A/47/PV.95 General Assembly

Before turning to the other items on our agenda for this meeting, I should like, in keeping with established practice, to call the Assembly's attention to document A/47/870, which contains a letter from the Secretary-General, addressed to me, in which he informs the Assembly that 20 Member States are in arrears in the payment of their financial contributions to the United Nations within the terms of Article 19 of the Charter. I should like to remind delegations that, under Article 19 of the Charter, "A Member of the United Nations which is in arrears in the payment of its financial contributions to the Organization shall have no vote in the General Assembly if the amount of its arrears equals or exceeds the amount of the contributions due from it for the preceding two full years." May I take it that the General Assembly duly takes note of this informat.ion? It was so decided.

The Security Council has recommended the admission of the Czech Republic in document A/47/863 and the Slovak Republic in document The draft resolutions concerning the admission of these ne~ Members are contained in documents A/47/L.52 and A/47/L.53. In connection with draft resolutions A/47/L.52 and A/47/L.53 on the admission to membership in the United Nations of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, in addition to the countries listed in these documents, the following countries have become sponsors: Afghanistan, Albania, Belize, Bhutan, Canada, Latvia, Lesotho, Oman, Samoa and Sri Lanka. We shall consider first draft resolution A/47/L.52 on the admission of the Czech Republic to membership in the United Nations. May I take it that the General Assembly accepts the recommendation of the Security Council and adopts draft resolution A/47/L.52 by acclamation? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 47/221).

I therefore declare the Czech Republic admitted to membership in the United Nations. I request the Chief of Protocol to escort the delegation of the Czech Republic to take its place in the General Assembly Hall. The delegation of the Czech Republic was escorted to its place in the General Assembly Hall.

We" shall now consider draft resolution A/47/L.53 on the admission of the Slovak Republic to membership in the United Nations. In connection with draft resolution A/47/L.53 on the admission to membership in the United Nations of the Slovak Republic, in addition to the countries listed in that document and to the countries mentioned earlier, the following country has become a sponsor: the Czech Republic. (~he President) May I take it that the General Assembly accepts the recommendation of the Security Council and adopts the draft resolution ~/47/L.S3 by acclamation? The draft resolutioD was adopted (resolution 47/222).

I therefore declare the Slovak Republic admitted to membership in the United Nations. I request the Chief of Protocol to escort the delegation of the Slovak Republic to its place in the General Assembly Hall. The delegation of the Czech Republic was escorted to its place in the General Assembly Hall.

It is my pleasure on this historic occasion to welcome, on behalf of the General Assembly, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic as full Members of the United Nations. I congratulate the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, as well as the United Nations, on the admission of its l79th and l80th Member States, respectively. I am confident that the same spirit of peace and stability that has characterized the creation of these two new States will continue to serve as an example of what is possible in international relations when countries put the interests of their people first and are genuinely committed to resolving issues in an atmosphere of mutual respect for law and for one another. I wish the Goyernments and the peoples of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic peace, prosperity and success in the future. On behalf of the United Nations and the General Assembly, I wish to assure them of our full support as they take their rightful places in the international community as free, independent, sovereign and peace-loving States. I now call on the representative of Namibia, who will speak on behalf of the Group of African States. behalf c.f the Statfils of the African. Group, which I'h~ve the honour to .' represent for the month of January; and indeed on. behalf of the Namibian . . . . . ... delegation,and.on my oWn,behalf, to welcome the Czech Republic and..the Slovak . -, ~ - - ~. - ' . ' .- '. - _.. : Republic to membership of the United Nations. The United .Nations and, through i . it, the international community, will be enriched by the admission of the two • ~,_ . " .0- . " • States, given their known commitm~nt to international norms and relations. (Mr. Huaraka, Namibia) The membership of the United Nations is, in its completeness and totality, the orqanic body of the Organization. To that extent, the ... attainment of universal membership in the United Nations will enhance the functional authority of the Organization. As the functions of the United Nations are evolvinq and expandinq in the post-cold-war era - in response to the demands of the new world order - universal membership will ensure that all .concepts and perceptions shall be taken into account, and, therefore, that the new world order will encompass all strands of civilization and norms of international law. The Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, by adherinq to the purposes and principles of the United Nations, will enrich the Orqanization. From this perspective, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic will find the States of the African Group willinq and determined partners in defendinq, upholdinq and pursuinq the noble qoals of the United Nations. The actions and decisions of the United Nations are based solely' on the principles of international law, principles which are clear and unambiquous, and universal in their application. The States of the African Group, and Namibia in particular, are lookinq forward to workinq closely with the two new Member States, collectively and individually, in mutuality and reciprocity, for the realization of the purposes and principles of our Orqanization. On behalf of the States of the African Group and on behalf of the Namibian deleqation, it is my honour to welcome, with pleasure, the Czech RepUblic and the Slovak Republic to membership of the United Nations.

I call now on the representative of Sri Lanka, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Asian States. in Europe. Dmring the current session of the General Assembl~ several new Members have been admitted. Today, on this historic occasion, two new Member States, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, have joined our Organization. On behalf of the States members of the Asian Group, it is with great pleasure that I extend a warm and cordial welcome to the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic on their admission to the United Nations~ The new Republics are not strangers to the United Nations. Their peoples were represented at the signing of the Charter of the United Nations at San Francisco in 1945. In a sense, they are older than the majority of the Members States present in this Assembly. The world has watched with much interest the manner in which the two new Republics have evolved from the former Czechoslovakia. This evolution has taken place peacefully and democratically, without the anguish and trauma which have affected peoples elsewhere. This is indeed a tribute to the peoples and Governments of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. They are the inheritors of a glo~ious past. Members of this Assembly will also recall the pioneering efforts of the Czech and Slovak peoples in the democratization process in ~astern Europe dating back to the 1960s. The former Czechoslovakia was a member of the Security Council on two occasions. Czechosll)Vakia served with commitment and much acceptance in a number of other organs and bodies of the United Nations. Today, in joining the United Nations, the Governments of the two Republics have resolved, amicably, the question of the manner in which their representation on the various United Nations agencies and bodies is to be distributed. (Mr. Kalpage,Sri Lanka) On this occasion, we congratulate the Czech and S,lovak peoples a~d their Governments. We wish them well as they embark on a new phase of democratic transformation in ftccordance with their aspirations, ~~storical traditions and cultures. We welcome them to the United Nations.

I call on the representative of Bulgaria, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Euro~ean S~ates. Mr. LOZANOV (Bulgaria): As current Chairman of the Group of Eastern European States, I have the honour and privilegEI, on behalf of the States members of the Group, to express our deep satiSfaction at the unanimous admission to the United Nations of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic - two States belonging to the Eastern European region - and to extend to them our warmest congratulations on this solemn occasion. The admission of new Member States to our Organization has always been an event of major importance, a reaffirmation of the principle of universality which underlies the ~hilosophy of the Organization's existence. In recent years - a time of growing vitality for the Organization that has seen it play an ever-increasing role in the maintenance of international peace, security and stability and in the search for solutions to the global cha11enges facing mankind - the world has witnessed an unprecedented expansion of the United Nations family of States. With the accession of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, today its membership has reached 180. ~ There is a certain symbolic as well as practical significance to the fact that one of the first acts in the international arena by these two successor States of the former C~echoslovakia, a Founding Member of our Organization, was to express, unequivocally, their will to join the United Nations. We are convinced that this act is a clear manifestation of their desire to make a valuable and eftective'contribution to the realization of the goals and principles of the United Nations Charter. "Their conunitmentto democracy, respect for human 'rights and the rule of law, as well as to economic freedom, is solid evidence to that effect. The States on whose behalf I am speaking today feel especially gratified at the admission of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic to the United Nations. We wish them every 'success as they strive'·for a better future for their peoples as well as for the whole of man~ind. I can assure them that the members of the Eastern Europ,ean Group will be their true friends and reliable partners. We look forward to working together with them for the attainment of the noble objectives of our Organization.

~ call now on the representative of Argentina, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States. ~ J Mr, CABDENAS (Argentina) (i~terpretation from Spani~~): On behalf of the Member States that make up the ~roup of ~atin American and Caribbean States, I have the honour and privilege of congratulating the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic simultanaously' on their admission as Members of the United Nations and thus-extending to them a warm welcome to the Organization as free, independent, sovereign and peace-loving States. The admission of these new Members to the Organization is an eloquent manifestation of the historic changes takinq place in the world, which open unprecedented possibilities and prospects for the United Nations. Those changes are creating not only new opportunities but also new challenges for the international community. These admissions strengthen our faith in the principle of universality, an idea that is indispensable for the harmonious functioning of international relations. We are gratified that two new nations have decided to embrace the Organization's Charter, which includes principles rel~ting to respect for fundamental human rights, peaceful coexistence, the pacific settlement of disputes and the non-use of force. In this connection, we should like to highlight the spirit of harmony and peace with which these two ~ations have dGcided to iQoe the future independently, although joined by historical, social and economic ties. We wish the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic success on the new road they are taking as free and sovereign nations that cherish democracy and f~eedom. These two Republics that join the Organization today will undoubtedly contribute, with their cultural heritage and their desire for peace and justice, to fulfilling the purposes of the Charter of the United Nations. Their contribution will be important to the work of the Organization. Accordingl~~ we, the nations of LatinAmer~ca and the Caribbean, will cooperate with them to the fullest extent, and we pledge to work together for the attainment of our shared objectives. The PRESIDE~: I call on the representative of France, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Western European and other States. Mr. MERlMEE (France) (interpretation from French): It is with great pleasure that the. Group of Western European and other States, which I have the honour to represent here, welcomes the Czech Republic and the Slovak RepUblic to membership in the United Nations. The admission of new Members iR always an event for the United Nations, because it bears out the desire of the Organization to accept all who are prepared to contribute to the attainment of the objectives set forth in the Charter and also demonstrates the Organization's importance as the primary authority on which the peoples of the world fix their hopes for peace and cooperation. Today's arrival of two new Members is special, however, hecause it is the result of '8' h'lstoric change that led a State Member of the United Nations to divide peacefully into two new States, both of which naturally requested admission. We are happy to welcome these two States and to give them international recognition at a crucial moment in their history. We are pleased at the prospect of cooperating with them in affirming their new identity. We are convinced that their membership in the United Nations will help strengthen peace, stability and cooperation between the States of the region once all those States commit themselves to fulfilling their responsibilities as Members of the Organization. Once again welcoming the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, I should (Mr. Merimee, France) like in closing to express the certainty of the me~ers of the Group of Western European and other States that each of these Republics will make a very positive ,contribution to the manifold activities of the United Nations.

I call on the representative of the host country. Mr, PERKINS (United States of America): As the host country of the United Nations, the United States is pleased to join the members of the General Assembly in welcoming the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic to membership in the Organization. Over the past months, the world has seen the creation of many new countries. The result has been a dramatic change in the makeup of the Organization. In thinking back over the number of times this body has welcomed new Members, we are struck by the unique circumstances surrounding the creation of independent Slovak and Czech Republics. But the dividing of Czechoslovakia was not and is not an end in and of itself. It is the beginning of a new relationship between the people in Slovakia, those in the Czech Republic and the rest of the world. The principles on which those relationships must be based are clear'and are " enshrined in the charters of the Organization, of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and of many other international bodies and forums. We welcome the membership of the Czech Republic and the Slovak RepUblic in the Organization, ~nd we believe that we shall all be richer for their contributions in the future. Mr, ZIELENIEC (Czech Republic): Allow me to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks on behalf of the people and Government of the Czech Republic for the support given to the Czech Republic's application. I would like in particular to thank you, Mr. Secretary-General, and you, MX"'« P.res~dent,. "a~ W'ell as, all member.~ of th" Sec.urity Council and all those '. .whos~onsore~;~~e draft resolution. The United Nations ~ill soon celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of its foundation. Within this relatively short period of time in the history of ,- - ~"" mankind, it has do~e ,much in the field of strengthening security and peace; in " the spheres of disarmament, human rights, decolonization,.economic development and environmental protection; in the social and humanitarian fields; and in the dElvelopment of internatLonal law. (Mr. Z~leniec, Czech Republic) '.. At present there exists practically no place or field'of human activity where the spirit of the noble principles of the Charter of the United ~ations is not felt. There were 51 "founding fathers" at its cradle. Now the number of its Members has reached 180. This fact convincingly proves the universal character of the Organization and the significance attached to it by the States of the world. 'The United Nations is a unique multilateral global forum for harmonizing conflicting interests and seeking solutions to problems that scourge the world. It is therefore only natural that, immediately upon its establishment, the Czech Republic has applied for membership in this large family and considers its active participation in the work of the Organization to be one of the priorities of its foreign-policy orientation. The present day has become anoth~x important milestone in the history of our nation, a moment inextricably linked to November 1989, when the people of Czechoslovakia resolutely swept away the totalitarian regime trampling human rights and made it clear that it wished to decide its future alone. The ensuing democratic development, confirmed in two free elections, showed the strengths and the weak points of the State - the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic. The development towards democracy gave free rein to the will of the Czechs, the Slovaks and the national minorities forming a State established in 1918 and restored in 1945 to continue to live in good and friendly relations, ~onfirmed by many common sacrifices in the struggle against wrongdoing, oppression and totalitarianism, but to do so on a new footing as two quite independent States. The constitutional, civilized, cultured and peaceful way of division proved the democratic and political maturity of both nations and their political representations. This fact forms the basis of our confidence for the future and of the conviction that the heart of Europe will not become a hotbed of tension, hatred, or even conflict. Our aim is to contribute to the creation of a stable Europe open to natural integration trends and developing good-neighbourly relations at its centre. The Czech Republic unequivocally adheres to the democratic traditions of the Czech statehood shaped and developed over centuries, to the democratic and peace-loving foreign orientation maintained by the first Czechoslovak Republic in the period between 1918 and 1938, and to the Czechoslovak foreign policy pursued since 1989. It adheres to them and considers them a valuable and inspiring legacy that it wishes to develop further and live up to. For the Czech Republic, as a small State in Central Europe, a member of the family of nations, the most extensive cooperation with all countries of the world is of paramount importance. To that end, the Czech RepUblic will spare no effort to participate actively in anything that helps to strengthen international peace and security, the development of economic cooperation and the protection of human rights as the fundamental democratic values and prerequisites for a more secure and just world for all. I should like to express on this occasion the hope of the citizens and the Government af the Czech Republic that the world community will help the development of the new stable, orderly and democratic State, reliable in the fulfilment of its international obligations, which the Czech Republic will strive to be. Let me conclude by again declaring clearly that the Czech Republic - as a new State Member of the United Nations and aware that its legal p~edecessor, Czechoslovakia, was an original Member of the United Nations - will try to contribute its modest shar~ to the fulfilment of the spirit and letter of the Charter, and that the principles of democracy, based on human rights and freedoms, are and will be the backbone of its foreign and domestic policy. Mr. "A~KQ (Slovak Republic) (interpretation from French): Let me begin by conveying to'y~u the thanks of the citizens of the Slovak Republic for the way we have been welcomed into the United Nations family. The desire for equality, national freedom and a strengtheninq of our own identity ha~ brought about remarkable institutional changes. The Slovak Republic i.nvolvementin international activities is an expression of its efforts to become an active partner in the processes of integration as a full-fledged memtJer ~f the world community. The door to Slovakia's'direct participation in European i~teg~ation and world-wide cooperation has been opened wide, and it is endeavouring to adapt itself to the emerging trends of evolution towards the third millennium. The solution of our internal constitutional problems was a demonstration of the democratic process, mutual tolerance and political will. The transition from a federation to two sovereigD republics was unique in its high level of political culture, in the efficiency of its organization and in its desire for and adherence to constitutional procedure and peace. It served as a test of our coming of age and our discretion. •. The Slovak Republic has become one of the successor States to the former federation, not only from the formal and legal standpoints but also by reason of the continuation of the democratic tradition that arose from our activity in the area of international diplomacy. A representative of the Slovak nation, the Slovak diplomat Mr. ~tefan Osusky, was one of the founders of the League of Nations, the predecessor of the United Nations. This is not the first time that we affirm our support for the achievement of ail the objectives and ~rinciples of the United Nations. The Slovak National Council de'clatoed almost fiv.e decades ago, onl September 1944, that the Slovak nation would join the allied 'nations kno~as the United ~ations, which, bY·'their: struggle and sacrifice, were securing a free and d~inocratic life for the peoples of the whole world, including i!lmaller nations s1,tch as, ours. (Mr. K~a~k9. Sloyak R~Public) The activity of·the United Nations is irreplaceabl~. There is a growing neea'to strengthen it. We ~ust therefore fulfil more effectively the functions set out in the Charter. The cooperation of the international community ,is indispe!1sable for the solution of global p~oblems,be they questions'of security, economic and social development, environmental protection or the local problems of today's world. The Slovak Republic is therefore determined to take an active part in that cooperation as a Member of this Organization, the most important international forum. The Slovak Republic is assuming its obligations and rights as a State Member of the United Nations just at the time when it assumes its duties in the tripartite chairmanship of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), which today constitutes a regional agency within the meaning of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. The Slovak Republic also expresses its desire to participate in the activities of the specialized agencies of the United Nations system. It wishes to contribute in that way to the achievement of all the objectives and principles of the United Nations in the interest of stabilizing peace and security and to the completion of all the tasks of the United Nations in all fields. It is precisely the United Nations and its network of international agencies that offer smaller countries, such as the Slovak Republic, an opportunity to participate in the resolution of contemporary issues in international life. Strengthening the role of the United Nations in the resolution of international conflicts, the elimination of hotbeds of tension and the establishment of peace-keeping operations are areas in which Slovak diplomacy wishes to become actively engaged; it wishes to particirate in the solution of such problems, in conformity with the resolutions of the Security Council. minorities and ett£nic9roups. We shall strive to see to it that they are respected by all the States Members ~f the United Nations and that the monitoring m~chanismsto ensure respect for them are strengthened. We reject the use of force and the escalation of tensions. The Slovak Republic declares itself to be, in its internal and external policies, a supporter of the principles of pluralistic democracy, of a socially oriented market economy and of government by law. Respect for those values is essential to the fair resolution of today's problems. On this solemn day we have turned a new page in the history of Slovakia. This moment, so important for us, marks the successful conclusion of the process of our country's emergence onto the international scene. It is the result of complex historical developments and all the processes this age brings with it. I solemnly declare, in the name of the Government of my country, that the Slovak Republic will, in its international relations, respect the rule of international law and the objectives and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. I assure everyone that the Slovak Republic is ready to develop its relations with all the countries of the world on the basis of th~ principles of sovereign equ~lity, the non-use of force, non-interference in internal affairs, respect for integrity and political independence and the pacific settlement of conflicts.

I should like to announce that the flags of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic will be raised at a ceremony which will take place in front of the delegates' entrance ~mmediately after the adjournment of this plenary meeting. ADDRESS BY MR. JORGE SERRANO ELIAS, i.Jl!BSIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GUATEMAL;J. ~ . ~e PRESIDENT: The Assembly "ill now hear an address by the President of the L3public of Guatemala. Mr. J9rge Serrano Elias.President of the Rgpublic of Guatemala. was escorted into the General Assembly Hall.

On behalf of the General Assembly, I have che honour to we1come to the United Nations the President of the Republic of Guatemala, His Excellency Mr. Jorge Serrano Elias, and to invite him to address the' Assembly. President SERRANO ELIAS (interpretation from Spanish): I wish to extend to this honourable Assembly,' most especially to President Ganev, Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali and all the members of national delegations who are present here, the cordial greetings of the people and Government of Guatemala. I should also like to join in the expressions of welcome to the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic and to congratulate them on having resolved their problem in such a civilized fashion, thereby setting an example for many nations of the world. Today we welcome them into this Orqanization with open arms. My country's mission to the United Nations has been given appropriate instructions for the establishment of diplomatic relations between Guatemala and both of those countries. Today I stand before this Assembly to express the feelings of thG Guatemalan people. As the Assembly is well aware, my country has been afflicted for more than 33 years by a conflict, an armed internal confrontation, that has caused great devastation and many deaths. Long before we came to be aware of and to participate in the life of the world around us, the conflict in Guatemal~ was already in progress, bringing death and dividing the Guatemalan'family. In 1987 the first democratic Government of the new Guatemalan democracy, headed by Mr. 'Vinicio Cerezo, began promoting in Guatemala thesignirig of the Es~uipulas Agreements. It can be said that with the Es~uipulas Aqreements a new era of hope began in Central America. Later, on 30 March 1990, the first peac~ agreement with the Guatemalan insurgents was signed at Oslo, Norway, clearing the way for establishiuq a process in my country for seeking peace through civilized, negotiated mechanisms and for the abandonment of enmity and ", confrontation, old traditions of the past. Today we stand before the United Nations not, thank God, because the conflict in Guatemala has intensified but, quite the contrary, because it has diminished g largely as a result of national circumstances. The democracy that was established seven years ago is moving ahead, but we cannot deny that the relaxing of tensions in the world has enormously facilitated the resolution of our conflict. B'owever, we in Guatemala ~re distresseci ~at the conflict is still ~akinq victims ciay by day. People are still 4yinq. People are beinq orphaneci by a senseless conflic~ that shoulci not exist. Therefore, all Guatemalans wish to see this confli~t ~ome ~o ~end. On 14 January 1993, in my acidress to the nation, I presented a new alternative - an alternative that contains concessions tltat had never been made in 33 years and which demonstrates the qenerpus way in which we wish to reDolve the problem that affects us. This initiative has been broadly welcomed in Guatemala, and today I have the honour to preside over one of the most important missions ever dispatched abroad in the history of my country•. I am accompanied by my predecessor, former President Cerezo, who was the first President of our new democracy. I am also accompanied by thetleaders of the country's main opposition parties, I by representatives of Guatemalan political forums that have no parliamentary representation, by leaders of the national press and by leaders of ~uatemala's trade unions. While we do not all take the same political stand, we wish to state before the General Assembly today that we believe unanimously that this conflict must come to an end, and that Guatemala must approach the future with restored diqnity and a fully operative democracy. Guatemala has spared no effort to find peace. Scores of meetinqs have been attended by all sectors of society in order r.~ hold talks with the small insurqent qroup. Today, bafore the international community, the Government of the Republic is makinq commitments that had never before been made in 30 years of struqqle. {President Serrano Eliasj First. of all, we arcit cfferiae:t 'to sign the ,agree~enf on human'dghts, which has been fully discussed, and whose main parts have been approved, both by the Government and by the insurgency. Although an agreement to the contrary had already been concluded by the parties, as an extraordinary measure we are agreeing to immediate verification of the human rights agreements, an unusual act that has no precedent in past conflicts, because as members are all well aware, the main source of human rights violations has been, precisely, the existing conflict. However, we agree to immediate verification of the human rights agreements, even though the conflict is still fully under way. None the less, there are conditions for this acceptance. This generosity of the Guatemalan people, as expressed by its Government, must not be used by the insurgency as a factor that would enable the insurgency to continue its struggle at the international level. For this reason, we want the insurgency to endorse in deeds what it has repeatedly stated in words. Throughout the world it has said that if the Government of Guatemala accepts immediate verification, the insurgency would immediately do its full share to achieve a final peace agreement. We acknowledge the insurgency's expressed will and declare that we accept immediate verification. However, as evidence of the sincerity of their intention to settle the conflict, they should accept the challenge of reaching a final peace agreement within 90 days. Such an agreement would, of course, cover all of the agenda items that we have accepted, and for which the Guatemalan insurgency and the Guatemalan Government have prepared documents setting forth their respective positions on the agenda. Those documents reflect agreement on overCq per cent.of~e issues; 15 per~ent of the issues can readily be discussed aud settled; but there are profound differences of view on S per cent. of the:~ssues. In other words, conceptually, we are so close that we should soon be able to conclllde an agreement that will at la~t bring ~~ace to our country and make it possible for us once aqain to appear before thq international Organization with the dignity that the people of Guatemala deserve and call for. Guatemala, which is not a warlike country but rather a country that deeply yearns for peace, deserves that respect and that distinction. Also for the first tilne in history, the Government of Guater.43la - for the first time in the entire duration of the conflict - has declared that if in those 90 days for some rea~on it should not be possible to reach an agreement, we are prepared to continul! discussion, provided there is a cease-fire - a cease-fire that we had never before accepted, but ~hat we believe should now be accepted so as to put a~ end to the conflict. The Government woulq accept and support such a cease-fire and would provide places for the restationinq of the insurgency's armed troops. Today we requested that the Secretary-Genera~ take steps to have the United Nations monitor that transfe'r. This is the greatest openness ever shown. It reflects the Government's fulfilment of our people's aspirations for peace. Our people deeply aspire to peace. Peace is what we want, and we have come before the international community to express that resolve, those wishes and those convictions. An~ we call for the cooperation of the international community aQ that ,this~C)l1ge!St-"tali.4inCJconflict in .Latin AJnedca may come to " ',',' ,': ,".' . .' ,.:'" aJl end within 9~ ,days. ~ia ~'I114 truly .r~.e~e sh8l!" of ,,0 much . ,confrontation, and.WQulcl enable us to ellbark'3.n.~ef~turewith fafth and optimism; May God bless you~11. (2reaid"nl; SeUano Elias)

On behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the representative of Guatemala for the statement he'has just made. Mr. Jorge Serrano Elias. President of the Republic of Guatemala. was escorted frQmthe General Assembly Hall.

We shall turn first to the nQtes by the Secretary- General CQntained in documents A/47/860 and A/47/861. Members will recall that, by a letter dated 10 December 1992 and circulated in dQcument A/47/774, the Permanent Representative of the fQrmer CzechQslovakia to the United NatiQns infQrmed the Secretary-General that the fQrmer CzechQslQvakia WQuld cease tQ exist Qn 31 December 1992. In CQnsequence, the seats that had been Qccupied by the fQrmer CzechQslQvakia in several subsidiary Qrgans Qf the General Assembly became vacant as at 1 January 1993. In his nQte cQntained in dQcument A/47/860, the Secretary-General informs the General Assembly that the seats that had been Qccupied by the fQrmer CzechQslovakia in the Governing Council Qf the United NatiQns Environment PrQgamme and the United Nations CQmmissiQn Qn InternatiQnal Trade Law became vacant as at 1 January 1993 and that the General Assembly WQuld therefore be required at its fQrty-seventh sessiQn tQ elect a member Qf the GQverning CQuncil of the United NatiQns EnvirQnment PrQgramme fQr the unexpired pQrtiQn Qf the term Qf QffIce Qf the fQrmer CzechQslQvakia, that is, until (The President) 31 December 1995, as well as to elect a member of the United Nations Commission on Internationol Trade Law for the unexpired portion of the term of office of the former Czechoslovakia, that is, until the day prior to the beginning of the thirty-first session of the Commission in 1995. Accordingly, it will be necessary to include in the agenda of the forty-seventh session under item 16, entitled "Elections to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs and other elections", two additional sub-items entitled "Election of a member of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme" and "Election of a member of the United Nations Commission on International' Trade Law", respectlvely. Under the circumstances of the present case, may I take it that the General Assembly agrees that the provision of rule 40 of the rules of procedure, which would require a meeting of the General Committee on the question of the inclusion of additional sub-items on the agenda, can be waived? 'It was so decided.

May I further take it that the Assembly wishes to include in the agenda of the forty-seventh session under item 16, entitled "Elections to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs and other elections", two additional sub-items, "16 (d) Election of a member of the Governing Council of the United Nations Enviroment Programme" and "16 (e) .Election of a member of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law"? It was so decided.

In his note contained in document A/47/S61, the Secretary-General informs the General Assembly that the seats that had been occupied by the former Czechoslovakia in the following subsidiary organs of the General Assembly became vacant as at 1 January 1993: the Committee on Information; the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space; the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization; the Special-Committee on the Situation with ~egard to the Implementation of the. Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples; and the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. In the case of the Committee on Information and the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization, their members are appointed by the President of the General Assembly. In the case of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and the United Nations Scientific Committee o~ the Effects of Atomic Radiation, their members are appointed by the General Assembly. In the case of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, its members are nominated by the President of the General Assembly. Accordingly, in order for these vacancies to be filled, it will be necessary to re-open agenda items 18, 71, 72, 76 and 133. Furthermore, in accordance with established practice, the General Assembly may wish to consider these items directly in plenary meeting. May I take it that the Assembly has no' objection to re-opening agenda items 18, 71, 72, 76 and 133? It was so decided.

In, the case .of 'ag~n~aitems 71,' 72, and 76, ~ . ~ representatives are aware that these items are usually allocated to the, Special Political Committee. i Under the circumstances; and as sU9gestedin the note"by the Secretary-General, may I take it that representatives agr~e that these items be considered directly in plenary? It was so decided.

In the case of agenda item 133, representatives are also aware that this item is usually allocated to the Sixth Committee. Under the circumstances, and" as 'suggested in the note by the Secretary-General, may I take it that representatives agr~e that this item be considered di~ectly in plenary? It was so decided.

I should now like to invite the attention of members to the note by the Secretary-General contained in document Al47/10l/Add.2, paragraph 1 of which reads: "The Secretary-General has received notification of the re.signation of Mr. Richard Kinchen (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) from the membership of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions. Accordingly, the General Assembly will be required at its current session to appoint a person to fill the unexpired portion of the term of office of Mr. Kinchen, that is, until 31 December 1993." Under the circUmstances and in order to enable the Assembly to take the required action, it will be necessary to reopen consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 17, "Appointment of members of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions". May I take it therefore that the Assembly has no objection to reopening sub-item (a) of agenda item 17 in order to appoint a member of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions? It was so decided.

Representatives are aware that this sub-item is usually allocated to the Fifth Committee. In view of time constraints, may I take it that representatives agree that the appointment be made directly in plenary? It was so decided.

May I also take it that the Assembly decides to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 171 It was so decided. AG~NDA ITEM 16 (cQntipyed) ~ • l' t;' , . 4' ,- ELECTIONS TO FILL VACANC~~S IN SUBSIDIARY ORGANS AND OTHER ELECTIONS (d) ELECTION OF AMEMB~R OF THE GOVERNING COUNC~L OF THE UNITED,NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME

The Gener~l Assembly will nQV prQceed tQ .fill the vacancies in seven subsidiary Qrqans Qf the General Assembly resultinq frQm the dissQlutiQn Qf the fQrmer CzechQslQvakia. The General Asse~~ly vill first prQceed, under sub-item (d) Qf aqenda item 16, tQ elect a member Qf the GQverninq Council of the United NatiQns EnvirQnment P~Qqramme frQm th~ Group Qf Eastern EurQpean States fQrthe expired pQrtiQn Qf the term Qf Qffice Qf the fQrmer CzechQslQvakia, tha~ is, until 31 December 1995. I shQuld like tQ annQunce that the Chairman Qf the GrQup Qf Eastern EurQpean States has infQrmed me that his GrQup has endQrsed the candidature Qf SlQvakia tQ fill the seat vacated by the fQrmer CzechQslQvakia and has prQpQsed that that Member State be elected tQ fill the vacant seat. Under rule 92 Qf the rules Qf prQcedure, all ~lectiQns must be held by secret ballQt and there shall be nQ nQminatiQns. HQwever, in accQrdance with paraq~aph 16 Qf decisiQn 34/4~" the Assembly may, in electiQns tQ subsidiary Qrgans, dispense with secret ballQtinq when the number Qf candidates cQrrespQnds tQ the number ~f seats tQ be filled. May I take it that the Assembly decides tQ prQceed with the electiQn Qn that basis? It was so decided.

May I take it therefQre that the Assembly wishes tQ declare SlQvakia elected a member Qf the GQverning CQuncil Qf the United Nations Environment Proq:r;ammf! fOr th~ u.nexpiJ:edpor~ionQfthe term of office of the former Czechoslovakia, with immediate effect? It was so decided.

May I also take it·that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 161 It was so decidtd.

The General Assembly will now proceed, under sub-item (e) of agenda item 16, to elect a member of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law from the Eastern European States for the unexpired portion of the term of office of the former Czechoslovakia, that is, until the day prior to the beginning of the thirty-first session of the Commission in 1998. I should like to annoUnce that the Chairman of the Group of Eastern European States has informed me that his Group has endorsed the candidature of Slovakia to fill the seat vacated by the former Czechoslovakia and has proposed that that Member State be elected to fill the vacant seat. Under rule 92 of the rules of procedure, all elections must be held by secret ballot and there shall be no nominations. However, in accordance with paragraph 16 of decision 34/401, the ~ssembly may, in elections to subsidiary orqans, dispense with secret balloting when the number of candidates corrtsponds to the number of seats to be filled. (The President) 'May I take it that the 'Ass'embly decides to proc~ed with the election on that basis? It was so decided.

May I take it therefore that the'Assembly wishes to declare Slovakia elected a member of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law for the unexpired portion of the term of office of the former Czechoslovakia, with immediate effect? It was so decided.

May I also take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 16? It was so decided.

The General Assembly will now proceed to the matter of filling the seat that had been occupied by the former Czechoslovakia in the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. Following consultations with regional groupf, I have nominated the Czech Republic as a member of the Special Committee, with immediate effect. May I take that the Aesembly takes note of this nomination? It was so decided.

May I further take it that the Assembly decides to conclude its consideration of agenda item l8? It was so decided.

May I further take it that the Assembly decides to conclude its consideration of agenda item 7l? It was so decided.

We turn now to the matter of filling the seat that had been occupied by the former Czechoslovakia in the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Following consultations with regional groups, it has been agreed that the Czech Republic should be appointed to fill this vacancy. (The President) If I hear no objection, may I take it that the Assembly appoints the Czech Republic as a member of the Committee on-the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, with immediate effect? It was so decided.

May I further take' it that the Assembly decides to conclude its consideration of agenda item 721 It was so decided.

Tqe turn now to the question of filling the seat that had been occupied by the former Czechoslovakia in the Committee on Information. Following consultations with regional groups, I have appointed Slovakia as a member of the Committee on Information, with immediate effect. May I take it that the Assembly takes note of this appointment? It was so decided.

i~ay I further take it that the Assembly decides to conclude its consideration of agenda item 76? It was so decided.

Lastly, we turn to the matter of filling the seat that had been occupied by the former Czechoslovak~nin the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization. Following ~OI1$~ltad.on$ w~~ ,reqion.'l1 qroups, I· have appointed· the, Czech, Repul)l;ic as.a member of theSp~c.i,al Committe~, ,..ithimmediate effect. \ . ".- -.. . -. - .- ~ . May I take it tha't the Assembly takes note of this ~ppointment? It was so decided.

, ~fayI' £~rther take i~ that the Assembly decides to conclude its consideration of aqenda item 133? It was so decided. The meetirt~ rose at 12.35 p.m.