A/48/PV.96 General Assembly

On behalf of the non-aligned countries, my delegation wishes first of all to express our profound sympathy with the Government and the people of Colombia in the wake of the massive human suffering and destruction visited upon them by the recent earthquake. Our condolences go to the members of the bereaved families. It is a distinct honour and privilege for me to speak on behalf of the non-aligned countries on agenda item 38, "Elimination of apartheid and establishment of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa". This meeting is particularly timely and auspicious, as it provides a unique opportunity to celebrate a new chapter in South Africa’s history, namely, the end of apartheid and racial discrimination and the birth of a non-racial and democratic nation. It is to be recalled that the Asian-African conference held in Bandung in 1955 was the first international forum to accord recognition to the liberation movements in South Africa. In subsequent years, it became a source of constant inspiration and guide to joint action for removing the scourge of apartheid. It found further expression in 1961 when the Non-Aligned Movement was born and, in unmistakable terms pronounced itself against racism. Thus, in expressing its strong indignation at the racist Pretoria regime’s acts of repression against the people of South Africa, various declarations and communiques issued by the Movement have resoundingly reaffirmed the eradication of apartheid as one of the most urgent tasks for the international community. They also underscored the Movement’s solidarity with and unconditional support for the struggle waged by the oppressed people of South Africa for a democratic, non-racial and unitary State. The Movement has throughout the years unequivocally supported all measures directed towards the eradication of apartheid. In this connection, the Movement has consistently maintained a policy of not establishing diplomatic relations with the Pretoria regime and has always supported the call for the imposition of comprehensive mandatory sanctions by the Security Council. It has also strictly complied with all other boycotts and embargoes, which undoubtedly have had a salutary effect in bringing an end to the indignities and human degradation that the people of South Africa endured for so long. The non-aligned countries commend the people of South Africa across the political spectrum for having successfully made their country’s first multiracial elections a reality, thereby closing the dark chapter of apartheid. This is truly a victory for all those who devoted their lives to the cause of freedom and racial equality. They also commend South Africa’s remarkable political transformation with the promulgation of an Interim Constitution and the establishment of the Government of National Unity, which was rendered possible largely because of the solemn commitment of their leaders to cooperation, conciliation and compromise. The non-aligned countries warmly welcome resolution 48/258 A, just adopted by the Assembly, which signifies the successful conclusion of the mandate entrusted to the Special Committee against Apartheid. It will also remove from the Assembly’s agenda the item entitled "Elimination of apartheid and establishment of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa". Most importantly, it will facilitate the country’s long-awaited restoration of membership in the community of nations, especially in the General Assembly of the United Nations. After a long isolation from the international community, the people of South Africa can now look forward to the future with hope and optimism. In this connection, the non-aligned countries extend their unstinting support to the new South African Government in its efforts to accomplish the lofty goal of economic development and reconstruction. It is a source of immense satisfaction that the Eleventh Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement recently held in Cairo decided to admit South Africa as the 111th member of the Movement.

At the outset, let me join the representative of Indonesia in extending sincere condolences to the people of Colombia for the enormous human and property losses and suffering they have sustained. It is my great pleasure and privilege to be given this opportunity to speak on the United Nations achievement in the elimination of apartheid and the establishment of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa. This morning, my delegation was extremely pleased to see Mr. Alfred Nzo, Minister for Foreign Affairs of South Africa, resume the South African seat in this Hall after an absence of 20 years and deliver a most inspiring statement. While welcoming South Africa back, the Republic of Korea looks forward to a most active role and an important contribution of South Africa to the future work of the United Nations. My delegation would like to pay tribute to the Special Committee against Apartheid for fulfilling its historic mandate, which spanned several decades, with unfaltering purpose and for crowning its work with success. Since its establishment 32 years ago, the Special Committee has played a pivotal role in bringing about the abolition of apartheid. My delegation would also like to congratulate Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, Permanent Representative of Nigeria, for his most capable service as Chairman of the Special Committee. As a man of philosophy, conviction and an impressive sense of professionalism, Mr. Gambari successfully steered the Committee with practical tact and tireless effort during its most difficult and delicate period. Indeed, many of the goals of the Committee could not have been realized without his important contributions. The ceaseless and continuing perseverance and role of the Secretary-General of the United Nations also deserve the deep appreciation of the entire international community. This past April, we witnessed the termination of apartheid and with it the successful establishment of a new non-racial and democratic South Africa. The remarkable progress we are seeing today is the result of the exceptional vision, courage and pragmatism of the current leaders of South Africa, President Mandela and Executive Deputy President de Klerk, the ardent support of the international community and the devotion and sacrifice of countless, unrecognized South Africans who At this threshold of a new era of a non-racial and democratic South Africa, I look forward to the contribution of all of us together in helping the people of South Africa overcome any adversity and challenge they may face in the future. In particular, the international community should provide assistance to rectify the severe socio-economic disparities that have resulted from apartheid over the past three decades. I stand assured in knowing that the United Nations, which has been closely involved in the affairs of South Africa, will continue to provide valuable assistance to the new South Africa as it moves further towards progress and prosperity in the years to come. Although it was not a member of the Special Committee against Apartheid, the Republic of Korea, as a witness to this phenomenal historical achievement, shares the collective sense of joy and exhilaration of the international community. At the same time, the Republic of Korea reaffirms its full support for and active participation in the efforts of the Government and the people of South Africa to effect a smooth and constructive transition towards greater democracy and prosperity.

On this historic occasion, it is a great honour and privilege for my delegation to speak on behalf of the States Members of Latin America and the Caribbean. Today’s meetings of the General Assembly are a signal victory for the fundamental principle on which the United Nations was founded, namely, "respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion". The item before us today is truly a remarkable vindication of that principle. For today we welcome the return of the delegation of South Africa to the General Assembly. We welcome a South Africa which has turned its back on apartheid, a South Africa which is now united, democratic and non-racial. For this transformation, the international community owes a great debt of gratitude to the Special Committee against Apartheid which, 32 years ago, received its mandate from the General Assembly to monitor South Africa’s policies of apartheid. That campaign, in which the Committee has been a central actor, has been most Today we received the Committee’s final report - an excellent, comprehensive report for which we are grateful to the Rapporteur. The United Nations can be justly proud of the role the Committee has played in sustaining the vigilance and activism of the international community and providing critical support to the anti-apartheid forces in South Africa. Having successfully carried out its mandate, the Committee has now concluded its work. We thank and congratulate the Chairman, Ambassador Gambari, for his outstanding leadership, and all the members of the Committee, past and present, for their dedication to the international campaign for racial equality and justice. Latin America and the Caribbean also wish to acknowledge with deep appreciation the highly professional and dedicated work of the staff of the United Nations Centre against Apartheid, which supported the work of the Special Committee, the Commission against Apartheid in Sports and other anti-apartheid bodies. The Centre has closely monitored the situation in South Africa and produced extensive documentation which has been invaluable in forming our analysis of the situation in South Africa. So we are grateful to the Centre for so admirably fulfilling its mission. The United Nations Observer Mission in South Africa (UNOMSA) has had a critical responsibility for monitoring the transitional process preparatory to major electoral reform. UNOMSA has also satisfactorily fulfilled its mandate, and our region joins others in commending it for its contribution at a particularly sensitive and challenging phase of political and constitutional reform. May I add a special personal note of pride and appreciation for the leadership of my countrywoman, Miss Angela King, who for several months carried the responsibility for that Observer Mission in South Africa. But above all, it is the men, women and children of South Africa who most deserve our congratulations and, indeed, our admiration for the difficult, dangerous and too often violent journey which they have travelled in the past few decades and which they have survived. From this distance, it is not easy to comprehend the cost in human suffering which the regime of apartheid imposed on a whole nation. We therefore cannot commend too highly Today, in that context, we pay special tribute to the vision and courage of President Nelson Mandela and Second Deputy F. W. de Klerk, under whose leadership the historic events of the last five years have unfolded. As the Governments and the peoples of the region of Latin America and the Caribbean extend their sincere congratulations to the South African delegation on its resumption of its seat in this Hall, so also do we pledge our heartfelt friendship and our cooperation. We are only too acutely aware of the fact that this new journey on which the people of South Africa are now embarking will not be an easy one. The report of the Special Committee documents this reality. Apartheid’s legacy of impoverishment, of social and economic disparities, cannot be addressed in the short term. It will require not only the determination, perseverance, cooperation and patience of all South Africans in order to meet the many challenges facing the nation; it will clearly require as well the critical, generous support of the international community. In this context, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the valuable assistance given to the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa by the United Nations Trust Fund for South Africa and to endorse the appeal contained in resolution 48/258 B for Member States to offer financial and material support to the reconstruction and development efforts in South Africa. The commitment of the Latin American and Caribbean region to respond to this appeal, to support and assist the growth and development of a new South Africa is as strong as was our commitment to the anti-apartheid cause of past decades. And here we recall with pride our regional initiative for one of the most effective instruments in the anti-apartheid struggle, namely, the sports sanctions against South Africa as expressed in the international Convention against Apartheid in Sports. By the very nature of its target - sports - the Convention became a uniquely visible and dynamic instrument for sensitizing, for galvanizing world opinion - male, female, young or old. Eighteen Member States of Latin America and the Caribbean were among the first signatories to that Convention. The architect of that brilliant strategy was Jamaica’s former Prime Minister, The Honourable Michael Manley, who also ensured that the English-speaking Commonwealth The Rio Group of Latin America and the Caribbean, in its declaration of March of this year, reaffirmed the region’s solidarity with, and continuing assistance to, democratic South Africa. Such assistance, whether through bilateral or multilateral cooperation, or through coordination with United Nations agencies, is high on the national and the regional agenda of Latin American and Caribbean Member States. The majority of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean have had a long tradition of multiple racial, ethnic and cultural identities. Increasingly, this experience challenges us to draw on this tradition and to see it not so much as a phenomenon of differences but rather as one of diversity in which each separate element contains a positive element for enriching the total entity and for enriching our societies. Latin America and the Caribbean look forward to sharing such potentially rewarding experiences with the Member of the United Nations which has returned anew, for the mutual strengthening of our family of nations.

I have the double honour of addressing the General Assembly on this historic occasion first in my capacity as Chairman of the Group of Western European and Other States and afterwards in my national capacity. As Chairman of the Group of Western European and Other States it is my pleasure to congratulate the people of South Africa warmly on the peaceful political developments that have led to the elimination of apartheid and the establishment of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa ready to resume its seat at the United Nations among the sovereign States of the world. I also want to thank the Special Committee against Apartheid for the dedicated work it has done since its creation by the General Assembly on 6 November 1962. As representative of the Principality of Andorra, the most recent addition to the United Nations, I am proud to convey the sincere wishes of my Government, and particularly those of Prime Minister Oscar Ribas Reig and those of Foreign Minister Marc Vila Amigó, for abundant peace and prosperity in the new South Africa. Allow me on this happy occasion to pay a tribute to the leader whose heroic struggle has inspired generations of South Africans: President Nelson Mandela. The spirit of a people sometimes manifests itself in its leaders. President Mandela’s peaceful tenacity in the midst of adversity, his love of justice and his humanity reveal him as one of this century’s great leaders and as an exceptional human being. Last year, when he visited the United Nations, Mr. Mandela personally congratulated my country on its entry to the Organization. It is now the turn of the Principality of Andorra to welcome South Africa.

It is not easy to convey the profound feelings of joy and the sense of a job well done that accompany the return to our family of our brothers and sisters from South Africa. Gone is the hateful regime of apartheid, which symbolized that country’s official policy and attitude for so long: so stunning an example of racial discrimination and oppression as to defy comprehension. There have been many players in the struggle against apartheid over the years, but certainly none are more deserving of praise and recognition than the majority people of South Africa themselves. Refusing to accept the status of inferiority and degradation forced upon them, they organized themselves early on to wage a long struggle by all necessary means against their exclusion from the political process through the denial of the right to vote, through the infamous pass laws, and through being forced to live on "native reserves". The educationally lost generation of youth, as described in the report of the Special Committee against Apartheid, reminds us that the fight was waged all the way down to the school children, who must have learned well the first lesson of life: dignity and self-respect. Arguably, the signal achievement of the South African people may have been its recognition that any effective struggle needs to be organized and properly led. In their wisdom, they rallied behind the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC) and its torch bearer, President Fortunately, the struggle in South Africa coincided with liberation struggles throughout the continent and throughout the world. This enabled South Africa’s front- line neighbours to lead the way for many of us to assist the fight and provide refuge and support to opposition groups, principally, of course, the African National Congress of South Africa. Thanks to this, along with the efforts of the international community, represented by numerous Governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals, the focus on apartheid became a crescendo of condemnation, spotlighted by the conscience of the world. In that respect, the United Nations has a long history, through its many resolutions, embargoes, debates, studies, funds and committees. We are immensely indebted to Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari, my colleague from Nigeria, and his Special Committee against Apartheid, whose mandate has been achieved and whose final report is before us, for their exemplary job in consistently reminding, updating and galvanizing the world with respect to the situation in South Africa. The United Nations Trust Fund, for its part, was able to funnel considerable financial support to victims of apartheid - funds voluntarily contributed by many donors. We are profoundly grateful for the deep and unfailing commitment of the Secretary-General and his dedicated Special Representative, and of the entire staff of the United Nations Observer Mission in South Africa (UNOMSA) to the successful transition of South Africa to democracy and freedom, a goal set by the Organization decades ago. As the pages of the report of the Special Committee against Apartheid reveal, South Africa has properly returned to world-wide grace. Recognition has come, of course, from the Organization of African Unity, the League of Arab States, the Commonwealth, the European Union, the Non-Aligned Movement, all elements of the United Nations system, and others. With the endorsement of the recommendations of the Credentials Committee of the General Assembly, South Africa is once again a full member of this august Assembly. One benefit of all of this for South Africa will be its ability to focus on the needs of the vast majority of its No doubt the euphoria of these heady days will recede as the difficult jobs of government and politics begin. Certainly, the patience, leadership, realism and determination of President Mandela will be of great benefit to South Africa during this period and will be a much- needed anchor for the political process. We can only urge all South Africans in the strongest terms to work together to complete the task of restructuring South Africa to put it on the path of achieving its undoubted greatness. South Africa cannot fail to have seen that all Africa and, indeed, the world, shares in its joy. There will perhaps be a tendency for us to expect too much from South Africa, so strong is the need for direction in Africa. We congratulate the people of South Africa and thank them for such a splendid example of determination and strength. In so many ways, Africa and the world are better places.

It is with great pleasure that my delegation is intervening in this meeting devoted to the consideration of the last report of the Special Committee against Apartheid. Angola welcomes the return of South Africa to the General Assembly, and warmly congratulates its delegation, led by the Foreign Minister, Mr. Alfred Nzo. The sanctions imposed on and resolutions adopted against South Africa pursuant to Chapter VII of the Charter and recently lifted by the United Nations played a very important role in the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa. My delegation congratulates the selfless work carried out by the Special Committee against Apartheid, and pays a well-deserved tribute to all the sons of Africa and all others who gave their lives so that the abolition of apartheid might become a reality and the mandate of the Committee terminated, as it has today. I also congratulate Mr. Ibrahim Gambari for his selfless work in the name of Africa. The struggle against the abhorrent apartheid system was long and painful and caused untold devastation to property, as well as human misery, not only in South Africa itself but also in the neighbouring countries of southern Angola, along with the other front-line States, was one of the main victims of the apartheid system because of support for the African National Congress (ANC) and other democratic forces. Their contribution in the struggle against apartheid was assisted by the beloved sons of the Cuban people who, at their side, accelerated the liquidation of apartheid. Since the first days of its independence, the Government of Angola has devoted itself in particular to the struggle for the liberation of the whole continent. It is for this reason that the racist regime of South Africa at the time did not hesitate to attack by all means Angola’s sovereignty, as well as its infrastructure. We paid the price in our dead, our wounded and our mutilated, and humanity cannot ignore that. Angola joins the international community in warmly congratulating the Government and the people of South Africa for the establishment of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa with the conclusion of the election process that began on 27 April 1994. We joyfully congratulate President Nelson Mandela for his fair and timely election as Head of State of the Republic of South Africa on 10 May 1994. His election potently symbolized his success as a freedom fighter. We are certain that the changes that have occurred in South Africa will contribute to the consolidation of democracy, peace and tranquility, which the international community has long awaited. Finally, in the view of my delegation, it would be immoral and incorrect for the United Nations to make any demand of the new democratic South African Government regarding the payment of arrears in contributions unpaid by the former Government.

The Malawi delegation takes this opportunity to convey the good wishes and felicitations of the Government and the people of Malawi to the Government and the people of South Africa on this historic day, when the delegation of South Africa to the General Assembly at its resumed forty-eighth session, led by its Foreign Minister, Mr. Alfred Nzo, himself a great and historic figure in the struggle for liberation in South The South African delegation to the General Assembly at its resumed forty-eighth session, as seated, represents a popularly elected majority Government of National Unity under the leadership of President Nelson Mandela. President Mandela is the epitome of the struggle for liberation in South Africa. His name alone decisively mobilized the struggle to ever greater and greater heights worldwide. The struggle against apartheid literally consumed the best of South Africa’s sons and daughters across the racial divide, and regardless of age. It was a struggle against the most monstrous and demonic institutionalized system of racism that has ever been devised on this planet. The scale and enormity of the injustice of apartheid were difficult to comprehend. But apartheid came to an ignoble end after the first-ever non-racial free, fair and very successful general election from 27 to 29 April 1994. The road to the demise of apartheid was complex. It was long, rough, extremely violent and most protracted. That is why we are relieved and joyous to be here on this historic day. The Malawi delegation joins all other delegations in this august Assembly to applaud - nay, to rejoice, celebrate and see with our own eyes - the delegation of South Africa resuming its seat in this body, which fought so hard for South Africa’s redemption from evil. It is only 58 days since the general elections in South Africa. Predictably, the African National Congress emerged the majority party. It is only 38 days since President Nelson Mandela was installed as the first black African Head of State, after 300 years of sustained white minority rule, which was sometimes extremely brutal, as demonstrated by the system of apartheid. It is a rare moment in the history of modern Governments to see, in South Africa, the establishment of a uniquely conciliatory and inclusive Government of National Unity. This is the miracle of President Mandela. Indeed, this kind of achievement could only have been crafted from inside South Africa by South Africans themselves. Mr. Frederick de Klerk, the former President of the minority white regime, deserves no less praise for the role he played in this outcome, and also in the process as a whole. The Special Committee against Apartheid, established by the General Assembly in 1962 under resolution 1761 (XVII), and augmented by subsequent General Assembly The mobilizing of opposition against apartheid was complex and called for commitment and concerted attacks on all fronts. It should not be forgotten that apartheid existed as long as it did because it had powerful friends and backers’. However, the tide of history was against it. There is no case in history of systematic oppression sustaining itself and succeeding. In every case, its fall has been a certainty. Mandela was the light at the end of that dark tunnel which apartheid had dug - and kept digging - for itself. The report of the Special Committee against Apartheid gives a clear summary of the huge challenges South Africa faces as its Government grapples to meet, in the immediate and medium-term, the myriad interlocking demands and expectations of its people, mainly the deprives majority black people. My delegation takes this opportunity to urge the international community to support tangibly the new South African Government’s reconstruction and development programme. Freedom and democratization in themselves cannot succeed until the ordinary people are given concrete opportunities for change, are able to see changes which touch them directly and physically and also in their attitudes, changes that affect the whole spectrum of socio-economic issues. This is the way international finance must help South Africa heal the deep wounds of apartheid. The United Nations has a continuing major role to play in South Africa. In this respect my delegation fully supports the recommendation by the Special Committee to appoint, in consultation with the South African Government, a high-level United Nations coordinator. If such a person is indeed appointed, one of his or her tasks must be in the area of civic education, to formulate with the South African Government of National Unity an implementable programme of action to combat the invidious culture of apartheid. Racism in South Africa predates apartheid. It will take time, but determined and deliberate efforts must be taken now for the present and Malawi, too, held successful multiparty elections, almost three weeks after the general elections in South Africa. The former President, Mr. H. Kamuzu Banda, and his Malawi Congress Party were defeated. Mr. Banda did not hesitate to concede defeat and to facilitate the transfer of power to the new State President, His Excellency Mr. Bakili Muluzi, of the United Democratic Front. The success of the electoral process and democratic transition in Malawi in a small but historically significant way crowns the universally acknowledged success of the general elections in South Africa and the establishment in that country of a democratic multiracial Government of National Unity. This augurs well for southern Africa. It is in this spirit of hope and expectation that my State President, his Government and the people of Malawi wish Mozambique the same successful outcome in the conduct of its forthcoming general elections; and also wish Angola a speedy resolution of the intractable problems in the negotiations currently in progress in Zambia. This is the only way that the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with South Africa a likely member, can harness the tremendous resources in the region for the benefit of the more than 100 million people who live in the region.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The European Union warmly welcomes the return of South Africa to the international community as represented in the General Assembly of the United Nations. The European Union wishes on this occasion also to congratulate wholeheartedly the people of South Africa and its leaders on bringing apartheid to an end and on establishing a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa. The European Union wishes also to pay tribute to all those within the United Nations, the non-governmental organizations and the international community as a whole whose continued efforts and determined actions helped to bring about the elimination of apartheid. The European Union has welcomed the first non-racial and democratic constitution of South Africa, the holding of the first democratic elections and the establishment of a democratic, non-racial Government of National Unity in South Africa. We have also expressed our support for the efforts of the Government and the people of South Africa in implementing programmes for the reconstruction and development of their country. In the context of the decision of the Council of the European Union of 19 April 1994, we pledged a package of immediate measures for South Africa. Those measures will focus on important sectors of special interest to South Africa, such as trade, economic cooperation and development cooperation, and will be coupled with the commencement of a political dialogue in order to enhance and consolidate the democratic institutions upon which the new South African society is building its future. In addition, the European Union has taken the initiative for an important conference to be held in Berlin, Germany, on 5 and 6 September 1994. At this conference the Foreign Ministers of the European Union will meet with the Foreign Minister of South Africa and his colleagues from the Southern African Development Community to discuss the new perspectives of regional economic cooperation and the future cooperation between the countries of southern Africa and the European Union. The European Union welcomes South Africa back to the General Assembly with its full voting rights. With regard to the question of arrears, the European Union notes with satisfaction the South African Government’s willingness to make its contributions to the United Nations, and the European Union is ready to participate constructively in the discussion of the matter in the United Nations. The European Union would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Special Committee against Apartheid, and in particular to its Chairman, Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari of Nigeria, for their contributions to the developments which have brought us to this historic day. The European Union encourages the United Nations to make a special effort to assist the new South Africa with the consolidation of democracy and the reconstruction of the country. In this context, we are ready to consider the idea of a high-level coordinator for United Nations development activities in South Africa. Finally, the European Union is confident that the new Government of South Africa will continue, with the assistance of the international community, its successful efforts to find, through constructive dialogue and peaceful means, the best possible solutions to the problems it encounters.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries - Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The democratic elections in South Africa two months ago closed the book on a long and dark chapter in the history not only of South Africa, but of humanity. By its vicious racial policies, the South Africa of yesterday stood out as a unique case. By its own actions, it set itself apart from the international community. We are assembled here today to celebrate the historic moment when the same international community welcomes the new democratic South Africa to its rightful place in the General Assembly of the United Nations. We are honoured to do this having in our midst the Foreign Minister of South Africa and his delegation, representing the Government of National Unity and Reconciliation. The Nordic countries congratulate all the people of South Africa on what they have achieved through decades of protest and struggle and through the last few years of hard negotiations. Today South Africa has become a The United Nations can, however, take pride in its contributions to the democratic change in South Africa. From the outset the United Nations, and not least its Special Committee against Apartheid, stood on the side of the liberation movements and of the victims of the apartheid system. It brought pressure to bear on that system through political repudiation and isolation by calling for a variety of economic sanctions and through the cultural and sports boycott. From the outset the Nordic countries took an active part in international efforts to bring an end to apartheid. They rigorously applied the sanctions imposed on South Africa by the United Nations. In furtherance of a Nordic Programme of Action against Apartheid, we worked for comprehensive and mandatory international sanctions. In the absence of such international measures, the Nordic countries introduced far-reaching national sanctions. An equally important element of the Nordic policy was to support the forces opposing apartheid. Long before they gained international prominence, anti-apartheid leaders were already received as regular visitors in our capitals. Over the years substantial economic support was extended to the anti-apartheid movement, to educational assistance, legal aid and other purposes. As South Africa joins the community of democratic nations, it needs and deserves the continued support of the world. The challenges of the transitional period are plentiful. Millions of black South Africans lack the most basic facilities. They expect that democracy will also bring them what their fellow citizens have long enjoyed: the chance to have a decent life in the country of their birth. But the economic, social, cultural and human legacy of apartheid will be a heavy one to bear and hard to eradicate. As South Africa joins the community of democratic nations, the world also counts on the support of a democratic and dynamic South Africa. That country’s history and experiences, as well as its human and material potential, place it in a unique position to play an Today is a joyous day for South Africa. It is an equally joyous day for the General Assembly, the United Nations as a whole and the international community at large. The fundamental message of the long and tortuous road South Africa has walked is clear: all oppression will come to an end; freedom will eventually triumph everywhere.

Let me first express the profound compassion of our Government, our people and ourselves, the members of the Romanian Mission to the United Nations, for the innocent victims of the natural disaster that hit Colombia. It is with deep emotion that we celebrate today the return of South Africa to the family of nations represented in the General Assembly. On behalf of the Romanian Government, it is a privilege for me to welcome in this Hall, and in its rightful seat, the delegation of South Africa, headed by His Excellency Mr. Alfred Nzo, Minister for Foreign Affairs. This long-awaited moment is the result of one of the most difficult and extraordinary lessons in recent history concerning the restoration of human dignity through democratic means. And let me incidentally mention in this respect how sensitive to such terms as "human dignity" against discriminatory practices, or "democratic means" in achieving social and political goals, are people like me, who spent so many years under communist dictatorship. One can therefore see that, in celebrating this triumph of democracy, we, the people of the post-communist world, have additional reasons indeed to celebrate. I will not elaborate for too long on this very special occasion about the modest contribution my Government has made to this celebration of decency, a value so often neglected in our world today. Romania hailed and supported, bilaterally and as a member of the international community, all the initiatives and efforts to put an end to the obsolete apartheid policies, to organize the process of non-racial elections and successfully to establish democratic institutions in South Africa. The leaders of all the main political parties of that marvellous country - and especially those of the African National Congress, the National Party and the Inkatha Freedom Party - have found understanding and friendship in their contacts with Romanian leaders. Fortunately, we have the privilege of the embodiment of courage and vision in such leaders as Mr. Mandela and Mr. de Klerk. The committee which awarded the Nobel Peace Prize proved that we all share such an unusual privilege. The international community and the United Nations have played a significant role during this process. For more than three decades the Special Committee against Apartheid, established by the General Assembly, channelled and sustained the determination of the Member States to reach goals often perceived as utopian. The resolution adopted today is also recognition of the successful conclusion of the dynamic work of the members of the Committee, especially in the past few years under the diligent chairmanship of Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari of Nigeria. What we really celebrate now is a victory against bigotry and intolerance, for racial discrimination is unfortunately not the only form of discrimination. It has been said that if we were to wake up some morning and find everyone with the same colour skin, by noon we would find something else to be prejudiced about. But people who have suffered from one form of prejudice can learn from this how to escape from other forms of discrimination. We are sure that the same spirit of tolerance and compromise as prevailed in the past will preside over the future of that magnificent country. We once again welcome South Africa into this forum. We are convinced that the involvement of South Africa, with its important human and natural resources, in

Five hundred years ago, beginning in 1492, distant worlds began to collide. One very robust and technologically advanced civilization seemed to have easily overpowered several others. Within a short historical period following the first encounter of 1492 Western Europeans were able to exercise dominance over many of the peoples of the new world. From the islands of the Caribbean to the plains of North America, from South Africa to the South Pacific, the civilization of Western Europe, carried by its adventurous sons to distant shores, seemed fully capable of erasing all others. Less than 50 years after Western Europe’s first collision with the Caribbean a traffic in human beings was to commence between West Africa and the Americas. The slave trade intensified and expanded over several centuries, as required by an ever greater need for labour in the lands which had been conquered. Noted scholars and statesmen from the Caribbean have argued persuasively in many celebrated writings that theories of racial superiority began to emerge out of the economic relations which slave society created. In South Africa, as in several new-world countries, the ugly theory of race superiority assumed its most virulent form by ultimately dressing itself in legality. Today, 500 years after the collision of once-distant worlds, and after decades of legally enforced racism, apartheid is dead. The people of Antigua and Barbuda celebrate with the victorious people of South Africa and share their vision of a new, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist State. Our Prime Minister, the Honourable Lester Bryant Bird, has conveyed to the President of South Africa, His Excellency Mr. Nelson Mandela, my people’s "warm and heartfelt congratulations on the triumph of the African National Congress at the first non-racial, democratic general elections ever held in South Africa". The entire world now registers its applause. The role of the United Nations is again firmly established as a platform of the powerless for trumpeting good over evil, justice over wrong, human dignity over degradation. As we seek to achieve economic justice, sustainable development and an end to wasteful production and consumption patterns which threaten environmental destruction, vulnerable small island States like mine will enlist the support of the Government and the people of South Africa, just as they can assuredly rely on our support. On behalf of the Government and the people of Antigua and Barbuda, my delegation welcomes the delegation of South Africa back to this forum. My Government fully supports the proposal to forgive the debt to the United Nations incurred by the apartheid Government and therefore gladly joins the consensus resolution before us today. We wish the people and the Government of South Africa all the very best for the future, and I repeat my Prime Minister’s pledge of Antigua and Barbuda’s utmost cooperation and support.

The delegation of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania is happy to take part in this debate devoted to the official return of South Africa to the community of nations by its representation in the General Assembly, the supreme organ of the Organization. The decision we took this morning is the culmination of a number of measures which have made it possible for the international community to make a substantial contribution to the dismantling of the odious system of apartheid and to decisively support the reintegration of South Africa in the concert of nations. Thus, after economic sanctions and the arms embargo were lifted on 8 October 1993 and 25 May of this year, respectively, we have now terminated the mandate of the Special Committee against Apartheid. Among the organs created to contribute to the eradication of apartheid, no other Committee has played as active and determining a role in the efforts of the On this occasion, may I express my wholehearted congratulations to all the members of the Special Committee and, in particular, to its last President - a true militant for decolonization in Africa and the eradication of apartheid in particular - the seasoned diplomat, our colleague and friend, Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, who exerted praiseworthy efforts to secure this new democratic South Africa. He deserves our heartfelt gratitude for the remarkable role he played as head of that important Committee. We would also like to pay a warm tribute to the Secretary-General for having successfully carried out the tasks entrusted to him by various bodies of the United Nations and, thank all eminent Africans and others who contributed to this historic victory. I also extend our deep condolences to the families of the martyrs of South Africa, particularly the family of our colleague and friend, the late Johny Makatini of the ANC. This is first and foremost a victory for the South African people which paid a heavy price. It is also a victory for the front-line States, the Organization of African Unity and the international community which, through coercive measures, for decades played an effective role in support of the struggle of all South Africans. The election of Mr. Nelson Mandela as the first President of a democratic South Africa, on 10 May 1994, was an historic event and a source of great satisfaction for the international community, and for the peoples of Africa in particular. The Islamic Republic of Mauritania, hails this event, which shows that no problem is insurmountable when justice, reason and common sense prevail. The social and political transition towards a democratic order in South Africa constitutes a solid foundation for peace and stability in South Africa, as well as in southern Africa, which has suffered from wars for so many years. We are convinced that with its full reintegration in the community of nations this new South Africa will play a positive role with regard to the purposes The international community contributed to the success of the struggle of the South African people, as well as to the organization of the pluralistic electoral process that crowned this national struggle, and it must now work in concert to consolidate this important victory. The success of the democratic experience in South Africa will make a specific contribution to the progress of democracy everywhere in the world and will serve as encouragement to the settlement of disputes by peaceful means. In conclusion, I should like to hail the decision the General Assembly took today to put an end to a painful chapter in the history of the entire African continent by restoring the full participation of South Africa in the General Assembly. At this time of joy and satisfaction let me finally add that the thoughts of my delegation also go to the Palestinian people whose inalienable rights have now been trampled for almost half a century. May the victory we are celebrating today constitute for all peace- and justice-loving peoples a resolute commitment against all wars and crises affecting our planet. As we near the fiftieth anniversary of our Organization, may this important gain achieved by the international community promote peace, justice and solidarity at the service of the economic and social development of all peoples.

May I begin by expressing the great emotion and satisfaction I feel in taking part in this event in the General Assembly Hall, the political home of the United Nations. What a great joy it is for the international community to welcome in this supreme forum a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa. This meeting symbolizes progress and faith in mankind and is of far- reaching significance for the tasks of the United Nations. Allow me briefly to describe a recent personal experience. I am happy to be addressing the Assembly today, but a week ago I represented my country at the Cairo meeting of non-aligned foreign ministers. There I felt the same emotions I am feeling now, inspired by seeing the delegation of South Africa, led by Foreign Minister Nzo, become a part of the Non-Aligned Movement. Thanks to the kind invitation I received from Today’s meeting fits in with that ongoing symbolism. Our entire multilateral system is reacquainting itself with South Africa - something for which we have been struggling for years. Today, the General Assembly recognizes South Africa as a full-fledged participant in its work. The activities of the United Nations in Africa, and specifically with respect to South Africa, give today’s meeting special meaning: a feeling of joy and celebration, hope and expectation. For so many years we stood shoulder to shoulder with our African comrades in their struggle for equality, democracy and peace: so many wills striving together here, in solidarity and cooperation with the leaders of that noble country. The United Nations has a legitimate right to feel proud of the important role it has played in the South African process, always cooperating with the people of that country at all times, and prepared to develop a special relationship with them. Such a relationship is growing more timely and urgent than ever before. The United Nations does not often get to meet and say, "Mission accomplished", but today we are happy to be able to say precisely that. Granted, the United Nations role may have been secondary compared with the resolve with which the South African people itself tackled its great task and decided to meet its destiny and, as President Mandela himself has said, to begin its own process of reconciliation. These may be times of vertiginous political and technological change, but we sometimes feel discouraged at the persistence of tenacious negative aspects of the human condition rooted in selfishness and in the darkest chapters of our history. That is why this event, this meeting, this celebration renews our faith in humanity and its future, the progress of its intellect, and the solidarity of its actions. This is a just, noble cause that enhances our values and our humanity. States have been able to maintain solidarity and to work together in realizing the lofty ideals so well expressed in the Charter of the United Nations, which almost 50 years after its adoption continues to light our path. Africa’s prosperity should be the new crusade of the world community. We must promote pragmatic activities Today more than ever before we must support Africa, we must do all we can to consolidate progress already made and to promote economic and social progress; for this we need resources. The international community must spare no effort to gather these resources, by traditional and innovative means devised by the inexhaustible creativity of the human being. My country reiterates its political will to take a full, responsible part in whatever tasks the international community may decide on in that regard. Chile has been a member of the Trust Fund for South Africa from its inception; I have represented my country there for the past four years. We held our last meeting recently; as we marked the successful attainment of the Fund’s goals, I ventured to point out that while we had eliminated apartheid from the legal standpoint, there was no doubt that the aftermath of that barbarous system will long persist in the lives of the South African people. We have won the major victory of eliminating apartheid from the Constitution; we now face the great challenge of ensuring that apartheid’s effects upon the people are eliminated too. The United Nations must therefore continue, with undiminished will, determination and impetus, to work with South Africa. As we all know, it is not enough to state things on paper; they must be translated into facts. As countries of the third world, as developing countries, we face these realities together with South Africa. Today we welcome South Africa to this Hall - and to the common struggle that lies ahead for the countries of the third world. It is with great emotion that, on behalf of the Government and the people of Chile, I convey the

This is a great day for the United Nations. A dream has come true at long last. As already stated by the Chairman of the Group of Western European and Other States speaking on behalf of all members of the Group and the President of the European Union, we warmly welcome the return of a democratic and non-racial South Africa to the international community as represented in the General Assembly of the United Nations. In view of Austria’s long-standing and active commitment to this course, let me add a few remarks to those statements. With the entry into force of its first non-racial and democratic Constitution and the holding of one-person- one-vote elections last April, and with the convening of its new Parliament and the installation of its new President and its Government of National Unity last May, South Africa entered into a new and promising period of its history. Two outstanding personalities of South Africa’s political life have contributed more than anybody else to this fundamental change. Nelson Mandela, now President, since his liberation in early 1990, and indeed before, has actively pursued the peaceful liberation of South Africa from the burden of apartheid. In President Frederik de Klerk he found a negotiating partner who stood by the conviction that peaceful and just development can never be based upon the principle of the domination of one race by another. The Nobel Peace Prize awarded jointly to Nelson Mandela and Frederik de Klerk justly rewarded the shared courage and tenacity of these two statesmen in bringing about this change of tide, from the oppressive system of apartheid to cooperation in democracy. Together the South African parties undertook important efforts to reach mutual understanding and to make necessary concessions in order to arrive at a common aim: the establishment of a peaceful, multi-ethnic, multi-racial and multi-confessional South Africa. We all fervently wish to see the lasting success of this model, which would not only be essential for the future of South Africa itself, but would also have examplary importance reaching far beyond South Africa. The efforts for national reconciliation in South Africa had widespread support from the international community. Austria therefore commends all those acting in the international field whose actions contributed in a Certainly we all know that the recent establishment of a democratic Government must now be followed by a further active involvement of the international community in rendering assistance to the new South Africa. Rightly, the victims of apartheid have high expectations that the new democratic order will be tantamount to tangible economic and social advancement for them. An active and thriving economy will facilitate the successful accomplishment of the process of peaceful transition to a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa. Austria will strive to contribute to bringing about the socio-economic underpinnings for a prospering democracy, using bilateral and multilateral channels. We equally look forward to the important role South Africa will play on its own continent and within the United Nations. My delegation has listened with great interest to the important statement delivered today before the Assembly by Foreign Minister Nzo in this regard. We are certain that on the basis of its own past experience, South Africa will be able to make a major contribution to our work, including to the important issue of human riqhts and human development. Austria welcomes the resolutions that have been adopted by the General Assembly today. We are looking forward to the forthcoming meetings of the General Assembly with the active participation of a delegation from the united, democratic and non-racial South Africa.

On this great day, it is a signal honour for me, on behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, to welcome a free and democratic South Africa as a full participant in the General Assembly and in the activities of the United Nations as a whole. In celebrating this historic day, I wish to pay tribute to President Nelson Mandela and the other courageous and dedicated leaders of South Africa, as well as to the millions of their compatriots who have sacrificed so much over these past decades for the dawn of a new day of Almost from its inception, the United Nations has played a crucial role in the struggle against apartheid. In furtherance of the principles and purposes of the Charter of the Organization and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations has over the years exerted its moral authority on successive oppressive regimes in South Africa through the adoption of political, military, economic, social and cultural sanctions. It has also extended considerable support to those within and outside South Africa working towards the elimination of the apartheid system. Trinidad and Tobago has been privileged to serve on the Special Committee against Apartheid for the last two decades. The long-awaited emergence of a united, non-racial and democratic South Africa under the helm of a Government of national unity is first and foremost a victory for the South African people and their leaders. It is also a victory for the United Nations. As South Africa now enters a new phase of national reconciliation and nation building, it is incumbent upon the United Nations to continue investing in the country’s future by actively participating in the struggle to reverse the legacies of apartheid. The final report of the Special Committee against Apartheid provides some insight into the nature of the challenges confronting the new non-racial Government of South Africa. Many have endured indescribable suffering, privation and humiliation, and too many young people have been robbed of their childhood and deprived of the vital tools with which to build a secure and prosperous future. The bleak statistics lay bare the formidable tasks facing the new leadership, which are compounded by the ever-rising expectations of an eager population. The Secretariat of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, in a recent report, has identified the two major challenges confronting the new South Africa as the redressing of the grave socio-economic injustices and distortions resulting from the legacy of apartheid and the transformation of the country into a full and competitive member of the world economic community. The reconstruction and development plans already afoot in South Africa will address these tasks, combined with the efforts to consolidate a negotiated consensus on the tackling of these and other problems among the various sectors of society. Trinidad and Tobago strongly supports the recommendation contained in the resolution adopted earlier today concerning the proposed appointment of a high-level coordinator for United Nations development activities in South Africa. Such an appointment would serve to ensure that maximum use is made of the limited resources available within the United Nations system for the reconstruction and development efforts in South Africa. My delegation also welcomes the proposal on the question of the arrears accumulated by the apartheid regime over the years and the universal recognition of the exceptional nature of the circumstances now facing the new Government of South Africa. We are now five months shy of the twentieth anniversary of the suspension of South Africa from the work of the General Assembly for crimes committed against humanity. Let this day serve not only as one of great joy and pride for the Government and the people of South Africa and others throughout the globe but also as a day of inspiration for the United Nations as we strive to overcome the many complex and divisive problems besetting the world. The resilience, determination and capacity for forgiveness and compromise demonstrated by the people of South Africa should indeed be a source of great hope and encouragement for us all.

Today is a historic day. Twenty years ago South Africa was debarred from participating in the General Assembly of the United Nations. Twenty years later - today - South Africa has returned to its seat in the General Assembly. This is a great change. This change has occurred not just in South Africa, but in the whole world. If the global change has had implications for South Africa, the change in South Africa will have global implications as well. As a founder member of the Special Committee against Apartheid Nepal takes great pleasure in The struggle against injustice is historical and universal. The struggle in South Africa was not the struggle of the South African blacks alone. The end of apartheid is a triumph of man’s historic struggle for freedom, equality, justice and peace, If the history of civilization is supposed to be the history of man’s struggle for freedom, the end of apartheid in South Africa is a milestone in the progress of civilization. South Africa today is in the process of change which may still be painful. However, the people of South Africa have been very fortunate to have the leadership of President Mandela, Mr. F. W. de Klerk, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many others whose vision and political courage made this change possible. While South Africa has begun its march towards national reconstruction and development, many African countries today are deeply embroiled in large-scale bloodshed and massacres owing to ethnic conflicts. Although we cannot forget Bosnia and the Middle East and many other theatres of conflict, the majority of United Nations peace-keeping are in the African continent. Negotiation is a civilized way for conflict resolution. South Africa has given us an example. The lesson of South African experience must be learned not just by the other African countries but by the countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America. We can see South Africa as a rising sun whose rays fanning out in the African horizon may enlighten every African nation and eventually the entire world. The transfer of power to the elected President of the Government of National Unity, Mr. Mandela, was a significant moment in the history of the entire world, which was watching the event. However, the removal of the formal bases of apartheid will not automatically result in social progress. A political framework capable of achieving and protecting the values that are associated with liberty and tolerance is necessary to respond to the socio-economic needs of the people. The United Nations has been in the forefront against all discrimination based on race, colour, sex or language in The work of the United Nations Observer Mission in South Africa (UNOMSA) during the transition period was commendable. Likewise, the Special Committee against Apartheid, with its continuous efforts, successfully worked as the focal point in the United Nations for activities to support and encourage the anti-apartheid movement since its establishment. We are confident that the leaders of South Africa will be successful in their endeavours to build and reconstruct a prosperous South Africa. We warmly welcome the new non-racial and democratic South Africa back to its seat in the United Nations and look forward to working closely with the delegation of South Africa for the promotion of international peace and security. As one of the members of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77, Nepal also welcomes South Africa in them.

This is an extremely auspicious occasion not only for South Africa and the southern Africa region but also for the African continent and the world. For South Africa, re-admission into the family of nations means the acceptance by the international community that their long and difficult struggle for equality and justice has been won; for the southern Africa region it means the emergence of a peaceful and reliable partner in the pursuit of a common prosperity; for the African continent, it marks the closing chapter in the total decolonization of the continent; and for the world it signifies the successful conclusion of an extraordinary collective struggle against apartheid, which the international community had correctly characterized a crime against humanity. There is therefore cause for all-round celebration. However, in the midst of all the celebration, we would be remiss if we did not salute and congratulate the people of South Africa on their achievement of what had hitherto been regarded as "mission impossible". We all know how deep a chasm divided the privileged minority and the oppressed and disenfranchised majority. But once the people and their leadership resolved to create a new order As we welcome South Africa to its rightful place among the community of nations, who could be more appropriate to reclaim South Africa’s seat in this General Assembly than that veteran freedom fighter, Alfred Nzo, who has dedicated his entire life to the struggle to eradicate apartheid? We are all familiar with his untiring work as the Secretary-General of the African National Congress over the years. We certainly welcome him today in his new capacity as the Foreign Minister of a free South Africa - a liberated South Africa. We also welcome his important statement to this General Assembly. The inauguration of that heroic son of Africa, Nelson Mandela, as President marked the liberation not only of South Africa, but also of our entire region. We can now look forward to an era of peace - an era of political and economic cooperation in the region and beyond. Never again will we have to divert scarce and much-needed resources from development to armaments. As we celebrate the end of apartheid as an ideology and commend the people of South Africa for skilfully negotiating the transition from minority rule to non-racial democracy, let it be remembered that the legacy of apartheid still remains. Foreign Minister Nzo, in his most important statement, clearly spelled out the reconstruction and development needs of the new South Africa. He further emphasized the need to demonstrate that democracy can and does work. The United Nations and the international community thus have a duty and an obligation to assist the new South Africa meet the legitimate aspirations of its people. Zimbabwe is extremely pleased that the item "Elimination of apartheid and establishment of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa" has been deleted from the agenda of the United Nations. This signifies the successful conclusion of a protracted struggle spearheaded by a coalition of forces represented by the liberation movements at the national level, the front-line States at the regional level, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) at the continental level and the United Nations at the international level. At the national level, our tribute and appreciation naturally go to President Mandela, who, after decades of personal suffering and incarceration, emerged stronger than ever to lead and guide the people of South Africa as they However, when all is said and done, this victory belongs to the people of South Africa. We all wish them well.

It is indeed proper and fitting that Mr. Insanally preside over this auspicious occasion. His great country, Guyana, has always been at the forefront of the international community’s struggle to eliminate apartheid in South Africa. Lesotho is happy to see him presiding as we all warmly welcome the new democratic South Africa back into the United Nations fold. In our part of the world, the women would be ululating and the men would be dancing and singing songs of praise as they celebrated and commemorated a historic day such as this. It is historic, because this is the very first time the highest body of the United Nations has addressed post-apartheid South Africa; indeed, this is a source of great joy and jubilation for all of us. This supreme body of the United Nations decided in 1974 to exclude the then-racist South Africa from participating in the affairs of the Assembly and its organs as part of a peaceful effort calling upon South Africa for change. This very same Assembly, having so persistently and so vigorously pressed for the elimination of apartheid and for a negotiated settlement, is today proud that a new, non-racial Government of National Unity, under the wise and capable leadership of Mr. Nelson Mandela, has been ushered in. Members will recall that it was through the commendable efforts of this Assembly that the aspirations and frustrations of all peace-loving South Africans were rightly and justifiably expressed in the December 1989 The decision to hold South Africa’s first-ever free elections in accordance with the principles of universal suffrage opened the way for the country’s transition to a democratic and non-racial society, an objective that had been defined and expressed in the Declaration. Since 1910 the desire of the oppressed majority in South Africa had been to fully and actively participate, as ordinary citizens, in the election and choice of their democratic Government. As we welcome South Africa back into the community of nations, we should remember that this is a historic month in that country. Eighteen years ago, in this very month, the youth of South Africa resolved to join their fathers and mothers in the long, arduous and very bloody struggle for their birthright. They also paid dearly for that struggle and sacrificed their future for freedom and justice. Their resilience has paid peace dividends. As of today, they too have elected their Government of National Unity and Reconciliation, which is responsive to participatory democracy. It has been a glorious struggle for freedom, democracy, human dignity and human rights - nothing more and nothing less. The Kingdom of Lesotho greatly admires all South Africans for their laudable efforts, which have decisively eliminated the unjust and inhuman system of apartheid. The spectacular success of the African National Congress (ANC) has not only concluded the ugly chapter of apartheid, but has also completed the liberation of the African continent. Only the magnanimous and gracious President Mandela could demonstrate to everyone that the ANC victory was for all the people of South Africa by accommodating all in the formation of first post-apartheid Government of South Africa. It has been the relentless struggle of all concerned that has carried South Africa to where it is today. Their patience and negotiating abilities since the first Conference on a Democratic South Africa cannot be surpassed. The South Africans taught us such new expressions as "sufficient consensus" in the art of negotiation. It is that spirit of sufficient consensus that has allowed them truly to The Kingdom of Lesotho is fully conscious of the fact that the new Government of National Unity in South Africa faces many challenges ahead. It is a mammoth task, since it must address the injustices and inequities which are the legacies of apartheid. The new South Africa being readmitted to the community of nations is still looking to the international community for help in uplifting itself economically and socially, as the country is not yet fully developed, as a result of many wasted and wasteful years of apartheid. Economic and technical assistance to South Africa need to be expanded. We add our voice to the call on the world community to support the economic reconstruction and development of South Africa now that the political war has been decisively won. Aid to South Africa will help provide basic needs and social and physical infrastructure for the underprivileged majority, which suffered in the past as a result of apartheid. It would be remiss of us not to make reference to one of the great sons of South Africa. Mr. F. W. de Klerk, now second Executive Deputy President of South Africa, courageously and commendably set the reform process in motion. He followed the signs to the final destination of the democratic route. He has contributed enormously to the birth of a new nation in South Africa. It is great men with great minds like Mr. de Klerk who would swiftly move to concede defeat to President Mandela, the deserving leader of the majority Government of National Unity. To the Special Committee against Apartheid we say "Good work, well done". The mission has been accomplished. The same sentiments are extended to the support staff behind the scenes. We heartily welcome the final report of the Special Committee against Apartheid. That informative report seals the ugly chapter of apartheid and highlights in a most lucid manner the most commendable efforts made by the Special Committee towards the declared objective of eliminating apartheid. We fully supported draft resolutions A/48/L.58 and A/48/L.59. We are delighted that, as a gift to the new South Africa, resolution A/48/L.58 was carried by consensus. It was this body that rightly excluded apartheid South Africa from its midst, and the new South Africa should as far as possible be spared the problems The emerging historic era in Africa is worth celebrating, since the end of apartheid marks a transformational and historic course for the rest of Africa and the southern African region, which had to bear the bitter fruits of the system of apartheid. The second phase of post-apartheid South Africa will be the hardest, in that there has to be a contained climate of political, economic and social stability in which all the people of South Africa can freely and fully exercise their fundamental human rights. The implementation and practicability of the post-apartheid Constitution of South Africa has yet to be seen to provide the overall framework in this regard. Through the completion of its mammoth task in South Africa, the United Nations has not only made history, but has followed its course of maintaining international peace and security. We salute the great people of South Africa and their leaders, particularly the fallen heroes and heroines. Lesotho will continue to walk the same road with its immediate neighbour as it enters the new battle lines on the economic and social fronts. In this context, Lesotho was honoured and privileged to have had the new South Africa represented officially, for the first time, at the Southern African Development Community annual meeting of Ministers of Mining at Maseru on 20 May, 10 days following the historic inauguration of the first democratically elected President of South Africa, Mr. Nelson Mandela. In conclusion, we in Lesotho say "Let the blood spilled and lost in the struggle against apartheid not have been lost in vain, but be valued, for it has nourished the cause of freedom, justice, liberty, democracy and human rights that we all cherish. To you, our brothers and sisters, our immediate neighbours, we heartily extend a warm welcome and join you in your moment of joy and happiness".

Today the United Nations celebrates one of its greatest triumphs. We welcome a united, non-racial and democratic South Africa to its rightful place as a full Member of this Organization. The The struggle against apartheid has been a universal one, bringing together the entire membership of the United Nations, representing not only the highest ideals enshrined in the Charter, but also the collective will of all Member States. The Non-Aligned Movement, regional associations such as the Organization of African Unity, the Commonwealth and virtually every other representative grouping have expressed their repugnance for the system of apartheid. The front-line States of southern Africa have played a major role as well, sustaining a struggle which has sometimes spread beyond the borders of South Africa. The Special Committee against Apartheid, which successfully concludes its mandate, deserves our gratitude for all the work it has have done. The struggle against apartheid is now over. "Free at last", proclaimed Mr. Nelson Mandela, the leader of the African National Congress and now President of a free South Africa. While we all celebrate the dawn of freedom, it is the people of South Africa who suffered the burden of apartheid. The real struggle was conducted not in the conference rooms of this Organization or in other forums dedicated to the overthrow of the system: the real struggle was on the soil of South Africa where the brunt of the system’s injustices had to be courageously faced, entailing great sacrifices. In his inauguration speech President Nelson Mandela recognized the role played by the masses of South Africa and their leaders - political, religious, women, youth, business, traditional and others - in keeping alive the struggle for freedom even in its darkest hours. President Mandela himself was an inspiration to his people even as he languished in prison. He remained free even in captivity. The lesson of history, as President Mandela has observed, is that none of us alone can achieve success. It is necessary to act together as a united people for national reconciliation and for nation- building. "the foundations for a new, non-racial and democratic South Africa with equal and guaranteed rights for each and all" (A/48/L.58, para. 2) have been laid through broad-based negotiations. Yet, as the people of South Africa themselves well realize, further challenges lie ahead. The people of South Africa have pledged to redress socio-economic imbalances and to liberate themselves from the bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, and gender and other discrimination. The Foreign Minister of South Africa gave us this morning a detailed account of the development plans of the new Government. Sri Lanka has steadfastly supported all measures against apartheid. We offer the new South Africa heartfelt congratulations on its heroic victory. We heartily welcome its full participation in the work of the United Nations and we wish it well in the future.

Colombia supports the statements made by the Ambassador of Jamaica on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States and the representative of Indonesia on behalf of the Movement of Non-aligned Countries. We are here on this historic occasion to welcome the new Government of South Africa. Today South Africa is once against taking its seat in the General Assembly as a sovereign, free and independent State able to guide the destiny of its people. In the elections held last April, the people of South Africa showed their determination to give birth to a new society where conciliation and national reconstruction would be the main challenges. At this time we are honoured to greet the Foreign Minister of South Africa, His Excellency Mr. Alfred Nzo, and, through him, President Nelson Mandela and the leaders who are accompanying him; the people of South Africa; and all the men, women, young people and children who through their work and with their lives laid the foundations for the emergence of a new, apartheid- free South Africa. The life of President Nelson Mandela is a testament to struggle, to rectitude, to the clear will for reconciliation and to a deep dedication to union and to sacrifice for his people. His struggle and that of the South African people set an example for us all. We also acknowledge the efforts of Vice-President de Klerk in meeting the legitimate demands of the South African majority. The end of apartheid is of major significance to the entire international community and to all those who contributed in one way or another to its elimination. We would like in particular to mention the work of the Special Committee against Apartheid, which for more than 30 years supported the South African people as it marched to freedom. We can say that its mission was carried out in an exceptional fashion and that it can take pride in its accomplishment. On 10 May 1994 the Government of National Unity, the legitimate and representative Government, undertook the challenge of guiding the South African nation. We are in favour of all the efforts to maximize international cooperation and thereby contribute to the difficult task of national reconstruction. In its coordinating efforts the United Nations will have to recognize and respect the principle of the sovereign equality of the South African State and not exceed the limits of its competence as set forth in the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant resolutions. We particularly acknowledge the contribution of the countries of the Non-Aligned Movement. The recent Ministerial Conference held in Cairo received South Africa as its one hundred and eleventh member. This is a most significant event for the Movement, which Development activities, within the legitimate United Nations machinery, deserve our full support. We consider that such activities must be carried out within the institutional framework established by the General Assembly, specifically through resolution 47/199 of 22 December 1992 and resolution 48/209 of 21 December 1993. With respect to paragraph 11 of resolution A/48/L.58, we joined in the consensus; like the Chairman of the Special Committee against Apartheid and the President of the General Assembly, we consider that the proposed appointment of a high-level coordinator for United Nations development activities in South Africa will be strictly governed by the provisions of resolutions 47/199 and 47/209. In that light, we reiterate our readiness to support the new Government of South Africa in its difficult task of overcoming the effects of apartheid in an independent, sovereign, united, democratic, non-racial nation free to choose its own future as a full Member of the United Nations. It is my honour in conclusion to read out the following message from the Minister for Foreign Relations of Colombia, Mrs. Noemí Sanín de Rubio, to the South African nation on this historic occasion. "Mr. President, it is my pleasure, on the occasion of the resumed session of the General Assembly to welcome the return to the Assembly of the Republic of South Africa, to inform you that Colombia enthusiastically hails the return of the South Africa that has emerged victorious from the lengthy and painful process that has enabled it to stand before the international community today as a democratic, multiracial society. My country fully shares the General Assembly’s satisfaction at this most important event. "Through you, Mr. President, I convey to the South African delegation to the United Nations, and through that delegation to the friendly people and the Government of South Africa, the warmest greetings of the people and Government of Colombia, and inform them of our readiness to work with them to promote and achieve the purposes of the United Nations".

It is with a sense of fulfilment and joy that I address the Assembly today to represent India. This is indeed a historic occasion. Today’s proceedings mark the fruition of the long and arduous struggle of the people of South Africa to end the shameful system of apartheid in that country and to join the proud community of nations that have consistently supported the objective of establishing a non-racial, democratic and united South Africa. If the decision of the General Assembly in 1974 not to accept the credentials of the delegation of South Africa represented the rejection by the international community of the inhuman crime of apartheid and its perpetrators, at today’s meeting the Assembly rejoices over the success of the struggle of the South African people to end that inhuman system. We welcome the new South Africa in our midst, as an equal Member of this Organization ready to participate in all its activities in accordance with to the purposes and principles of the Charter. The people of India join the courageous people of South Africa with joy, happiness and pride in celebrating their achievement and what it signifies for humanity. We pay a tribute to President Mandela, who symbolizes the aspirations of the South African people and the values of non-racialism, democracy and peace, and to the leadership of South Africa for their courage and steadfastness in pursuing a goal which, not too long ago, appeared remote. We welcome the presence here of the Foreign Minister of South Africa, His Excellency Mr. A. B. Nzo, as the representative of the new South Africa. India can justifiably share the pride of the South African people in celebrating the dawn of the new era in South Africa. We see the end of apartheid in that country as vindication of the human values we have always held high and pursued steadfastly and unwaveringly. India was in the vanguard of the anti-apartheid struggle, and was the first to raise the subject in the United Nations, in 1946, even before achieving our own independence; we did this because we felt that it was our own cause and not just that of a distant neighbour. In a way, the achievements of the South African struggle are a homage to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our nation. About a century ago, when he was in South Africa, he saw a link between the struggles for freedom "Truly speaking, it was after I went to South Africa that I became what I am now. My love for South Africa and my concern for her problems are no less than for India". The establishment of a non-racial and democratic Government in South Africa represents a victory for universal human values. As Prime Minister Narasimha Rao said in his statement on the occasion of the inauguration of the Government of National Unity in South Africa on 10 May 1994, "The South African struggle has shown that the strength of the human spirit, the strength of values of moral conviction, and the strength of uncompromising struggle against domination and exploitation are indeed formidable forces for change". (A/48/941, annex) Evidently, the restoration of equality amongst all races in South Africa is a matter of immense and direct satisfaction to the people and the Government of India. The change in South Africa has been made possible through the efforts of its brave people. The leadership provided by President Mandela and others has guided the broad-based negotiations in the last few laps to the successful conclusion of establishing a Government of National Unity based on a democratic and non-racial interim Constitution. The international community can be justifiably proud of itself in having supported the process of change at several critical junctures in the history of the anti-apartheid struggle. The various decisions of the General Assembly and the Security Council, including measures relating to sanctions, served the useful role of putting pressure where it was needed crucially. The positive approach of the General Assembly in the last few years of providing encouragement to the people of South Africa in step with the changes which were taking place channelled the efforts of the international community in the appropriate direction. India has always joined these international efforts in the United Nations, in the Commonwealth and in the Non-Aligned Movement on the basis of our own historic ties with South Africa and our firm belief in the universal human values of democracy and non-racialism. It was this belief, and our commitment to support the countries in southern Africa in their struggle against the consequences of apartheid, that led India to take A sordid chapter in the history of South Africa has closed. The struggle has, however, not ended. The people and Government of South Africa continue to face the debilitating consequences of the system of apartheid in the shape of severe socio-economic inequalities currently existing among different segments of the South African population. A political dream that has been fulfilled is now being reshaped in the form of the increased expectations of the people of South Africa, who have been suffering through many decades of socio-economic discrimination and disadvantages. The success of the South African experiment calls for effective measures to address these problems. The reconstruction and development plan now under consideration by the Government of South Africa includes a number of policy suggestions in this regard. While we wish all success to the new Government of South Africa in developing appropriate policy instruments to address the problem of socio-economic inequities and economic growth, the role of the international community, as represented by the United Nations and individual countries, cannot be over-emphasized. We welcome the suggestion in this regard made in the report of the Special Committee against Apartheid (A/48/22/Add.l). We also welcome the recommendation that the Secretary-General consider appointing, in consultation with the Government of South Africa, a coordinator for United Nations development activities in the country in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, including resolutions 47/199 and 48/209. At this stage, may I also congratulate the Special Committee against Apartheid on a task well done. The activities of the Committee and support from its members generated international support for anti-apartheid movements in South Africa at a time when it was most needed. I must also applaud the Committee for deciding to terminate its mandate with the adoption of the resolution today. The commitment of India to South Africa does not end with the end of the political struggle and the establishment of the Government of National Unity. The greatest need of the South African people at the present

The Philippines joins with pride and joy in the triumph of the human spirit, reason and decency over the vicious apartheid system. We salute and embrace our South African brethren on this historic achievement. Their wisdom, courage and perseverance have made it possible for South Africa to start anew and establish a united, democratic and non-racial community. The peaceful and successful installation of a democratic dispensation under the leadership of South Africa’s foremost freedom fighter, President Nelson Mandela, has breathed new life and rekindled hopes for a better tomorrow for its diverse and divided society. The painstaking negotiations undertaken between South Africa’s political parties and the former regime have demonstrated the political maturity and the spirit of goodwill of its acknowledged leaders in choosing the democratic process to shape their destiny. As the Government of National Unity steers South Africa’s transition to democracy, it is my delegation’s hope that the protection and advancement of the interests and welfare of its long-suffering people would be uppermost on the Government’s agenda. Undoubtedly, varied challenges will have to be faced by the South African Government and people as they tread the road to economic and social recovery and growth. Assistance from all sectors of our global community, particularly the United Nations, will therefore be vital. In this regard, we wish to reassure them of our continued assistance and support as they embark on the arduous task of building a new society based on respect for human rights and the promotion of economic and social equality. My delegation would like to commend the efforts undertaken by the United Nations and its specialized agencies, and in particular the Special Committee Against Apartheid, of which the Philippines is a Charter member. The Committee, which was established in 1962, conscientiously monitored the events in South Africa and followed closely developments relating to the promotion of international assistance in helping South Africans overcome the negative social and economic consequences of apartheid, maintaining contacts with academic institutions and civic communities, consulting with parties participating in the political process and undertaking other activities aimed at supporting peaceful change until the very last days of apartheid. With the adoption of the two resolutions today, the United Nations, the Special Committee against Apartheid and the international community, at this point in time, can rightfully take pride in the contributions they have made over several decades to the efforts leading to the elimination of the scourge of apartheid and the support they have given to all South Africans who have courageously struggled against this evil. Our most profound congratulations go to the Special Committee Chairman, Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari of Nigeria, its members and the Centre against Apartheid, who have commendably discharged their duties with competence, dedication and industry. It is also significant to note the key role played by the United Nations Observer Mission in South Africa (UNOMSA) in South Africa’s transition to a democratic State. For several decades, the United Nations supported the struggle of the people of South Africa by working relentlessly to isolate the apartheid regime. We warmly applaud South Africa’s resumption of its seat as a full Member of the United Nations. As it rejoins the family of nations, we look forward to its meaningful participation and active involvement in the work of our world Organization. The dark chapter of apartheid is no more. Cooperation and brotherhood can only serve to strengthen the foundations of a united South Africa. The Philippines

My delegation welcomes in our midst His Excellency Mr. Alfred Nzo, Foreign Minister of the Republic of South Africa. We should like to thank the Chairman of the Special Committee against Apartheid for his introductory statement made earlier today. The question of apartheid in South Africa has been on the international agenda for more than four decades. Throughout that period the United Nations resolutely opposed apartheid - a crime against humanity - and made consistent and unrelenting efforts to achieve its total elimination. Our meeting here today signals the closure of a long and painful chapter in the history of South Africa. My delegation congratulates and salutes all South Africans and their leadership for their courage, wisdom, resilience and vision in steering South Africa away from the odious practice of apartheid and towards the path of freedom, tolerance and equality. It is a matter of profound satisfaction for the international community that, with the entry into force of the first non-racial and democratic constitution of South Africa on 27 April 1994 and the holding of the first non-racial elections from 26 to 29 April 1994, apartheid has come to an end. This is indeed the triumph of all South Africans and their political leaders for bringing a peaceful end to apartheid and for laying foundations for a new, non- racial and democratic South Africa with equal guaranteed rights for one and all. As a manifestation of the joy of the people of Pakistan at this historic transition in South Africa, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, personally participated in the installation ceremony of President Nelson Mandela. We are confident that, under his able and sagacious leadership, scars of the past will soon heal and the goal of nation-building achieved. The freedom struggle in South Africa has been of epic proportions, with few parallels in modern history. Without the leadership of Mr. Nelson Mandela and the courage and sacrifices of the South African people, it would not have been possible to end this unjust system of apartheid. Pakistan has been a strong and steadfast supporter of international efforts to end apartheid in South Africa. We have consistently extended moral and political support to The United Nations, the Special Committee against Apartheid and the international community can take legitimate pride in the contributions they have made over many decades to the efforts leading to the elimination of apartheid and in extending support to all those courageous South Africans who fought and struggled against apartheid. In this context, ever since its establishment in 1962, the Special Committee against Apartheid, as the United Nations body entrusted with monitoring of developments in South Africa, has played a vital role in mobilizing international support for the elimination of apartheid. As we terminate the Special Committee with the successful completion of its mandate, we wish to record our profound appreciation for the work it did. We also wish to thank the Chairman of the Special Committee, the Permanent Representative of Nigeria, Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, for presenting the last report of that Committee and bringing its work to a successful conclusion. The United Nations Trust Fund for South Africa has brought tangible benefits to the South African people. Pakistan has had the honour to be represented on the Committee of Trustees of this Fund for a long time. We fully share the recommendation of the Committee of Trustees that it has fulfilled its mandate and that the balance in the Trust Fund be transferred to the United Nations Educational and Training Programme for Southern Africa for use in its educational and training projects in South Africa. My delegation would like to avail itself of this opportunity to commend the Secretary-General of the United Nations for the successful implementation and conclusion of the mandates entrusted to him by the relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, in particular Council resolutions 765 (1992), 772 (1992) and 894 (1994) through the efforts of his Special Representative, as well as the provisions of As South Africa returns to the family of nations, we assure it of the fullest support and cooperation of the Pakistan delegation. It is our hope that with the removal of this item from the agenda of the General Assembly we have left behind us - for ever - the pain and anguish of apartheid.

We meet today to salute the completion of the process of reintegration of South Africa into the family of nations, a process initiated less than one year ago, when the General Assembly decided to lift the economic sanctions then in place against that country. As we do so, we confirm our support for the huge strides of the South African people in their effort to rebuild their country on the basis of a democratic and non-racial State in which everyone is entitled to exercise full citizenship, regardless of the colour of their skin. For far too many years a source of concern to the international community, the situation in South Africa has lately become a source of hope for all of us. It is also an example of the power of this Organization in the promotion of justice and peace and in the struggle against hatred and discrimination. This is one of those occasions when all of us can feel gratified. In this sense, I should like to pay a very special tribute to the work of the Special Committee against Apartheid, which directed and organized the activities of the United Nations in this field, and to its Chairman, Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari of Nigeria. The Special Committee against Apartheid has successfully fulfilled its mandate and concluded its work after making a vital contribution in leading international efforts towards the complete elimination of apartheid. But this historic moment would not have been possible without the heroism, the wisdom and the resiliency of the South African people, which, after having endured woeful hardship during so many years, gave the world a lesson in courage and political maturity in the process that led to the free and fair elections held last April. Such qualities, embodied in the very person of President Nelson Mandela - a man of destiny, courage and action - should constitute a source of inspiration for the whole world. South Africa has undoubtedly set an example, the positive effects of which we hope will be felt in other situations currently on the agenda of the United Nations. The new South Africa, free from the shackles of apartheid, is to be welcomed back - and we do so wholeheartedly - as a full and equal member of the international community. What seemed like a vision not so long ago has become a reality - a bright opportunity in a world that in many places and in many ways remains troubled by intolerance and discrimination. We all have reason to rejoice at the South African transition to racial democracy. Today, after the triumph of the cause of freedom and equality in South Africa, a landmark victory for democracy and hope, a new era is indeed dawning for the region and the continent. Brazil feels very close to southern Africa - not only in terms of geographical proximity but especially in view of the many and strong historical and cultural links that bound us to our neighbours on the other rim of the South Atlantic Ocean. In this connection, we are particularly happy with the decision of the South African Government to participate in the international efforts to achieve peace and stability in the subregion. This gesture bears witness to the maturity and sense of responsibility of the young South African democracy. A few weeks ago we had the honour of welcoming Mr. Thabo Mbeki, First Executive Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, who came to New York to participate in the meeting of the Security Council at which the restrictions imposed against the former regime in that country were eliminated. His presence at that meeting was a definite assurance that South Africa has at last entered a new phase in its history. On that occasion I reaffirmed that Brazil, as a South Atlantic neighbour of South Africa, continues to look forward to the moment when South Africa will take its rightful place in the partnership of countries of the zone of peace and cooperation in the South Atlantic. My Government has also expressed its commitment to strengthening our ties with the new South Africa, and has reiterated its readiness to contribute to the huge tasks lying ahead in that country’s reconstruction efforts, where the socio-economic disparities caused by apartheid need to be addressed.

Thirty-two years ago the General Assembly took the momentous decision to set up the Special Committee against Apartheid to sensitize international opinion to the inhumanity of the obnoxious system of apartheid in South Africa. Even though apartheid was recognized as an institutionalized system of racism and discrimination that critically violated the principles of the Charter of our Organization, an effective strategy for its elimination had eluded the international community, particularly the principal organs of the United Nations. The search for a response to the repugnant system became choked by, and intertwined with, other principles of the Charter. At one point discussions in the Assembly fell victim to filibustering, because to some the idea of the United Nations dealing with a practice within a "sovereign Member State" constituted interference in internal affairs. To others the South African situation represented a classical, though subtle and advanced, case of colonialism. The nature and mode of the struggle to eliminate apartheid caused passionate and recriminatory discussions. While some tended to equate the struggle with terrorism, others glorified it as a liberation struggle. The heroic people of South Africa, however, marched on. Some suffered incarceration, and Robben Island gained instant notoriety. Others left home to continue the struggle from outside; still others found habitation outside the bright lights of the cities, towns and villages. For them, the night exchanged places with the day. In the midst of this hesitation, uncertainty and confusion, the United Nations Special Committee against Apartheid was born. The records of the United Nations serve as a perpetual reminder of how the Committee was established. Its membership, even to this day, reflects the lack of consensus, let alone unanimity, about how, even what, the international community wanted to do with apartheid - a practice the Organization had condemned as evil. Today the General Assembly is meeting to draw the curtain on the Special Committee against Apartheid. The These by and in themselves are notable achievements, for which the Special Committee aainst Apartheid will and should be remembered. The 1989 adoption, without a vote, of the Declaration on Apartheid and its Destructive Consequences in Southern Africa, however, immortalized the Committee as the legitimate vehicle through which the international community could and should assist in the elimination of apartheid in South Africa. The intense and extensive consultations that preceded the adoption of the draft resolution at the level of the Committee, involving non-members of the Committee, were a testimony to the ability of Member States to diligently search for a common platform, even in the face of strategic differences. The consensus, if not unanimity, that characterized the adoption of the Declaration was an unequivocal statement by the international community that apartheid had to go, and had to go on the basis of clear conditions and strategies. In a sense, the Declaration was a turning point in the liberation struggle. Today South Africa has rid itself of apartheid and returned in dignity to the comity of nations. Before the curtain is drawn, Ghana wishes to join in the standing ovation for the outstanding performance of the Special Committee against Apartheid. We offer special appreciation and gratitude to its Chairman, Ambassador Gambari of Nigeria, for the steadfastness with which he pursued the struggle. We also recall with gratitude the contributions of his predecessors. Our gratitude also goes to the Secretary-General and his staff, who provided excellent support services to the Special Committee against Apartheid. Above all, we salute the indomitable spirit of the South Africans who prevailed over apartheid - those who struggled against it as well as those who gave it up. We wish President Nelson Mandela and the Government of National Unity success. Thus, wherever rests the soul of Kwame Nkrumah today, the remarkable achievement of South Africa brings meaning to the independence of Ghana. All Africa sends a message to Osagyefo that the battle for African liberation is won. From North to South, East to West, freedom for the African people is secured. Let not the difficulties of the moment cloud this singular achievement, nor should we allow the vicissitudes of the future to strike fear and doubt in our hearts. For these also we shall overcome in triumph. Ethiopia shall arise!

Now that South Africa has moved towards a democratic and non-racial society, and now that there is a democratically elected executive body which reflects the concerns and hopes of the entire South African population, my country’s delegation is pleased to join all those who have expressed their pleasure at seeing South Africa return to our Organization. As a representative of the current President of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), I should like to say that my country was very honoured a few days ago to receive President Nelson Mandela, whose country had just made a triumphal entry into the pan-African organization in Tunis. We are convinced that the Republic of South Africa will be an influential member of the OAU and the United Nations and will make a tangible contribution to their activities. President Nelson Mandela and his companions and colleagues have, by their wisdom, set a unique example in the history of humankind. What has just happened in South Africa teaches us a lesson in political philosophy and conduct: everything is possible with patience, perseverance and, above all, the good will of all the players on the political scene and their sincere faith in the future. It gives us great satisfaction to see the South African people finally find the path of freedom and equality for all and enter a new era in which there will no longer be room for racial discrimination. In this solemn meeting, we cannot fail to stress the assistance lent by the international community to the struggle of the South African people. The Special Committee against Apartheid has fulfilled its mission very satisfactorily, and we take this opportunity to congratulate its Chairman, Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari, and its other members on having contributed so effectively to the Committee’s action. The United Nations also took the initiative of imposing a variety of sanctions on the former South Africa, which greatly contributed to the isolation of the segregationist regime then in power. That is true also of the Organization of African Unity, which since its establishment has acted on behalf of the cause of the South African people by coordinating action taken by African States in this respect and by making the international community aware of this just cause. As a founding member of the Organization of African Unity and as its current Chairman, Tunisia has always supported the struggle against apartheid, and expresses its pleasure at the recent entry of South Africa into the African organization in response to the desire of its people and all African peoples. Indeed, for the more than 30 years of its existence, the OAU has constantly worked to ensure that South Africa, free of the discriminatory system, could finally take its seat in the OAU and make its contribution to the building of Africa. During its participation in the thirtieth summit of the Organization of African Unity, held in Tunis from 13 to 15 June 1994, the South African delegation expressed the desire of the South African Government to contribute to the promotion of cooperation between African countries in all areas and to the common efforts to reduce hot-beds of tension and create fresh opportunities for the continent’s economic and social development. The commitment demonstrated by the leaders of South Africa to national reconciliation, the strengthening of the ongoing democratic process, and international cooperation in all areas shows that that country has embraced the purposes and principles of our Charter and that it now fully deserves to resume its rightful place in the family of nations.

The people of South Africa, with resolute determination and steely courage, and aided and supported by the international community, have finally triumphed over the apartheid system. The victory of the people of South Africa over the most obnoxious and inhuman system of apartheid is a victory for humanity, human dignity and the worth of the human being. Today, the General Assembly stands ready to record in the annals of history this glorious achievement of mankind. Obviously, it has been a long and difficult struggle, which has occupied the international community since the inception of the United Nations. As long ago as 20 November 1947, during the second session of the General Assembly, the Indian representative, Mrs. Pandit, launched a strong and total rejection of the apartheid system. She stated: "So long as the obnoxious principles embodied in the Asiatic Land Tenure and Indian Representation Act are adhered to, it will not be possible for India to have any kind of relations with South Africa. If the Union Government would suspend, even administratively, the operation of this Act, the Indian Government would, I am sure, be happy to suspend their decision regarding the breaking of trade relations with South Africa." (A/PV.120, p. 1136) She went on to say: Since that time, the international community, year after year, in forum after forum, had condemned and rejected the apartheid system. The day was eagerly awaited when we could jubilantly welcome a non-racial and democratic South Africa into our midst. As remote as this might have seemed then and often since, finally, almost 50 years later, it has happened. The successful end of our liberation struggle brought an end to the extended apartheid rule in Namibia. But when the flag of the new South Africa was hoisted on 10 May 1994, it marked the total eradication of apartheid. We in Namibia are specially gratified to welcome the new South Africa into the fold of the community of nations. Yes, we have travelled that road; we have felt and suffered the anguish of apartheid. With the roots of apartheid still alive then, we in Namibia never lost sight of the stark reality that unless South Africa was free our own freedom and democracy were in jeopardy. It is therefore fitting for us to say to our South African brothers and sisters: Congratulations and welcome. Finally, we have triumphed. Just as we struggled together against the apartheid rule, we look forward to working together to ensure development and prosperity for our people and our region. Freedom in South Africa, like anywhere else, did not come without cost. There has been massive loss of lives not only in South Africa but, equally, in the entire region. In the front-line States, the wars of destabilization wreaked havoc, killed, maimed and destroyed. The number of orphans and disabled and the destroyed infrastructure in the region remain today the deep scars of apartheid destabilization. On the other hand, Africa at large, through the Organization of African Unity, spared no efforts in opening its doors to the victims of apartheid. The international community, especially the support groups, through the anti-apartheid movement, worked tirelessly for a South Africa free of apartheid. This was the price paid in order for us to rejoice today. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the indispensable role played by the United Nations, especially the Special Committee against Apartheid. As fatigue and pessimism crept in, the Committee kept the course. The role played by the Committee against Indeed, we can never repay those who sacrificed for the democratic and non-racial South Africa. No amount of words will ever suffice to express our appreciation for those who made it happen. Namibia, however, has no doubt that the only meaningful way to honour all those who nourished this seed of freedom and democracy is for all of us to make democracy work in southern Africa - to touch the lives of those who have been kept by the apartheid system at the periphery of socio-economic development in their country. This must be our pledge. When we welcome the new South Africa, we do so, among other reasons, in recognition of the beginning of a brighter future for southern Africa. As the apartheid system that sponsored and fanned destabilization in the entire region, causing havoc and destruction and spawning waves of refugees and displaced persons, has finally been done away with; the time for reconstruction and economic cooperation in the region has finally dawned. It is our hope that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will be in a better position to consolidate mutual economic cooperation and development for the prosperity of all the people in the region. The success of SADC will be the culmination of the political success of the eradication of apartheid. The member countries of SADC, in particular, must work for an atmosphere of peace, democracy and reconciliation to permeate the region. It is in this context that Namibia welcomes the pronouncements of the leaders of South Africa, including today’s by the Foreign Minister of South Africa, that South Africa stands ready to contribute to resolving the conflict, not only in our region - in Angola and Mozambique - but in the entire world. A stable and conflict-free SADC region holds great prospects for economic development for all the countries of the region, and in fact for the entire African continent. Namibia is aware of the economic difficulties that lie ahead. The economic task confronting the new South Africa is daunting. The cost of the sins of apartheid is enormous. It is estimated that 53 per cent of South Africans live below the poverty line, while over 1 million children are malnourished. Thus, the structural imbalances and the inequities that result from decades of apartheid are gigantic. Apartheid, which was the most comprehensive programme of racial entitlement, must be replaced by

We are facing a very practical problem. We have conference services only until 9 p.m. Unless we are able to accelerate the pace of our work and respect the five-minute rule laid out for us by the President of the Assembly, we shall have to reconvene on Monday morning. I am quite certain that that is not what representatives here present wish. All of us would therefore be grateful if the remaining speakers could adhere to the five-minute rule.

May I join preceding speakers in congratulating and welcoming back to the international community and, in particular, to the General Assembly the South African delegation to the United Nations, led by the Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alfred Nzo. My delegation has no doubt that the new South African delegation - new in the sense that it represents the post-apartheid and united, democratic and non-racial South Africa - will play an active and positive role in the United Nations and its subsidiary organs for the benefit of all mankind. The united, democratic and non-racial South African Government, under the able leadership of President Nelson Mandela, has moved fast, with the support of the international community, in reclaiming its rightful place in various international organizations. We are therefore happy that South Africa has joined the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the Commonwealth of Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement. My delegation is equally happy that, after four decades, the General Assembly is discussing the question of the elimination of apartheid and the establishment of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa for the last time. The question of apartheid in South Africa has been on the international agenda for so long; throughout this period the United Nations has been unrelenting in its opposition to apartheid. It is therefore fitting that the arch-rival of apartheid, President Nelson Mandela, together with the international community represented in the General Assembly, should celebrate today the total elimination of apartheid in South Africa by resuming the forty-eighth session of the General Assembly. Following the 27 April 1994 election process, which ushered in a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa, and the inauguration of His Excellency Mr. Nelson Mandela as the State President of South Africa on 10 May 1994, the Security Council met on 25 May 1994 to consider the termination of the mandatory arms embargo imposed against South Africa by Security Council resolution 418 (1977) of 4 November 1977 and the subsequent Council resolutions 421 (1977), 558 (1984) and 591 (1986). It is against this background that the General Assembly has resumed its forty-eighth Session to consider the report of the Special Committee against Apartheid (A/48/22/Add.1) and the report of the Secretary-General regarding the United Nations Trust Fund for South Africa (A/48/523/Add.1). With the coming into force on 27 April 1994 of South Africa’s first non-racial and democratic Constitution and the holding from 26 to 29 April 1994 of the first non-racial elections, leading to a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa, and the subsequent assumption of the office of the State President by Mr. Nelson Mandela on 10 May 1994, apartheid came to an inevitable end. The abolition of apartheid through the democratic elections in South Africa is a victory first of all for the democratic process and secondly for all South Africans regardless of race. The South Africans, together with the United Nations, the international community at large and the Special Committee against Apartheid, must be commended for the contributions they have made over several years to the efforts leading to the elimination of apartheid. We commend the United Nations, the Special Committee against Apartheid and the international community for the support they gave to all those South Africans who courageously fought against apartheid and suffered from it. Equally commendable were the positive contributions the international community made to the political process in the negotiations and the electoral process through the In my statement to the Security Council during its 25 May 1994 consideration of the termination of the mandatory arms embargo imposed against South Africa, I said that "The question of apartheid in South Africa, which was on the international agenda for more than four decades, is now dead, although its ugly scars may still show on the political, economic, and cultural face of South Africa for a few more years." (S/PV.3379, p. 5) The socio-economic disparities caused by apartheid need to be urgently addressed to ensure the stable and peaceful development of the united, non-racial and democratic South Africa. The marginalized majority under apartheid, now politically liberated, anxiously - and rightly - aspire to socio-economic emancipation. It is imperative that in the interim period from 1994 to 1999 the Government of South Africa should be relieved of some of its financial commitments so that it can concentrate its efforts on national reconstruction and the social development process, and can use all available resources to that end. My delegation is happy that the resolution just adopted has provision for the non-applicability to South Africa of Article 19 of the Charter of the United Nations, relating to loss of voting rights in the General Assembly. The system of apartheid having been brought to an end, the Special Committee against Apartheid established by the General Assembly on 6 November 1962 has fulfilled its mandate in accordance with the provisions of the relevant General Assembly resolutions, and in particular resolution 2671 (XXV) of 8 December 1970 and resolution S-16/1 of 14 December 1989 containing the Declaration on Apartheid and its Destructive Consequences in Southern Africa. The Committee has diligently and successfully concluded its work. I should also like to mention that my delegation appreciates the work that has been performed by the United Nations Trust Fund for South Africa, which was established by the General Assembly in paragraph 2 of My thanks go to Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, the Chairman of the Special Committee Against Apartheid, and his Committee for the excellent work they have done. My special thanks go also to Mr. Peter Osvald, Chairman of the United Nations Trust Fund for South Africa, and his Committee for a well-accomplished mission. Let me take this opportunity to reiterate that Zambia stands ready to work very closely with South Africa in pursuit of socio-economic development, bilaterally and at the regional and international levels. The cherished goals of peace, freedom and justice that we share with the new South Africa inspired Zambia to support the freedom struggle. Last, but not least, my delegation fully supports the appeal in the draft resolution to Member States and the international community generously to assist the Government and the people of South Africa in the implementation of the reconstruction and development programmes of that country.

I am honoured to deliver this statement on behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea at a time when the international community, with the close cooperation of the former South African Government and its peoples, has turned the page on the issue of apartheid. A new South Africa has been born, and we join previous speakers in welcoming the new South Africa into this Hall once again. I cannot let such an opportunity pass without reaffirming my Government’s warmest tribute to and admiration for the President of South Africa, Mr. Nelson Mandela, for his endurance, vision and courageous leadership. I wish to make some brief points on agenda item 38, entitled: "Elimination of apartheid and establishment of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa", and the We note with satisfaction the report of the Special Committee against Apartheid and commend the authors for an articulate and well-presented report, which informs the General Assembly of the many players and missions and of the various negotiations and conferences that have facilitated the establishment of a united and democratic South Africa. The Special Committee against Apartheid deserves high praise for its active role in pursing its activities, often under extreme pressure and with limited resources. On this occasion, as the Committee is being dissolved, we offer our congratulations to the coordinating team, the bureau and the various members of the Committee, for the leadership which has brought new life for South Africans. The Committee may have completed its mandate, but as we know, "old habits die hard" and as a caution, we should continue all efforts to ensure that the last cells created by apartheid are once and for all eliminated. What more evidence do we need than the historic elections and the proclamation of President Mandela that the Special Committee, together with the international community, including non-governmental organizations, has achieved a milestone in human history? Since our independence, the Government of Papua New Guinea had consistently condemned the abhorrent system of apartheid and demonstrated its solidarity with the United Nations by banning all contact with racist South Africa. I am pleased to state that we have reviewed our policies on South Africa in the light of recent events, and Parliament has unanimously set in motion legislative action to effect the necessary changes. We note with satisfaction comments made in the report on the multi-party negotiations, especially the active participation by all parties in preventing possible outbreaks of violence. We are pleased to see that the democratization of South Africa was obtained through a relatively peaceful process and that a sense of solidarity has been planted to take root in a more constructive and integrated way. Peace for South Africa is peace for Africa and for the world. We congratulate the South African Government, the African National Congress, the Democratic Party, and all other important players who took an active part and an extensive role in the formation of the Transitional Executive Council. The Special Committee against Apartheid is a success story of the United Nations in this century. This success is shared by many international organizations, the Commonwealth and individual South Africans, such as the former President of South Africa, Mr. F. W. de Klerk, for his commitment to the realization that the people of South Africa can have the same opportunities, share the same environment and have equal participation in the process of nation-building. We share the concerns of many that a much heavier responsibility lies ahead in sustaining the freedom won, and undertaking the restructuring and restoration of social and economic development for South Africans within a democratic environment. We encourage the wishes of the leaders to establish regional mechanisms in South Africa to promote regional trade and economic development, and contribute to peace and security in the region. South Africa, with its existing infrastructure and resources, could play an important role in such a regional mechanism. The western media can also play their part by adopting a more balanced attitude and by focusing on the many positive changes that are taking place in South Africa. My Government supports action by the United Nations through its various agencies and organizations to increase development assistance to South Africa, and especially in bringing about employment opportunities for the deprived majority of its citizens. Finally, we look forward to further collaboration with the new South Africa in our common endeavours to fulfill the Charter of the United Nations.

For South Africa, the April 1994 elections marked the end of centuries of injustice. For black Africa, they meant the culmination of an entire era of struggle for the liberation of the continent. For the world, it was the victory of a struggle that elicited unprecedented global support and demonstrated the capacity for action of the international community when it unites behind a just cause. On a day like today, we cannot overlook one crucial event in that epic. I refer to the military failures of a State that based its military potential on racism and aggression against neighbouring countries and that suffered a crushing defeat at Cuito Cuanavale, which, in conjunction with other internal and external factors, marked the irreversible decline of apartheid. The sacrifice of the Angolan people, the struggle of the Namibian guerrillas of SWAPO and of so many other African fighters offered decisive support for the victorious struggle of the heroic people of South Africa, obliging the apartheid regime to sit down at the negotiating table and give up its mad dream of a racist empire in southern Africa. For Cuba, 300,000 of whose sons and daughters offered their modest support to the liberation of Africa, it is both an honour and a strict duty to contribute with our efforts to the reconstruction of a democratic South Africa. Today, the United Nations, the Special Committee against Apartheid - and especially its Chairman, the Ambassador of Nigeria, His Excellency Mr. Ibrahim Gambari - and the international community can take just pride in the contibution they have made over the decades towards the elimination of apartheid. But important though that effort was, equally essential will be the measures that we adopt to contribute to the national reconstruction of the new South Africa. Racial inequality, social injustice - in a word, the effects of the policy of apartheid over the years - created a critical situation in the economic and social spheres for the great majority in South Africa that today needs to be rectified. Today the international community, consistent with its support for the process that put an end to apartheid, should extend to the new Government all the necessary cooperation to reach its aspirations for peace, harmony and progress. In our particular case, and despite the limitations that we are facing today, we are prepared to With the end of apartheid, humanity achieved a beautiful victory. Let us all now help to consolidate it and to turn it into a symbol of international cooperation for the sake of the future of the heroic people of South Africa.

Again, I should like to appeal to delegations to be as brief as possible to allow us to complete the proceedings as planned.

A month ago, the Security Council took a major decision in terminating the sanctions and other measures that it had imposed against the then-apartheid Government of South Africa. It was done in the wake of that country’s transformation into a united, democratic and non-racial society, following the results of its first pluralistic general elections. That decision closed a chapter in the long and painful struggle to bring an end to a racist practice that had been universally condemned. Today, we are meeting to close still yet another significant chapter - this time, in the work of this Assembly. Our meeting today is to witness a procedure that is phoenix-like: in bringing to an end the work of the Special Committee against Apartheid, the participation of South Africa in the work of this Assembly must now resume on the former’s ashes. In this connection, I should like, on behalf of the Sierra Leone delegation, to welcome to this Assembly His Excellency Mr. Alfred Nzo, Minister for Foreign Affairs of South Africa, who is leading his delegation on this special occasion that will mark the end of his country’s 20-year suspension from our midst. His presence in this Hall is a testimony not only to the courage of all South Africans in surmounting the catastrophe which threatened many times to engulf their country, but also an affirmation of the faith of all of us in the enduring validity of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. In many ways, many of us must feel a sense of pride and achievement that this ceremony is taking place at all: pride that the international community stayed the course; achievement, in that the results have vindicated our faith in and commitment to immutable principles. When in 1962 the General Assembly established, at its seventeenth regular session, the subsidiary organ that was Yet, though 30-odd years may pale in the life-spans of nations or organizations, we as a delegation are tempered by the realization that many in South Africa who fought and died in the struggle against apartheid never lived to see their thirtieth birthday. This, indeed, is a sobering thought, but it is also an uplifting one: what we are accomplishing here today proves that their sacrifice was not in vain. The Special Committee against Apartheid will occupy a special place in the annals of this Organization for its persistence and for its dedication to the cause of those millions who were discriminated against and stripped of their dignity and humanity. During those long years when the road to freedom for millions in South Africa became narrower with numerous obstacles, and some among us wavered, questioning the continuing relevance of the Committee’s work of organizing observances, days of solidarity, commemorative ceremonies and other events, the Special Committee kept alive an issue that some felt should have been allowed to take its normal course. My delegation believes that, through those activities and with the participation in its work of the national liberation movements, non-governmental organizations and eminent personalities, a forum was created by the Special Committee in which the economic and socio-political contradictions and imbalances of apartheid were critically examined in a rational and civilized manner. An atmosphere was established in which not only were solutions to the odious policy of apartheid presented, but its victims’ fears and aspirations were given voice and its practitioners were, in time, brought face-to-face with the inevitable and self-destructive consequences of their pursuit of that policy. We in Sierra Leone have no doubt that the vigour with which the Special Committee discharged its mandate, even in the face of its detractors, contributed in no small measure to saving countless lives which would have been In a similar vein, my delegation wishes to express its appreciation to the Committee of Trustees of the United Nations Trust Fund for South Africa for the responsible manner in which it executed the Trust Fund since its establishment in 1965. We have noted with satisfaction the valuable contribution it also made to the anti-apartheid effort. In its final report, the Special Committee gives a very detailed account of the political developments in South Africa during the period November 1993 to 10 June 1994, stretching from the establishment of South Africa’s transitional institutions, through the first democratic, multi-party elections, to the installation of the Government of National Unity. The Committee went further to undertake a review of the socio-economic situation in South Africa, especially the broad challenges that need to be confronted in the post-apartheid period in order to secure the foundations of its young non-racial society. We are in agreement with the report’s conclusions and recommendations, in particular the urgent need for the international community to ensure that the stable development of South Africa is not compromised through failure to address the legacy of socio-economic disparity left behind by apartheid. No doubt, this final report - perhaps more than any other in the Special Committee’s life - will in time become an icon in the United Nations archives, because not only does it symbolize the determination of a people to eliminate a hateful policy, but will become a source of inspiration for those who, confronted by similar challenges in the future, may draw courage from the fact that they will not be alone in their own struggle. If anything, the international community must draw the appropriate conclusions from the life and times of the Special Committee against Apartheid - that, regardless of national interests, we, as an Organization, cannot afford to sacrifice principles on which the foundations of civilized society are anchored for the comfort of political expediency. We can do no greater disservice to struggling people in other parts of our world than to lead them to In conclusion, it is in this regard that the termination of the work of the Special Committee against Apartheid, following the successful completion of its mandate, should embolden us in our continuous search for solutions to other problems that beset our world. It shows that with patience, commitment and a clear sense of purpose the international community can bring hope and change even in the most intractable of situations.

I am pleased to speak today on the occasion of the reassumption of its seat by the Republic of South Africa. It is indeed a great day for South Africa and for the United Nations - a great day for South Africa, since all its people are finally represented here in the heart of the community of nations; a great day for the United Nations, as one of its founding principles is that of self-determination and another victory has been won in that battle. But it is also a very proud day for Canada. Canada has long been in the forefront of those working for change in South Africa. We led the Commonwealth, through the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Committee, in the imposition of sanctions against South Africa. We were stout supporters of all United Nations initiatives for South Africa. Over the years, we have lent material and moral support to the democratic movement. More recently, we spent over $5 million in support of the South African election, providing essential technical assistance to the Independent Electoral Commission, to voter education programmes and to the United Nations Trust Fund for the South African election. During the election, there were over 170 Canadians present as electoral observers, including 12 who were members of the official Canadian observation team, led by our Secretary of State for Latin America and Africa, the Honourable Christine Stewart, and 55 with the United Nations Observer Mission in South Africa. (spoke in French) We know that the transition to democracy does not end with an election. South Africa has made nearly miraculous progress in the past five years and deserves the heartfelt congratulations and admiration of the rest of the world. But there is much still to do. Indeed, while the pillars of apartheid are gone, its legacy remains. Canadians stand in frank admiration of the people of South Africa, who have overcome years of hatred, fear and intolerance to achieve through patient negotiation and compromise a revolution more radical, more permanent and more all-pervasive than anyone could ever hope to achieve through warfare. The lesson of South Africa is one from which we can all learn. Today, as they regain their seat in the United Nations, Canada looks forward to working with South Africans as they re-enter the world community and share with us the vision and wisdom that have brought them so far.

From 26 to 29 April 1994, the people of South Africa and the international community witnessed and indeed celebrated the first democratic and non-racial elections in South Africa, culminating in the election of Nelson Mandela as President of the Republic and the establishment of a democratic and united, non-racial South Africa. This marked the end of a long and arduous struggle by the people of South Africa against the oppressive and loathsome regime of apartheid. The demolition of apartheid is a testimony to the age- old philosophy that nothing can stop a people fighting for equality and freedom. The apartheid regime in South Africa had erected over many decades a monstrous infrastructure backed by legal, administrative and military machinery which very few people believed could be dismantled this year. There is no doubt however, that this almost impossible feat could not have been achieved without the determination of the South African people and the concerted efforts of the international community. In that regard, the United Nations played a vital role in the struggle for the demolition of apartheid. The Special Committee against Apartheid, which was established on 6 November 1962, performed a splendid task and I wish to take this opportunity to pay a tribute to that Committee and, in particular, to Ambassador Ibrahim A. Gambari of Nigeria, who served as its last President. It is with delight and a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that the Last month the Security Council by its resolution 919 (1994) lifted all the remaining sanctions against South Africa. The resolution paved the way for this solemn occasion marking the seating of South Africa in the General Assembly for the first time since 1974. We wish to take this opportunity to welcome the united, democratic and non-racial South Africa as it returns to its seat as a full-fledged Member of the United Nations and to play its rightful role with the international community in the search for solutions to many problems that still bedevil the human race. Kenya pledges its full cooperation with South Africa in the work of the Assembly. We from the African region have also been delighted to welcome South Africa to the Organization of African Unity, an organization that has fought untiringly for the total emancipation of Africa. With the elimination of apartheid, the long process of decolonization is now complete. However, many challenges still lie ahead. The difficulties being experienced by African countries, including the crisis in Somalia and Rwanda, are but painful reminders that political emancipation is not the panacea for all problems. The largest and most difficult struggle is usually for socio-economic development, particularly the eradication of poverty and improvement of the standards of living of people. In South Africa itself, the immediate challenge for President Nelson Mandela and his Government is the improvement of the quality of life of the South African people. This requires bold measures to correct the socio-economic imbalances created by the apartheid system in the country over the years. The continued support of the international community in this regard will be vital. We are, however, confident that the new Government of South Africa under President Mandela is best equipped to meet these challenges. President Mandela epitomizes the struggle for freedom. His calmness, his wisdom, his spirit of inclusiveness and accommodation, his magnanimity and his capacity to forgive and forget are some of his most admirable qualities. We should however not fail to remind ourselves on this occasion that, although apartheid has now been abolished, many forms of racial discrimination, including xenophobia, still exist, and we are greatly concerned that these evils have been gathering momentum in some parts of the world. The United Nations should therefore not rest until all these forms of discrimination and the appendages of apartheid are completely eradicated. In conclusion, we welcome the report of the Special Committee contained in document A/48/22/Add.1, as well as the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Trust Fund for South Africa (A/48/523/Add.1). We also welcome the adoption by the Assembly this morning of draft resolutions A/48/L.58 and A/48/L.59.

It is with a feeling of immense pride and satisfaction that I speak today on behalf of the Government of Guyana, to welcome the delegation of the new, democratic and non-racial South Africa to this resumed session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. Our pride is equally great, with the knowledge that through the collective efforts and persistence of the international community we have now witnessed the end of the unjust system of apartheid, epitomized by the holding of internationally supervised elections under the principle of universal adult suffrage. Since the 1950s the present governing party in Guyana, under the leadership of Mr. Cheddi Jagan, has given positive and consistent support to the anti-apartheid struggles of the African National Congress. The people of Guyana have also been deeply committed to the liberation of South Africa and, through various groups and non-governmental organizations, had expressed their condemnation against the system of apartheid. The attendance of His Excellency President Cheddi Jagan at the inauguration of His Excellency President Nelson Mandela on 10 May 1994 was therefore an expression of the high tribute of the Government and people of Guyana to the Government and people of South My delegation would like to acknowledge in particular, the most valuable role played by the United Nations Observer Mission in South Africa, in the conclusion of the National Peace Accord, in monitoring the elections and also in coordinating the efforts of the observer missions of the Organization of African Unity, the Commonwealth and the European Union. In addition, Guyana would like on this occasion to record its appreciation for the important role and achievements of the Special Committee against Apartheid. The efforts of this Committee were untiring in the creation of the objective conditions for the evolution of the extant political system. As we look forward, with the Government and people of South Africa, to the future, my delegation wishes to assure the delegation of South Africa of our support and cooperation in this and other forums. We are conscious that this is the time for consolidating hard-won democracy and setting about the task of national reconstruction, for the economic and social development of all the people of South Africa. In this, Guyana and South Africa have common experiences. It is therefore with a sense of anticipation that we regard the important international cooperation which the United Nations can facilitate in meeting our common objectives.

Today the United Nations declares to the world the demise of the diabolical system of apartheid and warmly welcomes a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa back to the international community. On behalf of the Chinese Government and people, I wish to extend warm congratulations to the South African Government and the South African people. In April this year, the first non-racial general election in the history of South Africa was held. His Excellency Mr. Nelson Mandela was elected as the new President of South Africa. That was the result of the protracted and arduous struggles waged by the South African people. This historic victory marks the birth of a new South Africa, thus freeing the South African people from the shackles of apartheid, which had been in existence for 300 years, and opening a brilliant new chapter in the annals of the civilization of Africa and the world as a whole. All along, the Chinese Government and people have firmly stood by the South African people in their just cause of combating apartheid and striving for racial equality and democratic rights, and have supported the peace process in South Africa. China is willing to establish and develop friendly relations and cooperation with the new South Africa on the basis of the United Nations Charter and the five principles of peaceful coexistence. We are confident that, under the leadership of President Mandela, the South African people, having won their freedom, will surely build their country into one of racial equality, peace, stability and prosperity, and will contribute their share to peace and development in Africa and the world as a whole, and to human civilization.

This morning, in a historic meeting, the General Assembly accepted the credentials of the delegation of the new democratic, non-racial South Africa, officiating at the turning of one of the last pages in the dark and painful chapter of apartheid, which had for decades preoccupied the international community and the United Nations. It is a source of great satisfaction to see South Africa regaining its rightful place in the family of nations and to welcome the Foreign Minister of South Africa and his delegation in our midst in this universal body. Last April, the world witnessed a turning point in the history of a nation, when the South African people freely expressed their collective aspiration to a better future and their determination to ensure a life of dignity, equality and freedom for every man and woman in their country. The people of South Africa finally succeeded through years of struggle and perseverance, in terminating decades of minority racist domination; today we salute and congratulate them on a most magnificent and historic victory over racial discrimination. Immediately after the victory of the Islamic revolution in 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran severed the rather extensive economic and diplomatic ties which had existed with the racist regime in Pretoria, and took a firm stand against apartheid by supporting the people of South Africa in their struggle for the elimination of apartheid and racism. We have recently established diplomatic relations with the Government of National Unity in South Africa, and are eager to expand our trade and economic ties with the new South Africa. The Government of National Unity has to meet the challenge of development, particularly in disadvantaged areas of the country, and the international community, along with the specialized bodies of the United Nations, should address the requirements of the Government of South Africa in this enormous task. Apartheid in South Africa is now relegated to history, but racial discrimination continues to prevail in some other parts of the world. We believe the dismantling of apartheid can be considered as an appropriate model for finding lasting solutions to those crises. In closing, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I would like to extend once more our sincere congratulations to the people and Government of South Africa on the return of South Africa to the family of nations.

It was with deep emotion and indescribable pride that we welcomed the advent of the new democratic, united South Africa and, thus, the complete liberation of the African continent. But, beyond the continent’s strong determination, what we must hail is the courageous struggle of the South African people, an unswerving struggle built upon sacrifice, a struggle it waged unwaveringly for years, during which it sacrificed its finest progeny to the ideals of freedom and justice. As we pay a tribute to those thousands of children whose supreme sacrifice helped liberate their country, we do not forget that the sacrifice would have been in vain without the comprehension, support and assistance of the international community. We are glad that right has prevailed over the arbitrary and the absurd. At the end of several decades of heroic struggle and many exemplary sacrifices undertaken for freedom, justice and democracy, the people of South Africa, headed by such great leaders as President Nelson Mandela, have proved once again - and history will record this - that nothing and no one can prevent a people from acceding to sovereignty, freedom and progress. The wheel of history turns because each people always produces great personages, whose courage, lofty vision and far-sightedness show them the road ahead, which is long and difficult but also wide and sure, and which alone leads to the happiness of the people in a life of honour and dignity. My delegation pays a tribute to the great men of the recent history of the South African people, gathered together in a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa - Frederik Willem de Klerk and President Nelson Mandela. It also pays a tribute to all the brave and unconquerable freedom fighters for their patriotism, heroism and stoicism. Finally, my delegation welcomes and associates itself with all the South African men, women and children who are today rightfully tasting the fruits of their struggle, which took the lives of so many worthy and immortal martyrs. Faith in their rights, in justice and in African and international solidarity ensured the great and certain victory of law and morality, the invincible weapons of oppressed peoples. My delegation takes this opportunity to recall with pride the constant, active and positive participation of all Mali’s contribution, constant and tireless since 1960, has been expressed through political, moral and material support and through the training of African freedom fighters struggling for justice. The people and the Government of Mali have only done their duty as an African people and country. Africa and the international community welcome the new South Africa into their midst with joy and eagerness. Having become the fifty-third member State of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on 23 May 1994, the Republic of South Africa is now a free fraternal State whose demographic power, economic potential and technical and scientific capacity are important factors that can contribute to promoting inter-African cooperation. Real dialogue and effective partnership supported by mutually advantageous regional and sub-regional cooperation with the rest of Africa should be established as soon as possible in view of the great need for this. Establishing such a politically and economically diversified partnership will be to the advantage of the whole of Africa. South Africa will play a valuable role that will benefit all its partners if it receives the appropriate assistance to that end. The time has indeed come for the United Nations and all its Member States to replace the various sanctions against South Africa with investments in all areas, and for the resolutions on prohibition to be finally replaced with resolutions on economic, financial, cultural and other forms of intervention. It is the duty of the United Nations and the international community to give a second chance to this second liberation of South Africa so that it will have every opportunity to succeed. If South Africa enjoys freedom, unity, stability and prosperity, the same can be true of other peoples and States in the subregion such as Angola and Mozambique, whether other tragedies are being played out. Massive bilateral and multilateral development aid must be given by all States, the United Nations and other international organizations. The United Nations must continue to be South Africa’s chief support. My delegation is gratified at the official establishment, on 16 May 1994, of diplomatic relations between the Government of Mali and the Government of South Africa. As in the past, my delegation will offer its unswerving support for and its active cooperation with any initiative and resolution aimed at giving the fraternal people and friendly Government of South Africa all the assistance they need finally to give concrete form to their noble motto - which could also be that of the United Nations - "Freedom and power to the people". Africa has concluded a struggle: the liberation of a continent. It pursued the struggle in the conviction that it was just. It was certainly not easy, but its outcome was certainly inevitable, based as it was on moral and human values. But, unfortunately, Africa is pursuing another struggle, a much more difficult and harsh one: its economic liberation. This is a battle for its development, a fight for its survival. Unlike the former struggle for political freedom, this struggle, in the view of some, cannot be based on moral values. It takes place in the face of selfish and unavowed motives and the commercial considerations of another age, which should be denounced since the interdependence of nations and a certain responsibility which some nations bear towards others for damage that has been inflicted demand real international solidarity, solidarity between the peoples and nations of the world. This fight for survival requires the full attention of the international community. The international community must transfer the close attention it gave to the struggle which has just ended to this other challenge, which involves the whole of humankind. We need a jump-start. We must act before it is too late. The risk is there, and it is real. Let us show the will to face up to it.

The elections held in South Africa in April and the inauguration of Mr. Nelson Mandela as State President on 10 May 1994 represented a historic turning point, not only for South Africans but for the world. A system of government based on racial tyranny and oppression surrendered power to a Government which draws its legitimacy from all the people of South Africa. The credit for this great transformation lies with the South African people, many of whom spent, or gave up, their lives in the struggle for democracy, justice and freedom. As the Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Paul Keating, said in a statement following the elections, it was the spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness shown by all parties, especially those who were victims of apartheid, which made these elections so remarkable. The patience and determination of the victims of apartheid over the decades of oppression and their commitment to a peaceful, non-recriminatory transition to non-racial democracy have been and should continue to be an example and source of inspiration to us all, particularly as we struggle to address the many instances of subnational ethnic and other tensions which exist in the international community today. The international community has also played its part in ending apartheid and in ensuring a peaceful transition process. Australia is proud to have played a significant role in formulating policy towards South Africa in both Australia is well aware of the enormous task faced by the Government of National Unity in South Africa in redressing the economic and social inequalities that are the legacy of apartheid. South Africa will not be able to meet this challenge alone. We have welcomed the decision of leading donors to increase their economic assistance to South Africa. Australia will increase its assistance to South Africa by 35 per cent to 30 million Australian dollars over the next three years in programmes which, building on and consolidating earlier Australian assistance initiatives, will aim to foster nation-building and skills development, and also enable the development of new programmes in the vitally important area of providing basic needs and infrastructure for the underprivileged majority, which was so grossly disadvantaged for so long. We warmly welcome South Africa’s return to full membership of the international community, as is now reflected by its reseating in this Assembly and in other international bodies. We are confident that South Africa will be able to play a new and increasingly important role, providing leadership not only on the African continent but in the Indian Ocean region and, more generally, in the global community. It could be said that this re-entry, today, of a South African delegation into this Hall is a formality, following the recent historic events in South Africa. But it is a most glorious formality, one with which Australia is happy and honoured to be associated. All Australians extend greetings and friendship to the people and Government of South Africa on this truly great occasion, and we will work with them as a partner.

Today is a very special day for this Assembly. It marks the end of a long and arduous process for the United Nations, for today we have welcomed into our ranks the representatives of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa, able to exercise all the prerogatives of membership of the United Nations and to carry all the responsibilities and obligations The elimination of apartheid became, over 30 years, one of the defining issues of the United Nations. The United Nations, through the actions of this Assembly and of its Special Committee against Apartheid, kept alive the possibility and hope that apartheid would be eliminated and that all peoples in South Africa would be able to enjoy political freedom in their own land. We thank the Special Committee and its Chair, Ambassador Gambari of Nigeria, for their work, now brought to a successful completion. That work was undertaken on behalf of the disenfranchised people of South Africa. It is those people who have won the victory. It is their courage and tenacity that have earned our admiration and the admiration of the people of New Zealand. We congratulate the Government of National Unity and the people of South Africa for the largely peaceful manner in which they accomplished the task of transforming their country into the new South Africa we welcome today. We wish them well in their continued endeavours to overcome the tainted legacy of apartheid. New Zealand has already welcomed South Africa back to the Commonwealth. Now, on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand, I take great pleasure in welcoming South Africa back to the United Nations. We look forward to working constructively with its Government, with its representatives to this Organization and in other international gatherings, in pursuit of our common objectives.

Mr. President, in response to your repeated appeals, I shall be brief. To paraphrase President Lincoln: the world will little note nor long remember what I say here, but it will never forget what the people of South Africa have achieved. Today’s vote is timely reaffirmation of the dramatic changes that have taken place in South Africa - changes that this Organization and the international community helped bring about. We all rejoice that the nightmare of apartheid has ended, and non-racial democracy has emerged in South Africa. We welcome South Africa to the family of democracies. My Government strongly and unequivocally supported this resolution, which called for South Africa The dramatic developments in South Africa in the last several years give encouragement to all who hope for reconciliation, equality and justice throughout the world. The stalemate and recrimination of the past have given way to a new spirit of tolerance and promise for the future. That South Africa today has moved peacefully to the next stage of its democratic development is great testimony to the courage and perseverance of the South African people and their leaders. All South Africans can be proud of these achievements. To them I say: "Your concerns were always present in these halls; your voices were heard; your needs addressed; your struggle appreciated. Others in other lands are engaged in painful endeavours for human betterment. They now reach out to you as you reached out to them." We know your response will be generous. This is an historic moment in the United Nations relationship with South Africa. The international community and the people of South Africa are united in the goal of ensuring that South Africa becomes an active and positive member of the community of democratic States. The United States joins the United Nations in celebrating this achievement.

Tanzania has always looked forward to the day when South Africa would resume its full participation in the work of the United Nations General Assembly. Happily, that day has arrived. This Assembly has today voted by consensus to return a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa to the community of world nations. This process is most welcome because it rewards the resounding victory scored by the protracted struggle to eradicate apartheid in South Africa. The General Assembly, where internecine debates on the question of apartheid have taken place with a number of resolutions adopted, bears full witness to the arduous road which the people of South Africa have had to traverse. It is also interesting to note that, in the recent past, the very nature of the debate in this Assembly, the number and content of the resolutions adopted, and the voting pattern of Member States on the resolutions on apartheid have been changing accordingly. Last December, during the debate on item 38, my delegation noted that, at the height of apartheid in the 1980s, the number of political resolutions adopted by This is a clear illustration of the consensus over developments which were taking place in South Africa in line with the profound and irreversible changes envisaged in the 1989 Declaration on Apartheid and its Destructive Consequences in Southern Africa. This profound transformation was largely assisted by the magnanimous resolve of the leader of the African National Congress (ANC), Mr. Mandela, who is now the first President of democratic South Africa, and of those in the Government of F. W. de Klerk and others who finally opted for a peaceful settlement in the context of the multi-party negotiating process. The process was further assured by the agreement reached on an Interim Constitution and the establishment of the Independent Electoral and Media Commissions, the Independent Broadcasting Authority, and the Transitional Executive Council. These developments were instrumental in bringing South Africa to the last stage of the dismantling of apartheid, leading to the successful conclusion of the first non-racial elections in April and the installation of the first non-racial Government of National Unity on 10 May 1994. At this moment of celebration, my delegation congratulates all the people of South Africa for persevering in the struggle to consign apartheid and minority rule in their country to the dump heap of history. It is through the tenacity of the liberation movement that it was also possible to marshal international support for the struggle against apartheid. Tanzania is grateful to have been a part of this effort as it worked within the framework of the Organization of African Unity, in particular the front-line States, chaired by Zimbabwe, the Non-Aligned Movement and the United Nations. Tanzania therefore views the liberation of South Africa as its own liberation and that of our own continent. We take due note of the presence in this Assembly Hall of South African Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alfred Nzo, whose statement reflected very positively the new mood in post-apartheid South Africa. Special mention must also be made of the Special Committee against Apartheid, whose steadfast recommendations to this Assembly have tremendously influenced developments in South Africa. It is on the basis of the In commending the international community as a whole for its contribution to the search for solutions to the problems of apartheid, Tanzania believes that the adoption of the resolution today will not only release South Africa for participation in United Nations activities, but will also embolden the capacity of the new multi-racial Government to redress the legacy of apartheid, facing squarely up to the demands for national reconciliation and reconstruction as well as exploring in peace the new vistas for links with its immediate neighbours and the world at large.

First, on behalf of the Russian delegation, I welcome in our midst the delegation of South Africa, led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Nzo. The Russian Federation considers the conclusion of the process of eliminating apartheid in South Africa and that country’s transition to a non-racial democratic society as an extremely important event, not only for that country but also for the entire African continent and the international community as a whole. Today, we can say with satisfaction that the goal towards which we have all striven for decades has finally been achieved. An epochal event has occurred in South Africa: the first general elections in its history, marking the triumph of common human values over the inhuman system of apartheid. Russia, which unswervingly supported all the constructive efforts for democratic reform of the Government parties and public organizations of the Republic of South Africa, shares with everyone a sense of profound satisfaction with the results of these efforts, which led to the elimination of the system of apartheid. This success was the result, primarily, of the many years of selfless struggle of the democratic forces of South Africa, led by the African National Congress (ANC) and supplemented over the past few years by matching efforts from the reform wing of the former ruling elite of South Africa. In this connection, I should like once again to pay tribute to the personal courage, political will and realism of the outstanding statesmen of South Africa, the 1993 winners of the Nobel Peace Prize, Mr. Mandela and Mr. de Klerk, who, for the sake of the present and future of their country, managed to overcome the burden of racial The achievement of that noble task was made possible to a great extent by the energetic and consistent action of the United Nations - its Security Council, the General Assembly and the Special Committee against Apartheid - and of individual States and the international community as a whole. They can be rightly proud of the substantial contribution they made to the many years of intense struggle to dismantle the system of apartheid and to create the basis for South Africa’s transition to a non-racial and democratic society with equal rights guaranteed to all its citizens. We cannot help but note the extremely positive role which was played in ensuring the success of the complex internal negotiating process in South Africa, and also during the holding of free and fair elections in the country, by the Observer Missions of the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the European Union and by the Organization of African Unity and many non-governmental and public organizations. The gratitude of the international community goes also to the Secretary-General for his energetic efforts to implement the mandates entrusted to him in this connection by the Security Council and the General Assembly. We are sure that the peoples of South Africa will see opening before them favourable prospects for harmonious political, social and economic development. Success in this area will depend to a great extent on the readiness of all the political forces of the country to engage in constructive interaction like that in which they engaged during the period of preparation for the holding of the elections. With the accession to power in South Africa of a democratically elected Government, the task of the international community, in our view, lies in facilitating as much as possible the speedy return of South Africa to the world family of nations and the complete elimination of all barriers on the path to the achievement of that objective. The Russian delegation notes with satisfaction that the consensus resolution adopted today by the General Assembly, which brings down the curtain on the period of apartheid, will give additional impetus to the process The democratic reforms in South Africa, culminating in the creation of the Government of National Unity, has radically changed the situation throughout the African continent. The apartheid regime, one of the main destabilizing factors in Africa, has been eliminated. Now the States of the continent are able to focus their efforts on solving other important problems, including those linked with regional conflicts. We hope that the emergence of a new, democratic State in southern Africa will improve the military and political situation in that sub-region, now being torn apart by conflicts. In this connection, we note with satisfaction the clearly expressed intention of the Government of South Africa to make its contribution to strengthening peace and stability everywhere, including the African continent. It is important that South Africa’s significant economic, scientific and technical potential become a kind of locomotive capable, with time, of helping to pull the sub- region out of its permanent state of economic stagnation. In this connection, we are inspired with hope by statements made by leaders of South Africa of their readiness to promote regional economic integration in every way. Moreover, the South African Government will have to decide many urgent and major internal social problems, and in this respect we believe they are right in feeling that they should count on assistance from the international community. In confirming our readiness to cooperate fully with a democratic South Africa, we express the certainty that the good relations existing between our countries and peoples will be developed further, in the interest of international peace and prosperity.

On this historic day, Madagascar shares the joy and pride of the South African people. It is a new South Africa that we congratulate today upon regaining, or more exactly taking, its place in this forum. South African brothers, your brothers and neighbours in Madagascar welcome you most warmly. Our congratulations go as well to the United Nations for its perseverance. Faithful to the spirit of the Charter, the Organization, for long decades of struggle against all We hail also the combined efforts of the organs and agencies associated with the United Nations and the tireless efforts of intergovernmental and regional organizations, such as the Organization of African Unity, the Commonwealth and the European Union, to mention only some, as well as non-governmental organizations. We can affirm that the international community as a whole has presented a united front in combating this crime against humanity: apartheid. I hope I will be forgiven if I reserve a special tribute for the Special Committee against Apartheid. By its many-sided and coordinated activities, its unfailing support for the black majority, its unconditional dedication to the cause of freedom, it contributed greatly to leading South Africa to democracy. The social disparities almost everywhere in the world, caused by difficult economic conditions, contain the seeds of political instability and the ever-present threat of ethnic conflicts, especially in Africa. The dangers will increase in the post-apartheid period. For these reasons, Madagascar joins in the appeal contained in the resolution adopted this morning to the international community to continue to provide generous assistance to South Africa. We also endorse the request to the Secretary-General to consider the appointment, in consultation with the South African Government, of a high-level coordinator for United Nations development activities in South Africa. Let me conclude my statement where I began it, by congratulating the now united people of South Africa, which has accomplished the miracle that all hoped for and no one dared to believe in - the achievement of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa. The wisdom of the South Africans is reflected in their spirit of reconciliation. The determination to close the chapter on apartheid and, together, to turn towards the future and build a more just and prosperous society attests to their love for their common country. South Africa, which only yesterday was a synonym for oppression and shame, is now becoming a symbol of concord. South Africans have the great fortune, envied by many countries, of having President Mandela and Mr. de Klerk, two men who desire to go beyond the bitterness of Our fervent wishes for success go to this gallant people in the arduous task of reconciliation and recovery it faces. South African brothers, please succeed. This is an imperative duty that you must discharge and thereby serve as an example to Africa and the rest of the world.

Today is a great day in world history. It is a great day for the United Nations. And it is a great day for democracy. Today’s proceedings are an expression of one of the most dramatic, meaningful changes that have taken place in our time. The events in South Africa are a victory of the human spirit. They offer testimony to the ability of nations, races and ethnic and religious groups to live together in peace, dignity and mutual respect. They offer testimony to the vision and courage of leaders who understand the needs of the future and who have the wisdom to show their peoples the way. To President Mandela and Vice-President de Klerk I extend my sincere respect and admiration. Like all peoples throughout the world, the people of Israel were inspired by the momentous changes in South Africa. For 2,000 years, the Jewish people have striven for freedom, to restore its national home, to have a State of its own again. We have striven for peace in the Middle East. Now we are privileged to witness two dramatic events at the same time. The changes in South Africa and the peace process in the Middle East are both expressions of a new era in human history - expressions of the great human spirit. Israel welcomes South Africa as it rejoins the community of nations. We wish the new Government of South Africa success in building a new society, and full cooperation with the Member States of the United Nations.

My delegation could not be happier than to be able to join in the debate on this item, "Elimination of Apartheid and establishment of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa", which has been on the agenda of the General Assembly for almost half a century, but which we now happily address for the final time. We join in the joyous celebration of the demise of the era of apartheid, which was accomplished through the In this respect, we are not unmindful of the sterling role played by the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the Organization of African Unity and other institutions, as well as individuals. This occasion is indeed a fitting sequel to that historic milestone reached on 10 May 1994, when Mr. Nelson Mandela was installed as the first President of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa. That momentous achievement represented a great triumph not only for the people of South Africa but for all people of the great continent of Africa, as well as for all of us who believe in the dignity and worth of the human being, and in the right of all mankind to enjoy fundamental human rights. Barbados welcomes the return of South Africa to the community of nations and the unanimous decision to lift the suspension imposed by the General Assembly on 12 November 1974, thereby permitting the Republic of South Africa to become once again a full participant in the work of the United Nations. Barbados congratulates the Government and people of South Africa on the unusually high level of cooperation and consensus they have been able to forge in such a short time under the leadership of President Mandela. It is quite clear that South Africa is well placed to play a significant role in this Organization, having now earned the moral right to do so. It is also quite clear that there is much for the international community as a whole to learn from the new South African experience. It would constitute a great disservice to the people of South Africa if we dared think that the grave socio-economic imbalances inherited from the awesome legacy of the long-entrenched system of apartheid could be wished away through the simple act of protocol performed by us today. The fragile bud of democracy blossoming in South Africa must be carefully nurtured, or it may wither on the vine. The infusion of an appropriate level of international economic aid is therefore vital to guiding South Africa along the path to sustainable development. The Special Committee against Apartheid, which Barbados commends for the important role it has played in eliminating apartheid, was authorized by the General Assembly in its resolution 48/159 B of 20 December Barbados has always sought to do what it could to contribute to the demise of apartheid. Barbados now pledges its full cooperation to the Government of South Africa as it strives to chart new frontiers of development and to improve the quality of life of its citizens.

My delegation is greatly pleased at the entry into force of the first non-racial, democratic Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and the holding of the first elections to have respected the principle of one man, one vote. These events put an end to the unjust apartheid regime in South Africa. We want to underscore the wisdom, flexibility and political courage that South Africa’s political leaders showed in negotiating the agreements uprooting apartheid from the soil of South Africa. This is an event that serves as an example for the international community. We also emphasize the courage shown by the people of South Africa in their arduous historic struggle to recover their inherent rights, a struggle they waged until they achieved a united, democratic, non-racial nation. The success of the process should not make us forget the hard road travelled by many South Africans, or the loss of human life. To all those South Africans we pay a sincere tribute. The international community can feel proud at its important contribution to the process of the political transformation of South Africa, including the United Nations Observer Mission in South Africa (UNOMSA). In its support for the struggle of the South African people, the Argentine Republic adopted many important measures, including its May 1986 decision to break off diplomatic relations with the white minority regime; subsequently, in August 1991, we re-established full relations between our two States with a view to stimulating and encouraging the process of change in South Africa. Argentina is glad to see the Republic of South Africa fully reincorporated into the United Nations; we are confident that its activities within the Organization will help to carry out the purposes and principles of the Charter. In We join in the Assembly’s appeal to the international community for generous assistance to the Government and the people of South Africa with a view to eliminating the economic, social and cultural imbalances caused by apartheid and to contributing to the stable, peaceful development that recently began with the elections of 26 to 29 April 1994. With the adoption of today’s resolution, we mark the successful fulfilment of the mandate of the Special Committee against Apartheid, which was established by the General Assembly on 6 November 1962. We are grateful for the intensive work carried out by the Committee and its Chairman, Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I wish finally to assure the Government and the people of South Africa of the full cooperation and friendship of the Government and the people of Argentina in the new course on which they have embarked.

The profound analysis and deep evaluation of the process of the elimination of apartheid is still to come. However, at present we can definitely state that the universal and non-racial elections in South Africa in April 1994 and the democratic changes that have followed have marked the final page of the existence in South Africa of the disgraceful and illegal division of people according to the colour of their skin. With the adoption of today’s resolution, the mandate of the Special Committee against Apartheid expires. This means that the United Nations has successfully terminated its activities, carried out over many years, aimed at the elimination of this source of tension and conflict in southern Africa. In this connection, the delegation of Ukraine would like to express its sincere appreciation to the Special Committee and its Chairman, Mr. Gambari, and to the Secretary-General for their great efforts and contribution to what is indeed a historic achievement. As a Member of the United Nations, and a member and Vice-Chairman of the Special Committee against Apartheid, Ukraine takes pride in the fact that for more than three decades it has taken an active part in the joint efforts of the international community directed towards To our mind, today it is necessary to consolidate and strengthen the democratic achievement in South Africa. Accordingly, the delegation of Ukraine calls upon the international community to continue to contribute to the final and irreversible transformation of the South African Republic to democracy and to the development of its society in harmony and prosperity. The resolution we have just adopted will facilitate such a transformation. We welcome the resumption by the Republic of South Africa of its place in the General Assembly and other United Nations bodies. Ukraine is ready to develop mutually beneficial cooperation with South Africa, both on a bilateral level and within the framework of international organizations.

This resumption of the forty-eighth session of the General Assembly today is a truly historic and happy occasion. The two resolutions we have adopted unanimously this morning mark the end of a dark chapter; they mark the dismantling of apartheid. We also celebrate today the fulfilment of a long- cherished dream: the rebirth of a dynamic and free nation and its restoration to the United Nations after almost two decades of suspension. Bangladesh is proud to welcome into our midst a new, united, democratic, non-racial South Africa. The international community has for over four decades struggled to end the abhorrent system of apartheid. The United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Commonwealth, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and, indeed, all international, regional and non- governmental organizations, as well as countless individuals, have contributed towards this end with uncompromising consistency and perseverance. Yet this would not have been possible without the determination and sacrifice of the people of South Africa themselves and their ultimate choice in favour of pragmatism and forbearance. The victory over apartheid is, without doubt, the victory of the people of South Africa. Their joy, however, is universally shared. Bangladesh is proud to have played its part in this noble endeavour. We congratulate President Nelson Mandela and Vice- President de Klerk, among other South African leaders, on their vision and statesmanship in leading their country to Our commendation and tribute are extended to the Special Committee against Apartheid, which over decades has remained the critical focal point of actions to eliminate apartheid. Its mandate has come to a successful conclusion, and special credit is due to the Chairman, Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari, the members of the Committee, the Secretary-General and his dedicated staff in the Centre against Apartheid. Bangladesh wholeheartedly endorses the call in the resolutions adopted today for financial and material support for the reconstruction and development efforts of the Government of South Africa. We also fully support the request for the appointment of a high-level coordinator for United Nations development activities in South Africa. May I say in conclusion that Bangladesh believes that this meeting marks a momentous milestone in the progress of mankind in promoting human solidarity and tolerance and the consolidation of our global society. Bangladesh stands wholeheartedly committed to strengthening our friendship and cooperation with the Government and people of South Africa and will contribute in any way we can to helping it address the challenge of the post-apartheid era.

My delegation is proud to congratulate South Africa and its people on this historic occasion which, in essence, is the foundation of a new era signalling victory for all humanity. The elimination of apartheid and the establishment of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa crown the efforts and determined actions of a society which has finally achieved this seemingly impossible feat after many years of racism. Thanks to the spirit of moderation so eloquently displayed by President Mandela and Vice-President de Klerk, this human rights crusade has managed to become the single most important and viable expression of faith and good will in a peaceful transition towards equal rights for all. It is a great privilege to be present on this historic day when we welcome South Africa back to the General Assembly with full voting rights. Now that the General Assembly has accepted the new South Africa with full voting rights, we welcome the adoption of the resolution terminating the mandate of the Special Committee against Apartheid and deleting from the provisional agenda of the forty-ninth session of the General Assembly the item "Elimination of apartheid and the establishment of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa". I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our concern for the peaceful resolution of the continuing conflicts which have been spreading in other parts of the world. The peaceful realization of South African democracy is a prime example of a nation that struggled successfully against all odds to unite behind a perspective shared by the world. I have been brief, taking into account the time constraints of the General Assembly. I should like to conclude my statement by offering our support and cooperation for the continued development towards peace in South Africa and elsewhere.

The General Assembly is meeting to bear testimony to the fulfilment of one of the highest aims that it has set for itself since its foundation: eliminating apartheid and assisting in the establishment of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa. In an international environment characterized by uncertainty and the emergence of hotbeds of tension and conflict, the meeting we are holding today constitutes a triumph of ethics, reason and adherence to the institutions that have created the framework for relations between free States. The recent developments that have led South Africa to democracy, principally the holding of free elections and the establishment of a Government of National Unity by peaceful means, constitute an example of political civility for all the world to see. The South African people deserve to be congratulated and supported in their ceaseless effort to attain freedom and to lay the foundations for the Special credit should go to the front-line countries, which staunchly resisted the political and economic consequences of the struggle against apartheid. The Special Committee against Apartheid and its Chairman, Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari, can also feel satisfaction at the work they achieved over the 30-year lifespan of the Committee, which is now coming to fruition through the re-entry of a free and united South Africa into the international community and into international forums of cooperation and coordination. The delegation of Mexico wishes to place on record its satisfaction at the fact that the General Assembly is culminating a process whereby it is renewing its role in the solution of world problems. The General Assembly is now taking on added importance as a forum for dialogue, coordination and the solution of complex and difficult situations. Although apartheid has been eliminated, its consequences are still present in South African society. To overcome them, it is essential to have the cooperation of all in the building of new structures that will consolidate change and enable all South Africans fully to enjoy the rights that belong to individuals in a free, egalitarian and democratic society. To the people and Government of South Africa, I reiterate the congratulations of the Government of Mexico for the determination and courage they have shown throughout a process of profound and difficult change. The peaceful process of change in South Africa stands as an example to the international community. We all are certain that this country, now free and democratic, will also contribute in an exemplary way to the peace and security of all nations. Its experience is now part of the best experience of our civilization.

It gives me pleasure to speak today before the General Assembly under agenda item 38, "Elimination of apartheid and establishment of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa". The recent free elections held in the Republic of South Africa represent a watershed in the history of Africa as a whole. Those elections led to the establishment of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa, which is an enormous gain for all peoples everywhere. This underscores a firm historical fact: that peoples, in their struggle for survival and freedom, will eventually prevail. I would be remiss if I failed to pay tribute to the United Nations and to its organs for the support they lent to the people of South Africa and for mobilizing world public opinion against apartheid, which contributed to the peaceful resolution of the situation in southern Africa. The General Assembly this morning adopted a resolution to end the mandate of the Special Committee against Apartheid. In paying tribute to the Committee and to its Chairman, Ambassador Gambari, the delegation of Egypt notes that the mandate of the Committee has been brought to an end after, not before, the ending of the obnoxious system of apartheid. The people of Egypt reaffirm their solidarity with the people of South Africa and welcome the birth of a free South Africa and its return to the General Assembly of the United Nations. They also welcome the ending of the suspension of its membership now that power has been transferred to a democratic, multi-racial Government unencumbered by discrimination on the basis of skin colour, creed or race. The democratic process is a long one indeed, and is not always easy. South Africa is now facing the enormously daunting task of putting together the democratic infrastructure needed for the prosperity of the new society. The delegation of Egypt welcomes the provision in operative paragraph 11 of the resolution regarding the request to consider the appointment of a high-level coordinator for United Nations development activities in South Africa. Talk about South Africa is always associated with talk about the Organization of African Unity, which has striven since its inception for the liberation of the peoples of Africa from colonialism and discrimination in all its forms. Here, I should like to underscore the historic role played by the In closing, the delegation of Egypt ventures to hope that the settlement of the South African problem will serve as a model in addressing other, longstanding issues on the Assembly’s agenda - notably the question of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. May international developments permit us to gather again soon to remove other important items from the agenda.

As we bury apartheid, it is with a great deal of joy that, as the last speaker on this item, Uganda welcomes the task of hammering the last nail into the coffin. My delegation joins previous speakers in welcoming into the community of free nations and into the General Assembly of the United Nations a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa. My country was at the forefront of the struggle against apartheid. We rightly considered apartheid and racial discrimination to be heinous crimes against humanity, human dignity and human beings. We considered apartheid to be anti-progress and a dead weight which was hampering the unity and progress of southern Africa and Africa as a whole. This is why we spared no effort in the fight for a just, non-racial and democratic South Africa. I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to the United Nations and to the Members which, over decades, took a resolute stand against apartheid. I thank the Special Committee against Apartheid and its Chairman, Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari of Nigeria, for the relentless manner in which the Committee executed its We welcome the election of President Mandela to the helm of his free country. We trust that, with his vision, wisdom and unique statesmanship, he will ably guide South Africa into a peaceful, stable and prosperous future. We are confident that South Africa has a dynamic role to play in the community of free States. A free South Africa is certainly a tremendous boost to the countries of our region in terms of its economic and political potential. My Government is overjoyed at this epochal development in our region and is extremely happy to be associated in totality with the very historic occasion we are witnessing today. I once again join all other delegations in welcoming back into our fold a free Republic of South Africa.

We have heard the last speaker in this debate. We have thus concluded our consideration of agenda item 38. I thank all Members for their cooperation in making this a most memorable day. The meeting rose at 9.15 p.m.