A/54/PV.1 General Assembly

This fifty-fourth session of the General Assembly is heralding a new millennium. Together we are setting sail in a single ship into vast and uncharted oceans. On this journey, we embark, with our experiences, our beliefs, our hopes and our fears, to craft workable solutions and institutions for the problems of our planet. As we proceed, the United Nations and its agencies stand out by their size, scope of activities, authority and as a reflection of the aspirations of humankind. The United Nations is a living Organization dedicated to the interests of “We the peoples” of the world. My esteemed predecessor, Mr. Didier Opertti, Foreign Minister of Uruguay, has done a sterling job as President, and the fifty-third session of the Assembly produced outstanding results, not least of which are the preparations for this session and the “Millennium Summit”. I thank him for this and wish him well in his future endeavours. Uruguay and Namibia enjoy excellent bilateral relations. Our two countries, acting on behalf of their respective neighbours, have been promoting economic, trade and cultural relations, in the spirit of South-South cooperation. To this end, in 1995 we established the African-Latin American Initiative (ALAI). Diplomatic and business exchanges between the Southern Cone Common Market (MERCOSUR) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have begun in earnest, and they are expected to grow in other directions. I am, as most present here know, a graduate of the United Nations, and now I assume the office of President of the world’s greatest parliament. My mind and heart are always close to the Charter of the United Nations, and I am devoted to the ideals for which it stands: a beacon for all worthy causes in the far corners of the world, I feel honoured by my unanimous endorsement in 1998 by the leaders of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to preside over this session of the Assembly, the last of the twentieth century, and I accept my election with gratitude. My election is a tribute not to me personally but to Africa and my country, Namibia. I owe this to my undaunted leader, His Excellency Mr. Sam Nujoma, President of the Republic of Namibia, whose trust and support have made this possible. I am greatly indebted to President Nujoma and thank him from the bottom of my heart. With the cooperation and assistance of all, I cannot fail in my job. I will work hard, in close consultation with the Vice-Presidents and the Chairpersons of the Main Committees, in the execution of my duties and responsibilities. I know that I can always count on the support of our illustrious Secretary-General, my brother, Kofi Annan. I will also need his strong shoulders to lean on when times are hard. For my part, I will give him all the help he may need in his untiring efforts on behalf of the United Nations. Many among you have come to know me quite well. We have walked together, shared ideas and experiences and taken joint actions for change in and relating to the United Nations and beyond. You have been very helpful to me in various ways when I was the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) representative to the United Nations. Some of you have always responded without hesitation whenever I asked for help. Again, I thank you all most sincerely. This is the first-ever General Assembly to straddle two millennia. The aspirations, hopes and expectations of the world’s peoples are high as they anticipate the future. They yearn for a world that is peaceful, humane and prosperous for all. Without the United Nations, such an inclusive world, led by inspiring leaders, cannot come about. The fiftieth anniversary of our Organization in 1995 produced Let me reiterate here that the ongoing process of reforming, restructuring and democratizing the United Nations should be consistent with the end product we all want, including the review of the veto in the Security Council. At the end, we should be satisfied that the United Nations belongs to all its Member States collectively and individually. Its ownership must be shared equitably, in a manner similar to the way in which members of an extended family share. All Member States, big and small, rich and poor, developed and developing, must have a stake in the Organization. It goes without saying that all Member States should pay their contributions on time and in full without preconditions. Without adequate resources, the United Nations cannot perform effectively. That said, the reform negotiations must continue. But, in the interest of all, any quick fix which smacks of apartheid cannot be tolerated. Instead, we should move forward together in good faith to find solutions. The fifty-fourth session of the Assembly is momentous also because it represents a high point in the history of the anti-colonial struggle. For Africa, much of the twentieth century has been devoted to ending colonialism and to achieving liberation and independence. Africa's decolonization began in Libya in 1951. It built up and assumed urgency following Ghana's independence in 1957. Thirty-three years later, in 1990, Namibia, Africa's last colony apart from Western Sahara, became free with the assistance of the United Nations after a long and bitter struggle. It is perhaps fortuitous, but it is a fitting coincidence of history that at the century's end both the Secretary- General of the United Nations and the President of the General Assembly are sons of Africa. The two of us represent those heroic struggles and the final triumph of the human spirit. The end of apartheid and the liberation of South Africa have brought Africa to the cutting edge of contemporary history and international solidarity. It thus behoves me on this occasion to salute the former President of South Africa, Mr. Nelson Mandela, the current President, Mr. Thabo Mbeki, and indeed all the great South African people. I would be remiss if I did not mention the name of President Olusegun Obasanjo and extend warm congratulations and best wishes to him on his election victory and on the restoration of democracy in Nigeria. The Special Committee against Apartheid, led by Nigeria, made constructive contributions to isolate South Africa internationally and to end apartheid in that country. Also, Nigeria, under his committed leadership, played a pivotal role in support for and solidarity with the national liberation movements and the front-line States in southern Africa. Democracy, good governance, respect for human rights and environmental protection are common values now widely shared in Africa. The people are ready to rise up and face the new dawn. On another front, warlords driven by blind ambition for power have destroyed Somalia. Out of the ashes of despair, Africa and the United Nations should help reconstruct Somalia and give its brave people another chance to rebuild their shattered lives. The United Nations remains firmly committed to the early and peaceful transition of Western Sahara to self- determination. While the latest developments concerning the question of Palestine are encouraging, the United Nations should not be sidelined, but should play its legitimate role towards the creation of an independent Palestinian State. At the same time, I welcome the holding of the referendum in East Timor, and its results. I am, however, Having expressed our human yearning for a new millennium, I will not shy away from calling upon the children of Africa's invaders and slave-traders for an honest and sincere apology, and upon the children of the victims, many of whom have been left stranded in the diaspora, for forgiveness. The horrors of slavery and destruction wrought upon Africa and its peoples cannot be forgotten. Now is the time for reconciliation and healing. Such an act of mutual affirmation will never be truly complete unless Africa's sacred relics, icons, art works and other priceless cultural objects are returned lock, stock and barrel to their rightful owners. Today these stolen African treasures adorn public museums, libraries, art galleries and private homes in foreign lands. They must come home to assuage the pain and anger in the hearts of the succeeding generations of Africans. Now is the time for atonement, reflection and renewal to foster better human relations and rectify the ugly legacies of the past. There are present and future challenges that face us as we enter the coming age. The first is globalization. I would place the growth, development, expansion and concentration of transnational corporations at the centre of this powerful force. The development of global financial markets made possible by incredible technologies has helped to facilitate the formidable power and concentration of transnational corporations. We now live in a wired world in which instant communications to all corners of the globe have become an accepted way of life. One fear exists, however. It is that the unrelenting power of transnational corporations, with interlocking financial arrangements, is overwhelming Governments, particularly in the developing world. With this in mind, African leaders recently adopted the Algiers Declaration, in which they stated that globalization should be placed within the framework of democratically created social dynamics — globalization with a human face. Currency traders should have no chance to run roughshod over developing and industrializing countries. To prevent this, the international community should assist in promoting economic growth and prosperity that will be shared by all nations and peoples. Globalization should be about The second challenge is sustainable development and the protection of the environment. The economies of the developing world, especially in Africa, are trapped in a vicious cycle of falling commodity prices, manufacturing and mining technologies that replace labour and low levels of domestic savings and foreign direct investment. It is a known fact that growth prospects in developing countries are bleaker than they have been in years. The degradation of the environment has further compounded the situation. Other handicaps abound in the third world, such as high unemployment, inadequate social and physical infrastructure, as well as the debilitating debt burden. Debt write-off, without imposing new hardships, is a necessary first step. Against this background, development assistance is still required and should be supplemented by private- sector initiatives. Already, there are some commendable private sector initiatives in support of United Nations social development programmes. In this connection, more discussions should be held to explore joint ventures. Last week, the United Nations co-sponsored in this Assembly Hall “the world's newest and most powerful website”: NetAid.com. That presentation, through words, music and drama, showed ways and means to fight world hunger, poverty and the misery of children. I was moved and encouraged by this cooperation. The third challenge is war. Regional wars in many parts of the world constitute a major scourge that destroys lives and whatever political, economic and social gains that have been made. The Security Council has the primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security and should speak with one voice. Its actions should be based on consensus-building and collective commitment. The Council's authority is best enhanced and its actions legitimized when it allows for more frequent open debate in which all United Nations Member States can participate. Given the frequency with which new kinds of regional conflicts arise, both the Security Council and the General Assembly should devise practical ways and means of identifying areas of potential conflict in advance and of strengthening with resources regional mechanisms for conflict resolution in order to prevent wars and human suffering. The fourth challenge is that of the ever-deteriorating refugee crisis. Reports indicate that there are currently about 12 million refugees in the world, more than half of them in Africa. These neglected masses of fellow human beings have been displaced largely by devastating wars, some resulting from ethnic hatred and others from contested borders as well as natural disasters. These are women, children and men who are deprived of the basic human necessities and who end up being no one's responsibility. Their fate should be of common concern. This includes their sustenance and the restoration of their fundamental rights and dignity. We should be asking ourselves what else the world community can do beyond providing the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with needed, albeit usually limited, resources to lessen their suffering. I pray that there will be light for them at the end of the tunnel as we usher in the next millennium. The fifth challenge concerns gender equality. A special session of the Assembly devoted to gender-related issues and development will be held in the year 2000. Gender equality pertains to the entire society. It affects power relationships, decision-making and governance, as well as inter-State relations. Moreover, these concerns include the family, war, peace, development, disarmament, science and technology, human rights and other public policy priorities that form intrinsic parts of the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action. Governments should adopt and implement national gender policies without delay and report to the Assembly. The sixth challenge is the HIV/AIDS pandemic, which has declared a nasty and unrelenting war on humanity. HIV/AIDS has become a major global menace that requires a common awareness and strategy and demands resources and intervention by Governments, business, intergovernmental organizations and civil society Prevention through education, control and treatment of HIV/AIDS is necessary but not sufficient. We must take the search for a cure into the political, social, business, community and cultural spheres. The third world needs assistance and understanding when its peoples make difficult choices between debt repayment and health and social services. On the other hand, society needs to appreciate the challenges and contributions of HIV/AIDS sufferers. In this connection, I welcome the important decisions and resolutions adopted by the forty-ninth session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for Africa, held recently in Windhoek, Namibia. The world's children who are languishing today in squalid conditions created by endless armed conflicts cannot really hope to realize their highest and best dreams fully or become productive citizens and winners. These are the leaders of tomorrow. To reach their full potential as achievers, the world's children desperately need a compassionate social environment, a warm circle of family members and friends and a culturally nourishing community around them. Human security and our own future depend upon the survival of these children, particularly those who are constantly falling through the cracks in the third world. The seventh and last challenge is the future of our children in a globalized community. Despite the advances in health care, education, science and technology, and the ratification of international conventions and protocols governing the legal rights and social welfare of children, their lives are daily at risk of being snatched away by the cruelty and indifference of adults. In the South, our children continue to die of diseases long ago eradicated in the developed world. Moreover, both in the North and in the South, children are also victimized by drugs, crime, sexual abuse and other adult vices. The ever-increasing numbers of children forcibly turned into soldiers to serve in national armies and tribal, ethnic or racial gangs should outrage us all. A recent article in The Economist brought this out in glaring terms. The article was about children under arms around the world. While this is an old problem, its new trends are most disturbing and cannot be tolerated. The prolonged civil conflicts rely heavily on child soldiers. Worse still, child recruits have come to be preferred over adults. Why? The reasons given are insidious and immoral. Children, the soulless recruiters boast, are numerous and readily available, more malleable and impressionable, learn quickly, are small and agile, and quite simply require less food and supplies than adults. This is the horrendous fate of many of the world's children today. It demands that the United Nations show renewed commitment and redouble its efforts as the repository of humanity's conscience and of social justice in the world. While the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child provides protection for children under 18 years of age, it allows for recruitment for military service at age 15. I commend the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for its persistent work to save children. In the same vein, the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict has left no stone unturned in its efforts to make the world a better place for children. That Office and its many allies in the field must continue to blame and shame Governments for not doing enough to protect our children's lives and their future. I have made it my business to add my voice and devotion to their laudable efforts to make the twenty-first century one of love and security for every child in the world. It is for this reason that I, during the Namibian presidency of the Security Council, presided over the Council's debate on children and armed conflict on 25 August 1999. On that occasion, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 1261 (1999) — the Council's first ever resolution on the plight of children. I intend to do whatever I can to be helpful in this worldwide campaign during my presidency. In this I have addressed some of the key issues of the day as I see them. I have sketched the role of the United Nations and its reform, which must be carried out in a transparent and constructive way. I have emphasized the continued importance of the United Nations Charter and the General Assembly rules of procedure. I have reiterated my strong commitment to upholding the principles and goals for which the United Nations stands. I have expressed the need for the Secretary-General and the President to work together in promoting the ideals and objectives of our Organization. I have also stressed the imperative need for the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council, as well as other vital institutions of the United Nations, to coordinate their activities. I have recalled the completion of the decolonization process in Africa, except in Western Sahara. I have urged the United Nations to play an active role in the creation of an independent Palestinian State. I have appealed for an apology from the descendants of slave traders and forgiveness by the descendants of victims of slavery in the context of mutual affirmation. I have raised the question of globalization as an imperative for empowerment of the people. I have also called for debt write-off for developing countries and for active cooperation between the United Nations and the private sector in the interests of poverty eradication and development. I have addressed the plague of HIV/AIDS, which continues to rend the social fabric of our societies. I have reiterated the obligation of United Nations Member States to continue promoting their adherence to democracy, good governance, respect for human rights and protection of the environment. By now, it must be clear that the plight of children, especially the phenomenon of child soldiers, is uppermost in my mind. The Security Council resolution to which I referred, inter alia, strongly condemns the targeting of children in situations of armed conflict, including killing and maiming, sexual violence, abduction and forced displacement, recruitment and use of children in armed conflict in violation of international law, and calls on all parties concerned to put an end to such practices. In conclusion, I endorse the recent proposals made by the Executive Director of UNICEF and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. UNICEF called upon United Nations For his part, the Special Representative recommended that the concept of “children as a zone of peace” be translated into practical measures on the ground to prevent or mitigate the suffering of children who are actually caught up in ongoing conflict; that neighbourhood initiatives be developed that would ultimately lead to specific arrangements and concrete actions on cross- border threats to children; that the business community should be engaged by developing voluntary codes of conduct within their own industries; that the protection and welfare of children should be placed on the international peace agenda; and that the needs of children in the aftermath of conflicts must be addressed. Of course, I remain actively committed to the observance of the International Year for the Culture of Peace and the International Day of Peace, which we are commemorating today. I commend the General Assembly at its fifty-third session for adopting the declaration and programme of action on a Culture of Peace. Item 5 of the provisional agenda Admission of new Members to the United Nations Applications for admission (A/53/926, A/53/927, A/53/1022) Letters from the President of the Security Council (A/53/1004, A/53/1005, A/53/1029) Draft resolutions (A/54/L.1, A/54/L.2, A/54/L.3)

In accordance with the procedure followed in the past, I should now like to invite the General Assembly to consider the positive recommendations for admission to membership in the United Nations of the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga. The Security Council has recommended the admission of the Republic of Kiribati in document A/53/1004, the admission of the Republic of Nauru in The draft resolutions concerning the admission of these three new Members are contained in documents A/54/L.1, A/54/L.2 and A/54/L.3, respectively. In addition to the countries listed in draft resolution A/54/L.1, the following countries have become sponsors: Algeria, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Iceland, Jamaica, Kuwait, Monaco, the Netherlands, Palau, Peru, Qatar, Uruguay and Viet Nam. We shall first consider draft resolution A/54/L.1, on the admission of the Republic of Kiribati to membership in the United Nations. May I take it that the General Assembly accepts the recommendation of the Security Council and adopts draft resolution A/54/L.1 by acclamation?

I therefore declare the Republic of Kiribati admitted to membership in the United Nations. I request the Chief of Protocol to escort the delegation of the Republic of Kiribati to its place in the General Assembly Hall.

We shall next consider draft resolution A/54/L.2, on the admission of the Republic of Nauru to membership in the United Nations. In connection with draft resolution A/54/L.2, in addition to the countries listed in that document, the following countries have become sponsors: Algeria, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Iceland, Jamaica, Kuwait, Monaco, the Netherlands, Palau, Peru, Qatar, Spain, Uruguay and Viet Nam. May I take it that the General Assembly accepts the recommendation of the Security Council and adopts draft resolution A/54/L.2 by acclamation?

I therefore declare the Republic of Nauru admitted to membership in the United Nations. I request the Chief of Protocol to escort the delegation of the Republic of Nauru to its place in the General Assembly Hall.

We shall next consider draft resolution A/54/L.3, on the admission of the Kingdom of Tonga to membership in the United Nations. In connection with draft resolution A/54/L.3, in addition to the countries listed in that document, the following countries have become sponsors: Algeria, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Iceland, Jamaica, Kuwait, Monaco, the Netherlands, Palau, Peru, Qatar, Spain, Uruguay and Viet Nam. May I take it that the General Assembly accepts the recommendation of the Security Council and adopts draft resolution A/54/L.3 by acclamation?

I therefore declare the Kingdom of Tonga admitted to membership in the United Nations. I request the Chief of Protocol to escort the delegation of the Kingdom of Tonga to its place in the General Assembly Hall.

It is my pleasure on this historic occasion to welcome, on behalf of the General Assembly, the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga as full Members of the United Nations. I congratulate the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga, and I congratulate the United Nations on the admission of its 186th, 187th and 188th Member States. I wish the Government and the people of these new Member States peace, prosperity, happiness and every success for the future. I wish to assure the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga of the full support of the United Nations as they take their rightful place in the international community as free, independent, sovereign and peace-loving States. I now call on the representative of Botswana, who will speak on behalf of the Group of African States.

On behalf of your brothers and sisters of the African Group, Sir, let me say how delighted and proud we are to see you in the Chair as President of the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session. Our fifty-three leaders, Presidents, Kings and Foreign Ministers, will in full measure celebrate your election during the forthcoming general debate. All I can do on this occasion is to promise you, as Chairman of the African Group in New York for this month, that our Group will not be found wanting in its endeavour to cooperate with you as you prepare our Assembly for the next millennium. I consider it a great privilege for me, in my capacity as Chairman of the Group of African States for the month, to welcome in our midst the sisterly States of the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga. Their admission to the United Nations is a happy development. Their attainment of independence in the twilight of the twentieth century and on the eve of the twenty-first is a historic occasion, as it enables the United Nations, in its untiring campaign for universal national independence and freedom, to close the terrible chapter on colonialism and imperialism. We welcome these three countries and pledge our support and cooperation, so that together in solidarity we can work towards the realization of the noble objectives of the United Nations. Many African nations in the United Nations also are small in size, but being small does not necessarily mean we have no influence in this Organization. Our influence lies in both our numbers and in the quality of our contribution to the activities of the United Nations. Let me end by inviting the three new Members, on behalf of the Permanent Representative of Singapore, my

I now call on the Permanent Representative of Turkey, who will make a statement on behalf of the Asian States.

On behalf of the Group of Asian States and on my own behalf, I would like, Sir, to extend our warm congratulations on your election as President of the General Assembly. We have every reason to believe that with your able leadership and wide-ranging experience, the General Assembly will address the challenges confronting the international community in the most effective manner. Your election is also testimony to the courageous struggle and victory of Africa in taking its rightful place in the world. On this occasion, again on behalf of the Asian Group, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the excellent leadership displayed by your predecessor, Mr. Didier Opertti, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Uruguay. I have the honour to warmly welcome, on behalf of the Asian Group, as well as on my own behalf and that of Turkey, the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga as the new Members of our family — the family of nations that make up the United Nations. We extend our sincere congratulations to these three States of the Pacific region as they join the club. I am confident that the culture of diversity that symbolizes this Organization will be enriched by their contributions. Similarly, these three island States will also reap the benefits of the spirit of international cooperation and collaboration that the United Nations stands for. It is a particularly encouraging sign that one of the main pillars on which the Organization rests is being further strengthened at a time when we are approaching a new millennium. The principle of universality has indeed been enhanced over the years since the Organization was founded. It is a source of much satisfaction that this Hall, as of today, will have designated seats for 188 Member States. We celebrate the very timely admission of Kiribati, Nauru and Tonga as new Members prior to a very important upcoming event, namely, the special session of We wish the Governments and peoples of Kiribati, Nauru and Tonga peace and prosperity and every success as they take their place and assume their responsibilities as Members of the family of nations, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. I wish to assure them that they may count on the support and cooperation of the members of the Asian Group as we together pursue our common objectives to promote the ideals of peace, freedom, justice and economic and social development for all.

I now call on the representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who will make a statement on behalf of the Eastern European States.

I call on the representative of Paraguay, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States.

The delegation of Paraguay, speaking on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States, warmly welcomes the President of the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session, His Excellency Mr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Namibia, and wishes him every success in his work. The Group reaffirms its readiness to cooperate with him in his delicate and difficult undertakings. On behalf of the Group, my delegation wishes also to congratulate the outgoing President, His Excellency Mr. Didier Opertti, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay, on the excellent manner in which he guided the work of the General Assembly at its fifty-third session. We wish him every success for the future. It is an honour for the delegation of Paraguay to address the Assembly on behalf of the countries members of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States as we open a new session of the General Assembly, and as we approach the new millennium. This is a particularly worthy moment, as we are marking an event of great importance: the admission to the Organization of three new Members. The Group extends the warmest of welcomes to the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga, three new Member States belonging to the Asia and Pacific region, a region that will now be better represented in the United Nations system. On behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States, I state our readiness to cooperate with them in tackling the tasks that will face us in the future. It is important to reaffirm that now, with the admission of these three new Members, the Organization is growing stronger and more universal, with 188 States Members as contrasted with the original 51 at the time of the Organization’s creation. Since that time, much has happened, and the world is no longer the same. It is important to underscore the need for the Organization to be able to respond effectively to the challenges posed by the new pattern of world affairs.

Allow me to congratulate you on your election, Mr. President, and to pledge to you the full support of the Group of Western European and other States. I am honoured and privileged to take the floor on behalf of that group to congratulate and welcome as new States Members of the United Nations the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga. I would like to pay my special respects to the representatives of those States who are present here on this historic day for their respective countries. The United Nations is a truly unique Organization of sovereign States based on the principles of mutual respect and the equality of all Members, regardless of their geographical dimensions or their population. Each new Member State brings to this forum its own characteristics, history and culture, which enrich this forum of the family of nations. The three new Member States are all small island developing States, and their peoples have through the centuries faced great challenges in coping with the elements of nature. Today they shoulder their obligations as full Members of the United Nations to contribute to the maintenance and promotion of the principles of the Charter. We have no doubt that the new Members will participate actively and will strengthen the South Pacific perspective in the work of our Organization and at the same time will provide for a more secure and prosperous future for their peoples. We, the members of the Group of Western European and other States, look forward to developing a close working relationship and friendship with the representatives of the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga.

I call on the representative of the United States, the host country.

On behalf of the host country, I want to congratulate you, Sir, on your election as President of the General Assembly, and to wish you well as you embark on your new responsibilities. To the outgoing President, Mr. Didier Opertti, we convey a warm vote of thanks and deep In my capacity as representative of the host country, I would like to extend warm congratulations to the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga as they become Members of the United Nations on this historic day. Adoption by the General Assembly of resolutions admitting these States to the United Nations recognizes their sovereignty, their independence and their readiness to take their place in the community of nations. We look forward to working with the representatives of the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga, who I trust will bring a fresh perspective to the work of this Organization. Tonga has already played a constructive role, contributing troops for regional peacekeeping in Bougainville, while Kiribati and Nauru have also been supportive of regional security and peacekeeping efforts. Their participation in the United Nations will benefit all Members as we work to advance the goals of a peaceful and prosperous international community. Once again, on behalf of the United States as host country, I would like to convey to Presidents Tito and Harris and to King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV; to their delegations here with us today; and to all the people of Kiribati, Nauru and Tonga our most heartfelt welcome to the United Nations.

I call on the representative of the Federated States of Micronesia, who will speak on behalf of the members of the South Pacific Forum.

The delegation of the Federated States of Micronesia has the very high honour to address this body today in its capacity as the Chair of the 16 member States of the Pacific Island countries known as the South Pacific Forum. Most particularly, I speak here on behalf of the 10 Forum members that are also Member States of the United Nations: Australia; the Republic of the Fiji Islands; the Republic of the Marshall Islands; New Zealand; Palau; Papua New Guinea; Solomon Islands; Samoa; Vanuatu and my own country, the Federated States of Micronesia. First of all, Sir, for the South Pacific Forum and for my own country, I wish to refer to the great sense of At the opening of this fifty-fourth session, we are witnessing history as it unfolds. Today, three more countries have been admitted to membership in this great Organization. All three countries are members of the South Pacific Forum. Thus, along with our Pacific colleagues of the Forum, we join the other previous speakers in extending our congratulations to our sister countries — the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga — as they successfully take this long-awaited step together in joining as Members of this Organization. We rejoice and share with them the sense of joy and fulfilment which pervade this historic day. I wish to put on record the sincere appreciation of the South Pacific Forum countries for the decisions taken by the Security Council to recommend the admission of the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga. I would, of course, be remiss if I did not extend our utmost heartfelt appreciation to each of the many Members of this Organization that joined as co-sponsors of the three resolutions. The support of all Members of this Organization for admitting the three countries, we hope, will serve as an inspiration and encourage still others, both within our Pacific region and elsewhere, to become Members and bring the goal of universality closer to ultimate attainment. The admission to membership of the three Pacific Island countries in this body is a further indication of the importance that our region places in the United Nations. We join the United Nations attracted by the noble ideals that this body embraces: peace and prosperity for all. The inclusion of three additional Members from the Pacific region is no small matter in that regard. For small island States like Kiribati, Nauru and Tonga, as with most members of the South Pacific Forum, joining the United Nations is indeed a great sacrifice of scarce resources. Yet we have decided that we can no longer be mere bystanders. The smallness of our Pacific Islands and our remoteness and isolation have not insulated us from the I wish once more to refer to our joy and humility at being permitted to speak on this occasion. My delegation and those of the South Pacific Forum do not lightly undertake the responsibilities of membership in this Organization. Though we are small, we earnestly hope that the voice of our small countries will earn respect in years to come.

I call on the representative of Israel.

As this is the first time my delegation takes the floor, I wish to congratulate you, Sir, on your election. We are certain that you will fulfil your obligations with distinction. We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate your predecessor, Mr. Didier Opertti, for the exemplary manner in which he conducted his duties. Israel warmly welcomes the admission of the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga to the United Nations. With the day of our own entry into the United Nations still fresh in our minds, we in Israel share in the celebration of this momentous occasion. Today’s event shows that the family of nations appreciates the unique contributions these young nations will bring to the international community. The French continental Jewish philosopher Emmanuel Levinas has stated that one’s entity becomes truly complete at the moment it engages itself with the Other. As participants in the decisions and dilemmas of the international community, these newborn States have reached this historic milestone. Having ourselves joined the family of nations only recently, and after centuries of yearning, we in Israel feel a special solidarity with this occasion. Indeed, our ties to the nations of the Pacific are deep, solid and long-standing. We wish the peoples of the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga the best of success and prosperity, and look forward to their full and active participation in the work of the United Nations.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item.

The Assembly will now hear an address by the President of the Republic of Kiribati. Mr. Teburoro Tito, President of Republic of Kiribati, was escorted to the rostrum.

On behalf of the General Assembly, I have great pleasure in welcoming the President of the Republic of Kiribati, His Excellency Mr. Teburoro Tito, and in inviting him to address the Assembly. President Tito: I join others in extending congratulations and best wishes to you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency. I bring warm greetings from the Government and the people of Kiribati, and on their behalf I thank you all most sincerely for allowing Kiribati to become the 186th Member of the United Nations. This is a historic moment for our people, a moment they have eagerly anticipated for the past 20 years. The whole nation is thrilled and joyful as Kiribati takes its boti in this world maneaba. I would like, on behalf of the people of Kiribati, to convey our heartfelt gratitude to the President and members of the Security Council for recommending our admission to the General Assembly. I would also like to express our gratitude to the General Assembly, and in particular to the Chairpersons of the five Groups — namely, the African States, the Asian States, the Eastern European States, the Latin American and Caribbean States, the Western European and other States — and to the Ambassador of the United States, the Ambassador of the Federated States of Micronesia as Chairman of the forum, and also the Ambassador of Israel. I thank them all for their words of welcome and good wishes. It is also my distinct pleasure to congratulate my Pacific neighbours and friends, President Rene Harris of the Republic of Nauru and Prince Ulukalala-Lavaka-Ata, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence of the Kingdom of Tonga. I am very happy that the number of Pacific countries represented at the United Nations has increased, and — who knows — we may soon have our own Pacific grouping in this great Organization. Please also allow me, in referring to the greatness of this Organization, to pay my respects to the founding fathers of this world body for their remarkable initiative and to those who have contributed to the development About two months ago we celebrated our twentieth anniversary of independence. The occasion commemorated two decades of nationhood since our gaining independence after 87 years of being a British protectorate. It also symbolized our sense of maturity as a nation, and we perceive this event today as a continued manifestation of that maturity. Our admission to the United Nations today reflects our future direction as a nation ready to become more actively involved in international affairs. As a small island State, we have learned that our own responsibilities and efforts to survive and develop as a nation will always be subject to events happening in the world around us, to the extent that a small ripple within the global economy can translate into tidal waves in our small and fragile economy. In the same vein, certain policies of international financial institutions can easily frustrate many of our development aspirations. Similarly, a small disturbance in the balance of atmospheric gases as a result of other countries' activities is more than enough to cause exceptionally high tides that inundate large parts of our low-lying coral atoll islands, destroying the very source of our livelihood as a people and a nation. Another serious concern for Kiribati relates to the different perceptions of concepts such as globalization, privatization, free trade and the like. The industrialized world argues that trade liberalization and foreign investment are the answers to the problems of the developing countries. We are repeatedly advised to introduce policies that would encourage large multinational foreign companies to invest in our respective countries so as to improve the standard of living of the people and, more importantly, to pave the way for rapid development. Regrettably, most of the international bodies we rely on for essential development assistance tend to believe that the above are the solutions for us. It is a pity that there is no analysis of the root causes of our developmental difficulties — and yet we receive abundant prescriptions for remedies that would in the long run allow foreign entities to control our economies and deprive us of our ability to decide for our countries and In this connection, we would like to request this body and other international bodies to be more sensitive to the need for a more balanced approach. We believe that as the world approaches the new millennium with greater hopes for freedom, peace and prosperity, there is a greater need for a more democratic and consultative approach and for a more united and more proactive United Nations in order to further advance the common goals of development and deal with the common threats jeopardizing global peace and the global environment. On the question of sustainable development, it is pleasing to note that in a few days this body will convene a special session to address the issues of small island developing States and to review the progress in the implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action. In my view, this is a step in the right direction towards enabling the United Nations to strike the balance desired by all Member States. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank the international community for its concern for the plight of the less fortunate and more vulnerable Members of the United Nations. Obviously, these issues cannot be addressed overnight, and I have faith that with sincere commitment and cooperation this body will resolve them eventually. We eagerly look forward to taking our place, contributing to this world maneaba and participating in the shaping of international and global dynamics that will have an impact on our economies and people. I also believe that the United Nations community will continue to uphold and cherish the noble principles and values foremost in the minds of those who dreamed about this great Organization and formulated the United Nations Charter more than 50 years ago. It is our sincere hope that in joining the United Nations and the international community, we will contribute, even if in a very small way, to the enhancement of the life of all peoples and the creation of a better planet for future generations. May God bless the United Nations and may

On behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the President of the Republic of Kiribati for the statement he has just made.

The Assembly will now hear an address by the President of the Republic of Nauru.

I have great pleasure in welcoming the President of the Republic of Nauru, His Excellency The Honourable Rene Harris, and in inviting him to address the General Assembly. President Harris: I should like to take this opportunity to extend heartfelt congratulations to you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly this afternoon. On behalf of the people of Nauru, I extend to the Assembly our warmest greetings of friendship — as we say in Nauru, ekamawir omo. Thirty-two years ago, Nauru stood before the United Nations Trusteeship Council for the first time and called for it to recommend to the General Assembly that the Trusteeship Agreement for Nauru be terminated on 31 January 1968. In our struggle towards independence, the people of Nauru had become aware that it was only through the United Nations that their right to self-determination could be successfully heard, with application of the principles of universality and equality between nations. Nauru has since continued its beneficial relationship with this body through membership of a number of United Nations specialized agencies. Although we are few in number, and our domain is relatively small, we have always been grateful for God’s kindness to us. We affirm this through our national coat of arms, by which we declare that in all we undertake, we shall do so with God’s will first. In the new millennium, these changes will add an immeasurable threat to the very existence of small island countries like Nauru and to the very survival of complete island cultures such as people of Nauru. We believe that nowhere can we make our call for international equity stronger than in the United Nations. We are convinced that there is no higher avenue to securing a safe haven on this earth than here at the United Nations. We are fortified by the knowledge that we can make no greater appeal than to the United Nations for our right to build Nauru so that present and future Nauruans can continue to proudly call Nauru their home. We are all the more privileged today in assuming our rightful place in the family of nations. We congratulate our Pacific neighbours, the Republic of Kiribati and the Kingdom of Tonga, in joining this body and serving to strengthen the voice of small island developing countries. The family of Pacific countries that is the South Pacific Forum is intrinsically a peaceful one, although challenged by many developmental constraints. These constraints are due in part to nonexistent economies of scale, distance from major markets, environmental vulnerability and lack of resources. Also, as the smallest member of the United Nations, in terms of both territory and population, one of Nauru’s greatest challenges is in rehabilitating the 75 per cent of the island that has been mined of its phosphate deposits, the single most significant natural resource of Nauru. With the imminent exhaustion of these deposits, Nauru would welcome the support of the international community in addressing the twin challenges of economic diversification and physical rehabilitation. Furthermore, Nauru cannot but voice its increasing awareness of threats to the long-standing peace it has enjoyed in the Pacific region. Fundamentally, any Indeed, Nauru cannot but notice that in today’s global economy the challenges to small island countries encompass economic, political and, increasingly, security issues. It is all the more crucial that the principle of equality between all nations, large and small, developed and developing, be an integral factor in shaping a more effective and egalitarian United Nations for the new millennium. The United Nations therefore faces unique challenges for which it should develop innovative solutions, fundamentally shaped by common interests in peace and progress for all mankind. The founding father and first President of Nauru, Sir Hammer DeRoburt, said in concluding his address to the Trusteeship Council in 1967, in our unique Nauruan language, “Thank you for helping Nauru, and we wish your organization good fortune and success in the work it is doing and it is seeking for the good of the world.” For 31 years since, we the people of Nauru have enjoyed independence under the sovereignty of the Republic of Nauru. We the people of Nauru now stand ready to play our part in the family of the United Nations. Thank you, and God bless the United Nations.

On behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the President of the Republic of Nauru for the statement he has just made.

I now have the pleasure to invite the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence of the Kingdom of Tonga, His Royal Highness Prince Ulukalala-Lavaka- Ata, to address the Assembly. Prince Ulukalala-Lavaka-Ata (Tonga): Congratulations on your election, Mr. President. Let me assure you of Tonga’s support in the future. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Kingdom of Tonga and, in so doing, to convey our appreciation for the statements made by Ambassador Legwaila, on behalf of the Group of African States; Ambassador Vural, on behalf of the Group of Asian States; Ambassador Topic´, on behalf of the Group of Eastern European States; Mr. Pappalardo, on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States; Ambassador Ingólfsson, on behalf of the Group of Western European and other States; Ambassador Burleigh, on behalf of the host country; Ambassador Sigrah, on behalf of the South Pacific Forum; and Ambassador Jacob, on behalf of Israel, all welcoming Tonga on its admission to membership in the United Nations. I should also like to express the Kingdom’s gratitude to the General Assembly for favourably considering our application to take our place here. It is of added, special significance that we embark upon this journey together with two of our Pacific neighbours, Nauru and Kiribati. We are the last remaining Kingdom in the Pacific region, with a small but resourceful population. Our journey is similar to those of our Pacific neighbours — many years ago our forefathers traversed the mighty expanse of the Pacific Ocean and established settlements on the scattered islands of the Pacific. These endeavours culminated for us on 4 June 1970, when Tonga re-entered the comity of nations. On that day we became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and acceded to a number of treaties and conventions that were concluded under several formal arrangements of yesteryear. Not long afterwards, we became a signatory to the first Lomé Convention, concluded between certain African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the European Union. Indeed, we were also a signatory to three other Lomé Conventions and, together with our African, Caribbean and Pacific partners, are now engaged in negotiations with the European Union on a possible successor arrangement. Since 1970 we have been a full and active member in almost all of the specialized agencies of the United Nations, which reflects our focus on sectoral prioritizing. However, the time has come for us to take a more proactive part and play a fuller role at the highest level, and in so doing broaden our scope and outlook on the international scene. The Kingdom therefore celebrates its admission as the newest Member of the United Nations. From a regional perspective, we maintain a passion for solidarity with our Pacific neighbours on issues of mutual concern, in particular those concerning the long-term preservation and protection of our environment, the thoughtful management and conservation of our shared ocean resources and the sustainable economic development of our islands. As a small island country, we recognize that developing a strong economy on a sustainable basis will not come easily because of our acute vulnerability, which has been fashioned as much by nature as by the vagaries of market forces far beyond our shores. We have benefited in our economic development endeavours due to assistance from the international community through bilateral and multilateral programmes, as well as from the resource transfers of our nationals living abroad. These have been underpinned by a finely tuned set of economic policies that change, as they must, in the face of a new global economic equation, and also because of domestic realities. Nonetheless, history has taught us the value of our human resources development and the value of the preservation of our culture and traditions, all of which are predicated on respect within our society. These values have coexisted side by side with the policies of economic development, thus enabling our small nation to remain vibrant and independent. We know we are not alone and that these are experiences shared in our region. It is fitting, therefore, that the issues that have an impact upon small island developing States and on the lives of our peoples should be addressed at the General Assembly’s special session on small island developing States. We are committed to this process and recognize that the understanding and cooperation of all Members is crucial to reaching meaningful outcomes to meet the aspirations of our peoples. In our application for admission to the United Nations, I, on behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga, Finally, I would like to commend the Secretary- General, Mr. Kofi Annan, for his leadership and ongoing efforts to strengthen and revitalize the Organization to better face the challenges of the new era. We wish him well and look forward to contributing to the work he has already begun. I am grateful for your patience this afternoon, Mr. President, and wish Member States well for the fifty- fourth session of the General Assembly and for the forthcoming special session on small island developing States.

I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence of the Kingdom of Tonga for his statement. I should like to announce that the flags of the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga will be raised at a ceremony that will take place in front of the delegates’ entrance immediately following the adjournment of the second plenary meeting this afternoon.