A/47/PV.92 General Assembly

I remind members that the General Assembly took action on draft resolution A/47/L.47/Rev.l at this morning's meeting. Before calling on the first speaker in explanation of vote after the vote, I want to remind delegations that, in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/4Ol, explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. Mr. STREJCZEK (Poland): Poland firmly supports all international efforts to restore peace in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. My Government is deeply concerned at the deterioration of the situation in that country and in the Balkan region generally. It is a matter of regret that my delegation was not in a position to support draft sesolution A/47/L.47/Rev.l. The evaluation of the political situation contained in that document does not reflect fully the complexity of the problems and does not properly express the balance of responsibility among all the parties involved in the conflict. Furthermore, we are afraid that the substance and the wording of paragraph 7 of the resolution could hinder the process of peaceful negotiations under way concerning the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mr. HUSLID (Norway): Norway regretfully had to abstain in the vote on draft resolution A/47/L.47/Rev.l on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was just adopted by the General Assembly. While we fully support the main objectives of the resolution, which are to bring an end to the hostilities and contribute to the restoration of peace, certain provisions cause difficulties for Norway. There is no doubt that all efforts directed at peace in the area should also serve the objective of saving human lives, and we must therefore weigh very cautiously the question of how far one can go in applying military means when that ultimate objective is at stake. Certain provisions in the resolution touch upon issues that are currently being dealt with by the Security Council. It was in the light of those considerations that Norway had to abstain in the vote on the draft resolution just adopted. Mr, MOTHIBAMELE (Botswana): My delegation is alarmed at the magnitude of the suffering in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite numerous efforts by the Security Council to restore peace, the situation has continued to deteriorate. My delegation strongly condemns the perpetration of acts of aggression against the people of Bosnia. Botswana will continue to stand behind all efforts carried out by the international community to resolve the conflict. We strongly support the call for restoring and upholding the sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina but we feel that it should be left to the Security Council, in accordance with its own assessment of the situation, to decide on how best to achieve that goal. My delegation voted in favour of draft resolution A/47/L,47/Rev.l: however, my delegation would like to reserve its position on paragraph 7 (b), We feel that lifting the arms embargo would exacerbate the conflict and spread it to areas not currently affected by the war. The lifting of the arms embargo would be an admission on the part of the international community that political and diplomatic efforts had failed hopelessly. Mr. OSVALD (Sweden): Sweden fully supports the main message of the resolution just adopted, We condemn the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina and reject the appropriation of territory by force. We strongly deplore the practice of "ethnic cleansing" and other atrocities committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Primary responsibility for the conflict lies with the present leaders of Serbia-Montenegro and with the Serbian forces operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sweden regrets, however, that it had to abstain in the vote on draft resolution A/47/L.47/Rev.l. In our view, the resolution too strongly emphasizes measures, such as the possible lifting of the arms embargo against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which at this stage would not be helpful in promoting a political solution to the conflict. At this juncture, the international community must give its fullest support to the negotiations taking place within the framework of the International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia. Moreover, as a matter of principle we have some reservations concerning the division of responsibilities between the General Assembly and the Security ' Council as expressed in the resolution. Mr. PASHOVSKI (Bulgaria): Bulgaria is gravely concerned at the further deterioration of the tragic situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, at the loss of innocent lives, at the millions of displaced persons and refugees, at the massive, gross violations of human rights, at the tremendous destruction and at the spreading humanitarian tragedy. The continuation of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security, especially in view of the potential but tangible danger of the fighting spreading to other parts of the former Yugoslavia. Bulgaria supports the ongoing international efforts to restore peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, It is our firm belief that a peaceful and lasting solution to this crisis can be achieved only in the framework of the appropriate international mechanism, involving the United Nations, the European Community and the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe. (Mr. Osvald. Sweden) We recognise that further steps should be taken to make the effort more effective. Bulgaria supports the main objectives of draft resolution A/47/L.47/Rev.l aimed at restoring peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and at preserving its unity, sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity. At the same time, I wish to state the considerations that led to my delegation's abstention in the vote on the draft resolution. We regret very much that it was not possible to reach more widely acceptable wording for paragraph 7. The Bulgarian Government holds the position that any decision implying the use of military force to ensure the implementation of United Nations resolutions must lie exclusively with the Security Council, In that connection, I wish to reaffirm that Bulgaria, as a neighbouring country which is also concerned about future relations among the Balkan nations, is not prepared to take part in, or make available its territory for the purposes of, any such operation. We appeal to all other Balkan States to adopt the same position, a position of restraint and extreme caution, in order not to complicate inter-Balkan relations further. Mr. JACOVIDES (Cyprus): Cyprus voted in favour of draft resolution A/47/L.47/Rev.l, We did so for reasons of principle and in view of the gravity of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in recognition of the urgent need to take remedial action before it is too late. That does not mean that we fully endorse each and every one of the provisions of this resolution, Like several other delegations to whose views we attach weight, we would have preferred different language in certain paragraphs, particularly paragraph 7, about which we have serious misgivings. Indeed, we would have preferred a consensus resolution. I But in the final analysis our decision to vote in favour of the draft resolution was dictated by the merits of the situation, by our firm conviction that Security Council resolutions must be respected and fully implemented in all cases, and by the belief that the alleviation of a human tragedy of such massive dimensions takes precedence over political or other considerations, as I had the occasion to stress in my statement on 15 December 1992 before this Assembly. We are convinced that this reasoning is equally applicable to all burning international issues, which should be approached objectively and not selectively. It should be the decisive criterion in all analogous cases. After all, this-Assembly is the proper forum for expressing the conscience of mankind. This is one of the occasions when it has done so, as it has in other situations involving the same fundamental principles, including that with which my own country found itself confronted in the wake of the 1974 invasion, when the General Assembly also answered without hesitation the call of conscience through the unanimous adoption of resolution 3212 (XXIX) of 1974. Mr, SEBURYAMO (Burundi) (interpretation from French): The delegation of Burundi was obliged to abstain in the vote on draft resolution A/47/L.47/Rev.l this morning, solely because of the measures advocated in paragraph 7. We have serious doubts about whether those measures are in keeping with the spirit of the Charter. We believe that, far from halting the hostilities and achieving the objectives of the resolution - which we support - such measures would only intensify the hostilities and fan the flames of conflict, thereby complicating the efforts under way to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in keeping with the spirit of the Charter. Even if those had been the only reasons, the delegation of Burundi would have voted in favour of the draft resolution, convinced as it is that a firm and unequivocal decision by the Security Council aimed at halting the Serbian aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina has, although amply justified, already been too long delayed. Miss THOMAS (Jamaica): The delegation of Jamaica voted in favour of draft resolution A/47/L.47/Rev.l as an expression of support for measures being taken to find a solution to the conflict that has brought so much suffering to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and as a further expression of its abhorrence of the atrocities being committed in that Republic. However, my Government has serious reservations about the provision contained in operative paragraph 7 (b) to exempt the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina from the Security Council's arms embargo. We do not believe that the United Nations should be seen to be sanctioning war as a solution to a conflict. It is our continued belief that the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina - and, indeed, the problems in all the Republics of the former Yugoslavia - should be solved through negotiations within the framework of the International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia and with the strengthened enforcement of Security Council resolutions.

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 143. (Mr. Seburvamo. Burundi)

I request the Rapporteur of the Third Committee to introduce the reports of the Third Committee in one statement. Mr, SRIVIHOK (Thailand), Rapporteur of the Third Committee: I have the honour to present the following reports of the Third Committee on the items allocated to it by the General Assembly for consideration under agenda items 97 (b) and (c), "Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms" and "Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives". In paragraph 113 of part III of its report (A/47/678/Add.2) the Third Committee recommends the adoption of 26 draft resolutions and, in paragraph 114, the adoption of three draft decisions. I should like to draw the Assembly's attention to an omission in the list of dOCWM?ntation before the Committee with regard to agenda item 97 (b), which appears in paragraph 3 of the report, A furth item - (s) - should be added, to read: "Note by the Secretary-General on consultations with a view to declaring 1995 the United Nations Year of Tolerance (A/47/445)." Paragraph 97 should be followed by a new paragraph that should read as follows: "After the adoption of the draft resolution a statement was made by In paragraph 23, Bolivia should be added'to the list of sponsors of the draft resolution. In paragraph 63, the'representatives of France and China should be added to the list of those who made statements in explanation of vote before the voting. The following sentence should be added to the end of the paragraph: "Statements were also made by the representatives of Portugal, Germany, Qatar and Malaysia." (Mr. Srivihok, RaPDorteuf, Third Committee) In paragraph 109, please add Argentina to the list of sponsors. Under item 12, entitled "Report of the Economic and Social Council", the Third Committee recommends in paragraph 8 of its report (A/47/772) the adoption of two draft decisions. Before concluding, I should like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the Third Committee for their contributions to the work of the Committee and also pay tribute to the Chairman, Mr. Florian Krenkel of Austria, and to the Vice-Chairmen, Mr. Momodou Jallow of the Gambia and Mr. Andras DQkdny of Hungary, for their efforts in successfully completing the work of the Committee as planned. My thanks also go to the Secretary, Ms. Faiha Kamal, and members of the Secretariat for all their unswerving assistance and endeavours.

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

Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the various recommendations of the Third,Committeee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. May I remind members that, under paragraph 7 of decision 341401, the General Assembly agreed that when the same draft resolution is considered in a Main Committee and in plenary meeting, a delegation should, as far as possible, explain its vote only once, i.e., either in the Committee Or in plenary meeting, unless that delegation's vote in plenary meeting is different (Mr. Srivihok, Rapoorteur, Third Committee) from its vote in the Committee. May I remind delegations that, also in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Third Committee, I should like to advise representatives that, unless delegations have already notified the Secretariat otherwise, we shall proceed with the voting in the same manner as was done in the Third Committee. This means that where the Committee took recorded votes,, we shall do the same. I also hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Third Committee. The Assembly will now consider part III of the report of the Third Committee on sub-items (b) and (c) of agenda item 97, entitled "Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms" and "Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives" (A/47/678/Add.2) Members will recall that the Assembly considered parts I and II of the report at its 89th plenary meeting, on 16 December. I shall now call on those representatives who wish to explain their votes or positions before the voting. Mr. HIDALGO-BASULTO (Cuba) (interpretation from Spanish): I am pleased to have the opportunity to' speak again at this point, when we are engaged in the analysis of the human-rights issues coming out of the work of the Third Committee, As I said earlier, the General Assembly is preparing to take action on initiative of the United States of America. In the view of my delegation, this is one more step in the efforts which that country's Government has been making for over five years now, under the last two administrations, by manipulating the subject of human rights, to bring about the participation of this Organisation in its policy of overt and illegal interference in the affairs of Cuba, another Member State, with the objective of imposing upon it a political, economic and social system chosen in Washington and due it to its former state of dependency on the United States. In order to prolong that policy, which includes the economic, commercial and financial blockade of Cuba - in itself an inhuman, massive, flagrant, deliberate, sustained, immoral violation of the fundamental human rights of the Cuban people - the Government of the United States uses a cynical pretext, alleging concern about a so-called human-rights situation on my country, which that Government strives to create artificially and which is merely the product of that Government's own agencies of subversion and propaganda. The true nature of that alleged concern for the Cuban people is the same as that epitomised in the Christian tradition over ,l,OOO years'ago by the kiss Judas Iscariot gave to Jesus. In its transparent and useless attempts to subjugate Cuba by means of coercion and blackmail,. the Government of the United States has not hesitated to make unjustified use of the United Nations as the stage of its aggressive policy against my country. When the Third Committee considered the subject Of the so-called human-rights situation in Cuba, my delegation had occasion to mention the most important substantive questions in the matter. The shameful procedural manipulations to which the proponents of the draft resolution had to resort in the Third Committee in order to attain their goal of bringing the (Mr. Hidalso-4Basulto. Cuba) Assembly to the point where it is today providing further proof of the illegality of this exercise. The list of arbitrary actions, unblushingly committed, that have brought us to this point is a long one that speaks for itself. In 1988, to show that Cuba had nothing to hide and to show how feeble the United States campaign was, our Government invited a mission of the Commission on Human Rights to visit the country and see for itself the real situation there. Today we know, by the admission, reported in the Third Committee by my delegation, of the very authors of documents now in the archives of the Government of the United States, that a sizeable portion - 90 per cent, according to the authors - of the material contained in that mission's report submitted to the Commission on Human Rights in 1989 was provided to it by an organiaation created and financially supported by the Government of the United States. Despite that manipulation, which the members of the mission had nothing to do with and which led to their mentioning in their report as unconfirmed allegations a large number of fictitious human-rights incidents, the United States aid not achieve, at that session, its goal of condemning Cuba. I In 1990 the Government of the United States tried again and attained the adoption, on no objective grounds, of a resolution against Cuba in the Commission on Human Rights, In 1991, by applying great pressure, the Government of the United'States forced the Secretary-General to submit to the Commission a report on the result of the confidential contacts that, as part of his normal functions in the sphere of human rights, he had been maintaining- with the Government of Cuba. The purpose of that manipulation was clear: to seek any pretext to continue escalating the campaign against Cuba. This was proved when, despite the fact that the report of the Secretary-General (Mr. HidalsorBasulto, Cuba) acknowledged the cooperation of the Government of Cuba, pointed out the positive results of the contacts and stated that he intented to continue them, the United States hijacked the Latin American countries' draft resolution, which was based on the report of the Secretary-General, and by underhanded procedural manoeuvring, introduced amendments that distorted its objective and turned it into a weapon of the implacable United States vendetta against my country, thus forcing the Commission to establish the extraordinary and wholly unjustified mechanism of a special representative of the Secretary-General for human rights in Cuba. (Mr. Hidalao -Basulto, Cuba) In 1992, using as a basis the report of the Special Representative of the secretary-General - a report based on denunciations of false violations of human rights fabricated by Washington's propaganda apparatus: pressuring and blackmailing the members of the Commission and the Secretariat, and resorting to gross legal violations and manipulations of procedures; the United States Government managed to establish a Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Cuba through another resolution by the Commission and its later adoption in the Economic and Social Council last summer. By virtue of that resolution, the Third Committee was thus presented with a preliminary report by the Special Rapporteur. As my delegation has shown, this report too was based on false information originating in the propaganda and subversion apparatus of the United States Government; it too failed to prove the existence of human-rights violations in my country. Yet, on the basis of the report and resorting once again to shameful procedural manipulations, the United States Government managed to have the Third Committee adopt the draft resolution now before the Assembly. But what is truly irregular - and indeed a blot on the Organization - is that the United States delegation managed, with the cooperation of the Chairman of the Commission, to prevent the consideration of an alternative PrOPOsal presented by Cuba. This was a gross violation of the rights of all states Members of the Organization to submit proposals and to have those PrOposals considered, especially on matters such as this, which directly affect the State in question. 1 must: add that, from the very beginning, this entire exercise has been Part and parcel of the objectives of the United States Government against my country, Not only has it been based entirely on data provided and endorsed by that Government but it has conveniently ignored the objective, factual information provided by other sources. This has been done in an attempt to call into question the constitutional, legal and institutional order freely chosen, in a sovereign manner, by the people of Cuba and to replace it with an order chosen by the United States. These characteristics also permeate the preliminary report of the Special Rapporteur, hastily submitted at this session in accordance with the strategy devised by the United States Government against Cuba. My delegation therefore reiterates the readiness of the Cuban Government to continue to cooperate with the'customary, non-discriminatory, mechanisms of the United Nations in the field of human rights, in which Cuba has nothing to conceal or be ashamed of, as do its detractors. For the same reasons, the imposition of a special procedure in this field is unjust and unacceptable. All the arbitrary actions, manipulations and irregularities that I have mentioned demonsgrate the spurious and illegitimate nature of the effort that has been under way for years now by the United States Government against my country in the sphere of human rights, as well as the justice and morality of the position of Cuba in the face of these attempts. Since the draft resolution that the Assembly now has before it is the result of these untruths, my delegation will vote against it in the absolute certainty that one day the Pharisees that are today hiding behind the banner of human rights will be justly and inevitably expelled from the temple. Mr. MAQUIEIRA (Chile) (interpretation from Spanish): My delegation wishes to refer to the draft resolution on enforced disappearances, contained in document A/47/678/Add.2, which is to be adopted this afternoon; (Mr. Hildalco-Basulto. Cuba) The Chilean Government will be aSSOCiating itself with the consensus on the draft resolution that approves the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, especially since we feel that the fourth prembular paragraph describes enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity that can be prosecuted wherever the offender may be. In that same connection, article 2 asks that all States act in cooperation with the United Nations to contribute by all means possible to the prevention and eradication of enforced disappearance. Since penal sanction, in both specific and general terms, is the best deterrent to the commission of crimes, the decision to apply the law to the offenders is appropriate even if they are not in the place where the crime was committed. This concept is strengthened by the rule contained in article 14, especially in the last paragraph.

The Assembly has before it 26 draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 113 of Part III of its report (A/47/678/Add.2) and three draft decisions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 114 of the same document. I shall put the recommendations of the Third Committee to the Assembly one by one. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to'explain their vote. The Assembly will first take decisions on the 26 draft resolutions. Draft resolution I is entitled "World Conference on Human Rights". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I by consensus. May I take it that the k=mnbly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 471122). (Mr. Maauieira, Chile)

Draft resolution II is entitled "Right to development", The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 47/123).

Draft resolution III is entitled "United Nations Year for Tolerance". Draft resolution III was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution III was adouted (resolution 47/124).

Draft resolution IV is entitled "Regional arrangements for the promotion and protection of human rights". The Th&rd: Committee adopted draft resolution IV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution IV was adouted (resolution 471125).

Draft resolution V is entitled "The plight of street children". Draft resolution V was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that'the Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 47/126).

Draft resolution VI is entitled "Strengthening of the Centre for Human Rights of the Secretariat". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VI without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution VI was adonted (resolution 47/127).

Draft resolution VII is entitled "Development of public information activities in the field of human rights". Draft resolution VII was adopted by the1 Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 471128).

Draft resolution VIII is entitled "Elimination of all forms of religious intolerance". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VIII: without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution VIII was adopted (resolution 471129).

Draft resolution IX is entitled "Respect for the principle of national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States in their electoral processes", A recorded vote has been requested. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, CSte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Myanrnar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe Asainst: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Abstaininq: Belarus, Bolivia, Chile, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Bonduras, Jamaica, Mauritius, Philippines, Samoa, Togo Draft resolution IX was adooted by 99 votes to 45, with 16 abstentions (resolution 47/130).

Draft resolution X is entitled "Strengthening of United Nations action in the field of human rights through the promotion of international cooperation and the importance of non-selectivity, impartiality and objectivity". Draft resolution X was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution X was adopted (resolution 47/131).

Draft resolution XI is entitled "Question of enforced or involuntary disappearances'*. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XI without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XI was adopted (resolution 471132).

Draft resolution XII is entitled "Declaration on the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance". Draft resolution XII was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution XII was adopted (resolution 471133).

Draft resolution XIII is entitled "Human rights and extreme poverty". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XIII without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XIII was adopted (resolution 47/134).

Draft resolution XIV is entitled "Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities". Draft resolution XIV was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote, May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution XIV was adopted (resolution 471135).

Draft resolution XV is entitled "Summary or arbitrary executions". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XV without a vote, May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XV was adopted (resolution 47/136).

Draft resolution XVI is entitled "Alternative : approaches and ways and means within the United Nations system for improving : the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms". A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, 5 ' Costa Rica, Cdte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People‘s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanrnar, Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Txinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe Aaainst: None Abstaininq: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Samoa, Slovenia, 1 Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Togo, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Draft resolution XVI was adontedbv 115 votes to none. with 48 abstentions (resolution 47/1.37).

Draft resolution XVII is entitled "Enhancing the effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections". A recorded vote has been requested, A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, C6te d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia Asainst: None Abstaininq: China, Colombia, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, France, Iraq, Japan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe I Draft resolution XVII was adopted bv 141 votes to none, with 20 abstentions (resolution 47/138).

Draft resolution XVIII is entitled "Situation of human rights in Cuba". A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, SamOa, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay Aoainst: Angola, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Ghana, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Myanmar, Namibia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Viet Nam, Zambia, Zimbabwe Abstaininq: Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Colombia, Congo, Gate d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Jordan, Lesotho, Liberia, , Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Mexico, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Vanuatu, Venezuela Draft resolution XVIII was adopted bv 69 votes to 18, with 64 abstentions (resolution 47/139),* * Subsequently, thk. delegation of Qatar advised the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain.

Draft resolution XIX is entitled "Situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in El Salvador". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XIX without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XIX was adopted (resolution 471140).

Draft resolution XX is entitled "Situation of human rights in Afghanistan". It was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XX was adopted (resolution 47/141).

Draft resolution XXI is entitled "The situation in the Sudan". A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, ,Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, .Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: China, Cuba, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Myanmar, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic Abstaininq: Afghanistan, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cameroon, Colombia, Congo, Cste d'Ivoire, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Indonesia, Jamaica, Jordan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Thailand, Viet Nam Draft resolution XXI was adopted bv 104 votes to 8, with 33 abstentions (resolution 47/142).*

Draft resolution XXII is entitled "Human rights in Haiti". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XXII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XXII was adopted (resolution 471143).

Draft resolution XXIII is entitled "Situation in Myanmar". Draft resolution XXIII was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution XXIII was adooted (resolution 471144).

Draft resolution XXIV is entitled "Situation of human rights in Iraq". A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micr0nesj.a (Federated States of), Mongolia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, * Subsequently, the delegation of Colombia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour. Republic 3f Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia Asainst: Iraq, Sudan Abstaininq: Algeria, Angola: Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, China, Ccte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Guinea-Bissau, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe Draft resolution XXIV was adopted bv 126 votes to 2, with 26 abstentions (resolution 47/145).

Draft resolution XXV is entitled "Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran". A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, I Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Venezuela Aaainst: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Lao People's Democratic Republic, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Viet Nam Abstaining: Angola, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Colombia, Congo, C6te d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, India, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lesotho, Liberia, Maldives, Mauritania, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zimbabwe Draft resolution XXV was adooted bv 06 votes to 16. with 38 abstentions (resolution 47/146).*

Draft resolution XXVI is entitled "Situation of human rights in the territory of the former Yugoslavia". !Che Third Committee adopted draft resolution XXVI without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XXVI was adopted (resolution 47/147).

The Assembly will now take decisions on the three draft decisions contained in paragraph 114 of Part III of the report (A/47/678/Add.2). Draft decision I is entitled "Award of human rights prizes in 1993". The Third Committee adopted draft decision I. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft decision I was adopted. * Subsequently, th\ delegation of Vanuatu advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vite in Pavour.

Draft decision II is entitled "United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations". Draft decision II was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft decision II was adopted.

Draft decision III concerns the reports considered under the item entitled "Human rights questions". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision III? Draft decision III was adopted.

I shall now call upon those representatives wishing to make statements in explanation of vote or position. Mr. PIRZADA (Pakistan): My delegation joined in the consensus on the adoption of draft resolution VIII, "Elimination of all forms of religious intoleranceW, in document A/47/678/Add.2. Our support for the resolution stems from the shared commitment of the Government of Pakistan to respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion and of tolerance towards other religions. Under the fourth preambular paragraph of the resolution, the General Assembly reaffirms its resolution 36/55 of 25 November 1981, by which it proclaimed the Declaration on the Elimination of all Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Re?igion or Belief. Article 6 of that Declaration states that freedom of religion will include freedom to establish and maintain places of worship. In operative paragraph 7 of the resolution the Assembly reaffirms that obligation and calls upon all States to exert utmost efforts to ensure that religious places and shrines are fully respected and protected. My delegation has also noted with concern that, as evidenced in the report of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights, Mr. Angelo Vidal d'hlmeida Ribeiro, and reflected in the penultimate preambular paragraph of the resolution, serious instances, including acts of violence, of intolerance and discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief continue to occur in many parts of the world. In this context my delegation would refer to a very recent incident in which, on 6 December 1992, a frenzied crowd of Hindu fundamentalists attacked, desecrated and demolished the venerated Babri Mosque in Ayodhya, India, in total disregard of the Declaration and of the sentiments of the entire Islamic world. Babri Mosque was a place of worship and also a monument of great historical importance. (Mr. Pirzada, Pakistan) It is tragic that the forces of bigotry and intolerance were allowed to commit this heinous Crime, despite the fact that there were sufficient indications that an attack on the mosque was imminent. Hindu priests had announced some time ago that 12.26 p.m. on 6 December was the most auspicious time to start the construction work for the Ram temple, Obviously, construction of the temple had to be preceded by the destruction of the existing structure. The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), which has been closely following the developments in Ayodhya, had repeatedly since October 1990, expressed concern over threats to the mosque from Hindu fundamentalists, and had called upon the Indian Government to take appropriate measures for its protection. The Government of, Pakistan had also conveyed its concern to India at the third and fifth rounds of talks at the level of Foreign Secretary, stating that any attempt to desecrate the mosque would vitiate the political atmosphere of South Asia. Despite those expressions of concern and our serious apprehensions, the mosque was attacked, desecrated and destroyed at the appointed hour by the Hindu militants. Ironically, about 15,000 Government paramilitary troops assigned to protect the mosque never reached its vicinity, and about 200 police officers around the mosque simply melted away. leaving it undefended and open to destruction by.the frenzied mob. The central Government of India has tried to shift the responsibility to the State Government, knowing full well that under the Indian Constitution the central Government had.ample powers to take appropriate measures. Moreover, in view of the Supreme Court injunction prohibiting any action to change the status of the mosque, the central as well as the provincial Government was responsible for the observance and implementation of the Court's order for the protection of the mosque. The Constitution of India itself guarantees the fundamental rights of minorities, including protection of their places of worship. The Indian Prime Minister has described the destruction of the mosque as a matter of great shame for all Indians. It is regrettable, however, that nothing, or too little, was done to avert the tragedy. As was to be expected, the destruction of the venerated mosque served.to whet the deep-seated antagonism of Hindu fanatics towards Muslims. In a premeditated act, the houses of almost 4,000 Muslim families in Ayodhya, marked three days in advance, were destroyed almost simultaneously with the Babri mosque. That incident was accompanied by widespread violence against the Muslim minority. With more than 1,200 dead, the Muslim population of India is under constant threat in many cities. On 6 December 1992 the Secretary-General of the OIC condemned the destruction of the mosque and called upon the Government of India to ensure that the life and property of Indian Muslims were protected and their religious and cultural rights respected. On 8 December 1992, at a special meeting in New York, the member States of the OIC expressed outrage and profound anguish at the destruction of the mosque and condemned the killing of defenceless people, mostly Muslims, in India. Concern was expressed about the safety,and security of the Muslim minority and Islamic holy sites in India. Bearing in mind that tolerance for all religious beliefs is a salient feature of Islam, the meeting urged all concerned to exercise restraint to avoid a further deterioration of the situation. The Secretary-General of the United Nations has also expressed concern at 9; the destruction of the Babri mosque and the subsequent violence in India. The Government of Pakistan, in consonance with the precepts of Islam and the exhortations of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah, in various statements, and particularly his famous speech of 11 August 1947 to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, is in full support of religious tolerance towards all citizens. The desecration and destruction of the Babri mosque have sent a wave of grief, anguish and anger throughout the Muslim world. It is therefore important that the Commission on Human Rights consider this issue at its next session. In the meanwhile, we hope that, in accordance with the assurances it has given, the Government of India will take immediate steps for the restoration of the Babri mosque at its original site and appropriate measures for the protection of 3,000 other mosques in India which are under serious threat of destruction and for safeguarding the basic human rights of the minorities in India against Hindu fundamentalism. We also hope that the Government of India will implement the provisions of the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination based on Religion or Belief, as well as the provisions of the resolution which has just been adopted by the Assembly. Miss TERANISHI (Japan):' My delegation joined in the consensus adoption of draft resolution II, entitled "Right to development", However, it is the position of the Government of Japan that the World Conference on Human Rights should avoid political confrontation between the South and the North. Making the right to development a major focus of the Conference may provoke just such a confrontation, While it understands the importance of economic development, my delegation cannot associate itself with the view that national economic and social situations must be improved before respect for human rights can be ensured. Japan therefore reserves its position on this matter, particularly in regard to paragraphs 3 and 10 of the resolution. Mr. CHEN Jian (China): As I am speaking on behalf of like-minded countries in the Asian Group rather than in the name of my own delegation, I will forgo the right to speak Chinese. On behalf of the like-minded Asian countries whose active participation in a series of intensive and fruitful discussions and exchanges of views during the past two months resulted in the introduction of some amendments to the agenda for the World Conference on Human Rights, I would like to thank aI1 parties who contributed to reaching a consensus on draft resolution I, which has just been adopted. I particularly thank the delegation of Morocco. Almost a quarter of a century has elapsed since the conveninq of the first World Conference on Human Rights, held in Tehran in 1968. Now the international community is enthusiastically making preparations for the second World Conference on Human Rights, to be.held in Vienna. It is the hope of the like-minded Asian countries that our views will be considered in full during the forthcoming work of the Preparatory Committee, as in the past. We believe that all parties concerned will show the utmost cooperation and the necessary flexibility in order to reach a broad-based consensus on the final documents. in the adoption of draft resolution VIII, "Elimination of all forms of religious intolerance" (A/47/678/Add.2, para. 113). As reflected in operative paragraph 7 of this resolution, all States should exert utmost efforts to ensure that religious places and shrines are fully respected and protected, In this regard, Islamic countries have expressed their outrage and profound anguish at the destruction and demolition of Babri Mosque in India by Hindu extremists on 6 December 1992. My country, along with other Islamic Countries, has denounced this action, which represents an insult to all Islamic nations and exalted values. We take note of the decision of the Government of India to reconstruct the mosque and to punish those guilty of this dishonourable act. It is important that these decisions be implemented expeditiously and that steps be taken to ensure the safety and security of the Moslem minority in India. Mr, JAAFARI (Syrian Arab Republic) (interpretation from Arabic): My delegation should like to explain its vote concerning draft resolution XXIV, "Situation of human rights in Iraq" (A/47/678/Add.2), just adopted by the General Assembly. Voting in favour of this draft resolution relating to the human rights situation in Iraq, as we did last year, my delegation nevertheless, and regrettably, noted that the draft resolution submitted this year has dealt in an ethnically and denominationally selective manner with a matter that might affect the unity and the territorial integrity of Iraq. The most serious problem remains in this draft resolution which supports the establishment of an institutional system to monitor the human rights situation inside a Member State, by means of a group to monitor human rights in Iraq. This constitutes an interference in the internal affairs of a Member State and a preaedent that contravenes the goals and principles of the United Nations Charter. Mrs. TABIR-KHELI (United States): Please let the record show that my delegation did not participate in the adoption of the draft resolution II, "Right to development" (A/41/670/Add.2, para. 113), for reasons stated earlier in the Third Committee. Mr. KABIR (Bangladesh): We were happy to join in the consensus in favour of draft resolution VIII, "Elimination of all forms of religious intolerance" (A14716781Add.2, para. 113). n It is tragic that even today, in this age of human enlightenment, there still occur instances of religious intolerance and hatred and acts of violence emanating from outright bigotry in various parts of our globe. Indeed, as recent tragic events in Ayodhya have demonstrated so painfully, there is an urgent need for certain universal principles of religious tolerance to be solemnly reaffirmed by all nations collectively. The demolition of Babri Mosque in Ayodhya, in wanton disregard of the highest court of the land and of injunctions by the Government, and also in flagrant violation of universally accepted principles of religious tolerance, is for us a matter of sadness and deep concern: sadness because a monument and a place of worship revered by, and dear to, the hearts of millions of Muslims should be destroyed: sadness 2 because a place that is part of the great historical and archaeological heritage of India should be demolished; and concern that intolerance and %" h, bigotry should be able to wreak such havoc. Bigotry and intolerance must be condemned and combated everywhere and in any context, because they can, if unchecked, unleash the most malevolent forces of hatred and obscurantism that would transport us back to the same dark age. I We welcome the assurances of the Indian Government that the Babri mosque will be rebuilt at the same site. We hope that work will commence at the earliest possible date. We also heartily welcome the determination of the Government to address the border issues, including protection of religious minorities and their culture and identity, with vigour and in all earnestness. Bangladesh has always upheld the principle of religious tolerance and has deep respect for freedom of religion or belief. In this context, Bangladesh is committed to the principles and objectives of the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia, in her statements on the issue, has always underscored the need to practice tolerance and forbearance, the basic teachings of Islam. Mr. BURCUOGLU (Turkey) (interpretation from French): With regard to the adoption of draft resolution VIII, "Elimination of all forms of religious intolerance" (A/47/678/Add,2, para. 113), my delegation would like to emphasize that the right to freedom of religion and of conscience is a fundamental human right deriving from the inherent dignity of the human person. Respect for and protection of this sacred right as well as of places of worship and places that are the common cultural heritage of mankind should be ensured throughout the world through all necessary safeguards. Acts b perpetrated against freedom of religion and of conscience should be combated by all means. The impo rice of tolerance in general, and of religious tolerance in particular, is becoming increasingly obvious in our time. In this context my delegation deplores the destruction of Babri Mosque in India by extremists and the violence that followed, unfortunately causing considerable loss of human life in India and in some other countries. Turkey expects that the measures announced by the Indian Government, including the bringing to justice of those responsible for acts of violence, will be applied fully and that the mosque in question will be rebuilt as soon as possible. Mr. AL-SAUD (Saudi Arabia) (interpretation from Arabic): Under the 4 resolution adopted by the General Assembly on putting an end to all religious intolerance, my country's delegation would like to reaffirm what we had affirmed at the time, namely, that we fully condemn and deplore the actions of a group of fundamentalists in India who demolished the Babri historical mosque. That action has led to great anger in the Islamic world and to the deaths of many innocent people in India and elsewhere. The Government of Saudi Arabia once again expresses its anger at this act, which runs counter to all religious and ethical values, and calls on the Indian Government to provide protection for all mosques in India and to protect Muslims in India. It hopes that decisive steps will be taken to rebuild the Babri mosque and to bring those responsible for its demolition to justice. Mr. HASSAN (Sudan) (interpretation from Arabic): "TO those against whom War is made, permission Is given (to fight), because * They are wronged; - and verily, God is Most Powerful For their aid" (The Holy Koran, XXII:39) Following the adoption of draft resolution XXI on the situation in the Sudan, contained in document A/47/678/Add.2, which again reflects the double standard under the new international order and emphasizes the fact that this international Organization is now under the domination of certain international Powers that use the Organization to serve their own purposes, my delegation should like to explain the following facts: First, although the United Nations has previously adopted similar resolutions against certain countries, the resolution on human rights in the Sudan was the first resolution adopted by a country based on a resolution in its legislature, namely, the United States of America. The United States of America persisted in its course of action despite the fact that the Sudan has lately been in contact with the United States through the Embassies of both countries and the Sudanese delegation to the United Nations, and explained the Sudanese contacts with the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, which is the competent body. We asked that the Human Rights Commission should have the opportunity to look into the reports by its emissaries to the Sudan, and to adopt its resolutions in the light of these resolutions, instead of imposing resolutions by the General Assembly based on unfounded allegations, undocumented information and propaganda rumour by people who are hostile to the Sudan. Notwithstanding all this, however, the United States persisted in its campaign which was synchronized with I tendentious information campaigns against the Sudan. Thus, it has made it clear that it has a premeditated hostile stance towards the Sudan at a time when it turns a blind eye to horrible violations of human rights committed by some of its allies in the area and in other parts of the world. Secondly, it is regrettable and even shameful that some countries, which the Sudan considered to be sisterly and friendly, voted in favour of the United States resolution, forgetting that if the criteria for measuring human rights were applied, those countries would be the first to be condemned, because their prisons are full of citizens who are being tortured and are tried by kangaroo courts. The Governments of those very countries have styled themselves as controllers of human rights in the Sudan. Thirdly, the Sudan would have hoped that the international community was going to rise to the level of its responsibility and deal with all international issues with awareness, even-handedly and deal with the same amount of zeal, with the human rights situations in Palestine, the occupied Arab territories and southern Africa. We would have hoped also that the international community was going to deal with the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, once again, they say that these measures are being taken under the new world order, which has made this international Organization a pliant tool. This makes us feel that this will be a bad omen for mankind as a whole. Fourthly, though the Sudan knows that this unjust resolution against it is just the beginning of a set-piece scenario, in order to justify more intervention in its internal affairs, this will not prevent the Sudan from continuing with its work in order to remedy its problems in the interest of its people, with the aim of achieving security, stability and peace and putting an end to the suffering of the people and the protection of its sovereignty and independence, security and stability. The Sudan will continue on the road it had chosen, based on its religious values. and the heritage of its people, and will cooperate in this with the international community and all peace-loving.countries and countries that love justice and steer away from hegemony. Fifthly, the Sudan would like to pay tribute to those countries that did not respond to pressures and that stood by justice and did not vote for a draft resolution that runs counter to their convictions, principles and values. Bangladesh, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have made statements regarding the tragic attacks on religious shrines that took place early this month in India and, presumably, those that occurred in Pakistan, Bangladesh, the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Attacks on places of worship, wherever they occur, should be categorically condemned, and stern action should be taken to bring the culprits to book. The General Assembly resolution (36155) on the elimination of all forms of religious intolerance calls upon States to recognize the right of all persons to worship or assemble in connection with a religion or belief, and to establish and maintain places fort these purposes. It also calls upon States to make the utmost efforts to ensure that religious places and shrines are fully respected and protected. India endorses this position and acts at all times acts in accordance with the letter and spirit of the resolution. The essence of secularism - a fundamental tenet of Indian polity - is tolerance of and respect for all religious beliefs and practices. In considering the events in our region in the last few days, we should not fail to make a distinction between cases in which incidents occurred for reasons beyond the control of Governments, and cases in which incidents were instigated and abetted by Governments themselves. Member States should be judged not by crimes committed by misguided individuals or groups but by the speed and effectiveness with which their Governments take punitive and remedial action. Criticism and condemnation should be directed against those Governments that not only incite religious violence but also tolerate participation by their own Ministers and officials in such crimes. The demolition of an ancient mosque in Ayodhya on 6 December 1992 by a frenzied crowd was condemned in no uncertain terms by the Government of India at the highest level, as well as by the people of India. In an address to the nation soon after the incident, the Prime Minister of India stated: "This is a betrayal of the nation and a confrontation with all that is sacred to all Indians in the legacy which we have all inherited and which is a part of our national ethos. A great affront has been caused to this. 'As the first servant of the people of India, it is not only my duty but also my mandate to ensure that all such communal forces who are out to confront the nation itself must be met resolutely. We will go to any extent to preserve and protect secularism and the democratic credentials of our nation." The Government took immediate measures to deal with the grave situation that arose in the wake of the tragic events in Ayodhya. The state government concerned, which failed in its responsibility to prevent the perpetration of the crime, was dismissed, and the state was brought under President's rule. Central forces took over the site at Ayodhya and dispersed the crowd of more than 200,000 that had assembled there. The army was called out in several states to assist the Administration to maintain law and order. A criminal investigation was instituted. The Government pledged that it would rebuild the mosque. It banned five criminal organizations throughout the country and dismissed three other state governments that had links with the banned organizations. A judicial inquiry into the incidents leading to the demolition of the disputed structure was ordered. The Indian Parliament itself strongly and unequivocally condemned the incident. (Mr. Gharekhan, India) Today, normalcy has returned to most parts of India, and the Muslim community feels reassured by the measures taken to protect their interests. Asked about the feeling of the Indian Muslims today, the Prime Minister of India said: "I too feel some kind of betrayal has happened - not only to them, not only to me, but to the whole nation. I have all sympathy and love for them. I feel exactly as they feel - the same distrust and the same anguish - but I would like to embrace them and tell them that we will face this danger together." India has promptly and firmly dealt with an internal crisis that arose on account of the events in Ayodhya. We are gratified that the international community is appreciative of,the determination of the Government in tackling the situation. But, unfortunately, Pakistan and, to a certain extent, Bangladesh have tried to make political capital out of these tragic events, use religion as a tool of interference in our affairs and spread disaffection among the communities in India. Pakistani leaders, including the Prime Minister, have made highly provocative remarks about India, inflaming communal passions in and against India, We have seen reports of organized acts of vandalism, arson and looting that have been let loose in Pakistan, On 8 December The New York Times carried a tell-tale photograph of an ancient Hindu temple being demolished, The minority community in Pakistan was subjected to mindless violence and brutality, More than 124 Hindu temples were destroyed in Pakistan, along with five churches and two gurudwaras.. In Bangladesh, 97 temples were destroyed, and the offices of the Indian High Commission and of the Indian airline came under attack. Three hundred and (Mr. Gharekhan. India) forty houses and 100 shops belonging to Indians were burned. Sacrilegious acts were perpetrated on these places of worship, some of which are centuries old and constitute the common heritage of the Indian subcontinent. As a Pakistani newspaper, Frontier Post, of 9 December states, Pakistan has no moral high ground to criticize India on the destruction in Ayodhya. The newspaper goes on to say: "Demolishing 60 temples in Pakistan for one mosque demolished in India is nothing to be proud of. Every detail is full of ignominy." Another Pakistani newspaper, Nation, reported on 10 December that some Federal Ministers had actually led the demolition of Hindu temples. A journalist photographed a Minister of State taking an active part in the destruction of a Hindu temple in Gujar Khan. Pakistan, not content with the destruction of places of worship and the inflaming of communal passions, directed its ire against Indian diplomats also. Abhorrent acts of vandalism were perpetrated on Indian diplomatic premises and property in Islamabad and Karachi. The residence of the Indian Consul-General in Karachi was ransacked and burned. These acts of vandalism were condemned even in the Pakistani press. The serious incidents that took place in Bangladesh and the United Kingdom involving the destruction of places of worship and attacks on Indian diplomatia premises were also totally unwarranted when the Government of India had taken stern action against those who perpetrated the crime in Ayodhya. The events showed the extent to which religious fanaticism can lead to the mindless destruction of lives and property, The situation that arose in India following the destruction of an ancient mosque has been brought fully under control. The Government has taken every possible action to safeguard the interests of the minorities and to uphold the principle of secularism. As The Hindustan Times editorial of 10 December states, "The stoutest defence of the Indian Muslims comes from the Government and people of this country, and not from any foreign Power. The severest condemnation of the fundamentalist action at Ayodhya has come from the members of the majority community. It is equally significant that the Government has taken steps not only to punish the guilty but also to soothe the hurt sentiments of the Muslims." My delegation hopes that the international community will support the efforts of the Government of India to maintain India as a secular, democratic polity that guarantees equal treatment to all minorities, including the Muslim minority. The interpretation that the ,events in Ayodhya are a phenomenon affecting the safety of the Muslim minority in India is totally motivated and inaccurate. Such motivated propaganda against India at this time can only result in a backlash that will strengthen extremist forces within India. At points of crisis such as this; it is the strength of democratic institutions, adherence to the Constitution, and the efficiency and commitment of an impartial public service and impartial security forces that make stability and security possible. India has come through this crisis by the strength of these very institutions. The need of the hour is for all nations to urge restraint and calm and to form an international consensus to tackle fanaticism and religious intolerance wherever they occur.

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 97? It was so decided.

The General Assembly will next consider the report (A/47/772) of the Third Committee on agenda item 12, "Report of the Economic and Social Council" . The Assembly will take decisions on the two draft decisions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. Draft decision I is entitled "Organization of work of the Third Committee and draft biennial programme of work of the Committee for L993-1994". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision I? Draft decision I was adopted.

Draft decision II is entitled "Documents relating to the report of the Economic and Social Council". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision II? Draft decision II was adopted.

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of the report of the Economic and Social Council allocated to the Third Committee? It was so decided.

The Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Third Committee.

Members will recall that the debate on agenda item 27 was held at the 60th plenary meeting, on 10 November. At the same meeting, draft resolution A/47fL.14 was introduced. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A1471L.141Rev.l. I call on the representative of the Secretariat. Mr. SUKHODREV (Director of the Division of General Assembly Affairs): I should like to inform members that should the General Assembly adopt draft resolution A/47/L.14/Rev.l, concerning cooperation between the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity, the Secretary-General does not anticipate that any programme budget implications would arise.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/47/L.14fRev.l? Draft resolution A/47/L.14/Rev.l was adopted (resolution 471148).

I shall now call on those representatives who wish to make statements in explanation of position. May I remind delegations that, in accordance with decision 34/401, expl.anations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. Mr. COLLIER (United Kingdom): I am speaking on behalf of the *a European Community and its member States. The European Community and its member States have already, in the debate on this agenda item, explained the importance they attach to cooperation between the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity. In that spirit, they have, as in the past, joined the consensus on the draft resolution before us.* At the forty-sixth session of the General Assembly, the European Community and its member States made an explanation of position to highlight the number of concerns about the draft resolution. This year they are grateful that the sponsors have gone some way to meeting these concerns, There are, however, three concerns that still need to be addressed. First, the European Community and its member States regret yet again that there is no reference in the resolution just adopted to the considerable and continuing development assistance provided for Africa by United Nations agencies and the international community. Secondly, on the question of decolonization in Africa, as covered by operative paragraphs 6 and 8 of the resolution, the European Community and its member States attach importance to the need to reflect current realities. They note that once the question of Western Sahara is resolved, there will be no Non-Self-Governing Territories in Africamon the list of the Committee of 24. Finally, in respect of operative paragraph 13, the European Community and its member States believe that the Secretary-General himself must be allowed discretion to decide which meetings on the New Agenda would benefit from the participation of a representative of the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

10 accordance with General Assembly resolution 2011 (XX), of 11 October 1965, I now call on the Observer of the Organiaation of African Unity, * Mr. Phoofolo (Lesotho}, Vice-President, took the Chair. (Mr. Collier. United Kinqdom) Mr. SY (Organisation of African Unity (OAU)) (interpretation from French): On behalf of the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity, I should like to thank all of those delegations that were so kind as to support draft resolution A/47/L.14/Rev.l. This resolution will serve useful framework to strengthen cooperation between the United Nations OAU, particularly in the following areas: development and economic integration in Africa; peacsful settlement of disputes; and promotion process of peaceful, orderly democratic transition in Africa. The resolution that was just adopted should also help in promoting cooperation, consultation and coordination between the United Nations and the OAU, particularly for the implementation of the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s. The valuable assistance that the international community has given Africa should, however, be increased in order to ensure the success of the New Agenda. In conclusion, I shoulS like to thank all of the delegations that have contributed, in consultatioils, to the adoption of the consensus text.

We have concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 27. as a and the of a

I now call on the Rapporteur of the Second Committee, who will ir.troduce the reports of the Second Committee in one intervention. Mr. BALZAN (Malta), Rapporteur of the Second Committee: I have the honour to present, first, part IV of the report of the Second Committee (A/47/718/Add.3) under item 78 (b) of the agenda, "Development and international economic cooperation: food and agricultural development". In paragraph 10 of the report, the Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of two draft resolutions, entitled respectively "Food and agricultural development" and "Strengthening the United Nations response to world food and hunger problems". In operative paragraph 11 of draft resolution I, the worils "in the agricultural sector" should be replaced by the words "and of a favourable economic environment to encourage it". These two draft resolutions were adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. It is an honour for me to present next part V of the report of the Second Committee (A/47/718/Add,4) under item 78 (c) of the agenda, entitled "Development and international economic cooperation: new and renewable sources of energy'l. In paragraph 3 of the report, the Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft decision entitled "Report of the Committee on the Development and Utilization of New and Renewable Sources of Energy at its sixth session". This draft decision was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. It is a privilege for me to present next part VI of the report of the Second Committee (A/47/718/Add.5) under item 78 (d) of the agenda, entitled "Development and international economic cooperation: development of the energy resources of developing countries". In paragraph 3 of the report, the Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft decision entitled "Report of the Secretary-General on energy exploration and development trends in developing countries". This draft decision was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. I am also pleased to present part VII of the report of the Second Committee (A/47/718/Add.6) :Inder item 78 (e) of the agenda, entitled "Development and international economic cooperation: international cooperation to mitigate the environmental consequences on Kuwait and other countries in the region resulting from the situation between Iraq and Kuwait". In paragraph 8 of the report, the Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution entitled "International cooperation to mitigate the environmental consequences on Kuwait and other countries in the region resulting from the situation between Iraq and Kuwait". It should be noted that Brazil was omitted from the list of sponsors. I would also like to draw your attention to paragraph 4 of the report, in which Jordan was inadvertently listed as having voted in favour, when in fact, as accurately reflected in the text, that country had abstained in the vote on the second paragraph of the preamble, This draft resolution was adopted by the Second Committee by a vote of 133 to none, with 1 abstention. It is an honour for me now to present the report of the Second Committee (A/47/724) under item 84 of the agenda, entitled "International cooperation for economic growth and development: (a) Implementation of the commitments and policies agreed upon in the Declaration on International Economic Cooperation, in particular the revitalization of the economic growth and development of the developing countries; and (b) Implementation of the International Development Strategy for the Fourth United Nations Development (Mr. Balzan, RaDoorteur, Second Committee) Decade". In paragraph 8 of the report, the Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution entitled "International cooperation for economic growth and development". This draft resolution was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. I also have the honour to present the report of the Second Committee (A/47/725) under item 85 of the agenda, entitled "Industrial development cooperation and the diversification and modernisation of productive activities in developing countries". In paragraph 10 of the report, the Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution entitled "Industrial development cooperationn. This draft resolution was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. I am pleased to present also the report of the Second Committee (A/47/726) under item 86 of the agenda, entitled "International conference on the financing of development". In paragraph 8 of the report, the Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft decision entitled "Financing of development". This draft decision was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote, I should like to present another report of the Second Committee (A/47/727/Add.l), under item 87 of the agenda, entitled "Special economic and disaster relief assistance: (a) Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator and (b) Special programmes of economic assistance". In paragraph 52 of the report, the Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoptian of 10 draft resolutions under sub-item (b) and 1 draft decision under sub-item (a). The draft resolutions are as follows: draft resolution I: Assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Liberia; draft resolution II: Assistance for the reconstruction and development of Lebanon; draft resolution III: Special economic assistance to Chad; draft resolution IV: Assistance for the reconstruction and development of Djibouti; draft resolution V: Assistance for the reconstruction and development of El Salvador; draft resolution VI: Assistance to Benin, the Central African Republic and Madagascar: draft resolution VII: Emergency assistance for humanitarian relief and the economic and social rehabilitation of Somalia; draft resolution VIII: Economic assistance to Vanuatu; draft resolution IX: Emergency assistance to the Sudan; draft resolution X: Special assistance to the front-line States. The draft decision contained in paragraph 53 of the report is entitled "Report of the Secretary-General on the Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator", All of these draft proposals were adopted by the Second Committee a vote. I am also pleased to present the report of the Second Committee (A/47/728) under item 88 of the agenda, entitled "International assistance for the economic rehabilitation of Angola". In paragraph 11 of the report, the Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution entitled "International assistance for the economic rehabilitation of Angola". The draft resolution was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. (Mr. Balzan, Raonorteur, Second Committee) without It is a privilege for me to present the report (A/47/730) of the Second Committee under agenda item 90, "Strengthening of international cooperation and coordination of efforts to study, mitigate and minimiae the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster". In paragraph 11 of the report the Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution entitled "Strengthening of international cooperation and coordination of efforts to study, mitigate and minimise the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster". This draft resolution was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote, I should also like to present the report (A/47/731) of the Second Committee under agenda item 144, "International cooperation and assistance to alleviate the consequences of war in Croatia and to facilitate its recovery". In paragraph 10 of the report the Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution entitled "International cooperation and assistance to alleviate the consequences of war in Croatia and to facilitate its recovery". This draft resolution was Committee without a vote.

If there is no proposal under of procedure, I shall take it that the General Assembly the reports of the Second Committee which are before the Assembly today. It was so decided.

Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the various recommendations of the Second Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. (Mr. Balzan. Raoporteur, Second Committee) adopted by the Second rule 66 of the rules decides not to discuss May I remind members that, under paragraph 7 of decision 34/401, the General Assembly agreed that :"When the same draft resolution is considered in a Main Committee and in plenary meeting, a delegation should, as far as possible, explain its vote only once, i.e., either in the Committee or in plenary meeting unless that delegation's vote in plenary meeting is different from its vote in the Committee." (decision A/34/401, oara. 7) May I remind delegations that, also in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, explanations of vote are limited to'10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Second Committee, I should like to advise representatives that, unless delegations have already notified the Secretariat otherwise, we shall take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Second Committee. This means that where a separate vote and recorded votes were taken we shall do the same. I should also hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Second Committee, Mr. AMAZIANE (Morocco) (interpretation from French): I wish to refer, on a point of order, to the draft resolution on agenda item 78 (e) in paragraph 8 of document A14717181Add.6. Morocco should be included in the list of sponsors to be found in paragraph 3 of that document.

We are now considering a report of the Second Committee, not a draft resolution presented to the Assembly by sponsors.' The Assembly will now consider part IV (A/47/718/Add.3) of the report of the Second Committee, on agenda item 78 (b), "Food and agricultural development". The Assembly will now take decisions on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of part IV of the report. Draft resolution I is entitled "Food and agricultural development". The Second Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 47/149).

Draft resolution II, entitled "Strengthening the United Nations response to world food and hunger problems", was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? . Draft resolutzon II was adonted (resolution 471150).

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 78 (b)? . It was so decided .

We now turn to part V (A/47/718/Add.4) of the report of the Second Committee on agenda item 78 (c), "New and renewable sources of energy". The Assembly will now proceed to take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 3 of part V of its report. The draft decision is entitled "Report of the Committeee on the Development and Utilization of New and Renewable Sources of Energy on its sixth session". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision? The draft decision was adopted.

May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to conclude its consideration of agenda item 78 (c)? It was so decided,

We now turn to part VI (A1471718YAdd.5) of the report of the Second Committee on agenda item 78 (d), "Development of the energy resources of developing countries". The Assembly will now proceed to take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 3 of part VI of the report. The draft decision is entitled "Report of the Secretary-General On energy exploration and development trends in developing countries". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision? The draft decision was adouted.

May I take it that it is the wish of the General. Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 781 It was so decided.

The Assembly will now consider part VII of the report (A/47/718/Add.6) of the Second Committee on sub-item (e) of agenda item 78, "International cooperation to mitigate the environmental consequences on Kuwait and other countries in the region resulting from the situation between Iraq and Kuwait". The Assembly will first take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of part VII of its report. A separate vote has been requested on the second preambular paragraph of the draft resolution. Since I see no objection, I shall put the second preambular paragraph to the vote first. A recorded vote was taken. A'recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Beninp Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, C8te d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, (The President;) Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom 02 Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Jenezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: Iraq Abstaininq: Cuba, Jordan, Sudan The second nreambular varaaravh was retained bv 147 votes to 1, with 3 abstentions.

I shall now put to the vote the draft resolution in document A/47/718/Add.6 as a whole. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Bu.rundi, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, CSte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, MexicoI Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic rlf Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitt,s and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Zambia, Zimbabwe Asainst: None Abstaining: Iraq, Sudan The draft resolution as a whole was adopted bv 159 votes to none, with 2 abstentions (resolution 47/152).

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 781 It was so decided.

I now invite the Assembly to turn its attention to the report (A/47/724) of the Second Committee on agenda item 84, "International cooperation for economic growth and development". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution under that title recommended by the Second Committe in paragraph 8 of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assenbly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 471152).

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 84? It was so decided.

The Assembly will now consider the report (A/47/725) of the Second Committee on agenda item 85, "Industrial development cooperation and the diversification and modernization of productive activities in developing countries". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by th,e Second Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. The draft resolution, entitled "Zndustrial development cooperation"', was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 471153).

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 857 It was so decided.

The Assembly will now consider the report (A/47/726) of the Second Committee on agenda item 86, "International conference on the financing of development". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. The draft decision, entitled "Financing of development", was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote, May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft decision was adopted.

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 86? It was so decided.

The General Assembly will now consider part II of the report (A14717271Add.l) of the Second Committee on agenda item 87, "Special economic and disaster relief assistance. Members will recall that the Assembly considered part I of the report at its 81st meeting on 9 December. ,I now call upon the representative of the United Kingdom, who wishes to make a statement in explanation of vote on position before the voting on behalf of the European Community .and its member States. Mrs. HELKE (United Kingdom): The European Community and its member States would like to make a general statement on the draft resolutions on economic assistance to various countries coming forward from the Second Committee. There are a number of assistance resolutions which are repeated every year that we believe, at a minimum, could usefully be biennialized. Some resolutions are already biennialized, and we commend the sponsors for this. We are also concerned about the tendency towards an increasing number'of separate agenda items in this field. We had hoped that in the context of the restructuring exercise we would have had an opportunity to look at the whole question of rationaliaing the periodicity and number of reports and the agenda before taking action on the draft resolutions of the Second Committee. Owing to pressures of time, this has not proved possible. We welcome the proposals of the Group of 77 contained in the annex to the "non-paper" on restructuring and revitalisation entitled "Draft proposal on streamlined agendas", with regard to the clustering of humanitarian and economic assistance items. It is our intention to continue to pursue the objective of rationalixing reporting obligations and the agenda,in the ongoing restructuring negotiations. It is on this basis that we have not objected to action of the draft resolutions before us.

The Assembly has before it 10 draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 52 of its report (A/47/72!7/Add,l) and a draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 53 of the same report. The Assembly will first take a decision on the 10 draft resolutions. Draft resolution I is entitled "Assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Liberia". The draft resolution was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 47/154).

F+e now turn to draft resolution II, "Assistance for the reconstruction and development of Lebanon". The Second Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 47/155).

Draft resolution III is entitled "Special economic . assistance to Chad". The Second Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 47/156).

Draft resolution IV is entitled "Assistance for the reconstruction and development of Djibouti". The Second Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 471157).

Draft resolution V is entitled "Assistance for the reconstruction and development of El Salvador". (The President) The draft resolution was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 471158).

Draft resolution VI is entitled "Assistance to Benin, the Central African Republic and Madagascar". The Second Committee adopted draft resolution VI without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution VI was adopted (resolution 471159).

Draft resolution VII is entitled "Emergency assistance for humanitarian relief and the economic and social rehabilitation of Somalia”. The draft resolution was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 471160). .

Draft resolution VIII is entitled "Economic assistance to Vanuatu". The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution VIII was adopted (resolution 47/161).

Draft resolution IX is entitled "Emergency assistance to the Sudan". The Second Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution IX was adopted (resolution 47/162),

Draft resolution X is entitled "Special assistance to the front-line States". (The President) The Second Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution X was adopted (resolution 471163).

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 53 of its report (A/47/727/Add.l). The draft decision is entitled "Report of the Secretary-General on the Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision? The draft decision was adopted.

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 87? It was so decided.

May I now invite the Assembly to turn its attention to the report (A/47/728) of the Second Committee on agenda item 88, "International assistance for the economic rehabilitation of Angola". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 11 of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote, May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 47/164).

I now call upon the representative of Angola, who wishes to make a statement in explanation of'vote, (The President) Mr. VAN DUNEM "NBINDA" (Angola): First of all, I should.like to thank all the sponsors and the international community for the support and solidarity they have demonstrated towards the Angolan people by the adoption of draft resolution A/47/L.17/Rev.l. As members know, Angola is a country with innumerable natural resources and an adequate infrastructure that could ensure its harmonious development and guarantee its self-sufficiency in terms of providing food for its people. Unfortunately, the internal armed conflict, together with the actions of destabilization perpetrated by the Pretoria regime, has disrupted the country's economic and social stability, leaving us in the chaotic situation in which we live today. At the same time, with the peace efforts, the Angolan Government is seriously engaged in the economic and social rehabilitation of the country, and we are sure that our potential will permit us to equilibrate our economy in the near future and to place our infrastructure at the service of the development of the Angolan people in particular and the southern African region as a whole. We should like to take this opportunity once again to appeal vehemently to the international community to alleviate the suffering of the displaced populations and those affected by the drought prevailing in various southern and central regions of the country. These populations need all kinds of humanitarian assistance: clothing, food and medicines. In this context, we should like ,to express our profound gratitude to the international community, which, through the Angolan relief #programme and other programmes, has contributed to easing the suffering of the Angolan people. Finally, we should like to appeal to the Secretary-General to continue all his efforts'within the international community to mobilize all the resources necessary to render economic assistance to the Angolan people.

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 881 It was so decided.

The Assembly will now consider the report (A/47/730) of the Second Committee on agenda item 90, "Strengthening of international cooperation and coordination of efforts to study, mitigate and minimize the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster". The Assembly will take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 11 of its report. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of the draft resolution is contained in document A/47/800. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adonted (resolution 47/165).

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 901 It was so decided. T -PRESIDENT: The Assekbly will now consider the report (A/47/731) of the Second COmmitt88 on agenda item 144, entitled "InternatiOnal cooperation and assistance to alleviate the consequences of war in Croatia and to facilitate its recovery". The Assembly will take a decision on the draft reSOlUtiOn recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 Of its report. The Second Committee adopted the draft xesolution without a Vote* May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adonted (resolution 47/166). I

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 144? It was so decided. ORGARIZATION OF WORK

In view of the desire of Member States to dispose Of agenda item 152 expeditiously, may I take it that the Assembly wishes to consider this agenda item at this meeting, notwithstanding rule 15 of the rules of procedure, whiah provides that seven days should have elapsed since the item was placed on the agenda? It was so decided.

In fairness to all members, I wish to consult them before proceeding to discuss and take a decision on the draft resolution / before us. I should like to quote from rule 78 of the rules of procedure in regard to proposals before the Assembly: "AS a general rule, no proposal shall be discussed or put to the vote at any meeting of the General Assembly unless copies of it have been circulated to all delegations not later than the day preceding the meeting." In view of the desire of members to dispose of this item expeditiously, I should like to seek their concurrence with the request that we proceed to (The President) discuss and take a decision on the draft resolution contained in document A1471L.48, even though it was only distributed this morning. Unless I hear any objection, I shall take it that the Assembly agrees with this proposal. It was so decided.

I now call on the representative of Senegal, who introduce draft resolution A1471L.48. will Hr. CISSE (Senegal) (interpretation from French): In the absence of the representative of Morocco, the Chairman of the Group of African States for this month, who has been prevented from being with us, on behalf of the African Group I am honoured to introduce draft resolution A/47/L.48, on the convening of an international conference on Somalia. (The President) I should like first of all to add the following names to the list of 27 sponsors that appear on the draft resolution: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of Guinea, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. In taking cognizance of the situation in Somalia, the Assembly has decided to turn its eyes to the most absurd and perhaps most devastating tragedy that Africa has seen in recent years. There can hardly be any need here to recite the history of the long crisis, or the complex political core-problems, whose most visible result today is the unprecedented situation in which a country and a people find themselves the victims of unprecedented disorder, The scale of the human tragedy caused by the conflict calls for exceptional and urgent measures, which the Security Council took on 3 December in resolution 794 (1992). In authorizing the implementation of an operation designed to establish the necessary security conditions for the delivery of humanitarian aid, the Security Council took a historic decision which, in our opinion, is commensurate with the distress evoked throughout the world by the intolerable pictures we have seen of the Somalian people's protracted agony. Today, we are pleased to see the slow retreat of anarchy and insecurity, as well as the alleviation of the suffering of the Somalis, who are beginning to rediscover hope. If it is true that aim of providing humanitarian assistance and confronting insecurity must be given priority, it is equally true that this aim, in our opinion, has tlue meaning only if it can also help to lay the basis for a lasting solution to the various facets of a multidimensional crisis. Above and beyond the survival qf the Somali people, the second d challenge faced by the international community is to assist that people, in full sovereignty, to determine its own future and, in so doing, consolidate peace and security in the region. The Security Council has endorsed that concern: In resolution 794 (lQQ2), it stresses the need t0 continue the efforts undertaken at various levels with a view to achieving national reCOnCiliatiOn and a peaceful settlement in Somalia. In that respect, we hail the important work done by the Secretary-General in the framework of meetings for the coordination of humanitarian assistance to Somalia, as well as his decision to convene, on 4 January 1993, an informal meeting to lay the foundations for national reconciliation. The draft resolution before the General Assembly for consideration calls for the convening, at an appropriate time, of an international conference on Somalia, which, in accordance with the preliminary terms delineated by the Secretary and the Secretary-General, would enable Somalis, reconciled among themselves and with the guarantee of the international community, to embark on a process of achieving a comprehensive and lasting settlement to the crisis and the reconstruction of a devastated country. By adopting the draft resolution, the Assembly will not only be providing the Secretary-General with an appropriate framework for a settlement to the crisis; above all, it will be helping to strengthen the determination of the Somali people and their leaders to strive for the future and at last close this gloomy chapter in their nation's history.

I should like to announce that Angola and Mauritania have become sponsors of draft resolution A/47/L.48. We shall now take a decision on draft resolution A/47/L.48. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt this draft resolution? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 471167). I The PRESIDENT: We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 152. The meetinu rose at 6.25 D,m.