A/47/PV.98 General Assembly

I should like to invite the General Assembly to consider, under agenda item 19, "Admission of new Members to the United Nations", the positive recommendation by the Security Council on the application for admission to membership in the United Nations of the State whose application is contained in document A/47/876. The Security Council, in document A/47/923. has recommended to the General Assembly that the State whose application is contained in document A/47/876 be admitted to membership in the United Nations, this State being provisionally referred to for all purposes within the United Nations as "the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" pending settlement of the difference that has arisen over the name of the State. In this connection, the Assembly has before it a draft resolution contained in document' A/47/L.54. In view of the desira of members to dispose of this item expeditiously, I should like to propose that .we proceed immediately to take a dec~sion on the draft resolution contained in document A/117/L.54, and, in this connection, to uaive the relevant provision of rule 78 of the rules of procedure which reads as follows: "... As a ge~eral 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". Unless I hear any objection, I shall take it that the Assembly agrees with this proposal. It was so decided.

In addition to the countries listed i~ document A/47/L.54, the following countries have become sponsors: Argentina, Australia, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, India, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Oman, Poland, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Suriname, Tunisia, Turkey, the United States of America, Uruguay, and the United Arab Emirates. We shall now consider draft resolution A/47/L.54. May I take it that the General Assembly accepts the recommendation of the Security Council and adopts draft resolution A/47/L.54 by acclamation? Draft resolution A/47/L.54 was adopted (resolution 47/225).

I therefore declare the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia admitted to membership in the United Nations. I request the Chief of Protocol to escort the delegation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to its place. to its place.

I welcome the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the United Nations family, and express my congratulations on its admission as a Member of this Organization. I call on the representative of Rwanda, who will speak on behalf of the Group of African States. Mr.. BIZIMANA (Rwanda) (interpretation frqm French): It gives me great pleasure, on bahalf of the African Group, which I have the honour to represent during the month of April, to bid a most sincere welcome into the United Nations to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The admission of this new Member State is an event that brings us even closer to our objective of a truly universal Organization, and is therefore eloquent proof of the confidence of peoples in this Organization and in its ability to help them unite their efforts, to share their destinies and to promote the noble ideals of p~ace, freed~m and justice in the service of the development in solidarity of humanity. On this historic occasion, the African Stats5, on whose behalf I am speaking today, are delighted at the prospect of \!ooperating with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in seeking to achiu~e the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. Those same States that bid welcome to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia wish its people every success.

I now call on the representative of Bhutan, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Asian States. Mr. TSHERING (Bhutan): It is a great honour for the delegation of the Kingdom of Bhutan to welcome, on benalf of the States members of the Asian Group, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as the newest Member of the United Nations. We are all aware, of the tremendous difficulties that the region as a whole has been facing for some time, and therefore this happy occasion is indeed a matter to be celebrated. The admission today of the former Yugoslav RepUblic of Macedonia to the United Nations clearly indicates the respect of the international community for the sovereign and independent status of the country as well as high regard for its people for their contributions to cultural and social development. We are aware that some matters still remain unresolved; however, the admission confirms the confidence of the international community in the sincerity of all concerned in their desire to resolve all outstanding matters. The States members of the Asian Group join me in congratulating you, Mr. Gligorov, and your peo21e on the historic occasion of the accession of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to membership in the United Nations. We are aware of the great happiness that your people are feeling today and we wish to share their joy. We are aware not only of the rich contribution your country will make to the cultural diversity of the i~ternational community, but we are also confident of the important contributions you and your people will make in bringing about peace, stability and p~ogress in the region and in the world. Membership in the United Nations has many privileges and many responsibilities. The greatest privilege is to be seated in this body of 181 nations as equal, sovereign and independent States. Equally, the greatest responsibility is to extend to all other 180 Memcers full respect, friendship and understanding. We have no doubt that as a Member of the United Nations, the former Yugoslav RepUblic of Macedonia will fully discharge its responsibilities in an exemplary manner. Speaking on behalf of my own delegation, while geographical distance separates our two countries, there are many features that we share. We are both small and landlocked countries endeavouring to bring about greater improvement in the lives of our peoples, but the most important feature that we will share is our common faith in the United Nations system and the pride that we will take in our membership. I wish to welcome once again, on behalf of the States members of the Asian Group, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the United Nations family •

~ now call on the representative of Hungary, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Eastern European States. honour and privilege for me, as current Chairman of the Group of Eastern European States, to convey on behalf of the member countries of the Group our very best wishes to the 181st Member of this world Organization on its admission to membership. Today we are putting an end to a situation that has lasted for too long. We know that the Assembly's adoption of the resolution on admission is a crucial stage in the life of this new Member State of the Uni tea. Nations. Ihe increase in the number of Member States of the United Nations is eloquent proof of the historic changes that our world has been witnessing for some time. This development reaffirms ever more forcefully the great principle of universality of the United Nations. After the end of the cold war unprecedented prospects are now opening up for mankind to resolve global problems, an endeavour tha~ requires the participation of all States. We welcome in particular the fact that this new Member of our world Organization, which we are sure will play an active part in international activities, comes from the Eastern European region. The countries of the Group of Eastern European States welcome the initiative taken by the Co-Chairmen of the Steering Committee of the International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia to set up machinery to reso]ve the difference that arose with regard to the name of the newly admitted State and to promote the adoption of confidence-building measures between the interested parties. They express the hope that a positive settlement, mutually satisfactory to the parties, will be found rapidly, thus relegating to historical oolivion a difference that has for too long delayed the definitive solutions tnat everyone hopes for. In the opinion of the Group of Eastern European States, such a settlement would undoubtedly make a major contribution to the maintenance of relations of good-neighbourliness and cooperation in the region. Likewise, they believe that the implementation of confidence-building measures would help further strengthen peace, security and stability in this important part of Eastern Europe. The member countries of the Group of Eastern European States are convinced that the new Member State which has today finally taken its rightful place in this Assembly will make a valuable contribution to the implementation of the purposes and principles of the Charter. Tney wish this friendly country every success in this common endeavour, which is both difficult and inspiring.

I now call on the representative of Belize, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States. Mr. ROGERS (Belize): I have the distinct honour to speak on behalf of the Member States of this Organization that make up the Latin American and Caribbean States and extend a sincere, warm welcom~ and our hands of friendship to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on its momentous admission to the United Nations. Its entry to the United Nations further enriches the diverse membership of the United Nations and attests to the principle of universality which guides this Organization. We feel confident that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will continue to pursue a policy of peace. friendship and cooperation with other nations. At the same time, we take this opportunity to urge the contin~ation of dialogue for the final resolution of the difference. We note with great satisfaction that the newest member of the United Nations has escaped the conflict and turmoil brought about by dramatic changes that swept through its corner of the world. But, while we rejoice at these extraordinary events, we hasten to add our deep concern over the crisis in other areas where continued tension and discord present obstacles to peace. We pay public tribute to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for facilitating the promotion of peace, through dialogue, in a region torn by war. The member States of the Latin American and Caribbean Group also wish to extend to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia the full cooperation and solidarity of the Group as we work for internatio~a1 peace and secur i ty, and the realization of a world free, prosperous and stable, where fundamental freedoms and human rights are upheld.

I next call on the representative of Iceland, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Western European and Other States. Mr. SIGMUNDSSON (Iceland): On behalf of the Group of Western European and Other States, which I have the honour to represent here today, I have the great pleasure to welcome to the United ~ations the new Member State whose admission we have just approved by acclamation. This historic event brings us one step closer to universality of membership of the Organization, which now stands &t 181 Member States. It is testimony to the desire of the international commur-ity to accept all States which are prepared to honour the obligations contained in the Charter of the United Nations and share the principles and purposes enshrined therein. We fully support the presidential statement that was made at the Security Council meeting on 7 April and are convinced that the new Member State will, through its membership in the Organization, help strengthen peace and stability and cooperation between the States of its region. We welcome the new Member State to the United Nations and wish its people peace, prosperity and success in the future.

I now call on the representative of the United States of America, the host country. Ms. ALBRIGHT (United States of America): AS the host country of the United Nations, the United States is pleased to join the other Members of the General Assembly in welcoming the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to membership in the United Nations. The United States expresses its appreciation to the parties involved in the process of admitting the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the United Nations. The compromise package allowing the admission of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, which includes Security Council resolution 817 (1993) and the statement by the Security Council President of 7 April 1993, is a tribute to the state~manship of all the parties involved, especially the leaders of Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. We applaud their efforts to resolve their differences through negotiation. The admission of this new State to the United Nations will contribute importantly to the stability of a troubled region. Membership in the United Nations is just a first step, however, in resolving the differences between the two parties. They must continue ~o show the flexibility which has got them this far. We urge them to cooperate fully with Lord Owen and Mr. Vance as the Co-Chairmen undertake to set up a mechanism to settle the outstanding differences. We lO'ok forward to working closely with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in the United Nations.

I call on the representative of Greece. Mr. EXARCHOS (Greece): Greece, as a sponsor of the resolution that has just been adopted by the General Assembly, joins all previous speakers who have welcomed the admission of the new Member, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, to the United Nations as a renews~ expression of the universality of our Organization and its desire to accept in its midst a State which pledges to adhere to the principles and purposes set out in the Charter. We consider this an important step towards the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. Greece will extend its cooperation to the new Member State in its earnest hope that all the elements contained in Security Council reso1ut~on 817 (1993) and the presidential statement of 7 April 1993, will be successfully brought to a positive conclusion as an integral whole. Greece is ready to offer its contribution with sincerity and goodwill to the task assigned to the Co-Chairmen of the Steering Committee of the International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia so as to help achieve, within the shortest possible time, the 5ettlement of all pending issues. On this solemn occasion, the Greek Government wishes to believe that the new Member will reciprocate in the same spirit so as to enable our two countries to inaugurate a new era of friendly and good-neighbourly relations. ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY MR. KIRO GLIGOROV, PRESIDENT OF THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

The Assembly will now hear an address by the President of the former Yugoslav RepUblic of Macedonia. Mr. Kiro Gligorov, President of the former Yugoslav RepUblic of Macedonia, was escorted to the podium.

On behalf of the General Assembly, I have the honour to welcome to the United Nations the President of the former Yugoslav RepUblic of Macedonia, gis Excellency Mr. Kiro Gligorov, and to invite him to address the Assembly. President GLIGOROV: At this solemn moment, I am happy and excited to express, on behalf of ·the people and Government of the Republic of Macedonia, our gratitude for the support demonstrated by the admission of the Republic of Macedonia to the United Nations as an equal Member. (spoke in Macedonian: English text furnished by the delegation) That act has crowned with success the centuries-long efforts of the Macedonia people and its l30-year struggle for freedom and an independent State. The admission of'the Republic of Macedonia into the international family of nations is an act in which justice triumphs and a shining example of how a small and peace-loving nation has achieved its right to self-determination and statehood and its responsible position in the international community in a peaceful and legitimate way. On this occasion, I s~ould like very briefly to point to a part of the long ana very often tragic history of my people. It is a nation with a lasting memory and a rich cultural history and tradition; a nation that first introduc~d literacy and Christianity to the Slavs; a nation whose fresco paintin~ are a shining point in the darkness of medieval Europe; a nation '-.~ whose m~ern literature and a~·t are part of the world's cultural treasures; a nation whose basic cultural and political credo has been expressed throughout its history in its spirit of coexistence and ethnic and cultural tolerance. It is a nation that joined the anti-fascist coalition in the Second World War, during which struggle, at the first session of the Anti-Fascist Assembly for the National Liberation of Macedonia, established the Macedonian State, which later joined the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The strategist of the ~acedonian liberation~overnentat the beginning of the century, Goce Delcev, a humanist and cosmopolite, clearly expressed this way of understanding the world as "a field for culturill competition among nations". It is in that spirit that Macedonia sought and won its State independence and sovereignty. It was the only Republic of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to gain its independence by the peaceful and legitimate means of a referendum and a new· Constitution. It is the only Republic that has not participated in the war and its interethnic and religious bloodshed, which have senselessly spread across the region. On its road to independence, the Republic of Macedonia unfortunately suffered great damage. It was subject to the unjust delay of its international recognition. In fact, it found its~lf in the position of SUffering enormous losses through the sanctions imposed on Serbia and Montenegro and was exposed to a blockade by some of its neighbours. In spite of all this, however, the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and its various state bodies have remained committed to the principles of peace and dialogue, interethnic understanding, tolerance and coexistence in the Balkans. We were convinced that the United Nations would make the right decision. Today, the Republic of Macedonia, a peaceful European State, is developing its foreign policy in accordance with the United Nations Charter: the strengthening of international peace and secu~ity, development of economic cooperation, and the protection of human rights as prerequisites for a safer and more just world for all. Now, as an equal Member of the United Nations, it will be actively involved in the realization of the aims and principles of the United Nations Charter. Based on our own traditions and current efforts, our highest aim is to secure human rights, and in particular the rights of the nationalities and ethnic groups living in the Republic of Macedonia, which today is home to Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Serbs, Gypsies and Vlachs, as well as members of other nationalities. In that spirit, we shall strengthen our bonds of good-neighbourliness and friendship in the Balkans. The Republic of Macedonia wants and is prepared to make its contribution to the resolution of international conflicts in accordance with the resolutions of the Security Council and in the interests of peace and security. The Republic of Macedonia expresses its determination to be actively involved in the activities of the specialized agencies of the United Nations system. The Re~~lic of Macedonia, as a European State, longs to become a member of the European community of nations. I solemnly declare, on behalf of the Republic of Macedonia, that the Republic of Macedonia will respect the standards of international law and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter in its international relations. The Republic of Macedonia remains ready to develop its relations with all States of the world on the basis of the principles of sovereign equality, the non-use of force, non-interference in the internal affairs of others, and respect for their integrity and independence. Based on those same principles, we are especially interested in developing relations with our neighbours, including a speedy resolution of the present situation pertaining to Greece, and in opening the road to friendship and cooperation. At this historic moment for my State, I cannot but reiterate in conclusion that we are witnessing the reali~ation of the words of the Preamble to the United Nations Charter: "to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small".

On behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the President of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for the statement he has just made. Mr. Kiro Gligorov, President'of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, was escorted from the p'odium.

I request the Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee, Mr. Jorge Osella of Argentina, to introduce the reports of the Fifth Committee in one intervention. Mr. OSELLA (Argentina), Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee (interpretation from Spanish): It is my honour today to introduce the reports of the Fifth Committee on agenda items 112, entitled "Personnel questions", 117, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission", and 121, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Mission for the referendum in Western Sahara". Part III of the report of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 112, "Personnel questions", is contained in document Al471798/Add.2. As noted in paragraph 2 of the report, the Fifth Committee further considered the item at its 57th meeting. At that meeting, the representative of Austria and Vice-Chairman of the Committee, Ms. Maria Rotheiser, acting on behalf of the Fifth Committee; introduced a draft resolution (A/C.5/47/L.2l.) and two draft decisions (A/C.5/47/L.34 and A/C.5/47/L.35). These were all adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. Details of the debate on this item and of delegations' explanations of position may be found in the summary record of the meeting (A/C.5/47/SR~57). In ~araqraphs 9 an~ 10 of this report the Fifth Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of that draft resolution and those draft decisions. Part 11 of the report of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 117, "Financing of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission", is contained in document A/47/795/Add.l. As indicated in paragraph 2 oi the report, the Committee considered the item furthe~ at its 55th and 57th meetings. At the 57th meeting, the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Marian-Georqe Dinu of Romania, proposed the draft decision recommended in paragraph 7 of this report for adoption by the General Assembly. As indicated in that paragraph the Fifth Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of this draft decision. Part 11 of the report of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 121, "Financing of the United Nations Mission for the referendum :1.1)1 Western Sahara", is contained in document A/47/796/Add.l. As indicated in paragraph 2 Fif~h Committee) of the report, the Committee considered the item further at its 55th and 57th meetings. At the 57th meetinq, -the' Chairman of the Conunittee, Mr. Marian-GaorqeDinu of Romania, proposed the draft decision the Fifth Committee recommends in paraqraph 5 of this report for adoption by the General Assembly.

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

Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of deleqations reqardinq the recommendations of the Fifth Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. Let me remind members that by paraqraph 7 of decision 34/401 the General Assembly aqreed 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 meetinq, unless that delegation's vote in plenary meetinq is different from its vote in the Committee". May I remind deleqations that, also in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, explanations of vote are limited to 10 Dtinutes and should be made by deleqations from their seats. Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Fifth Committee, I should like to advise representatives that we are going to proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Fifth Committee. The General Assembly will now consider part III of the report of the Fifth Committee (A/47/708/Add.2) on agenda item 112, entitled "Personnel questions". Members will recall that the Assembly considered part I of the report at its 72nd plenary meeting, on 25 November 1992, and part 11 at its 94th plenary meeting, on 22 December 1992. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 9 of part III of its report (A/47/708/Add.2) and two draft decisions recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 10 of part III of the same report. The Assembly will now take a decision on the craft resolution contained in paragraph 9 of part II! of the report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 47/226).

The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft decisions contained in paragraph 10 of part III of the report. Draft decision I is entitled "Documents relating to personnel questions". The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft decision I was ~dopted.

Draft decision II, entitled "Personnel questions", was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft decision 11 was adopted.

I now call on the representative of Denmark, who wishes to make a statement on behalf of the European Community and its member States. Mr. KLINGENBERG (Denmark): I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Community and its member States on agenda item 112, "Personnel questions" . We are indeed pleased that the Fifth Committee was able to adopt by consensus the resolution that we have just adopted. It represents the culmination of many weeks of discussion and negotiation, tirelessly chaired by the Coordinator, Maria Rotheiser of Austria, during which all participating delegations made considerable efforts to achieve a solution which would be acceptable to all. The result is commendable. In order to be able to have a resolution on personnel questions this year, which we support and firmly believe is desirable, delegations had to make some difficult compromises. The European Community and its me:nber States have been a consistent and staunch supporter of the biennialization of the agenda item on personnel questions. We therefore regard it as an exceptional measure that we have accepted the decision to consider the report of the Open-Ended Working Group on the formula for the determination of equitable geographical representation of Member States in the Secretariat at the forty-eighth session of the General Assembly rather than at the forty-ninth session. The European Community and its member States are prepared to discuss the question of "desirable ranges" in all its aspects. However, we remain to be convinced that our earlier position on this issue, as expressed during the forty-seventh regular session of the General Assembly, does not remain valid namely, that we see no reason to change the present methodology as established in 1988 on the basis of a resolution adopted by consensus. Subsequent developments have reinforced our view. Furthermore, it is our belief that the work of the Open-Ended Working Group should focus on what is of general interest to Member States, as opposed to what may be of narrow interest to only a few Member States. We appreciate the intentions of the Secretary-General regarding the improvement of the status of women in the Secretariat, and we expect that any measures taken will be in accordance with the provisions of the Charter and the Staff Regulations. The European Community and its Member States attach great importance to ensuring the safety and security of United Nations staff and respect for their privileges and immunities, including staff involved in peace-keeping operations. We therefore welcome the request to the Secretary-General to provide updated inform~tion on this issue to the General Assembly at its next session. As pointed out in resolution 47/28, the Secretary-General has, of course, the right to bring anything he deems important concerning this matter to the attention of Member States at any time. Finally, the European Community and its member States would like to associate themselves with ~he remarks made by the United Kingdom "during the 57th formal meeting of the Fifth Committee, held on 19 March 1993, as regards the Fifth Committee's work procedures.

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 112? It was so decided.

The Assembly will now turn to part 11 of the report (Al471795/Add.1) of the Fifth Committe on agenda item 117, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission". Members will recall that the Assembly considered part I of the report at its 93rd plenary meeting, on 22 December 1992. The Assembly will now take a dec~sion on the recommendation of the Fifth Committee contained in paragraph 7 of part 11 of its report (A/47/795/Add.1) May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision contained in paragraph 7 of part 11 of the report? The draft decision was adopted. Mr. de ALMEIDA (Angola): On the question of the financing of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM 11), my delegation supports the Chairman of the Fifth Committee along with those delegations that, under the chairmanship of Belgium in informal consultations, contributed to the continued maintenance of the Mission in Angola. Angola's being under a state of emergency gives my delegation the right to appeal to all Member States for the urgent consideration of humanitarian assistance to the people of Angola and the continued presence of peace-keeping forces in Angola.

The Assembly has concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 117. The Assembly will now turn to part II of the report (A/47/796/Add.1) of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 121, entitled' "Financing of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara". Members will recall that the Assembly considered part I of the report at tis 93rd plenary meeting, on 22 December 1992. The Assembly will now take a decision on the ~ecommendation of the Fifth Committee contained in paragraph 5 of part 11 of its report (A/47/796/Add.l). May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to adopt the draft decision contained in paragraph 5 of part 11 of the report? The draft decision was adopted.

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 121.

The seventh report of the General Committee (A/47/250/Add.6) concerns requests submitted by the Secretary-General and Barbados. Paragraph 1 ·of the report concerns the request by the Secretary-General for the inclusion on the agenda of the current session of an additional sUb-item of agenda item 17, "Appointments to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs and other appointments". The General Committee decided to recommend that the sub-item, entitled "Appointment of members and alternate members of the United Nations Staff Pension Committee", should be included on the agenda of the current session and that it should be allocated to Fifth Committee. May I take it that the General Assembly decides, on the recommendation of the General Committee, to include in the agenda of its forty-seventh session an additional sub-item of agenda item 17 entitled "Appointment of members and alternate members of the United Nations Staff Pension Committee" and to allocate it to the Fifth Committee? It was so decided.

The Chairman of the Fifth Committee will be informed of the decision just taken. Next, I should like to draw the attention of representatives to paragraph 2 of the seventh report of the General Committee, which concerns the request by Barbados for the inclusion in the agenda of the current session of an additional item, entitled "Emergency assistance to Cuba". The General Committee decided to recommend that the item should be included in the agenda of the current session and that it should be considered directly in plenary meeting. May I take it that the General Assembly decides, on the recommendation of the General Committee, to include in the agenda of its forty-seventh session an additional item, entitled "Emergency assistance to Cuba", and to consider it directly in plenary mee~ing? It was so decided.

I should now like to draw the attention of the General Assembly to a note by the Secretary-General concerning the appointment of the members of the Committee on Conferences (A/47/l07/Add.l). His note contains the text of the letter that the President of the General Assembly addressed to him on 17 February 1993, informing him that in accordance with the terms of resolution 43/222 B of 21 December 1988, the President had appointed, at the 93rd plenary meeting of the General Assembly, on 22 December 1992, Austria, Fiji, Grenada, Jordan and the United States of America as members of the Committee on Conferences for a period of three years, which began on 1 January 1993. Regarding the appointment of two (The President) members' from the African. 'States,.. the President further, communicated to the Secretary-General that the' Chairman of the Group of African State.shad informed the President that the Group had. endorsed the candldatures of Morocco and the. Niger for the vacancies and that the President wastherefoX'e appointing MoX'occo and the Niger as members of the Committee on Conferences. May I take it that ,the General Assembly takes note of ·these appointments? Jt was so decided.

The terms of office of MoX'occo and the NigeX' expire on 31 DecembeX' 1995. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to conclude its consideration of sub-item (g) of agenda item 17? It was so decided.

~f 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 report of the First Committee which is before the Assembly today. Jt was so decided.

Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendation of the First Committee 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 34/401, the General Assembly agreed that "When ~esame draft resolution is considered in a Main Committee and in plenarF meetin~, a delegation should, ~s far as possible, explain its vote onlF once, i.e., either in the Committee or in plenarF meeting unless that delegation's vote in plenarF meetin~ is different from its vote in the Committee." MaF 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 bF delegations from their seats. Before we begin to take action on the recommendation contained in the report of the First Committee, I shou!d like to advise representatives that, unless they have already notifi~d the Secretariat ~therwise, we are going to proceed to take a decision in the same manner as was done in the First Committee. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the First Committee in yaragraph 9 of its report (A/47/693/Add.l). The First Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 47/54 G).

May I take ~t that the Assembly wishes to conclude ,its consideration ,of agenda item 63? It was so decided.

The General Assembly will now resume its consideration of the report (A/47/729) of the Second Committee on agenda item 89, "Training and research". Paragraph 21 of the report of the Second Committee contains the text of two draft resolutions. Members will recall that action on draft resolution I was taken by the Assembly at its 93rd plenary meeting, on 19 December 1992, and that at the same meeting the Assembly decided to postpone consideration of draft resolution 11, as the Fifth Committee had decided to defer consideration of the programme budget implications of the draft resolution. The Assembly is now i~ a position to take a decision on draft r.esolution 11, recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 21 of its report (A/47/729). The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of draft resolution 11 is contained in document A/47/914. Draft .resolution 11, entitled "United Nations Institute for Training and Research", was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I take it that ~he Assembly wishes to do likewise? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 47/227).

! shall now call on those representatives who wish to explain their position on the resolution just adopted; Mr. JADMANI (Pakistan): My delegation welcomes the consensus adoption of the resolution on the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). We would, however, like to place on record the following: My delegation regards the activities ca~riea Qut by UNI~AR as extremely useful. One of the effect:'ve tools used by UNITAR for carrying out its research activities is its reliance on the work of senior research fellows who j: have vast experience in the United Nations system and are thus able to provide sound analysis and advice to the system. It is therefore a matter of great interest to us that this institution be retained and fully utilized. It is our understanding that the paragraph relating to the full-time senior fellows in the resolution on UNITAR is in consonance with article 6 of the statute of UNITAR.

May I take it that the Assembly wishes to conclude its consideration of agenda item 89.7 It was so decided. T~e meeting rose at 4.30 ~.