A/48/PV.92 General Assembly

I should like to draw the General Assembly’s attention to document A/48/853/Rev.1/Add.1. In a letter contained in that document, the Secretary- General informs me that, since the issuance of his communication dated 9 March 1994, Senegal has made the necessary payment to reduce its arrears below the amount specified in Article 19 of the Charter. May I take it that the General Assembly duly takes note of this information?

The eleventh report of the General Committee concerns a request by Mozambique for the inclusion in the agenda of the current session of an additional item entitled "Emergency assistance to Mozambique". The General Committee decided to recommend to the Assembly that the item should be included in the agenda. May I take it that the General Assembly decides to include this additional item in its agenda?

The General Committee further decided to recommend to the Assembly that the item should be considered directly in plenary meeting. May I take it that the General Assembly adopts this recommendation? It was so decided.

May I also take it that, as requested by the sponsor, the item should be given priority for consideration by the Assembly this morning because of its urgent character?

The Assembly will thus consider the item on emergency assistance to Mozambique as the last item of this morning’s meeting. I should like to inform members that this new item becomes item 179 of the agenda of the forty-eighth session of the General Assembly and that the documents reflecting its inclusion and allocation will be issued tomorrow. I should also like to inform members that a draft resolution on emergency assistance to Mozambique will shortly be available in the General Assembly Hall as document A/48/L.56.

In his note the Secretary-General informs the General Assembly that he has received notification of the resignation of Mr. Imre Karbuczky (Hungary) from the membership of the Committee on Contributions and that the Assembly will therefore be required at its current session to appoint a person to fill the unexpired portion of the term of office of Mr. Karbuczky, that is, until 31 December 1994. In order to enable the General Assembly to take the required action, it will be necessary to reopen consideration of agenda item 17 (b), entitled "Appointment of members of the Committee on Contributions". May I take it that the General Assembly, on the proposal of the Secretary-General, wishes to reopen consideration of agenda item 17 (b)?

Members will recall that, at its 3rd plenary meeting, on 24 September 1993, the Assembly allocated this item to the Fifth Committee. May I take it that the Assembly again wishes to allocate this item to the Fifth Committee?

The Chairman of the Fifth Committee will be informed of the decision just taken. Request for the reopening of the consideration of agenda item 98 (International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction): note by the Secretary- General (A/48/911)

In his note the Secretary-General informs the General Assembly that in its decision 1 of 18 March 1994 the Preparatory Committee for the World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction decided to recommend to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft decision. That draft decision is reproduced in document A/48/911. In order for the General Assembly to take action on the recommendation of the Preparatory Committee for the May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to reopen consideration of agenda item 98?

Representatives are aware that this agenda item was allocated to the Second Committee. However, in order for the Assembly to proceed expeditiously on this matter, may I take it that the Assembly wishes to consider the draft decision recommended by the Preparatory Committee directly in plenary meeting?

May I further take it that the Assembly agrees to proceed immediately to the consideration of the draft decision recommended by the Preparatory Committee, the text of which, for ease of reference, is reproduced in document A/48/911? I see no objection. We will proceed accordingly. International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction: note by the Secretary-General (A/48/911)

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Preparatory Committee for the World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction, which appears in paragraph 1 of document A/48/911. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 98?

Members will recall that at its 87th plenary meeting, on 23 December 1993, on the recommendation of the Fifth Committee contained in its report on this agenda item, the Assembly adopted resolution 48/218, by which it established an ad hoc intergovernmental working group of experts in the legal and financial fields which would study the possibility of the establishment of a new jurisdictional and procedural mechanism or of the extension of mandates and improvement of the functioning of existing jurisdictional and procedural mechanisms. The Assembly further decided that the group would consist of 25 members, and invited the President of the General Assembly to define the composition of the working group, with due regard for equitable geographical representation, and to convene it as soon as possible. Members will recall that at its 3rd plenary meeting, held on 24 September 1993, the General Assembly allocated item 121 to the Fifth Committee. In order to enable the Assembly to consider directly in plenary meeting matters relating to the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts, the Assembly would have to reconsider the decision taken at our 3rd plenary meeting on the allocation of this item. Therefore, a decision is required under rule 81 of the rules of procedure of the Assembly. If there is no objection, I shall take it that the Assembly agrees to reconsider the question of the allocation of agenda item 121.

In the light of the decision just taken, we will now reconsider the question of the allocation of agenda item 121. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to consider agenda item 121 directly in plenary meeting for the sole purpose of considering matters relating to the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts, on the understanding that the Fifth Committee would remain seized of the item for its customary consideration?

After extensive consultations with the Chairmen of the Groups of African States, Asian States, African States: six seats Asian States: five seats Eastern European States: three seats Latin American and Caribbean States: five seats Western European and Other States: six seats Following further consultations with the Chairmen of the Groups of African States, Asian States, Eastern European States, Latin American and Caribbean States and Western European and Other States, I have appointed the following States as members of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts Established Pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 48/218, with effect from 5 April 1994: Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, India, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, Mali, Russian Federation, Senegal, Tunisia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America. May I take it that the Assembly takes note of these appointments?

Regarding the remaining vacancy, to be filled from the African States, I intend to hold further consultations with the Chairman of the Group with a view to arriving at a decision at the earliest possible moment. For the information of delegations, I wish to read out the names of the following persons who have been designated by the States members of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts to represent them on the Working Group: Mr. M’hand Ladjouzi (Algeria), Dr. Susana Ruíz Cerutti (Argentina), Dr. Movses Abelian (Armenia), Mr. Rufat Novruzov (Azerbaijan), Mr. Besley Maycock (Barbados), Mr. Lucius Maia Araujo (Brazil), Ms. Bonnie Miller (Canada), Mr. Wang Baoliu (China), Mr. Alfredo Rey (Colombia), Dr. Pedro Desiderio Blandino Canto (Dominican Republic), Mr. Adel El Safty (Egypt), Dr. Erkki Kourula (Finland), Mr. Pierre Lelong (France), Dr. I should like to inform the Assembly that the first session of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts will be held at United Nations Headquarters from 11 to 15 April 1994. Members will recall that at the time of the adoption of resolution 48/218 the report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of the resolution indicated that, should the Assembly adopt the proposed resolution, "no additional appropriations would be required at this stage for servicing the working group of 25 experts". (A/48/801, para. 13) I have been informed that there was an understanding in the Fifth Committee when recommending this resolution for adoption that the members of the Working Group would, as an exceptional measure, be paid travel and subsistence expenses. Such expenses would not, as I have just indicated, entail additional appropriations at this stage. May I take it that the Assembly, in the light of the understanding reached in the Fifth Committee, wishes to authorize the payment of such expenses?

The Assembly will now consider the reports of the Fifth Committee on agenda items 123, 130 (a) and (b), 131, 132 (a), 134, 138 (a), 160, 162, 164, 165, 166 and 173. I request the Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee to introduce the reports of the Fifth Committee in one intervention. Mr. Kabir (Bangladesh), Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee: I have the honour to present to the General Assembly the reports of the Fifth Committee on outstanding issues concerning the United Nations peace-keeping operations. Concerning agenda item 123, entitled "Programme budget for the biennium 1994-1995", in particular the report Concerning agenda item 130, entitled "Financing of the United Nations peace-keeping forces in the Middle East", namely, (a) United Nations Disengagement Observer Force and (b) United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, the reports of the Fifth Committee are contained in documents A/48/812/Add.1 and A/48/813/Add.1. In paragraph 5 of both reports, the Fifth Committee recommends to the Assembly the adoption of draft decisions. On agenda item 131, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission", part II of the report of the Fifth Committee is contained in document A/48/814/Add.1. In paragraph 5 of that report, the Fifth Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution. The report of the Committee on agenda item 132 (a), entitled "Financing of the activities arising from Security Council resolution 687 (1991): United Nations Iraq- Kuwait Observation Mission", is contained in document A/48/815/Add.2. In paragraph 5 of that report, the Fifth Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution. On agenda item 134, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in El Salvador", part III of the report of the Committee is contained in document A/48/817/Add.2. In paragraph 5 of that report, the Fifth Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution. Concerning agenda item 138, entitled "Administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peace-keeping operations", particularly the report of the Secretary-General on the support account for peace-keeping operations, part IV of the report of the Fifth Committee is contained in document A/48/807/Add.3. In paragraph 5 of that report, the Fifth Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution. Part II of the report of the Fifth Committee on agenda item 162, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia", is contained in document A/48/823/Add.1. In paragraph 6 of that report, the Fifth Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of an oral draft decision submitted by the Chairman on the basis of informal consultations, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote. On agenda item 164, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Observer Mission Uganda-Rwanda", part II of the report of the Fifth Committee is contained in document A/48/825/Add.1. In paragraph 5 of that report, the Fifth Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution. On agenda item 165, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Mission in Haiti", part II of the report of the Fifth Committee is contained in document A/48/826/Add.1. In paragraph 5 of that report, the Fifth Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution. On agenda item 166, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia", part II of the report of the Fifth Committee is contained in document A/48/827/Add.1. In paragraph 5 of that report, the Fifth Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution. Lastly, on agenda item 173, "Financing of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda", part II of the report of the Fifth Committee is contained in document A/48/828/Add.1. In paragraph 5 of that report, the Fifth Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution. I am pleased to report that those resolutions and decisions were adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote.

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

Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote or position. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Fifth Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. May I remind members that under paragraph 7 of decision 34/401, the General Assembly agreed that "When 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 delegations that, also in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Fifth Committee, I should like to advise representatives that we are going to proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Fifth Committee.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 4 of part III of its report. The draft resolution, entitled "Revised estimates under sections 3, 4 and 11A of the programme budget for the biennium 1994-1995", was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 123. (a) United Nations Disengagement Observer Force: report of the Fifth Committee (Part II) (A/48/812/Add.1)

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 5 of part II of its report. The draft decision, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force", was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 5 of part II of its report. The draft decision, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon", was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have concluded this stage of our consideration of sub-items (a) and (b) of agenda item 130.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 5 of part II of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 5 of part III of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 132.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 5 of part III of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 134.

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 138.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 5 of part II of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 160.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of Part II of its report. The draft decision was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 162.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 5 of part II of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 164.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 5 of part II of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 165.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 5 of part II of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 5 of part II of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Fifth Committee without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 173.

In accordance with the decision taken earlier, the Assembly will now consider agenda item 179, entitled "Emergency assistance to Mozambique". In view of the desire of the sponsor to dispose of this item expeditiously, I should like to consult the Assembly with a view to proceeding immediately to consider the draft resolution contained in document A/48/L.56. In this connection, since the draft resolution has just been circulated, it would be necessary to waive the relevant provision of rule 78 of the rules of procedure, which reads as follows: "As a general rule, no proposal shall be discussed or put to the vote at any meeting of the General Assembly unless copies of it have been circulated to all delegations not later than the day preceding the meeting." Unless I hear any objection, I shall take it that the Assembly agrees with the proposal put to it.

I now call on the representative of Cameroon to introduce draft resolution A/48/L.56. As the Assembly is aware, a major tropical cyclone has recently stricken vast areas of central and northern Mozambique. It left behind a picture of anguish and destruction. A number of people have been killed and others have suffered injuries. About 2 million people have been affected, 1.5 million of whom have been left without shelter. There has been widespread destruction of property. The economic, political and social consequences of this tragedy are yet to be fully assessed. All I can say now is that Mozambique is facing a national tragedy of grave proportions which may put in jeopardy the efforts currently under way to bring a lasting peace to that country. Given the high level of destruction of key economic infrastructures, including the Nacala Corridor, which serves a significant number of countries of the hinterland, the consequences of this natural calamity are likely to have a negative regional impact. The draft resolution before the Assembly today is an attempt to sensitize the international community to this grave situation and to mobilize international solidarity for the victims. The draft resolution has been prepared in line with similar documents we have seen before. Therefore, we consider it a non-controversial text. In its preambular part, inter alia, it notes with grave concern the loss of human lives and the extensive devastation caused by the cyclone. It notes, furthermore, that the stricken areas were still in a process of recovery from the consequences of war and previous natural calamities. It also notes the negative impact of the cyclone on the national economy and on the ongoing collective efforts aimed at bringing a lasting peace and tranquillity to Mozambique. The operative segment of the draft resolution declares solidarity with the people and the Government of Mozambique; notes with satisfaction the national efforts currently under way to assist the victims of the cyclone; commends the international community for its prompt response to assist the people in need; requests the Secretary-General and the competent bodies and organizations of the United Nations system, in close Finally, the draft resolution requests the Secretary-General to review the consequences of the cyclone on the national economy and to include his observations and recommendations in his report on assistance to Mozambique in connection with resolution 47/42. Those are the few remarks I intended to make to introduce the draft resolution on "Emergency assistance to Mozambique". It is my hope that it will command the support of the General Assembly and be adopted by consensus.

On behalf of my delegation, I wish to thank the General Assembly and the international community at large for their continued assistance to our people. We regard today’s initiative to consider on an urgent basis the issue of emergency assistance to Mozambique as a clear demonstration of international solidarity. Although the aftermath of the tropical cyclone "Nadia", which has affected vast areas of Mozambican territory, will be felt for a long time to come, I believe today’s action by the General Assembly will be instrumental in assisting our people to mitigate the devastating consequences of the tragedy we are facing today in my country. It will help keep our hearts beating and renew our hopes for a better future. I am saddened to report that to date 34 people have been confirmed dead, while thousands more have sustained severe injuries. We have not been able to determine with certainty the exact extent of losses or damage to the national economy. However, it is a fact that we have suffered a national tragedy of unforeseen consequences. Its aftermath, as well outlined by the Chairman of the African Group, to whom I am very much indebted, is likely to have an overall negative regional impact. This is yet another national tragedy, coming at a time when all our efforts are concentrated on the full implementation of the General Peace Agreement, and In general, most of the affected areas in Nampula, Zambezia, Manica and Sofala were still involved in a gradual but steady process of recovery from the consequences of previous natural calamities, such as the recent drought, the worst of its kind in living memory for the peoples of the southern African region. The long- lasting conflict that we have experienced for so many years makes it even more difficult to cope with challenges such as the one we are facing today. There has been widespread destruction of property, especially in Nampula Province, one of the most densely populated areas in Mozambique, where an estimated 2 million people have been affected, of whom 1.5 million have been left without shelter. About 80 per cent of the country’s agricultural production, which was due for harvesting in a couple of weeks, has been lost. In addition, an estimated 80 per cent of the cashew nut crop was also lost. As the Assembly is aware, cashew nut exports are one of the most important sources of Mozambique’s foreign exchange earnings. It is clear that these losses will seriously hamper our efforts to move from emergency relief towards a normal process of development. The destruction leaves a great hole in the nation’s prospects for economic recovery, and its aftermath will be felt for many years to come. In the urban centres almost everything was destroyed by the cyclone. Nearly all commercial, private and public buildings were either destroyed or severely damaged. The city of Nacala, in Nampula, suffered unprecedented destruction. An estimated 95 per cent of energy supply capacity has been destroyed completely. This situation is further exacerbated by the destruction of about 130 kilometres of power lines from the Cahora Bassa dam to the Nampula-Nacala region. This has left millions of people in serious jeopardy. The water and sewerage systems and schools and hospitals have either been destroyed or are severely damaged, posing a grave threat to public health and to the well-being of millions of people. The recently upgraded facilities of the port at Nacala have been destroyed or have suffered substantial damage. The Nacala corridor is one the three corridors that play a significant role in the efforts towards regional My Government has been doing everything in its power to assist the victims of this tragedy. Let me take this opportunity to thank, once again, all those Governments that have responded to our call and governmental and non- governmental organizations, including the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the Norwegian Agency for International Development and the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Assistance Coordination in Maputo, for the kind support they have given our people and our Government. Their kind and timely assistance has been instrumental in preventing further tragedy.

I thank the representative of Mozambique, and reiterate to him and, through him, to the Government and people of Mozambique, the expression of our sympathy and solidarity in the terrible natural disaster that has befallen his country. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/48/L.56. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt the draft resolution?

May I take it, therefore, that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 179?