and the insensitivity of those who have benefited from the status quo. Therefore, Haiti is a country with a wealth of revolutions but with a paucity of change - up to the very day when, to the astonishment of the entire world, the Haitian people, unarmed, with their bare hands, rid themselves of the representative of one of the most backward dictatorships in Haiti I s history: the dictatorship of the Duvalier family, which had controlled political power in Haiti for 29 years. That happened on 7 February 1986. Faced with the difficulties of translating this desire for change into institutional reforms, because of the obstacles created by the moribund Duvalier system, the international community mobilized to come to the aid of the Haitian people as they attempted to realize their dream of establishing a democratic society in Haiti. In December 1990 the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS) headed up a far-reaching programme of te.chnical, financial and electoral assistance which made it possible for the Haitian people, for the first time in their history, freely to choose their representatives at all levels of the State apparatus and to express their political, economic and social options. When the new Government of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was sworu in, on 7 February 1991, the Haitian people believed that a page of their history had been turned once and for all. This was supposed to be the advent of national reconciliation - in other words, the disappearance of two antagonistic societies, giving way to a new fraternal society where everyone would have the opportunity to become a full-fledged citizen, part of his own history, where institutions would be in harmony with the desiderata of the entire citizenry, and where the words "justice", "transparency" and "participation" would be fully applied. Scarcely had the Government been set in place when the enemies of change abruptly halted this new experiment. On 30 September 1991 the Haitian armed forces intervened once again to impose their own will. They toppled and exiled the first democratically elected President in the history of Haiti; they massacred more than 3,000 citizens; they caused more than 50,000 refugees to flee in boats under very precarious conditions; and they created a population of more than 250,00 displaced persons within the country. All the reports have acknowledged the serious wrongs done to the co~ntry and to the people of Haitl by the bloody coup d'etat of 30 September 1991. Arbitrary rule, repression, violence once again became the order of the day. The Haitian citizen today can be beaten, arrested, violated and even killed without any specific reason other than the whim of those who hold the weapons and the power. Furthermore, the State apparatus serves to enrich people illicitly; the State coffers are systematically plundered; the collection of levies and (Mr. Longcharnp, Haiti) taxes have been replaced by a network of contraband and sale of influence; the ports and the airports of the country are used in order to make it easier for drugs to be channeled to the places where they are marketed. In the meantime, the institutions are in a state of complete disarray. Only crime has prospered since the tragic events of 30 September 1991. The Haitian people have been resisting this state of affairs for 19 months now. Fortunately, they have not been abandoned by the international community. Countless initiatives have been taken to help restore democratic order in Haiti and to ~nsure respect for human rights in that country. The resolution the Assembly has just adopted is only the most recent. But already it has inspired hope, has raised enthusiasm and has encouraged the drawing up of plans to reverse the current state of affairs. We hope that, with this, the Secretary-General now has sufficient resources to discharge his mandate. When the coup d'etat took place, the social indices in Haiti were among the most negative in the world. There can be no doubt today, given the country's state of dilapidation, that they have shrunk even further. Therefore the task of setting the country on the path of development will be even more arduous. Nevertheless, the inclusion of paragraph 8 in this resolution strengthens our optimism as to the chances of success for the Haitian people in setting up this democratic society [or which they have constantly striven. Despite their limitations, the Haitian people, whose enterprise hardly needs to be demonstrated, by intervening in the life of the country and the State, intend to turn Haiti into an exemplary member of the comity of nations, respecting their international obligations and commitments. The time has now come to turn the page once and for all, and that is what the Government of the Republic commits itself to do as soon as constitutional order has been restored.

We have now concluded thIs stage of our consideration of agenda item 22. The meeting rose at 12.25 p.m.