A/48/PV.86 General Assembly

Tuesday, Dec. 21, 1993 — Session 48, Meeting 86 — New York — UN Document ↗

The meeting was called to order at 3.40 p.m.
Vote: A/RES/48/168 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (116)
Vote: A/RES/48/182 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (164)
Vote: A/RES/48/212 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (143)

114.  Human Rights Questions: (B) Human Rights Questions, Including a L T E R N a T I V E a P P R O a C H E S F O R Improving the Effective Enjoyment of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms: Report of the Third Committee (Part Iii) (A/48/632/Add.2, Draft Resolution Xi)

The President #13007
I call on the representative of France on a point of order.
Mr. MAUBERT (France) (interpretation from French): My delegation would like to state for the record that it had intended to co-sponsor the draft resolution contained in document A/C.3/48/L.65, entitled "Situation of human rights in the Sudan", which was adopted yesterday under sub-item (c) of agenda item 114.
The President #13008
That information is noted. We have before us draft resolution XI, recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 88 of part III of its report (A/48/632/Add.2). Action on the other draft resolutions This record is subject to correction. Corrections should be sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned within one week of the date of publication to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Section, Room C-178, and incorporated in a copy of the record. When the result of a recorded and/or roll-call vote is followed by an asterisk, see the annex to the record. NEW YORK contained in that paragraph was taken by the Assembly at its 85th plenary meeting, on 20 December. Draft resolution XI is entitled "International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People". I call on the representative of Australia.
Tuesday, 21 December 1993 at 3 p.m.
Mr. Sharp AUS Australia #13009
My delegation would like to clarify a revision to operative paragraph 9 of the draft resolution that was contained in document A/C.3/48/L.54 when it was introduced in and adopted by the Third Committee. As a result of consultations after the draft resolution was submitted and before it was adopted by the Third Committee, it was agreed that in operative paragraph 9 the phrase "taking fully into account through appropriate channels the views of indigenous people" should be deleted and the phrase "with Governments and in partnership with indigenous people" should be inserted after the words "to consider". In order fully to reflect this agreed amendment, the words "through appropriate channels" should be deleted from operative paragraph 9 of draft resolution XI. The paragraph will then read: Distr. GENERAL A/48/PV.86 27 January 1994 ENGLISH It will also be necessary to amend paragraph 52 of document A/48/632/Add.2 by substituting the word "deleting" for the word "replacing", and deleting the phrase "with the words ’through appropriate channels’" at the end of the paragraph.
The President #13010
The representative of Australia has submitted an oral amendment to operative paragraph 9 of draft resolution XI. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to adopt the oral amendment to operative paragraph 9 of draft resolution XI?
The oral amendment to operative paragraph 9 of draft resolution XI was adopted.
Vote: 35/94 Consensus
The President #13011
May I also take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution XI, as orally amended?
Draft resolution XI, as orally amended, was adopted (resolution 48/163).
The President #13012
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 114. The Assembly has also thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Third Committee.

91a.  To (J) , 92 to 106, 41 , 154, 169, 171 and 12 Development and International Economic Cooperation: Report of the Second Committee (Parts I and Xiii) (A/48/717 and Add.12) (A) Trade and Development: Report of the Second Committee (Part Iii) (A/48/717/Add.2); (C) E F F E C T I V E M O B I L I Z a T I O N a N D I N T E G R a T I O N O F W O M E N I N Development: Report of the Second Committee (Part V) (A/48/717/Add.4); (D) Economic and Technical Cooperation Among Developing Countries: Report of the Second Committee (Part Vi) (A/48/717/Add.5); (E) Environment: Report of the Second Committee (Part Vii) (A/48/717/Add.6); (F) Desertification and Drought: Report of the Second Committee (Part Viii) (A/48/717/Add.7); (G) Human Settlements: Report of the S E C O N D C O M M I T T E E ( P a R T I X ) (A/48/717/Add.8); (H) Science and Technology for Development: Report of the Second Committee (Part X) (A/48/717/Add.9); (I) Entrepreneurship: Report of the S E C O N D C O M M I T T E E ( P a R T X I ) (A/48/717/Add.10); (J) Integration of the Economies in Transition Into the World Economy: Report of the Second Committee (Part Xii) (A/48/717/Add.11); External Debt Crisis and Development: Report of the Second Committee (A/48/718) International Cooperation for the Eradication of Poverty in Developing Countries: Report of the Second Committee (A/48/719) Operational Activities for Development: Report of the Second Committee (A/48/720) International Cooperation for Economic Growth and Development: Report of the Second Committee (A/48/721) International Conference on the Financing of Development: Report of the Second Committee (A/48/723) International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (A) Report of the Second Committee (A/48/724) (B) Report of the Fifth Committee (A/48/793) Implementation of Decisions and Recommendations of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development: Report of the Second Committee (A/48/725) Special Programmes of Economic Assistance: Report of the Second Committee (A/48/726) International Assistance for the Economic Rehabilitation of Angola: Report of the Second Committee (A/48/727) Assistance for the Reconstruction and Development of El Salvador: Report of the Second Committee (A/48/728) International Cooperation and a S S I S T a N C E T O a L L E V I a T E T H E Consequences of War in Croatia and to Facilitate Its Recovery: Report of the Second Committee (A/48/729) Human Resources Development: Report of the Second Committee (A/48/730) Strengthening of International Cooperation and Coordination of Efforts to Study, Mitigate and Minimize the Consequences of the Chernobyl Disaster: Report of the Second Committee (A/48/731) Training and Research: United Nations Institute for Training and Research (A) Report of the Second Committee (A/48/732) Emergency International Assistance for Peace, Normalcy and Reconstruction of War-Stricken Afghanistan: Report of the Second Committee (A/48/716) United Nations Interim Offices (A) Report of the Second Committee (A/48/733) (B) Report of the Fifth Committee (A/48/792) Economic Assistance to States Affected by the Implementation of the Security Council Resolutions Imposing Sanctions Against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro): Report of the Second Committee (A/48/734) E M E R G E N C Y a S S I S T a N C E F O R T H E Socio-Economic Rehabilitation of Rwanda: Report of the Second Committee (A/48/735) Report of the Economic and Social Council (A) Report of the Second Committee (Parts I and Ii) (A/48/715 and Add.1) (B) Report of the Fifth Committee (A/48/791)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

3.  Credentials of Representatives to the Forty-Eighth Session of the General Assembly: (B) Second Report of the Credentials Committee (A/48/512/Add.1)

The President #13013
The draft resolution recommended by the Credentials Committee in paragraph 10 of its second report (A/48/512/Add.1) reads as follows: "The General Assembly, "Having considered the second report of the Credentials Committee and the recommendation contained therein, The Assembly will now take action on the draft resolution recommended by the Credentials Committee in paragraph 10 of its second report. The Credentials Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/13 B).
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
The President #13014
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 3 and of agenda item 3 as a whole?
It was so decided.

7.  Notification by the Secretary-General Under Article 12, Paragraph 2, of the Charter of the United Nations: Note by the Secretary-General (A/48/411/Add.2)

The President #13015
As members are aware, in accordance with the provisions of Article 12, paragraph 2, of the Charter of the United Nations and with the consent of the Security Council, the Secretary-General is mandated to notify the General Assembly of matters relative to the maintenance of international peace and security that are being dealt with by the Security Council and of matters with which the Council has ceased to deal. Members will recall that, at its 57th plenary meeting, on 17 November, the Assembly took note of the Notes by the Secretary-General on agenda item 7 contained in documents A/48/411 and A/48/411/Add.1. In this connection, the General Assembly has before it a Note by the Secretary- General issued as document A/48/411/Add.2. May I take it that the Assembly takes note of this document?
It was so decided.
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
The President #13016
I call on the rapporteur of the Second Committee to introduce the reports of the Second Committee in one intervention. Ms. FREUNDENSCHUSS-REICHL (Austria), Rapporteur of the Second Committee: I have the honour to introduce the following reports of the Second Committee on the items allocated to it by the General Assembly for consideration. Under agenda item 91, entitled "Development and international economic cooperation", document A/48/717 contains the introduction to this item. Under agenda item 91 (a), entitled "Development and international economic cooperation: trade and development", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/717/Add.2, paragraph 23, the adoption of four draft Under agenda item 91 (b), entitled "Development and international economic cooperation: implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/717/Add.3, paragraph 8, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 91 (c), entitled "Development and international economic cooperation: effective mobilization and integration of women in development", document A/48/717/Add.4, the Second Committee did not recommend any proposals. However, the Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly that it take note of the following two documents under this item: the preliminary version of the 1994 world survey on the role of women in development (A/48/70) and the report of the Secretary- General on the effective mobilization and integration of women in development (A/48/393). Under agenda item 91 (d), entitled "Development and international economic cooperation: economic and technical cooperation among developing countries", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/717/Add.5, paragraph 10, the adoption of two draft resolutions. Under agenda item 91 (e), entitled "Development and international economic cooperation: environment", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/717/Add.6, paragraph 10, the adoption of one draft resolution, and in paragraph 11, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 91 (f), entitled "Development and international economic cooperation: desertification and drought", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/717/Add.7, paragraph 6, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 91 (g), entitled "Development and international economic cooperation: human settlements", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/717/Add.8, paragraph 7, the adoption of three draft resolutions. Under agenda item 91 (h), entitled "Development and international economic cooperation: science and technology for development", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/717/Add.9, paragraph 6, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 91 (i), entitled "Development and international economic cooperation: entrepreneurship", the Under agenda item 91 (j), "Development and international economic cooperation: integration of the economies in transition into the world economy", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/717/Add.11, paragraph 5, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under the general heading of item 91, "Development and international economic cooperation", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/717/Add.12, paragraph 16, the adoption of three draft resolutions. With regard to this report, I should also like to suggest that a draft decision be included in which the General Assembly would decide to take note of the report of the Secretary-General on economic stabilization programmes in developing countries (A/48/380). Under agenda item 92, entitled "External debt crisis and development", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/718, paragraph 11, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 93, entitled "International cooperation for the eradication of poverty in developing countries", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/719, paragraph 13, the adoption of two draft resolutions. Under agenda item 94, entitled "Operational activities for development", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/720, paragraph 10, the adoption of two draft decisions. Under agenda item 95, "International cooperation for economic growth and development", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/721, paragraph 8, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 96, entitled "International Conference on Population and Development", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/722, paragraph 10, the adoption of one draft resolution, and in paragraph 11, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 97, "International conference on the financing of development", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/723, paragraph 9, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 98, "International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction", the Second Committee Under agenda item 99, entitled "Implementation of decisions and recommendations of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/725, paragraph 29, the adoption of six draft resolutions, and in paragraph 30, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 100, entitled "Special programmes of economic assistance", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/726, paragraph 36, the adoption of seven draft resolutions, and in paragraph 37, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 101, "International assistance for the economic rehabilitation of Angola", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/727, paragraph 9, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 102, "Assistance for the reconstruction and development of El Salvador", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/728, paragraph 8, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 103, "International cooperation and assistance to alleviate the consequences of war in Croatia and to facilitate its recovery", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/729, paragraph 8, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 104, entitled "Human resources development", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/730, paragraph 10, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 105 "Strengthening of international cooperation and coordination of efforts to study, mitigate and minimize the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/48/731, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 106, entitled "Training and research: United Nations Institute for Training and Research", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 11 of document A/48/732, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 41, "Emergency international assistance for peace, normalcy and reconstruction of war- stricken Afghanistan", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/48/716, paragraph 11, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 169, entitled "Economic assistance to States affected by the implementation of the Security Council resolutions imposing sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro)", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/48/734, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under item 171, "Emergency assistance for the socio-economic rehabilitation of Rwanda", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 6 of document A/48/735, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under item 12, "Report of the Economic and Social Council", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 16 of document A/48/715, the adoption of two draft resolutions, and, in paragraph 17 of the same document, the adoption of one draft decision. I should like to add here that, to correct an error, Morocco should be deleted from the list of sponsors in paragraph 5. Also under item 12, the Second Committee, in part II (A/48/715/Add.1) of its report on the report of the Economic and Social Council, recommends, in paragraph 22, the adoption of five draft decisions.
The President #13017
I should like to inform members that the representative of the United States of America has expressed a desire to make a statement in connection with the Second Committee’s report (A/48/717/Add.10) on sub-item (i), "Entrepreneurship", of agenda item 91. Bearing in mind rule 66 of the rules of procedure, may I take it that the Assembly agrees to discuss that report?
It was so decided.
The President #13018
If there is no other proposal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I shall take it that the Assembly decides not to discuss the other reports of the Second Committee that are before the Assembly today.
It was so decided.
The President #13019
Other statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Second Committee have been made 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." May I remind representatives 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 we shall proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Second Committee, unless notified otherwise in advance. This means that where recorded votes were taken in the Committee we shall do the same in the Assembly. I hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Second Committee. The Assembly will first consider parts I and XIII of the report of the Second Committee on agenda item 91, entitled "Development and international economic cooperation", in documents A/48/717 and Add.12. We shall first consider Part I of the Second Committee’s report. With regard to the Secretary-General’s report "Economic stabilization programmes in developing countries" (A/48/380), which is mentioned in paragraph 3 (c) of part I of the Second Committee’s report on agenda item 91, may I take it that the General Assembly wishes - on the proposal of the Rapporteur of the Second Committee - to take note of the report of the Secretary-General?
It was so decided.
The President #13020
May I further take it that the Assembly wishes to take note of part I of the report of the Second Committee? The Assembly will now take decisions on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 16 of part XIII of its report. Draft resolution I is entitled "Follow-up to the report of the South Commission". The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
It was so decided.
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 48/164).
The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution II is entitled "Renewal of the dialogue on strengthening international economic cooperation for development through partnership". Draft resolution II was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 48/165).
The President #13021
Draft resolution III is entitled "An agenda for development". 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 48/166).
The President #13022
I call on those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of position.
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
Mr. Wisnumurti IDN Indonesia #13023
It is a privilege for me to speak on behalf of the States members of the Non-Aligned Movement on the adoption of draft resolution II in document A/48/717/Add.12, on renewal of the dialogue on strengthening international economic cooperation for development through partnership, which was sponsored by developing countries members of the Non-Aligned Movement and of the Group of 77, by China and indeed by some developed countries and countries with economies in transition. It is indeed a source a satisfaction for the non-aligned countries and, I believe, for all Members of the United Nations that the Assembly has adopted this draft resolution. We consider it extremely significant that the international community has agreed to give new impetus to the dialogue on international cooperation for development on the basis of a new approach and orientation: mutuality of interests and benefits, genuine interdependence, shared responsibility and partnership. Also of paramount importance is that the dialogue is aimed at promoting economic growth, accelerated development and the eradication of poverty, which for too The fact that developed countries and the economies in transition have joined not only in adopting the consensus resolution, but also - many of them - in sponsoring it, sends a strong signal that the time has come for all countries to work together to forge a new compact through partnership for addressing issues of development. The conclusion of the Uruguay Round has given further indications that the process is growing stronger. There is, however, an abiding need to expand these commitments further, and concretely to implement them in various forums and intergovernmental negotiations on issues of development. To that end, the forthcoming World Conference on Population and Development, to be held in Cairo next September, offers a good opportunity to implement and advance the dialogue as well as to strengthen the partnership for further enhancing international economic cooperation for development, by means of a workable and implementable plan of action in this field. In conclusion, I would just like to say that we in the Non-Aligned Movement strongly believe in the centrality of the United Nations role in fostering development and in keeping development issues at the top of the international agenda. Therefore, we sincerely hope that the Secretary-General will greatly assist in facilitating this process by guiding our efforts and by recommending ways and means for moving the dialogue forward, as well as by elaborating relevant themes within the context of an agenda for development. That agenda should further facilitate the dialogue and help strengthen the partnership and commitment for promoting international cooperation for development.
Mr. Blaney USA United States of America #13024
My delegation agreed to join in sponsoring draft resolution II in document A/48/717/Add.12 because we wanted to help set a new course for international discussions on development issues based upon mutual interests and shared responsibilities. It is our hope that the resolution will lead to a frank, honest and realistic exchange of views between all parts of the international community. Increasingly, people around the world are coming to accept the need for international cooperation and concerted action to address common global problems. The preamble to the resolution states that among the most compelling of such problems are the acceleration of development, the eradication of poverty and the need to address disparities between countries. We would add to that list the challenge of integrating former communist countries into the global market economy, the need to expand The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, held last year in Brazil, and the sweeping reforms in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development enacted at Cartagena demonstrate what we can accomplish by working together in a spirit of partnership and pragmatism. Next year’s World Conference on Population and Development, to be held in Cairo, and the social Summit and the women’s Conference to be held in 1995 offer opportunities to build on that progress. The Secretary-General’s report on an agenda for development should provide additional grist for the ongoing development dialogue. Such a dialogue should seek to bridge misunderstandings between countries at different levels of development and to forge consensus on what needs to be done to promote broad-based prosperity. Unfortunately, previous United Nations development dialogues, hampered by a cold-war division of Member States into ideological camps, have tended to produce only rhetorical posturing, polarization and intransigence. We must work together to avoid these pitfalls if this resolution is to succeed. We should avoid lumping States into adversarial groups. The Kearns Group demonstrates how a diverse group of countries can work together to promote shared interests. We must also avoid letting these discussions become bogged down over assistance levels and other resource questions; they should focus instead on substantive areas where we can make progress. Last week in Geneva negotiators from 117 countries completed the most comprehensive package of trade liberalization agreements in world history. Meanwhile, in this hemisphere the United States, Canada and Mexico are preparing to implement the historic North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), a unique partnership for development between developed and developing countries. The success of NAFTA and the Uruguay Round is cause for celebration. However, the political debates over those agreements highlight the anxieties inherent in more liberal trade and closer economic integration, especially between countries at different stages of development. People in all countries are facing painful economic adjustments today in response to global developments. We must cooperate to contain the resulting tensions so that they do not unduly complicate international relations. The recent elections in Russia are a case in point. The forces of economic globalization and the information revolution are making our world an ever more
The President on behalf of European Union #13025
We shall now consider Part III of the report (A/48/717/Add.2) of the Second Committee on agenda item 91 (a), entitled "Trade and Development". Members will recall that the Assembly considered a report (A/48/717/Add.1) of the Second Committee on agenda item 91 (a) at its 75th plenary meeting, held on 10 December. I call on the representative of Belgium, who wishes to speak in explanation of position on behalf of the European Union.
Mr. Portocarero BEL Belgium on behalf of European Union concerning draft resolutions III and IV under this item [French] #13026
It is my honour to address the Assembly on behalf of the European Union concerning draft resolutions III and IV under this item. The European Union will join in the consensus on these two texts, as it did in the Second Committee, although we have difficulties with both. Clearly, cooperation for development must extend to all developing countries, whether land-locked or transit countries. In that context, we are playing a constructive role in the work aimed at tackling this range of problems, which are of concern to us, particularly in the framework of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, and we support programmes of assistance to the countries to which I have referred. None the less, we firmly reiterate that this in no way implies that a new category of country should be created, particularly at the institutional level within the United Nations system. Moreover, the explicit reference to a sub-category of land-locked countries causes us additional difficulties. We admit that the reference here is to a distinct group of land-locked countries, those with economies in transition, but that only strengthens our opposition regarding the introduction of new groups and, even more so, new sub-groups demanding special attention. For those reasons, we wish all the more that it had been possible to merge the two texts and to be more open to the land-locked countries.
The President #13027
The Assembly will now take a decision on the four draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 23 of Part III of its report (A/48/717/Add.2) and the draft decision recommended by The Assembly will first turn to the four draft resolutions. Draft resolution I is entitled "International code of conduct on the transfer of technology". The Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 48/167).
Vote: A/47/717/Add.3 Consensus
The President #13028
Draft resolution II is entitled "Economic measures as a means of political and economic coercion against developing countries". A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution II was adopted by 116 votes to 32, with 16 abstentions (resolution 48/168).
The President #13029
Draft resolution III is entitled "Specific actions related to the particular needs and problems of land-locked developing countries". The Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 48/169).
The President #13030
Draft resolution IV is entitled "Assistance to land-locked States in Central Asia". The Committee adopted draft resolution IV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly will do the same?
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 48/170).
The PRESIDENT: The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 24 of Part III of its report (A/48/717/Add.2). The draft decision, entitled "Third United Nations Conference to Review All Aspects of the Set of Multilaterally Agreed Equitable Principles and Rules for the Control of Restrictive Business Practices", was adopted by the Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President #13031
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to concluded its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 91?
It was so decided.
The President #13032
The Assembly will now consider Part IV of the report (A/47/717/Add.3) of the Second Committee on sub-item (b) of agenda item 91, entitled "Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of Part IV of its report. That 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 48/171).
It was so decided.
The President #13033
We will now consider Part V of the report (A/48/717/Add.4) of the Second Committee on sub-item (c) of agenda item 91, entitled "Effective mobilization and integration of women in development". The documents that were before the Second Committee under sub-item (c) of agenda item 91, namely the preliminary version of the 1994 World Survey on the Role of Women in Development (A/48/70-E/1993/16) and the report of the Secretary-General on the effective mobilization and integration of women in development (A/48/393) are listed in paragraph 3 of Part I of the report (A/48/717) of the Second Committee on agenda item 91. May I take it that, at the proposal of the Rapporteur of the Second Committee, it is the wish of the Second Committee to take note of these two documents?
It was so decided.
The President #13034
In its report on sub-item (c) of agenda item 91, the Second Committee informs the General Assembly that no action was taken under sub-item (c). May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of part V of the report of the Second Committee on sub-item (c) of agenda item 91?
It was so decided.
The President #13035
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 91?
It was so decided.
The President #13036
We shall now consider Part VI of the report (A/48/717/Add.5) of the Second Committee on sub-item (d) of agenda item 91, entitled "Economic and technical cooperation among developing countries". I now call on the representative of Spain on a point of order.
Mr. Fernandez-Pita ESP Spain [Spanish] #13037
My delegation has not been able to obtain document A/48/717/Add.5 in Spanish. It was not provided to the Spanish Mission, nor is it available from the documents services in this Hall. In these circumstances, in order not to interrupt the examination of the matters at hand,
The President #13038
The observation of the representative of Spain is noted. The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of part VI of its report (A/48/717/Add.5). Draft resolution I is entitled "Economic and technical cooperation among developing countries". The Second Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 48/172).
The President #13039
Draft resolution II is entitled "Cooperation between the United Nations and the Southern African Development Community". The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 48/173).
The President #13040
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly also to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 91?
It was so decided.
The President #13041
We shall now proceed to the consideration of part VII of the report (A/48/717/Add.6) of the Second Committee on sub-item (e) of agenda item 91, entitled "Environment". The Assembly has before it the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of part VII of its report and the draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 11. The Assembly will first take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee. The draft resolution, entitled "Strengthening of the United Nations Environment Programme", was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee. It is entitled "Large-scale pelagic drift-net fishing and its impact on the living marine resources of the world’s oceans and
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/174).
The draft decision was adopted.
The President on behalf of European Union #13042
I shall now call on the representative of Belgium, who wishes, on behalf of the European Union, to make a statement in explanation of position.
Mr. Portocarero BEL Belgium [French] #13043
The European Union did not oppose the consensus on the resolution on strengthening the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). We do, however, want to stress that operative paragraph 7 should not be interpreted as a vague call for the holding of meetings at UNEP headquarters without considering the budgetary aspects and other decisive factors, particularly with regard to meetings of technical bodies connected with UNEP.
The President #13044
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub- item (e) of agenda item 91?
It was so decided.
The President #13045
We shall now consider part VIII of the report (A/48/717/Add.7) of the Second Committee on sub-item (f) of agenda item 91, entitled "Desertification and drought". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of part VIII of its report. The draft resolution, entitled "Drought and desertification", was adopted by the Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/175).
Vote: A/48/717/Add Consensus
The President #13046
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub- item (f) of agenda item 91?
It was so decided.
The President #13047
We shall now consider part IX of the report (A/48/717/Add. 8) of the Second Committee on sub-item (g) of agenda item 91, entitled "Human settlements". The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Committee in paragraph 7 of part IX of its report.
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 48/176).
The President #13048
Draft resolution II, entitled "Resource mobilization for the implementation of the regional action programme for phase II (1992-1996) of the Transport and Communications Decade for Asia and the Pacific", is recommended by the Second Committee. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution II?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 48/177).
The President #13049
Draft resolution III, entitled "Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000, is recommended by the Second Committee. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution III?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 48/178).
The President #13050
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (g) of agenda item 91?
It was so decided.
The President #13051
We shall now consider part X of the report (A/48/717/Add.9) of the Second Committee on sub-item (h) of agenda item 91, entitled "Science and technology for development". We shall now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Committee in paragraph 6 of part X of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/179).
The President #13052
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub- item (h) of agenda item 91?
It was so decided.
The President #13053
We shall now consider part XI of the report (A/48/717/Add.10) of the Second Committee on sub-item (i) of agenda item 91, entitled "Entrepreneurship". In accordance with the decision taken under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I now call on the representative of the United States of America. The draft resolution reflects a world that now understands that market liberalization unleashes economic growth and enables individuals to influence their own economic destinies. This increase in economic opportunity for all will also help create and sustain an environment in which democracy and human rights can flourish. Specifically, the text directs the United Nations system in concrete ways to assist the rehabilitation and development of the private sector as an engine of growth of the world economy. It builds on previous texts in which countries universally agreed that the legal, regulatory and financial environment must be private-sector friendly. In sum, this reflects a new willingness to be cooperative because of the common desire for a better quality of life. Upon realizing that the previous separate initiatives - one on entrepreneurship and the other on privatization - both addressed the importance of the market and the private sector for the efficient functioning of economies, the sponsors decided to merge the two initiatives and to biennialize future General Assembly consideration. This was decided in the spirit of improving the working methods of the Second Committee. The sponsors expect that this will make for more efficient intergovernmental deliberations, United Nations-system implementation and Secretariat reporting regarding the entrepreneurship and privatization initiatives. The text before us this afternoon represents several months of open-ended consultations among interested parties, and the sponsors are grateful for Secretariat responsiveness and assistance.
The PRESIDENT: The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of part XI of its report (A/48/717/Add.10). The draft resolution, entitled "Entrepreneurship and privatization for economic growth and sustainable development", was adopted by the Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/180).
It was so decided.
The President #13054
The Assembly will now consider part XII of the report (A/48/717/Add.11) of the Second Committee on sub-item (j) of agenda item 91, entitled "Integration of the economies in transition into the world economy". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 5 of part XII of its report. The draft resolution, entitled "Integration of the economies in transition into the world economy", 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 48/181).
The President on behalf of European Union #13055
I call on the representative of Belgium, who will make a statement in explanation of position on behalf of the European Union.
Mr. Portocarero BEL Belgium [French] #13056
The European Union supports the relevant measures the Secretary-General is requested to take to increase the Organization’s focus on countries with economies in transition. We take note of the explanations given by the Secretariat during the informal consultations relating to this point. We believe that the commitments to be entered into by the Secretariat will be fully in keeping with this interpretation.
The President #13057
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub- item (j) of agenda item 91 and of agenda item 91 as a whole?
It was so decided.
The President #13058
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/718) of the Second Committee on agenda item 92, "External debt crisis and development". 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 is entitled "Enhanced international cooperation towards a durable solution to the external debt problems of developing countries". A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 164 votes to 1 (resolution 48/182).
The President #13059
I shall now call on those representatives who wish to make statements in explanation of position.
Mr. Portocarero BEL Belgium on behalf of European Union [French] #13060
I am speaking on behalf of the European Union. The European Union attaches great importance to the quest for a solution to the external-debt problems of the most seriously indebted developing countries. The Union welcomes the fact that late in the work of the Second However, we feel that the resolution does not reflect adequately the progress made on the basis of a debt strategy which has evolved in a flexible manner over the years. This strategy, which takes account of the specific features of each seriously indebted country, is opening up access to international financial markets in many cases, and, in our opinion, it is the only basis for subsequent progress. We trust that a more thorough awareness of the benefits of this approach in this forum will lead to a more realistic treatment of the problem in the future.
Mr. Blaney USA United States of America #13061
We welcome this opportunity for an exchange of views on the external debt situation. My delegation believes that heavy debt burdens may indeed impair countries’ ability to secure the benefits of economic growth. However, we must underscore that the problem of debt burdens is only one of a host of factors that may limit a country’s growth potential. In this regard, we have major difficulties with this resolution before us today. First, the resolution calls for decisions on debt policy that really should be formulated outside this forum. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are the appropriate forums, since they possess the needed expertise and experience to develop the necessary reform programmes for developing countries to implement. This is not to say that the General Assembly should remain silent on debt issues, but we believe that the Organization is ill- equipped to deal with such intricacies as the level of debt reduction necessary to stimulate viability - the countries’ internal and external balances consistent with sustainable growth. The resolution, moreover, calls for the treatment of multilateral debt to alleviate debt and debt-service burdens. This is an issue that more appropriately should be raised in the executive boards of the international financial institutions, taking into consideration what effect this move would have on the credit ratings of those international financial institutions that raise the loanable resources in the international credit markets. Furthermore, whether additional debt relief should be provided on bilateral debt owed to official creditors should best be left to discussions among the members of the Paris Club. We do support, however, the resolution’s call for the maintenance of financial flows to debtor countries in support of economic reforms. In addition, we welcome the Having cast this negative vote, I want to underscore that my Government, the Governments of both developed countries, and developing countries and the international financial institutions have cooperated to bring about strong progress in dealing with international debt issues. Under the international debt strategy for addressing commercial-bank debt, progress has been very substantial. The strategy has encouraged debt and debt-service reduction by the banking community for heavily indebted countries undertaking macroeconomic and structural reforms. Creditor Governments have also taken a number of steps to assist severely indebted poorest countries, including substantial reduction of payment obligations. I think it is appropriate to provide to the Assembly an overview of the progress that has been made. The Brady Plan, proposed in the spring of 1989, has encouraged substantial debt and debt-service reduction by commercial banks as an alternative to new money for countries undertaking IMF and World Bank reform programmes. A key feature of the strategy has been the availability of IMF, World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank financial support to collateralize the new reduced-debt instruments. Twelve countries have reached debt-reduction or refinancing agreements with their commercial banks, accounting for over 92 per cent of the $260 billion in outstanding commercial bank debt of the 16 major debtor nations. Recently, the Dominican Republic and Jordan, not counted among the 16 major debtors, also completed agreements with their banks. The combination of debt reduction and economic reforms has helped jump-start Latin American economies and has produced major capital flows and fiscal benefits. Debt ratios have fallen sharply, moving the group as a whole out of the heavily indebted category even prior to completion of the Brazilian agreement. The Latin American region, in its remarkable turnaround in private capital inflows, gained new private finance on a gross basis of about $60 billion in 1992 alone. Growth for the Latin American region as a whole averaged 3 per cent in 1992. Inflation has fallen by nearly two-thirds, and reserves have doubled. Commercial banks have increased capital and substantially reduced exposure to the major debtors, thus reducing the risk to the financial community in the event of default. Other developing countries in the process of negotiating restructuring packages with their commercial banks include Albania, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Regarding the poorest countries, over the past several years the Paris Club has been moving towards greater flexibility and greater concessionality. Following the 1987 Venice summit, the Paris Club extended maximum repayment terms with 20-year maturity and 10 years’ grace to five countries. Greater concessionality was provided by Toronto terms agreed to at the 1988 Toronto summit. More recently, the Paris Club agreed, in December 1991, to enhanced Toronto terms for the poorest countries with heavy debt burdens. Under these terms, creditors are offered four options for treating the principal and interest payments on non-concessional debt coming due during a 12- to 18-month period. The Paris Club also indicated that it would consider treatment of the stock of non-concessional debt in three to four years for performing countries. Concessional debt will be rescheduled over 30 years, with 12 years’ grace on principal repayments. So far, 16 of the poorest countries have benefited under these enhanced Toronto terms. These include Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Honduras, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda and Zambia. The 1993 Tokyo summit communiqué has invited the Paris Club to continue reviewing the question of debt relief for the poorest countries, especially with regard to earlier reduction in the stock of debt on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, it welcomed United States efforts to join the other G-7 creditors in non-concessional debt reduction. We are pleased that we have secured Congressional authorization and funding enabling the United States to join the rest of the international community in reducing the non-concessional debts of the poorest nations in line with existing enhanced Toronto terms. Fifty per cent of the debt service coming due will be reduced, followed by a 50 per cent stock reduction if the debtor’s economic programme remains on track for three years. We believe that this will be an important step to recipients of International Development Association Funding with heavy debt burdens which are making good-faith efforts to reform their economies. It complements the substantial efforts we and other creditor countries have made to forgive the concessional debts of the poorest countries which have undertaken economic reform. Since 1989, we have forgiven over $2.6 billion of concessional debts bilaterally, pursuant to legislation directed at the poorest countries. We would encourage other major creditor countries to adopt our policy of providing financial assistance to the poorest through grants rather than loans. Lower-middle-income countries that have received these more generous terms include Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Jamaica, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru and the Philippines. I should like to add that the United States has also undertaken debt reduction under the Enterprise for the Americas initiative, a comprehensive programme for the Latin American and Caribbean region focusing on trade, investment, debt relief and the environment. Over $260 billion in food-aid debt has been reduced under this initiative for countries which have met the economic-reform criteria, including providing a welcoming environment for foreign investment. In conclusion, we have made substantial progress, but substantial debt and debt-service reduction is only one element needed in the drive to support economic growth in the developing world. The most crucial element, however, is economic reforms, including efforts to attract private flows, and the responsibility for this rests with the developing countries themselves.
Mr. Hjelmaker SWE Sweden #13062
Sweden and the Nordic countries voted in favour of the resolution on external debt contained in paragraph 11 of document A/48/718. We did so, however, with some hesitation, and I shall briefly comment on our reasons. The debt problem varies in nature in different developing countries. We therefore strongly believe that there is a need for action on a case-by-case basis according to how that approach is defined in various forums. This approach is motivated by the importance of considering how much each country’s debt stock and composition affect its possibilities for further growth and sustainable development. Debt-relief measures should be tailored to specific country needs. Across-the-board solutions, covering all debtor countries irrespective of the gravity of their debt problems and income levels, are neither called for nor applicable. Finally, the Nordic countries attach high priority to addressing the debt problem of the developing countries and the need for further debt relief for the poorest among them. Over the years, we have allocated a considerable amount of aid resources for debt-reduction schemes and activities, and we continue to argue that debt reduction of up to 80 per cent of the stock of official and officially guaranteed bilateral debt should be granted to the poorest developing countries. Such debt reduction, however, should be clearly linked to a good track record of economic reforms.
The President #13063
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 92?
It was so decided.
The President #13064
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/719) of the Second Committee on agenda item 93, entitled "International cooperation for the eradication of poverty in developing countries". The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 13 of that report. Draft resolution I is entitled "International Year for the Eradication of Poverty". The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: A/48/720 Consensus
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 48/183).
The President #13065
Draft resolution II is entitled "International cooperation for the eradication of poverty in developing countries". The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 48/184).
It was so decided.
The President #13066
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/720) of the Second Committee on agenda item 94, "Operational activities for development". The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft decisions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. We turn first to draft decision I, "Implementation of General Assembly resolution 45/217 on the World Summit for Children". The Second Committee adopted draft decision I without a vote. May I take it that we will do likewise?
Draft decision I was adopted.
The President #13067
Draft decision II, "Report of the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme," is recommended by the Committee. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision II?
Draft decision II was adopted.
Mr. Portocarero BEL Belgium [French] #13068
The European Union joined in the consensus on draft resolution I, which proclaims 1996 the International Year for the Eradication of Poverty. We are pleased that the resolution is universal in scope and that it decides to devote the year 1996 to the struggle against poverty and want throughout the world. However, in this equally universal forum we feel bound to state that we are not in favour of the proliferation of all kinds of commemorations and celebrations of subjects and causes, worthy and meritorious as they may be, enshrined in proclamations of "days," "months" or "years". We believe that the publicity and activities surrounding such commemorations consume an undue portion of funds that could be better devoted to creating plans and strategies to realize those praiseworthy goals, in this case through specific and targeted actions aimed at eradicating poverty.
The President #13069
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 94? It was so decided. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 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?
Vote: A/48/722 Consensus
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/185).
The President #13070
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 95?
It was so decided.
The President #13071
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/722) of the Second Committee on agenda item 96, "International Conference on Population and Development". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of its report and the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 11 of the same document. The Assembly will turn first to the draft resolution contained in paragraph 10 of the report. The draft resolution, "International Conference on Population and Development," 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 48/186).
The President #13072
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision contained in paragraph 11 of the report. The draft decision is entitled "Report of the Preparatory Committee for the International Conference on Population and Development". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?
The draft decision was adopted.
It was so decided.
The President #13073
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/723) of the Second Committee on agenda item 97, "International conference on the financing of development". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I consider that Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/187).
The President #13074
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 97?
It was so decided.
The President #13075
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/724) of the Second Committee on agenda item 98, entitled "International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of the draft resolution is contained in document A/48/793. The draft resolution was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I take that the Assembly will do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/188).
The President #13076
May I also take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 98?
It was so decided.
The President #13077
The Assembly will now take up the report (A/48/725) of the Second Committee on agenda item 99, entitled "Implementation of decisions and recommendations of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development". The Assembly will first take a decision on the six draft resolutions contained in paragraph 29 of the report. Draft resolution I is entitled "United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change". The Second Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 48/189).
Vote: 31/169 Consensus
The President #13078
Draft resolution II is entitled "Dissemination of the principles of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development". The Second Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 48/190).
The President #13079
Draft resolution III, entitled "Elaboration of an international convention to combat desertification in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa", is recommended by the Second Committee. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution III.
Vote: 32/97 Consensus
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 48/191).
The President #13080
Draft resolution IV is entitled "Strengthening international cooperation in the monitoring of global environmental problems". The Second Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 48/192).
The President #13081
Draft resolution V is entitled "Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States". The Second Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 48/193).
The President #13082
Draft resolution VI is entitled "United Nations Conference on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks". The Second Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution VI was adopted (resolution 48/194).
The draft decision was adopted.
The President #13083
I now call on the representative of Tunisia, who wishes to speak in explanation of position.
Mr. Jomaa TUN Tunisia #13084
We have supported draft resolution VI, on the United Nations Conference on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks, and during the first session of the Conference we supported the proposal to have two further sessions of the Conference. We have, however, made clear this reservation: we do not want the programming of those sessions to overlap with other major follow-ups to the Rio Conference. In so far as the two further sessions of the Conference on straddling fish stocks - particularly the date of the next session, that is, from 14 to 31 March 1994 - we joined the consensus on this draft resolution only to accommodate concerns related to the overlapping of other dates with those for the session of the Preparatory Committee for the International Conference on Population and Development. However, we wish to express our deep regret here that the date for the next session overlaps with the date of another major meeting - namely, a meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for the Elaboration of an International Convention to Combat Desertification. Hence, this programming is detrimental to a meeting of interest to African countries and the African region. This is not the first time this has happened. Meetings of interest to Africa are often programmed so that they overlap with other meetings of interest to Africa. We deeply regret that, and, although we joined the consensus on draft resolution VI, we hope that such overlapping will not be repeated in the future.
The President #13085
In accordance with General Assembly resolution 3208 (XXIX) of 11 October 1974, I now call on the Observer for the European Economic Community.
Mr. McDONALD European Economic Community #13086
As at the last session of the General Assembly, the resolution on straddling and highly migratory fish stocks has given rise to profound differences of interpretation as to the scope of the Conference on these fish stocks, despite the absolute clarity of the Conference mandate. The European Commission deeply regrets that we have not been able to arrive at a satisfactory solution on the text of the resolution. We regret in particular that we could not We are very concerned that this Conference will be conducted in a manner which disregards the essential interests of some partners. We feel that if this is the attitude that prevails at the Conference it will be extremely difficult, and may indeed be impossible, to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion. In our view the Conference must firmly address the environmental issue for which it has been convened - that is, to protect straddling and highly migratory fish stocks throughout the area of their distribution. This means that both the parties fishing on the high seas and those fishing within the economic zones will have to undertake obligations to conserve and manage those fish stocks in a sustainable manner. The European Commission has, throughout this Conference, sought to advance a reasonable position which takes full account of the interests of both high-seas and coastal-fishing States. We feel that only a responsible attitude by both can make a difference in the important task of conserving these fish stocks. We continue to hope that this Conference will succeed under the able chairmanship of Ambassador Nandan and we look forward to cooperating with him in the coming months.
The President #13087
I now call on the representative of Canada, who wishes to speak in explanation of position.
Mr. Strauss CAN Canada #13088
Discussion of draft resolution VI, entitled "United Nations Conference on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks", started at the beginning of November, at a meeting chaired by Ambassador Nandan of Fiji, who is Chairman of the Conference. Several amendments to the original draft were proposed, and all but one of them were agreed to. The language complained of was drawn from resolution 47/192 on the subject, which was adopted by consensus last year. The vast majority of States agreed that it should be included again in 1993, in this procedural draft resolution. To accuse States - in particular, coastal States - of being inflexible is wrong. The record speaks for itself. We intend to continue to work constructively in the Conference for the adoption of a convention that establishes
The President #13089
In the light of recent experience, I should like to refer to a problem concerning representatives who attempt to indicate that they wish to speak extempore but, for the obvious reason of distance, are not seen. It is the usual practice that, in plenary meetings, delegations register with the Secretariat their intention to speak. That practice ensures that we have ample notice and can provide for an orderly debate. We shall turn now to the draft decision contained in paragraph 30 of the Second Committee’s report in document A/48/725. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision entitled "Reports requested in General Assembly resolutions 42/186 and 42/187?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President #13090
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 99?
It was so decided.
The President #13091
The Assembly will now consider the Second Committee’s report (A/48/726) on agenda item 100, entitled "Special programmes of economic assistance". The Assembly has before it seven draft resolutions recommended by the Committee in paragraph 36 of its report and a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 37. The Assembly will first take a decision on the seven draft resolutions. Draft resolution I is entitled "Assistance to Yemen". The Second Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 48/195).
The President #13092
Draft resolution II is entitled "International assistance to Sierra Leone". The Second Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 48/196).
The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution III is entitled "Assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Liberia". Draft resolution III was adopted by the Second
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 48/197).
The President #13093
Draft resolution IV is entitled "Assistance for the reconstruction and development of Djibouti". The Second Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 48/198).
Vote: 32/98 Consensus
The President #13094
Draft resolution V is entitled "Special Plan of Economic Cooperation for Central America". The Second Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 48/199).
The President #13095
Draft resolution VI is entitled "Emergency assistance to the Sudan". The Second Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution VI was adopted (resolution 48/200).
The President #13096
Draft resolution VII is entitled "Assistance for humanitarian relief and the economic and social rehabilitation of Somalia". The Second Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I conclude that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 48/201).
The President #13097
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 37 of its report. The draft decision is entitled "Assistance for the reconstruction and development of Lebanon". The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: A/48/727 Consensus
The draft decision was adopted.
The President #13098
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 100?
It was so decided.
Mr. Musuka (Zambia), Vice-President, took the Chair.
The President #13099
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/727) of the Second Committee on agenda The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/202).
The President #13100
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 101?
It was so decided.
The President #13101
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/728) of the Second Committee on agenda item 102, entitled "Assistance for the reconstruction and development of El Salvador". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of that report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/203).
The President #13102
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 102?
It was so decided.
The President #13103
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/729) of the Second Committee on agenda item 103, entitled "International cooperation and assistance to alleviate the consequences of war in Croatia and to facilitate its recovery". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/204).
The President #13104
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 103?
It was so decided.
The President #13105
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/730) of the Second Committee on agenda item 104, entitled "Human resources development". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. The draft resolution, entitled "Developing human resources for development", was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: A/48/729 Consensus
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/205).
The President #13106
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 104?
It was so decided.
The President #13107
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/731) of the Second Committee on agenda item 105, entitled "Strengthening of international cooperation and coordination of efforts to study, mitigate and minimize the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/206).
The President #13108
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 105?
It was so decided.
The President #13109
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/732) of the Second Committee on agenda item 106, entitled "Training and research: United Nations Institute for Training and Research". The Assembly will now 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/48/794.
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/207).
The President #13110
I now call on the representative of Nigeria for an explanation of position on the resolution just adopted.
Mr. Sidi NGA Nigeria #13111
My delegation welcomes the adoption by consensus of this draft resolution, which was adopted as draft resolution A/C.2/48/L.88 in the Second Committee. My delegation, which co-sponsored the original draft resolution (A/C.2/48/L.71), would like to make the following clarification and specifically to address paragraph 3 of the resolution. It is the clear intention of paragraph 3 to maintain or to restore, as the case may be, the function and status of those full-time Senior Fellows who were appointed in 1992 and were engaged in an approved and existing project. The paragraph recommends the continuance of their functions and status in the interim, subject to examination of the whole matter by the Board of Trustees, no later than 1 July 1994, for a final decision.
Vote: A/48/732 Consensus
The President #13112
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 106?
It was so decided.
The President #13113
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/716) of the Second Committee on agenda item 41, entitled "Emergency international assistance for peace, normalcy and reconstruction of war-stricken Afghanistan". Members will recall that, in accordance with the decision taken by the General Assembly at its 3rd plenary meeting, on 24 September, agenda item 41 was introduced at the 63rd plenary meeting of the General Assembly, on 24 November. 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 consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/208).
It was so decided.
The President #13114
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/733) of the Second Committee on agenda item 154, entitled "United Nations interim offices". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 11 of its report and the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 12 of the same document. We shall turn first to 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/48/792. The draft resolution is entitled "Operational activities for development: field offices of the United Nations development system". 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 adopted (resolution 48/209).
The President #13115
We shall now turn to the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. The draft decision, "Report of the Secretary-General on United Nations interim offices," is recommended by the Second Committee. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?
The draft decision was adopted.
Mr. Idrissov KAZ Kazakhstan #13116
I should like to make a brief statement concerning the resolution just adopted under agenda item 154. The Republic of Kazakhstan is one of the new States Members of the Organization, and we attach great importance to our relations with it. Our delegation therefore welcomes the adoption by consensus of the draft resolution on agenda item 154 in document A/48/733, and believes that its implementation will further promote useful cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the United Nations system - funds, programmes and agencies.
Vote: A/48/716 Consensus
It was so decided.
The President #13117
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/734) of the Second Committee on agenda item 169, "Economic assistance to States affected by the implementation of the Security Council resolutions imposing sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro)". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/210).
The President #13118
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 169?
It was so decided.
Vote: A/48/733 Consensus
The President #13119
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/735) of the Second Committee on agenda item 171, "Emergency assistance for the socio-economic rehabilitation of Rwanda". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Second Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/211).
Mr. Bizimana RWA Rwanda on behalf of my country [French] #13120
Following the adoption by consensus of the resolution on emergency assistance for the socio-economic rehabilitation of Rwanda, I should like, on behalf of my country, to extend our thanks to all States Members - and, indeed, to the international community as a whole - for their demonstration of solidarity with the people of Rwanda. The entire population of Rwanda wishes to express its great appreciation and thanks for this gesture of support, which will strengthen our resolve to rebuild our country, restart our economy and proceed with the peace process. Given the scope of the effort required, Rwanda welcomes and highly appreciates the appeal made today by the General Assembly, supported by all States, in adopting this resolution to provide multifaceted assistance to Rwanda to enable it to deal with the situation. In conclusion, I should like to thank in particular all the countries that sponsored the draft resolution.
The President #13121
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 171?
It was so decided.
The President #13122
The Assembly will now consider Parts I and II of the report (A/48/715 and Add.1) of the Second Committee on agenda item 12, which concerns the report of the Economic and Social Council.
Mr. Blaney USA United States of America #13123
This year has seen historic positive change in the search for peace in the Middle East. The United States firmly believes that the positive changes should find expression in United Nations resolutions. In this regard we had hoped that the draft resolution on economic and social repercussions of Israeli settlements would be deferred. We believe that the appropriate forum for addressing the issue of settlements is the bilateral negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians and Israel and Syria. The Declaration of Principles signed by Israel and the PLO stipulates that the issue of settlements will be discussed in the context of final-status negotiations. The United Nations has a particular responsibility to support the Declaration of Principles as an important step towards peace and reconciliation. By contradicting the modalities of the Declaration of Principles the draft resolution before us attempts to prejudge the outcome of negotiations. The General Assembly should support the process of those negotiations in order for all the parties to resolve their differences directly, without prejudging their outcome. At this important moment we want to avoid focusing on issues or statements that divide or polarize. Accordingly, the United States will vote against this draft resolution and urges others to do so as well. The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 16 of that report and on the draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 17. The Assembly will turn first to the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee. Draft resolution I is entitled "Economic and social repercussions of the Israeli settlements on the Palestinian people in the Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, occupied since 1967, and on the Arab population of the Syrian Golan". A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution I was adopted by 143 votes to 3, with 13 abstentions (resolution 48/212).
The President #13124
Draft resolution II is entitled "Assistance to the Palestinian people". The Second Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 48/213).
The President #13125
The Assembly will now turn to the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 17 of part I of its report. The draft decision, which is entitled "Documents relating to the report of the Economic and Social Council", is recommended for adoption by the Second Committee. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President #13126
The Assembly will now consider part II of the report (A/48/715/Add.1) of the Second Committee on agenda item 12. The Assembly will now take a decision on the five draft decisions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 22 of that report. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of the draft decisions is contained in document A/48/791. Draft decision I is entitled "Strengthening development information systems for regional cooperation and integration in Africa". The Second Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft decision I was adopted.
The President #13127
Draft decision II is entitled "African Institute for Economic Development and Planning". The Second Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft decision II was adopted.
The President #13128
Draft decision III is entitled "Second Transport and Communications Decade in Africa". The Second Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft decision III was adopted.
The President #13129
Draft decision IV is entitled "Second Industrial Development Decade for Africa". The Second Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft decision IV was adopted.
The President #13130
Draft decision V is entitled "Biennial programme of work for the Second Committee for 1994-1995". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision V?
Draft decision V was adopted.
The President #13131
I shall now call on those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of their votes or positions.
Mr. Portcarero BEL Belgium on behalf of European Union [French] #13132
I am speaking on behalf of the European Union. The European Union did not object to the consensus adoption of draft decision V. However, we would like to make it clear that nothing in this decision can infringe upon the contents or structure of the revised agenda of the Second Committee adopted by the Assembly within the framework of the restructuring and revitalization of the economic and social sectors. These are two separate exercises, in our view. More specifically, on item 4 of the programme of work for 1994, we stand by our view that the various items relating to the follow-up to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) are sub-items under an agenda item covering all the follow-ups to UNCED.
Mr. Blaney USA United States of America #13133
With reference to draft resolution II, "Assistance to the Palestinian people", contained in document A/48/715, I would like to make the following comments. If the process of peace in the Middle East is to succeed, a necessary ingredient will be the economic development and reconstruction of the West Bank and Gaza. The United States is firmly committed to this goal, as we demonstrated at the Conference to Support Middle East Peace, held in Washington, D.C., on 1 October. At that Conference, the United States pledged to provide $500 million in assistance to the Palestinian people over the next five years. We continue to urge all to donate as generously as their circumstances permit.
Mr. Eliashiv ISR Israel #13134
We have made a genuine effort to reach a consensus on draft resolution II, contained in document A/48/715, which addresses such an important issue as assistance to the Palestinian people. We believe that economic and social progress can be advanced only through cooperation, not confrontation. However, Israel’s participation in the consensus on this resolution should not be construed as implying any position regarding the present status of the territories referred to in the third and fourth preambular paragraphs as "the Occupied Territory". Nor does it carry any implication regarding Israel’s position concerning the permanent status of those territories which, in accordance with the Declaration of Principles signed on 13 September 1993, are a matter to be negotiated between Israel and the PLO. Israel fully supports and encourages economic, financial and technical assistance to the Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Peace and prosperity are indivisible. Economic development and improved living conditions in the territories will encourage peace and stability in the region. We welcome the concerted efforts of Member States, international financial institutions and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to extend economic and social assistance to the Palestinian people in order to aid in the development of the West Bank and Gaza. We welcome the establishment of the United Nations high-level task force focusing on the economic and social development of the Gaza Strip and Jericho, and note with satisfaction the positive results of the international donors Conference held in Washington, which pledged $2 billion. For many years now, Israel has been fully cooperating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other international organizations in implementing programmes aimed at improving the living conditions of the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza. It is our view that United Nations organizations such as UNDP should increase their efforts in funding to assist the The signing of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements by Israel and the PLO is a momentous breakthrough that opens new vistas for economic and social progress. The agreement outlines in detail envisaged economic cooperation between Israel and the Palestinians, both bilaterally and multilaterally. As stipulated in the Declaration of Principles, a joint Israeli-Palestinian economic cooperation Committee has been established to develop and implement the programmes identified in the agreement, such as those in the areas of finance, trade and industry. Concrete programmes such as these will lay the social and economic foundations that can bring us into a new era of cooperation, prosperity and peace.
Mr. Tellier CAN Canada #13135
The Canadian delegation would like to set out its views and interpretation of what the Assembly has just adopted in terms of the programme of work of the Second Committee. The general objective of the annex II to resolution A/48/L.33 on the programme of the Second Committee, which was adopted yesterday in the plenary Assembly, is to further the restructuring and revitalize the United Nations in the economic, social and related fields. This annex sets out very useful guidelines as to how we should structure and streamline the work of the economic sector of the United Nations. The listing of prospective items is most useful in this regard. Sub-items are subject to change year by year. The annex to decision V, which we have just adopted, sets out the draft biennial programme of work for the Second Committee for 1994 and 1995 and was drawn up in accordance with the provisions of draft resolution A/48/L.33. This was stated in explicit terms when this draft resolution was introduced in the Second Committee; we adopted this draft several days ago. Accordingly, we expect that the Second Committee’s agenda for 1994 will be based on decision V, which we have just adopted. We are pleased with the biennial programme inspired by draft resolution A/48/L.33, and we are hopeful that it will result in more productive and efficient Second Committee sessions over the next two years.
The President #13136
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of parts I and II of the report of the Second Committee on agenda item 12? PROGRAMME OF WORK
It was so decided.
The President #13137
The next meeting of the Assembly, at which it will take up the reports of the Fifth Committee and other pending matters, such as the draft resolutions on the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations and on the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s, will be announced in the Journal. I shall be in contact with the Chairman of the Fifth Committee today to finalize arrangements for the next plenary meeting. As representatives know, the Fifth Committee is meeting round the clock to complete its work. I am doing my best to see that the process is finalized as soon as possible. Today’s Journal announces a plenary meeting for tomorrow afternoon. I hope to be able, later today, to confirm that. However, representatives should watch the Journal for an announcement of the exact date on which we shall meet to deal with matters relating to the Fifth Committee and with other outstanding issues. Subsequent to the voting, the delegations of Botswana and Denmark advised the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour. Subsequent to the voting, the delegation of Ireland advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour. Subsequent to the voting, the delegation of Mozambique advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.
The meeting rose at 6.10 p.m.
Changes in recorded and/or roll-call votes
Resolution 48/168
Resolution 48/182
Resolution 48/212