A/47/PV.24 General Assembly
The Assembly will first hear an address by the
President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Mr. Nursultan Nazarbaev. President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, was
escorted into the General Assembly Hall.
On behalf of the General Assembly, I have the honour
to welcome to the United Nations the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan,
His Excellency Mr. Nursultan Nazarbaev, and to invite him to address the
Assembly.
President NAZARBAEV (interpretation from Russian): First, I should
like to express our profound satisfaction. Sir, at your election to your high
post, and we wish you every success in carrying out your duties as President
of the United Nations General Assembly at its current session.
At the preceding session the Republic of Kazakhstan was unanimously
admitted as a Member of the United Nations. On behalf of the people of
Kazakhstan, I have the honour to express our deep gratitude for that step and
to declare that the Republic of Kazakhstan, as a peace-loving State, is fully
capable of fulfilling its obligations, as defined in the Charter of the United
Nations, and of making a constructive contribution in all the spheres of
activity of this authoritative international Organization.
The current session is no less important for us, since during this
session the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan has for the first time,
been given the opportunity to speak from this rostrum. I take this
opportunity to extend cordial greetings to all the States Members of the
United Nations. It would be difficult by now to conceive of the present world
order without the United Nations. The world community places many hopes in
this unique international organization, chief among them being the formation
of a reliable machinery, reliable stability and security.
The world has now come close to the threshold beyond which the visible
disturbing challenges of the future compel us to adopt a new quality of
coordination, a new way to organize our joint efforts.
We must clarify what is the essence of this new and as yet unknown
process, and we must master it within the context of our whole community, our
continent, our region and our own country. These are the aspects on which I
should like to focus Members' attention.
(President Nazarbaev)
The first aspect relates to the world community itself and the role of
the United Nations in the world. At this session there has already emerged an
understanding of the new realities, which must be defined in a new agenda for
the entire world. It is no accident that this is the title of
Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali's well-known report. We believe that
his concept of preventive diplomacy is an extremely timely, politically
rational initiative, in the realization of which all members of the world
community should become involved.
In this connection I regard preventive diplomacy as a system of political
and socio-economic measures designed to prevent hotbeds of potential tension
from bursting into flame. An important place in it is occupied by the
conditions which are needed for maintaining social and political stability and
are visible on the surface and by those problems the detection of whose very
existence requires prognosticatory analysis in depth.
It is not difficult to understand that the question of borders is a
powder-keg that could explode at any moment, and the explosion usually hurts
not only those who are playing with fire but also many others who have only a
very remote connection with the fuse-lighters. In my view, it is obvious that
even one precedent in the revision of currently existing borders would cause a
chain reaction of geopolitical disintegration with unforeseeable consequences.
In referring to the importance of the principle of the inviolability of
State territory-, I should like to emphasize that the rights of national
minorities today are often thought to be identical with the rights of nations
to self-determination, extending even to the establishment of independent
States. If we were to hold to such an approach, then, hypothetically
speaking, thousands of economically weak sovereign States might arise all over
(President Nazarbaev)
the world. Such a situation would be a striking demonstration of turning a
principle into a fetish, carrying it to the ultimate absurdity.
I am convinced that the world community, which today guite rightly gives
so much attention to the rights of national minorities, should define clearly
the criteria for such rights, in order to ensure that human rights and the
rights of nations will triumph on the basis of the triumph of democracy and
peace. Otherwise, under cover of a nation's right to self-determination, the
integrity of any national State will be called into question, i.nd the
corrosive principle of separatism will go on without end.
At the same time, taking a look forward from the present day to the
twenty-first century in a search for hotbeds of potential tension, I wish to
draw the world community's attention, among other guestions that give cause
for great concern, to the problem of water in the Central Asian region, which
in time might become a source of dangerous disputes in the very heart of the
oldest continent. I am convinced that we need to speed up work now, not
later, on the preparation of special United Nations projects that would
provide for a gradual and effective solution to the problem of furnishing
water resources to Central Asia.
I must point out that the decrease in geopolitical tension along
East-West lines and the increasingly dangerous confrontation between North and
South is a universally recognized fact. However, the emergence and
exacerbation of the second confrontation do not decrease the timeliness of the
first. The long-standing complexity of relations between East and West cannot
he dissipated with the breakup of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
Accordingly, I believe that the proposed efforts for preventive diplomacy
in establishing, keeping and enhancing the peace should be exerted equally
along all the lines of global interaction. I stress this because some
distortions have already become visible in this connection. United Nations
efforts, to judge from the events of recent months, are predominantly
political and military-political in nature. We see more use being made of
prohibitions than of encouragement and incentives. These measures are aimed
at reducing the tensions, visible on the surface, but so far they have not had
any influence on the roots of the conflicts that have arisen and grown. The
real cause of these conflicts was recently pointed out from this rostrum. The
richest 20 per cent of the world's people, in the Northern and Western
countries, consume 83 per cent of the world's gross product, and the poorest
20 per cent of the world's people, in the countries of the South and the East,
only 1.4 per cent. As we can see, the income of the richest 20 per cent is
60 times that of the poorest 20 per cent. I would call this 60 to 1 ratio the
formula for world ineguality. Until this gap begins to narrow, we shall not
have a real basis for the comprehensive prevention of conflicts.
I emphasize that, in the final analysis, we are not talking about
redistributing the income of the wealthiest 20 per cent for the benefit of the
poor. The world inequality formula should be changed not by reducing the
income of the wealthiest 20 per cent but by increasing that of the poorest
through organized assistance to help their countries develop. It may be
worthwhile to think about redirecting United Nations efforts towards genuine
conflict prevention and finding the root causes of conflicts. What practical
steps can be taken in this regard?
I can understand the Secretary-General's concern over the main problem
that impedes United Nations peace-keeping efforts the shortage of financial
resources. It is obvious that United Nations expenditures for the
establishment, maintenance and enhancement of peace must be increased each
year. But how can this be done?
As is well known, until 1992, United Nations expenditures on
peace-keeping totalled approximately US$8.3 billion, not even 1 per cent of
total annual defence expenditures in all countries at the end of the last
decade, which was approximately 1 trillion dollars.
I propose that all countries should, as a demonstration of their good
will, begin to set up a fund for United Nations peacemaking efforts on the
basis of the "one plus one" formula. This means that each State would begin
to transfer 1 per cent of its defence budget to the fund and would increase
its transfers by the same 1 per cent each year. Thus the amount allocated to
peacemaking in 10 years would increase tenfold.
I think that the national security of every member of the world community
would be by no means harmed but, on the contrary, actually strengthened by
such an action. It is appropriate to recall here the Eastern story which
tells of some people who held a contest of strength. One showed the power of
his muscles and fists, another found strength in the hardness of his skull,
the third in his fleetness of foot, the fourth in the sharpness of his
tongue. But a wise man, remembering the heart, without which no strength is
possible, suggested that they should compete in generosity. The generosity of
each country will be what determines the degree to which my proposal is
implemented a sort of competition for the benefit of the whole world. The
Republic of Kazakhstan is ready to begin this process immediately. There are.
(President Nazarbaev)
of course, also other ways that can be provided for States to contribute to
the fund for United Nations peacemaking efforts.
The second aspect on which I should like to dwell is the problem of peace
and security in our continent of Asia or, more broadly, in Eurasia. I am
referring to the initiative put forward by the Republic of Kazakhstan to hold
a conference on Interaction and Confidence-building Measures in Asia (CICMA).
The idea of establishing structures for security and cooperation in Asia of
the same type as the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE)
has long been in the air but has not yet gained wide support.
The useful experience of the activities of continental organizations in
the Americas, in Africa and in Europe should, it would seem, impel Asia as
well to establish unified bodies for interaction and cooperation. But this is
not happening, and there are quite a few real reasons for that fact.
Politicians and analysts critical of the idea of setting up structures for
security and cooperation in Asia often advance the weighty argument that the
level of geographical, historical, economic, political social and cultural
heterogeneity among Asian countries is much higher than that among the
countries of Europe, the Americas, or Africa. Such heterogeneity in economic
and political matters naturally interferes with the action of continental
structures for collective security.
(President Nazarbaev)
This can be countered with a well-known piece of Oriental wisdom: A
journey of a thousand steps starts with the first step. It is by no means
necessary to move towards a unified Asian structure and collective security in
all these types of interaction at once. It is sufficient to start levelling
out the heterogeneity in one area - for instance, in the military-political or
economic sphere - and then look for joint approaches in other fields of
cooperation. The move towards such a continental structure could take place
in many steps and on a stage-by-stage basis. For example, it could go from
bilateral relations through regional and continental structures and coalitions
in particular types of cooperation, through the elaboration of
confidence-building measures and collective security, as well as humanitarian,
economic and cultural interaction, to common continental bodies for
cooperation on a broad spectrum of problems.
Prospects for this process and its main stages might be as follows:
The first stage would consist of preparatory work to organize and conduct
the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building Measures in Asia
(CICMA). The approximate time-frame would be 1992 to 1994.
The second stage would involve accelerating the work of CICMA, increasing
the number of its members, adapting it to the framework of a Conference on
Security and Cooperation in Asia (CSCA) and forming pan-Asian structures of
the CSCE type. The approximate time-frame could be 1994 to 1998.
The third stage would include defining the development of CSCA,
strengthening its permanent structures, interaction between CSCE and CSCA and
the creation of transcontinental bodies in particular areas of cooperation.
The approximate time-frame would be 1998 to 2000.
(President Nazarbaev)
The fourth stage would consist in forming a unified transcontinental
conference on security and cooperation in Eurasia and creating machinery for
permanent interaction between the continental systems of collective security
in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas, with the further prospect of setting
up a unified global system of collective security and cooperation. The
approximate time-frame would be 2000 to 2005.
We in Asia live in a remarkable land. All the major religions of the
world Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam were born in the sacred
soil of our continent. All the spiritual teachers of mankind, ranging from
Lao-tse and Gautama Buddha, Jesus Christ and Muhammad to the greatest of
contemporary thinkers, of the calibre of Mahatma Gandhi, were born in our part
of the world. Is it not possible for Asia to absorb everything that has been
accumulated over the ages and synthesize a new concept of continental
cooperation and collective security?
This position by no means presupposes any regional autarky. We are not
going to lock ourselves within continental borders. On the contrary, in the
interests of Asian countries and peoples, we shall collect the best of what
was born in other parts of the world.
I am convinced that we must make a collective search for the best way to
meet the challenges of the future and lay new foundations for mankind's
existence in a world more integrated than ever before. Accordingly, I suggest
that we should convene a special session or a United Nations conference to
discuss the problems of the post-confrontation era, for it is the mission of
the United Nations to play a decisive role in confirming new levels of
organization in the international community. The United Nations itself should
(President Nazarbaev)
probably be reorganized to a certain extent, and this includes the guestion of
the membership of the Security Council.
The third aspect, which we cannot fail to mention, concerns the events
that are taking place in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
The fragile structure of our Commonwealth, set up at the end of last
year, does not yet fully take into account the age-old traditions of
interaction between States and peoples in this part of Eurasia. As a result,
the processes of transition to free-market economics and democracy in the CIS
are accompanied by increasing socio-economic and political instability, the
exacerbation of existing conflicts and the emergence of new ones.
Kazakhstan is making every possible effort to re-establish a common
customs and economic area in a new capacity within the framework of a unified
free-trade zone.
Realists in the CIS have no illusions as far as the $24 billion of
assistance promised to Russia is concerned. We take a calm view of the
neo-isolationist policy that some of the world's countries are pursuing
towards the CIS. We realize that only we ourselves, through our own efforts,
can stop industrial decline, the severing of economic ties, hyperinflation and
other destructive processes. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that
despite efforts to strengthen the principles of coordination and the process
of integration, contradictory trends may prevail in the CIS in the immediate
future, so that the entire territory of the Commonwealth could turn into an
area of instability and disintegration. I am certain that such a tragic
outcome would not be in the interest of anyone in the world.
In this connection, I believe that the concept of early conflict
detection and preventive diplomacy might find direct practical implementation
(President Nazarbaev)
in the former Soviet federation. I am referring primarily to strengthening
the areas of stability that exist in the CIS and then gradually expanding
their borders by reducing tensions in the areas of conflict. To that end, I
propose setting up a regional centre, or a United Nations commission, on
preventive diplomacy in Central Asia. The headquarters of the centre could be
located at Alma-Ata, the capital of our State.
Lastly, I should like to discuss the vitally important issues of ecology
and environmental protection. For Kazakhstan, these issues are embodied in at
least two areas, the Aral Sea and Semipalatinsk.
The Aral Sea drying up; it is a zone of ecological catastrophe that
demands large-scale international emergency assistance. The desertification
of its basin, accompanied by the dissemination of 150 million tons of salty
dust, is causing drastic deterioration of the environment and increasing the
negative effects on the economy and the health of a vast region with a
population of more than 300 million inhabitants. If today this means tragedy
for tens of thousands of people, tomorrow, without emergency intervention by
the United Nations, it could mean tragedy for millions.
Kazakhstan is grateful for the decision by the leadership of the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to set up an assistance project for
developing a plan to save the Aral Sea and also grateful for the suggestion by
a group of UNEP experts that the Aral Sea basin should be declared a zone of
global ecological disaster.
The other severe ecological problem we are suffering from involves the
Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, which was built on Kazakh land against the
will of our people. The total power of the nuclear warheads that were set off
(President Nazarbaey)
here in the atmosphere, on the ground and underground brought suffering to
more than half a million people; it is hundreds of times as large as the power
of the devices that brought tragedy to Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
By a decision of our Government, we have closed down this source of
death, but tremendous amounts of resources will be needed to clean up this
region, to cure those who have suffered and to ensure the safety of the
children who will again be born here. The people of Kazakhstan will therefore
need active international assistance.
Today, on 5 October, we celebrate the anniversary of the creation of the
United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat). Recognizing its
unquestionable importance, Kazakhstan hopes for effective technical and
advisory assistance from the Centre to our programmes of governmental
development for urban and rural construction.
The Kazakh people has a proverb, "Elu zhylda el zhana," which literally
means, "The world becomes new every 50 years". The first half-century of the
existence of the United Nations has been marked by confrontation between
super-Powers and the burden of opposing military blocs. Now the world
community has a historic opportunity to find in the form of the United Nations
the means to bring about effective cooperation in the name of peace and
progress. We must do our utmost to take full advantage of it.
On behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to thank
9. GENERAL DEBATE Mr. PURSOO (Grenada): It is with profound pleasure that my delegation conveys to the General Assembly at its forty-seventh session the greetings and best wishes of the Government and people of Grenada. We wish to extend to you. Sir, warm congratulations on your election to the presidency of the General Assembly at this session. My delegation commends Mr. Samir Shihabi of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the excellent manner in which he conducted the business of the forty-sixth session of the General Assembly. We take this opportunity also to extend congratulations to the new Secretary-General, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, and to commend him for the strong leadership he has brought to the United Nations and for the dedication with which he has carried out his duties since assuming office. The delegation of Grenada is delighted to welcome to the United Nations the 13 new Members: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Moldova, San Marino, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The current world situation presents a scenario of unmistakable complexities. The end of the cold war, rapid democratization world wide, the emergence of new national sentiments, intolerance towards ethnic, religious and cultural differences and the formation of regional economic blocs have brought about a restructuring of programmes and a reordering of agendas locally, regionally and globally. Economic interests now appear to be given precedence in most, if not all, considerations. The proponents of those changes declare their objectives to be the absolute freedom from control of market forces. But those objectives, though ostensibly neutral, are in fact heavily tilted in favour of the technologically advanced economies and insensitive to the capacities and priorities of the developing countries. That there are other equally important, even primary, objectives to be achieved by the less developed countries cannot be denied. Indeed, the market economy is being perfected, and the time is right for serious responses aimed at eradicating the conditions of poverty and deprivation that are so widespread in the modern world. That process must be activated with the urgent aim of ensuring that economic progress is buttressed by social equity, freedom from want, good health and education and the enjoyment of basic human rights. Those concerns will no doubt be addressed at the proposed World Summit for Social Development, which my Government is pleased to support. If we fail to develop strategies and programmes to address those problems, then the impending conditions of increased hunger, poverty and social deprivation can culminate in very serious global unrest and instability. Grenada is dealing with this new cold economic world at both the domestic and regional levels. I wish to make it clear that the Government and people of Grenada recognize and accept that the responsibility for the advancement of our country rests, first and foremost, sguarely on our shoulders. Grenada has taken steps to restructure its economy in the face of severe fiscal deficits, which threatened to erode our credit-worthiness, deny us space for growth and development and pauperize our people. Our self-imposed structural adjustment programme has its social, political and other costs. However, my Government is convinced that with prudent management of our very limited resources, a willingness to sacrifice, firm and cohesive political (Mr. Pursoo. Grenada) leadership and external assistance, we will in due course restore our economic well-being and place our country on a sound growth path. My delegation is happy to report that some improvements have already been realized, and we look forward to achieving all the goals of our structural adjustment programme.* * Mr. Jesus (Cape Verde), Vice-President, took the Chair. (Mr. Pursoo. Grenada,) Small countries, in particular small developing island countries with all the particular difficulties that development presents to them, can hardly compete in the world arena with developed countries. While demonstrating our determination to help ourselves, we appeal to donor countries to give renewed consideration to the difficulties confronting small developing island countries; and we appeal to the international community in general for the concessions we need to attain our development goals. As we meet at this forty-seventh session of the General Assembly, a number of small island States in the Caribbean, highly dependent on the banana industry, are faced with an uncaring call by certain countries to have bananas placed within the framework of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). My delegation submits that the outcome of such a campaign could wipe out the banana industry in our islands. The resulting social hardships and political instability are costs which will be ruinous to our societies. These situations can be avoided if present conditions continue to prevail. Grenada reiterates is appeal for flexibility on the banana issue and calls upon the pro-tariff lobby to relax its efforts. At this particular time in the history of the Caribbean region, we are seized of the urgency to organize our response to the new international order. Earlier this year, regional Governments received with pleasure the report of the West Indian Commission, which was mandated to examine the conditions of Caribbean societies and to make recommendations for preparing the region for the economic, political and social challenges of the twenty-first century. The report of the Commission was very inspiring. It points the region along certain beneficial paths, and Grenada looks forward to the full consideration of the Commission's recommendations by Caribbean heads of Government in the near future. (Mr. Pursoo. Grenada) The recently concluded United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) heralded a new beginning and was undoubtedly one of the most significant undertakings of the United Nations. My Government wishes to applaud Mr. Maurice Strong and the entire UNCED secretariat for the successful conclusion of that summit and to extend our congratulations to the Government of Brazil for successfully hosting the Conference. Its real achievements should become manifest over time through the implementation of the work plan on sustainable development. Agenda 21, which comprehensively addressed the critical indivisibility of development and concern for the environment. My Government is also pleased with the conventions on climate change and biological diversity which were opened for signature at the Rio summit. We look forward to an early implementation of both conventions. The Government of Grenada urges conscientious efforts to establish the mechanisms, strategies and the resource commitments agreed to. From the perspective of small island States in particular, this is an absolute necessity. Our overriding concern for the welfare of our people and the wholesomeness of our environment, in particular the fragile marine environment upon which we are heavily dependent, compels us to register a most vigorous protest against the planned shipment of tons of radioactive material through the Caribbean Sea later this month. The problems of illicit drug trafficking and money-laundering have now reached levels that no country is able to combat single-handedly. Indeed, the security and sovereign integrity of our State, the rule of law and the well-being of our economic and financial institutions demand that we persevere in this fight. My Government wishes to take advantage of this occasion to express its appreciation for the efforts undertaken by a number of developed (Mr. Pursoo. Grenaflal countries to assist developing nations in the campaign against the drug trade. We appeal for increased multilateral support to institute comprehensive measures aimed at the reduction of demand, interdiction, the rehabilitation of victims, and appropriate punishment for the couriers of this particular form of death and destruction. It is distressing to note that, while progress has been made in the political sphere in terms of the peaceful resolution of certain conflicts and the abatement of ideological tensions, the nerves of the international community are being shaken by the situation in the Balkans, most specifically, by the evidence of what is being described as "ethnic cleansing". Recognizing that peace and stability are essential to the promotion of social progress, the Government of Grenada wishes to reaffirm its support for United Nations attempts to halt the fighting in Yugoslavia, and we call upon the international community to act in a concerted manner to put a stop to what could escalate into a larger and more intractable conflict. My Government continues to be keenly interested in the situation in South Africa. The persistent violence clearly threatens the negotiating process and delays the transition to a democratic South Africa. We are concerned that while strides have been made to dismantle the pillars of apartheid, greater efforts must be made to accelerate the pace of reforms, so as to enhance the climate for free political activity and genuine democracy. The Government of Grenada therefore welcomes recent positive signals pointing to the resumption of dialogue between the African National Congress and the Government of South Africa. My Government also welcomes the peace talks currently taking place among the key parties to the Middle East conflict and wishes to counsel continued (Mr. Pursoo. Grenada) dialogue and flexibility in order to bring lasting solutions to that region's problems. Over the last year, numerous initiatives to reinstate ousted Haitian President Jean Bertrand Aristide have been frustrated. Sanctions announced by the Organization of American States have not produced the anticipated results because of the evident unwillingness of some countries to enforce the measures. My Government wishes to reiterate its support for the return to power of the constitutionally elected Government of Haiti and calls upon the international community to continue to support the restoration of Haiti's democracy. The international community is now reasonably expecting greater United Nations involvement in the maintenance of global peace and security. At the same time, more attention and resources are expected to be focused on the economic, social, cultural and humanitarian needs of the developing countries. My delegation wishes to encourage greater efforts to realize the benefits of peace dividends and to channel them towards those needs. The Government of Grenada is cognizant of the challenging efforts at revitalization being undertaken throughout the United Nations system so as to increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness. We anticipate that this revitalization will emphasize the priorities of the countries most in need the developing countries. We are convinced that the regional economic commissions are in a good position to deal with a wide range of development issues and should thus be given greater autonomy in the implementation of regional programmes. (Mr. Pursoo. C r e n e l The financial difficulties confronting the United Nations are of deep concern to Grenada, as I am sure they are to many Member States. We recognize the importance of a financially strong United Nations with the capacity to deal effectively with problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character, to promote peace, security, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. At the same time, it is true that many Governments are experiencing severe difficulties in meeting their primary financial obligations. It is hardly the time for additional commitments due to reckless causes and senseless conflicts. As we approach the end of the International Decade of Disabled Persons, we must acknowledge that too little has been done to enable disabled persons to see themselves as equal citizens. In this regard my Government takes this opportunity to encourage measures aimed at enhancing the fuller participation and welfare of didsabled persons in their respective societies. Despite the tremendous amount of work to be done in order to build and consolidate democracy and improve the standard of living for peoples everywhere, Grenada believe that, with the collective efforts of all States and the purposeful involvement of the United Nations, our aspirations will be achieved. Mr. SIPASEUTH (Lao People's Democratic Republic) (spoke in Lao; interpretation from French text furnished by the delegation): Mr. President, on behalf of the delegation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, I wish to congratulate you on your election to the presidency of the forty-seventh session of the General Assembly. I am convinced that you will brilliantly fulfil the important mission conferred upon you by the Assembly. I also wish to express sincerest congratulations to the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who has assumed his office and high responsibilities at a time when the world situation requires that the United Nations play an important role. We cannot miss this opportunity to pay a special tribute to his predecessor. His Excellency Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, for his active contribution to the defence of our Organization's cause. We warmly welcome the presence among us of new Members: the Republic of Armenia, the Azerbaijani Republic, the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Georgia, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Moldova, the Republic of San Marino, the Republic of Slovenia, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan. Their admission is an important step towards the universality of our Organization. The global situation is in a state of profound change, both complex and full of new promise. With the breakup of the Eastern bloc, military and nuclear confrontation have progressively waned. None the less, numerous civil conflicts, ethnic struggles, religious clashes and border conflicts continue to disturb many countries of the world, thus seriously threatening international peace, stability and security. All of this not withdstanding, it must be noted that the world climate is evolving towards co-operation, development and the settlement of global problems, including those related to poverty, to misery and to the environment. In the changing world in which the new international order is beginning to take shape, the United Nations must play a central role in the collective effort to define this new order, which should respond equitably to the rights and interests of all countries and peoples without discrimination and must be based on the principles of peaceful coexistence and those of the United Nations Charter. It is therefore necessary to revitalize, restructure and democratize the United Nations if we want the Organization to be capable of the tasks that lie ahead in this new era. We are still in an uncertain world characterized by many problems and conflicts in different regions. In Europe, the situation prevailing in former Yugoslavia continues to deteriorate dangerously. It is a major source of concern for the international community, as well as a threat to regional and global peace and security. The international community must take appropriate measures to put an end to that ethnic conflict in order to restore peace, security and normal life to that part of the world. In South Africa, despite certain political reforms the foundations of the apartheid system remain intact. The Pretoria regime continues to resort to violence to repress the black population, while the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC) is forcefully and constructively pursuing its struggle for the triumph of its just cause. The Lao Government fully associates itself with the international community in its efforts to support the struggle of the great majority of that people in order to make South Africa a democratic and non-racial country. In the Middle East, the situation remains tense and precarious. Israel is perpetuating its occupation of Palestinian territory and of the other Arab territories. We reaffirm the view that every effort for peace now under way (Mr. Sipaseuth. Lao People's Democratic Republic) with a view to a just, comprehensive and lasting solution in the Middle East, at the heart of which is the question of Palestine, should work towards rapid implementation of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and the other resolutions of the United Nations calling for Israel's withdrawal from all occupied Arab lands, as well as recognition of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. In the Persian Gulf, following the end of the war peace and security have not yet been established because of threats of and attempts at further hostilities. (Mr. Sipaseuth. Lao People's Democratic Republic) In Western Asia, Afghanistan remains a theatre of civil war. The international community must appeal to all the parties concerned to put an immediate end to their conflicts in order to achieve national harmony among Afghans and to establish political, economic and social stability. In the Korean peninsula, the signing of the North-South Accord on Reconciliation, Non-Aggression and Exchanges and the Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea has contributed to promoting mutual understanding and trust. It has opened up a new prospect for peace, stability and cooperation in the Korean peninsula and strengthened peace and security in the North-East Asian region and in the rest of the world. In the South-East Asian region, in spite of certain factors of instability, the situation as a whole is moving towards peace, stability, cooperation and development in the interest of the peoples of the entire region. In this context, inspired by the desire to strengthen relations of friendship and cooperation with neighbouring countries, the Lao Government, applying its consistent foreign policy based on the five principles of peaceful coexistence, signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation with the Kingdom of Thailand, became a party to the Treaty of Bali of 1976. It has j also become an Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) observer. It will continue to work firmly for fruitful cooperation in South-East Asia, with a view to promoting the progress and prosperity of the region, thus contributing to promoting peace and development the world over. (Mr. Sipaseuth. Lao People's Democratic Republic) As regards the question of Cambodia, the signing of the Paris Agreements of 23 October 1991 laid the foundations for a comprehensive political settlement to the conflict, making it possible to put an end to the suffering endured by the Cambodian people during a long period of civil war and to establish peace and tranguillity in the noble land of Angkor. Complete compliance with, and implementation of, these Agreements is required to meet the aspirations and the interests of the Cambodian people. In my own country, the implementation of our policy of renewal has led to important successes. Political stability and social order are solidly guaranteed. Democracy and the right of collective decision-making by the people have developed steadily in accordance with our level of economic and social development and the customs of the country. The adoption last year by the National Assembly of the first Constitution of the Republic makes it possible for our country to move progressively towards a State of law. In the framework of that policy we are focusing all our efforts on freeing the country of underdevelopment. To this end we have encouraged foreign investment, intensified cooperation with other countries and taken advantage of all economic sectors employing market-economy mechanisms in order to tap all our national potential and to improve the physical and spiritual living conditions of our people. The world economy is in a state of uncertainty. Last year it experienced the first global recession since the 1940s. Moreover, the recovery remains weak and precarious. The developing countries continue to suffer from coercive economic policies and practices. The stifling burden of foreign (Mr. Sipaseuth. Lao People's Democratic Republic) debt, the decline in resources allocated to development, the deterioration of the terms of trade, the worsening of the outflow of capital, the drop in commodity prices, the rise in protectionism and limited access to modern technology all obstruct their economic progress at a time when reforms and readjustments are under way. Since the world economy is a single entity whose components are interdependent and interrelated, it is urgently necessary indeed, crucial to develop a new world consensus and to obtain a commitment to the strengthening of international cooperation, and in particular the revitalization of the economic growth and development of the developing countries, in order successfully to implement the economic strategy of the Fourth United Nations Development Decade, 1991-2000. One of the most important issues related to development is that of the environment, which is at the forefront of our international concerns. Climate change, air, sea and ocean pollution, desertification and the depletion of the ozone layer have all had a negative impact on our lives and on the future of mankind. In this respect, we believe that the recent United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, which was held in Rio de Janeiro, laid the foundations of international agreement on cooperation aimed at integrating the environment into all development activities. It will therefore be up to the United Nations and its specialized agencies to implement effectively Agenda 21. At the same time, the aspirations of the international community to a better guality of life and social progress have become more pressing and increasingly important. In fact, protection of the environment, promotion (Mr. Sipaseuth. Lao People's Democratic Republic) of economic growth and development, and the eradication of poverty are mutually reinforcing and require a new global partnership. In this framework, we are awaiting with interest the planned convening of the World Summit for Social Development. The problem of the illicit traffic in narcotic drugs remains a source of global concern. The struggle against this scourge requires concerted, strong action by all countries. For its part, in order to contribute to the international effort the Lao Government has cooperated in the sphere of integrated rural development with certain interested countries, especially neighbouring countries, as well as with international organizations, including the United Nations International Drug Control Programme, and we are prepared to continue this cooperation. In conclusion, the Lao delegation wishes to assure the President, Mr. Stoyan Ganev of Bulgaria, of its complete cooperation. We will work in a constructive spirit with other delegations to contribute to the success of this session of the General Assembly. (Mr. Sipaseuth. Lao People's Democratic Republic) Mr. HURST (Antigua and Barbuda): Exactly 500 years ago, in 1492, two worlds collided. That collision completely altered the fate of human civilization and the destinies of the two peoples involved. One people achieved ascending heights; the other virtually disappeared. What remains of the indigenous populations of the Caribbean, or much of the "new world", serves as a measurement of man's ability to be brutish in the pursuit of wealth. My Caribbean island country has been more than a witness of change in the 500-year decline, transformation and recreation of the region. From conquest through slavery, from colonial hegemony to political independence, Antigua and Barbuda has been a maker of history in the Caribbean and, indeed, in the larger region. In 1992, however, our country stands, with the rest of the world, on the threshold of yet another momentous collision. This time the collision is between human civilization and nature; this time there are no ascending heights; this time humanity itself could disappear. For 500 years, from Columbus to Rio, our forests and our oceans, our air and our lands - the Earth's gifts to humanity have been wrongly regarded as inexhaustible and unchanging. "If Columbus uncovered our Earth's expanse, Rio revealed its limits." Humanity, all agree, cannot march along on its present course for another 500 years. In fact, humanity cannot proceed with business as usual for even another 100 years. Island countries, like my own and others in the Caribbean and in the Pacific, stand in real danger of being submerged by swollen oceans. Moreover, global warming, insidious climate change, ozone-layer depletion, the loss of forests and other dangers threaten humanity's very existence. Dramatic changes in the systems of production, distribution and disposal are required of the industrialized countries if we are to save ourselves. Developed countries cannot consume the Earth's resources at current rates; developing countries cannot be made to languish in the dusty exhaust of rapidly accelerating technological societies. Sustainable development that takes account of environmental costs must begin to guide humanity's technological future. Only the United Nations and its General Assembly can construct the new world which, in Rio, this family of nations agreed to commence building immediately. It is thus fitting that, in 1992, a representative of Bulgaria has been selected to preside over the General Assembly at its forth-seventh session. His nation is taking part in a great regional experiment, the outcome of which is sure to influence the course of human civilization worldwide. Antigua and Barbuda hails Bulgaria for its courage, and I pledge the full support of my delegation for the President throughout the forty-seventh session of the General Assembly. Permit me to applaud the outgoing President, Mr. Samir Shihabi of Saudi Arabia, for his unfailing efforts to bring reform to the United Nations and for his diligence during Saudi Arabia's year-long tenure. This community owes Mr. Shihabi a debt that can be repaid only through a continuous effort to strengthen the General Assembly during the coming years. We must focus our efforts on economic, social and humanitarian matters with no less vigour than is currently directed at political and security concerns. Antigua and Barbuda can be relied upon to promote the multilateral approach to problem solving, confident that multilateralism will always prove to be superior. In that regard, it may be recalled that when we commenced the forty-sixth session of the General Assembly one year ago Haiti was free. The first (Mr. Hurst. Antigua and Barbuda) democratically elected President of Haiti stood at this podium. The United Nations had contributed to the ending of tyranny in the Caribbean's oldest but poorest Republic, and all delegations celebrated with President Aristide. Ten days after President Aristide"s triumphant declaration in this Hall, tyranny once again raised its ugly head in our sister Caribbean isle. The military plotters who brutally seized power in Haiti one year ago are still on their perch. But this Assembly will never rest until democracy is restored and Haiti's people are again free. Antigua and Barbuda, working within the framework established by the Organization of American States, will continue to press for the expansion of sanctions in order to isolate further the military regime in Haiti and to return Haiti to democracy. If we do not succeed quickly in Haiti, the United Nations will risk tarnishing its well-earned reputation for being able to tackle exceedingly complex problems in extremely violent situations in other corners of the globe. In South Africa, for example. United Nations sanctions have assisted in bringing the apartheid regime to the negotiating table. It was 46 years ago, in 1946, that India brought the question of apartheid in South Africa to the attention of the United Nations; today, 179 Member States are anxious to see legalized racism exorcized from the body politic. Twelve weeks ago, when the Security Council convened to seek a solution to the violence in South Africa, my delegation gave notice to the racist regime that any attempt on its part to delay the establishment of democracy in South Africa by fomenting violence would cause us to press for the reintroduction of the sanctions that had been relaxed. We repeat our pledge today. While they praise the courage of those who have entered into constitutional talks, my countrymen will never lose sight of the fact that apartheid is an evil whose demise the world's peoples eagerly await. Until apartheid is eliminated. South Africa will continue to be excluded from this family of nations. Antigua and Barbuda takes this opportunity to welcome to our family the 12 newly independent nations that have emerged with the end of the cold war and the collapse of an empire. Island countries in the Caribbean gained their independence, beginning 30 years ago, during the decline of another empire. It is thus with a shared sense of exhilaration that we welcome Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Moldova, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to membership of the United Nations. It may be too late to caution our new Members to avoid the pitfalls of fierce nationalism and unharnessed ethnic rivalry. Both inevitably lead to fractious and violent turmoil, which, we know, surely end without victors. All multiracial and multi-ethnic societies must learn to settle historic and current differences peacefully. Notwithstanding the domestic discord which may obtain following the arrival of independence, small nations which dwell in the geopolitical shadow of a giant must be forever diligent in protecting their sovereignty. The United Nations, fostering as it does respect for international law, remains the most certain guarantor of a small nation's independence. Knowing the importance of the United Nations, therefore, we work towards fashioning a system which responds favourably to the interests of even the least among equals. Our world parliament cannot become, and must not ever appear to have become, the handmaiden of a few powerful Member States. The integrity of the United Nations lies in the ability of even its smallest Member to participate meaningfully in shaping United Nations policy. Antigua and Barbuda thus welcomes San Marino to membership in this our family of nations. As our smallest Member State, San Marino bears a special responsibility to pronounce on the responsiveness of the United Nations to the initiatives of the less powerful. Antigua and Barbuda pledges its fullest co-operation with the delegation of San Marino, now and in the future. We also congratulate the Secretary-General, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, on demonstrating a willingness to speak boldly concerning matters to which insufficient attention has been paid. United Nations leadership must chart a course which promotes peace, justice and freedom wherever these cherished human values are in danger of disappearing. The danger to cherished human values is also manifested in underdevelopment. Island developing countries, and other small countries, must look increasingly to the multilateral institutions for varied assistance in finding solutions to vexing problems. The United Nations system cannot reduce its economic and social development roles without adversely affecting prevailing material conditions. Notwithstanding this admonition, our experience confirms that development is also greatly influenced by good governance and the intelligent use of scarce resources, including investment capital. While we have relied and will continue to rely on ourselves to provide good governance, our investment capital has to be imported. Our small size, however, puts us at the mercy of the major capital markets, over which Antigua and Barbuda, like other small countries, exercises not one iota of control. The United Nations, aware of the special disadvantages that are inherent in the small island developing country, must respond in a manner which appropriately reflects these circumstances. My delegation thus takes this opportunity to commend highly the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Its funding of, and support for, a number of beneficial projects within my region earns it great applause. However, we continue to object to the use of the per capita gross national product (GNP) device for determining development status and funding eligibility of small island countries. For large countries, the device is perfect. It was devised with large countries in mind. But when applied to a small island country, the per capita GNP device results in a distortion. The measurement device fails to take into account the much higher cost per person which small populations incur for routine services that are provided at minimal cost to large populations, even large populations in poor countries. It fails to reflect the inherent inability of our embryonic manufacturing industries to penetrate major markets because their production (Mr. Hurst. Antigua and Barbuda) levels reflect small size. It fails to reward good governance and sacrifice, preferring instead to believe the fiction that a well-run small island developing country has graduated, is developed and, hence, in need of no assistance because a distorted per capita GNP device so determines. We are flattered to be regarded as developed, but that characterization is inaccurate. We reject the per capita GNP device and therefore call for the use of more reliable indicators when assistance to small island developing countries is contemplated. In projects relating to improvement of the environment, small island developing countries have been successful in persuading their larger partners to accept the fact that their unique vulnerabilities require special consideration. In this regard, Antigua and Barbuda, in its country report to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), identified high-priority areas pertaining to its heritage resources that require special assistance. It is our hope that the UNDP and its capacity 21 funding mechanism will be persuaded to acknowledge our special needs. Antigua and Barbuda applauds the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) for its very compelling promotion of the rights of women. It takes no special effort for my small island developing country to recognize that successful development requires the unhindered contribution of every able-bodied adult, regardless of gender. The elimination of de facto discrimination against women is therefore of paramount importance in my country and my region. UNIFEM, an active partner in the development process, can rely upon Antigua and Barbuda's solid commitment to its universal objective of empowering women in order to strengthen development and to ensure that justice is gender-blind. (Mr. Hurst. Antioua and Barbuda) The injustices heaped upon the heads of the world's indigenous peoples must also quickly cease. To that end, the United Nations has declared 1993 the International Year for the World's Indigenous People. In December 1993 progress made will be measured by deeds, not words. National legislation and funded projects which are intended to ensure the continued survival of the indigenous peoples that inhabit remote corners of the Earth must be in place. Having lost the indigenous Arawaks and Caribs of Antigua and Barbuda beginning in 1492, my country is duty-bound to ensure that powerless indigenous people who have inhabited the lands of their ancestors for many millennia are adequately protected by the United Nations. Each year, Antigua and Barbuda brings to the attention of the Assembly the state of affairs prevailing on Earth's last uninhabited continent Antarctica. Last year, we applauded when the 26 voting members of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties entered into a binding agreement forbidding mining and oil exploration on Antarctica for 50 years, until the year 2040. Although the agreement successfully curbs this generation's cupidity, we believe that Antarctica must never become the possession of large States only. Transforming Antarctica into a world park or protected area under the umbrella of United Nations control would be a more certain guarantee of its preservation. During the past year, more human beings died of starvation and violence in Somalia than the entire population of my country. Tens of thousands more will die in the coming months by self-inflicted violence complicated by the ravages of nature. The United Nations, recognizing the desperation of Somalia's 4.5 million people, must further increase its efforts to find a solution to the crisis. On the question of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Nations has spared no effort to end the crisis. The European Community is apparently determined that some crises require more than a regional response. Those of us from Latin America and the Caribbean, whose regional organization has addressed the intractable question of Haiti with little success, have the benefit of the European experience as a guide. My country rejoices with the Central American countries as peace blankets their region. The sound of working hands has replaced the sound of working guns, we are told. If future civil war is to be prevented, however, the economic systems which prevail in Central America must become far more inclusive: the sharing of wealth must result in more than a trickle going to the poor. The trickling flow of peace in the Middle East is most heart-warming. Antigua and Barbuda applauds the Israelis and the Palestinians for finally sitting down together and negotiating their future. It is our hope that, soon, Israel will be allowed to exist within secure and accepted borders and that the Palestinians will have a sovereign State of their own. We rejoice at the wave of peace which has engulfed Lebanon. Despite the unresolved problems, which the electoral system has attempted to address, Lebanon is facing the future with a certainty of peace that has eluded it for more than a decade. A land as beautiful, as culturally diverse and as full of so many warm people as is Lebanon must pledge to enter the twenty-first century at peace with itself. My delegation concludes by recalling that the modern history of our peaceful Caribbean began 500 years ago when another world collided with it. The pursuit of accumulated wealth which propelled one world towards the other remains the motive force of the dominant civilization of today. Yet, complex webs have been weaved into this underlying theme, which even a small country, a small place, like mine can take credit in reshaping. (Mr. Hurst. Antigua and Barbuda) For example, on 3 October 1736, exactly 256 years ago this year, an unsuccessful slave revolution took place in Antigua. The leaders of that revolution are the heroes of the freedom-loving people of Antigua and Barbuda. In 1736, our heroes attempted to destroy a wicked system which guaranteed the most certain accumulation of wealth at the expense of human misery. By our own choosing, therefore, Antiguans and Barbudans of today, the descendants of those slaves and those slave-masters, have declared that in our hierarchy of values freedom is superior to all else. In 1992, the human being, not wealth accumulation, is at the centre of development and civilization. Yet, our countries are now engaged in a great debate about the future, and the United Nations General Assembly is the platform. The importance of keeping the entire United Nations system from becoming homogenized in its thinking is most important at a time when the emerging new world order is being shaped increasingly by a single Power. Our task is not merely to express a differing point of view, but to demonstrate in a concrete manner that the raison d'etre of the civilization of the next 500 years has not yet been decided. In fact, given the threat to the very existence of small islands from rising sea levels, violent hurricanes, hazardous-waste disposal and other looming environmental calamities, the burden of defining the future may very likely fall upon the thinkers and actors from these most vulnerable, small countries. Indeed, our Prime Minister, the Right Honourable V. C. Bird, has frequently said that small size does not mean small minds or the absence of grand ideas. And so, my countrymen and I, having learned well the lessons of our history, shall continue to do all in our power at this United Nations and elsewhere to influence the future. We shall rely upon our collective wisdom. the strength of our institutions, the vitality of our youth, and the will of our leadership to exercise that influence. Our very existence reguires success; and so we shall succeed.
On behalf
of my country and Government, I should like first of all to convey our
congratulations to Mr. Ganev on his election to the presidency of the United
Nations General Assembly at its forty-seventh session. His competence and the
wealth of experience he has acquired during his career as a diplomat in the
service of his country, Bulgaria which enjoys great prestige on the
international scene constitute, for the members of the Assembly, a sure
guarantee for the success of our work.
My delegation particularly welcomes this choice of President because our
two countries have good relations, which are marked, among other things, by
the massive assistance which his country gave to the heroic liberation
struggle of our people and of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea
and Cape Verde (PAIGC) against colonialism. Because of this, I should like
here and now to assure him of my delegation's cooperation in carrying out the
lofty mission the Assembly has just entrusted to him.
My delegation offers its congratulations and expresses its gratitude to
Mr. Samir Shihabi, who, with great talent, wisdom and efficiency, guided the
work of the forty-sixth session. We wish him every success in his future
endeavours.
Our congratulations and our thanks also go to the Secretary-General of
the United Nations, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, for his tireless, constant,
clear-sighted and successful efforts to safeguard peace and security the world
over. We also pay tribute to the Secretary-General's dedication, to his
visionary ability and his capacity to act, and, particularly, to his concern
for preserving the prestige and the effectiveness of the United Nations in all
circumstances.
To his predecessor, Mr. Perez de Cuellar, who worked relentlessly for the
renewal of the United Nations system, the establishment of international peace
and security and development, we extend all our congratulations and a ringing
tribute for the work he accomplished in the service of the international
community. We wish him also every success in his future endeavours.
The admission of new Members is an important stage in attaining the
universality of the Organization, thereby enabling it to undertake greater
action and giving it greater dynamism to achieve its objectives. That is why
the Republic of Guinea-Bissau welcomes with joy the new Members that have
joined our great family since the forty-sixth session. The delegation of the
Republic of Guinea-Bissau congratulates all those countries.
The forty-seventh session is being held at a time when international
relations have been given a new momentum for progress and dynamism; and this,
thanks to far-reaching changes taking place in the world.
The Secretary-General, at the request of the Security Council, has
submitted to us a report entitled, "An Agenda for Peace" (A/47/277), in which
he refers quite rightly to the concept of preventive diplomacy and the idea of
the maintenance, strengthening and consolidation of peace throughout the
world. The Republic of Guinea-Bissau supports these initiatives.
This new dynamic which today characterizes international relations,
henceforth freed from the cold war, is a source of great hope for stability
and opens up prospects for peace, understanding and cooperation which have
enabled the United Nations to help in taking concrete initiatives for settling
many conflicts.
Yes, the world today has undergone extraordinary change. Everywhere the
movement in favour of better democratization and of respect for basic human
rights is emerging. We know that such claims will go unheeded if they are not
accompanied by the same vital movement for prosperity and well-being.
Furthermore, a number of important and dramatic events have afflicted us in
recent times and have led us to be pessimistic. I am convinced that today, as
in the past, the Assembly will be able to find its bearings again.
The situation in southern Africa is hardly improving in spite of the
announcement of reforms that will put an end to the system of apartheid. In
view of recent developments in that country we are still concerned. However
we are following with great interest measures to abolish segregationist laws
adopted by the South African Government and we urge it to continue
negotiations with the anti-apartheid movements for the final elimination of
the apartheid system in that country where the overwhelming majority of the
population still does not have the right to vote, to decide its own future and
freely choose its leaders.
Inter-ethnic violence caused and maintained by certain backward-looking
forces continues to bring the country bloodshed and affliction. My delegation
invites the international community to maintain pressure on the South African
Government so that the process that has begun may lead to the total
elimination of apartheid and to the establishment of a democratic and
multiracial society.
The Assembly is certainly aware of the fraternal links of friendship
which bind the people of Guinea-Bissau to the brother people of Angola. That
is why the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, its people and its Government were
overjoyed at the peace process which has begun in that country and which has
led to the establishment of a multiparty system and of democratic, free and
universal elections.
For the Angolan people new prospects have opened up enabling it to
undertake the reconstruction and development of its sorely-tried homeland. On
this occasion of celebrating peace and regained harmony the Government of
Guinea-Bissau reiterates its fraternal feelings of solidarity and its wishes
for prosperity for Angola.
We earnestly hope that the peace process in Mozambique will have the same
outcome and that the international community might soon be able to celebrate
the end of the painful fate into which the civil war has plunged that
country. We encourage the Mozambican Government to continue along the path of
dialogue and we exhort RENAMO to show good will in order to allow for the
speedy establishment of peace in that country so sorely tried by so many years
of violence.
In Western Sahara we hope that the necessary conditions will quickly be
met so that a referendum on self-determination under the aegis of the United
Nations might be held as soon as possible in order to establish a lasting
climate of peace and security in that region.
In Liberia as well, the efforts of the Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS) to create an atmosphere that would lead to a normalization of
the political situation and to the holding of democratic elections, have,
unfortunately, not yet borne fruit. We reiterate our appeal to the warring
parties, especially the National Patriotic Forces of Liberia, to comply
scrupulously with the Yamoussoukro agreements, especially the agreement
reached on 30 October 1991.
The quest for a dynamic solution for a global settlement of the problems
of that country are based on essential respect for the rights of all. It does
(Mr. Toure. Guinea-Bissau)
not depend only on the willingness of States and people in the region; it must
also commit all of us who, for various reasons, have an impact on the
behaviour of the various protagonists so that there might be a lasting and
just peace.
Somalia has become a field of carnage and of constant concern to the
international community. For some time now we have been seeing a fratricidal
civil war with disastrous consequences for that country and its defenceless
civilian population. The Assembly, a forum for heightening awareness and a
court of appeal, will not fail to ask the international community to give more
coherent and concrete assistance in the face of this new development in order
to bring this bloody and outrageous conflict to an end. We appeal most
urgently to the parties involved in the conflict to comply with the agreements
signed in Djibouti and to agree to mitigate the sufferings of that brave
people. The Republic of Guinea-Bissau, for its part, supports any proposal to
find a peaceful solution to this conflict as soon as possible.
In the Horn of Africa there is also Ethiopia, the authorities of which we
would like to encourage to continue the dialogue begun for lasting peace and
security in that country and in the region.
In the Middle East, we are convinced that peace is possible if the
parties to the conflict are imbued with the necessary political will.
Guinea-Bissau hopes that a rapid, negotiated solution might be found to the
problem of the Middle East so that the peoples of that region might be able to
live in peace. The Palestinian people are however entitled to a homeland, to
a sovereign State, within secure and internationally acknowledged borders. My
country therefore supports and encourages all the initiatives undertaken to
restore peace between the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.
We welcome the prospects opened up for the restoration of peace and
security in Lebanon. The whole world admires the courage of the Lebanese and
I am certain that the whole world will help them to bring about the triumph of
their ideas. The Lebanese people will find a source of justified pride in
this.
(Mr. Toure. Guinea-Bissau)
In Cambodia, new prospects for a lasting peace were opened after the
negotiations. One of the most recent prospects is the organization of free
elections, being prepared with the welcome assistance of the United Nations,
which we should like to commend and encourage. We believe and hope that the
organization of these free and democratic elections will put an end to the
long years of suffering endured by the heroic people of Cambodia.
As to the question of East Timor, the Republic of Guinea-Bissau is hoping
for an acceptable and speedy peaceful conclusion to this serious problem,
which is a source of concern to us. The Maubere people must regain its
legitimate right to self-determination and independence, if it so wishes. I
repeat: if it so wishes. That is why we welcome the high-level meeting of
delegations of Portugal and Indonesia under the auspices of the United Nations
with a view to finding the necessary framework for a settlement suitable to
all the parties to the conflict. We should like to assure all the parties
involved in the process of seeking a favourable and speedy outcome of the
conflict of our availability and support.
In spite of their admission to the United Nations, the two Koreas have
yet to find common ground for the reunification of the great Korean nation.
The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is privileged to have good economic and
diplomatic relations with the two Koreas - north and south. That is why we
appeal to them to continue negotiations for the speedy reunification of the
great Korean homeland.
Similarly, the Republic of Guinea-Bissau urges the Cypriot communities to
continue negotiations, with the assistance of the Secretary-General, for a
peaceful settlement of the Cypriot conflict.
(Mr. Toure. Guinea-Bissau)
The Republic of Guinea-Bissau, again within the context of the quest for
peace and harmony among nations, has undertaken diplomatic relations of
cooperation and friendship with all countries throughout the world that
fervently seek peace and justice.
Guided by this thinking, we also maintain diplomatic relations of
cooperation and friendship with the Republic of China (Taiwan). That is why
we support and endorse the reference made to that country by the President of
Nicaragua from this rostrum.
In this regard, we pay a well-deserved tribute to the valuable assistance
given to my country's development efforts by another country from the
developing world the Republic of China whose economic performance, which
now puts it among the major economic Powers of the world, is in many regards
exemplary.
In Latin America, we welcome and support the peace process begun under
United Nations auspices for the restoration of security and stability in that
region.
Since the developments of 30 September in Haiti, President Aristide, the
constitutionally elected President, and his Government are still waiting to
take up their legitimate places, to which they are entitled. The
international community and the Organization of American States should help
them in that regard. Guinea-Bissau, which hopes for a peaceful and speedy
settlement of that conflict, urges all the parties involved to heed reason and
to respect the basic rights of the Haitian people.
The growing tension and conflict in Central and Eastern Europe are
jeopardizing international peace and security.
(Mr. Toure. Guinea-Bissau)
Guinea-Bissau is anxiously following the evolution of the situation in
the former Yugoslavia. Each day we deplore the violence and the hatred in the
confrontations that have cost so many human lives. That is why the Republic
of Guinea-Bissau commends the initiatives and the efforts of the United
Nations, through its Secretary-General, and of the European Economic Community
with a view to achieving a peaceful solution to the inter-ethnic conflict.
The successful missions already conducted and the restored confidence in
the Organization give solid grounds for satisfaction and, above all, for
hope. The Republic of Guinea-Bissau hopes that all those involved in conflict
will rediscover the virtues of dialogue and cooperation, which are the only
arms that lead to peace.
The Government of General Joao Bernardo Viera, President of the Council
of State of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, has committed all of Guinea-Bissau
to a process of pluralist democratization and to the establishment of a State
of law, as well as to the improvement and recovery of the economy, with a view
to greater social justice.
The process of democratization now under way in Guinea-Bissau is
perceived everywhere as the clear sign of fundamental change, whose goal is
justice, social stability and greater well-being. So that it can be effective
and practical, this process is based on my country's historical social and
cultural realities.
In our view, the recent adoption of our Electoral Law narrows the gap
between the aspirations of our people and reality, and gives all citizens the
means to express themselves freely and indeed to be free. The progressive
(Mr. Toure. Guinea-Bissau)
disengagement of the State from the industrial and commercial sector, the
encouragement of private initiative, the promotion of private property and the
creation of conditions of social stability, unity and national cohesion are at
the heart of these transformations now taking place in our country.
However, experience has shown that the attainment of democratic
objectives in African countries is necessarily accompanied by some degree of
problems and of questioning. The determination to democratize is
unfortunately facing difficulties that stem from the implementation of
structural adjustment policies, which, it should be stressed, do not have the
expected donor support. This situation worsens the state of impoverishment
and the feeling of frustration of our peoples. The dependence of
Guinea-Bissau, in particular, and of African States, in general, on
international agencies and bilateral partners is thereby strengthened.
There can be no doubt that we are at a uniquely decisive and historic
stage in which all efforts must converge to strengthen the positive trends
that we have observed and to make them irreversible and give a new dimension
to the relations between parties and States. This new trend which today
characterizes international relations bears the hope of stability and has
opened up prospects of peace and understanding.
Guinea-Bissau has, in every instance, endeavoured to work in its foreign
relations towards a policy based on confidence, dialogue and harmony.
The process of democratic openness begun in Guinea-Bissau and the
resulting economic liberalization require the constant support of the
international community. This democratic process deserves to be supported,
because there can be no real democracy without development. It is therefore
clear that a democracy which is not founded on a solid economic base is but an
illusion.
It is virtually impossible today to discuss international relations
without recalling, with sadness, the seriousness of the economic crisis of the
developing countries in general and of the African countries in particular.
The decline in export earnings, foreign debt and the inadeguacy of resources
for development, compounded by natural disasters, have served to further
deteriorate socio-economic conditions in many countries.
The United Nations has become aware of this situation and has adopted the
Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development for our
benefit. None the less, the objectives sought have not been attained. The
response of the developed countries and of international economic and
financial institutions has not been commensurate with their commitments,
though most of the African countries have agreed to carry out the reforms
imposed upon them.
Africa remains ready, however, to reaffirm its commitment to apply the
necessary tranformation policies, as evidenced, inter alia, by the adoption of
the African Charter for Popular Participation in Development and
Transformation, and the proposals made as a result of the final assessment of
the Programme. The new framework for cooperation must ensure sufficient
resources; debt reduction and cancellation; and the adoption of lasting
solutions to commodities problems, in the hope that the agreement thus reached
will receive the full support of Africa's partners.
(Mr. Toure. Guinea-Bissau)
In spite of the truly commendable efforts made by the African Governments
in the framework of implementing programmes of structural adjustment, our
economic situation and living conditions are becoming increasingly difficult.
The Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development,
1986 to 1990, which had given rise to such hopes, unfortunately has not
responded to the legitimate concerns of the African peoples and leaders for
growth and for viable economic and social development.
The approaches taken thus far to finding a solution to the serious
problem of debt, while encouraging in certain respects, are far from
responding to the real economic concerns of the developing countries. The
search for a solution to the foreign-debt problem of the developing countries
must not only involve a further strengthening of solidarity in the
international community and shared responsibility between creditors and
debtors, but must also take into account the growth objective of the
developing countries.
As we noted earlier, the world is experiencing extraordinary change.
Everywhere, the trend towards greater democratization and towards respect for
fundamental human rights is in evidence. But we know that these demands will
go unheeded if they are not accompanied by an equally vital drive towards
well-being and prosperity.
Furthermore, the international community must give special attention to
the implementation of the Declaration and Programme of Action for the Least
Developed Countries for the 1990s, adopted at the Paris Conference, which
remains a charter for us all.
We make a pressing appeal to the international community that urgent and
appropriate action be taken with a view to the adoption of a consistent
programme of cooperation for the development of the developing countries, and
above all, of Africa, an almost forgotten continent.
In this respect, my delegation welcomes the initiative of the Japanese
Government to convene once again in 1993 a summit conference on the
development of Africa, as well as the French proposal, made by President
Francois Mitterrand, to convene a high-level meeting on social development.
The course charted by our countries towards greater freedom and democracy
supports the concept expressed in the "Human Development Report" recently
published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which recommends
"a participative form of development in which the human being is placed at the
center of the decision-making process".
In this context, we are gratified by and we unreservedly support the
decision to convene a World Conference on Human Rights as planned for 1993 in
Vienna.
Along these same lines, women in Guinea-Bissau participated equally with
men in the liberation struggle in our country. At the same time, they fought
to win their freedom and emancipation.
It is for all these reasons that my Government unreservedly supports the
World Conference on Women, to be held in 1995. This long-awaited Conference
wil provide an opportunity to review at a very high level the problems of
women in the world.
Sustainable and lasting economic and social development can only be
achieved in the context of a healthy environment. In our opinion, the Rio
Conference was a success, but the implementation of the decisions reached in
that important and high-level forum will be even more decisive. After the
holding of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, we
(Mr. Toure. Guinea-Bissau)
focus our hopes today on the Commission on Sustainable Development, which is
to meet at the ministerial level, and whose task it will be to follow up the
implementation of the programmes contained in Agenda 21 and to see to it that
they are implemented in an integrated manner.
In that connection, may I, on behalf of my delegation, extend our warmest
congratulations and sincerest thanks to Mr. Maurice Strong for the remarkable
work that he accomplished at the head of a team whose dynamism, expertise and
effectiveness are today recognized by all delegations. Mr. Strong's tireless
efforts throughout the preparatory process as well as his personal commitment
to the noble task assigned to him by the international community were the best
guarantee of the historic success of the Rio de Janeiro Conference. It is our
hope and our belief that he is among the best-qualified people, if not the
best-qualified person, to guide the initial steps of the secretariat of that
Commission. This is certainly vital to ensure the effective implementation
and prompt follow-up of the commitments reached in Rio.
In this connection, the secretariat of the Commission on Sustainable
Development will necessarily require an identifiable structure. Its staff
must be highly gualified and conform to an equitable geographical
distribution, and it must base itself on the experience acquired in the United
Nations Conference on Environment and Development preparatory process.*
May I begin by extending to you. Sir, on behalf
of my delegation and on my own behalf, warmest congratulations on your
well-deserved election to the presidency of the United Nations General
Assembly at its forty-seventh session. We are confident that under your
leadership our deliberations will be fruitful.
Allow me also to express our admiration for the very able and dynamic
manner in which your predecessor, Mr. Samir Shihabi, guided the work of the
last session. His stewardship of the Assembly at a most crucial juncture in
mankind's history has left an indelible mark on the institution of the
presidency.
The delegation of Myanmar notes with appreciation the remarkable
achievements of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in the brief
period since his assumption of his high office. This world Organization is
fortunate to have at its helm a statesman of his stature and experience at
this moment in history. He heads our Organization at a time when it is not
only seized of momentous peace-keeping operations but also challenged by
uncertainties in several parts of the world. May I assure him of the full
support of the delegation of Myanmar.
I should also like to take this opportunity to express our deep
appreciation to Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, the former Secretary-General, for
the wise and skilful manner in which he led our Organization through difficult
and trying times.
Within a short span of 10 months our Organization has grown rapidly with
the addition of 13 new Members. The delegation of Myanmar warmly welcomes
them to our midst.
The admittance of those new Members to the United Nations reflects the
significant changes taking place in contemporary international life and has
brought the United Nations closer to achieving universality of membership. We
feel sure that the new Members will have positive contributions to make to our
Organization.
This session of the General Assembly takes place in an international
environment that is markedly different from that which existed even a year
ago. Although the end of the cold war has effectively ended ideological
posturing and has led to renewed confidence in the United Nations, it has,
unfortunately, not eliminated all sources of strife and conflict. The
recourse to arms in the Balkans, the Horn of Africa and other parts of the
world serve to remind us of the fragility of peace in our contemporary world.
Against that backdrop, the delegation of Myanmar is pleased to note that
steps have been initiated to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations to
meet the twin challenges of maintaining international peace and security and
of dealing with global problems. The summit meeting of the Security Council
on 31 January 1992 provided an historic opportunity for taking stock of the
situation and exploring ways and means of strengthening cooperation,
particularly in the field of maintaining international peace and security.
The fresh look contained in the Secretary-General's report, "An Agenda
for Peace", is indeed timely, as the Organization, now more than 45 years old,
needs to adapt to the rapidly changing world. In this process, however, care
needs to be taken to ensure consistent adherence to the principles articulated
in the Charter. Most important, caution must be exercised to guarantee that
the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of States
within the established international system are not allowed to be eroded.
To be truly effective the United Nations must by its own actions inspire
and command the confidence of all Member countries. Its actions must be
governed by a sense of justice and guided by the principles of the Charter.
The decisions of the Organization must reflect that collective will and not
the narrow interests or predilections of a nation or a group of nations. Any
departure from those principles is bound to be divisive and to detract from
our efforts to construct a fair and equitable international order. The time
is ripe to examine whether the constitutional balance between the principal
bodies of the Organization, particularly between the General Assembly and the
Security Council, is being consistently maintained as envisaged in the Charter.
If attempts at reform are to succeed, trust must prevail; and trust, as
Following consultations carried out on my behalf, I
have prepared a tentative programme of work and schedule for the General
Assembly for the remainder of October.
On Friday, 9 October, in the morning, the Assembly will consider agenda
item 10, "Report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization",
including the report of the Secretary-General entitled "An Agenda for Peace
preventive diplomacy, peacemaking and peace-keeping". Additional meetings
will be scheduled as necessary. I should like to propose that the list of
speakers for the debate on this item be closed on Friday, 9 October, at 6 p.m.
It was so decided.
I therefore reguest those rep»esentatives wishing to
participate in the debate on agenda item 10 to inscribe their names on the
list of speakers as soon as possible.
On Monday, 12 October, and Tuesday, 13 October, the General Assembly
will, under agenda item 93 (a), "Questions relating to the world social
situation and to youth, ageing, disabled persons and the family", observe the
conclusion of the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons.
On Thursday, 15 October, and Friday, 16 October, the General Assembly
will, also under agenda item 93 (a), commemorate the tenth anniversary of the
adoption of the International Plan of Action on Ageing.
On Friday, 16 October, immediately after the commemoration, the Assembly
will take up agenda item 138, "Observer status for the International
Organization for Migration in the General Assembly".
On Wednesday, 21 October, in the morning, the Assembly will take up