S/PV.2918 Security Council

I thank the representative of Dermcratic Yemen for the kind words he addressed to me. Mr. BAG3BNI ADSIT NZJzEN&YA (Zaire) (interpretation from French) t On behalf of my delegation, Sir, I congratulate you most warmly on your accession to the presidency of the Council for the month of April. It is siqnificant that ft is under your presidency that the &curity Council has just unanimously voted in favour of recommendlnq the admission of the Republic of Namibia as the 160th Member of our Orqanisation. Your country, Ethiopia, has played a particularly historic role in the process of decolonization in Africa. In Qrovidinq the headquarters of the Organisation of African Unity since 1963 antf the headquarters of the f?conoQiC Wmniseion for APrica, your country has made it Qoesible for AOrican leaders to qet together often to 8ouide upon measures that , with the help of the international community, have led to Namibia’ 8 independence. Please be assured of my dolegation’s full cooperation during your term of offtce. In a88ition, Sir, I wish to express my qreat respect for the remarkable, ecpete??t wary in which your predeceenor, Ambaeeeclot AMalla Saleh Al-Aahtal of the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen, conducted the Council’s work for the month of March, to the CafiQlet6 sstisfection of all its membera. Ever since the adoption on 29 September 1978 of resolution 435 (19781, embodyirq the United Nations plan to btifu7 independence tn the Namibian peonle, the (Mr. Bagbeni Adeito Nzeiweya, Zaire) Security Council has played a leading role in the matter. Aiming at a Peaceful resolution of the question of Namibia , the Council began a large-scale endeavour in support - although 12 years later - of General Assembly resolution 2145 (XXI) v of 27 CWober 1966, which terminated South Af rica*s Mandate over the Territory of Namibia. I must also refer to the contribution also made to the buildinq of that nation w the International Court of Justice , which on 21 June 1971 handed down its advisory opinion that South Africa was under an obligation to withdraw its administration from Namibian territory. Although it is a lonq time eince 1978, the Security Council has shwn perseverance in seeklnp tc implement its decision, takinl the most appropriate eteps, such as the setting up of the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) by its resolution 435 (1978), and it has spared no effort to prom& the chances of peace and dialogue in southern Africa. It was in that context that the tripartite negotiations were carried Out. Those negetiatbns, encouraged by the members of the Security Council and supported bv the African States, ircludirq my own country , Zaire, culminated in the creation Of a climate of confidence in southern Africa which was the basis for Namibia’s qainirq independence and which justifies its request for admission to membership of the United Nations. (Mr. Baqbeni Adeito Nzenqeya, Zaire) This is the place for my delegation to pay a well deserved tritw te to the Secretary-General, Mr. Javiet Perez de Cuellar, for hia skill and tenacity in dircharqinq hi5 noble 15iaaion of lc8dinq Namibia to independence. To all hi5 a88ociatea closely involved in the transitional operation in Namibia, my deleqation expresses sentiments of profound recoqnition. MY cOUntrYI Zaire, hails Namibia'5 entry a5 the next Member of our Ctgani55tiOn, in which it la called upon to play within the concert Of nation9 a dynamic role that may lead its neiqhbour St8te South Africa to emulate its example in the building of a similar multiracial nation. We address to the heroic people of Namibia our sincere beat wishes for eucceae in its atruqqie to preserve the territorial inteqrfty of its country in accordance with Security COUncil reaOlUtibn 439 (1976) and In its effort8 to ensure the harmonious economic and social development of ita country. In conc!luaiOnr my delegation expresses the hape that the Security Council resolution recommendinq Namibia’s admiaaion will receive the enth~aiaatic 8uPPOrt of the General Aaeembly at it8 eighteenth special session so that Namfbfe will tnueed become the 160th Member of our Orqanizetion. The PRe3IDR+Tr I thank the representative of Zaire for the kind word8 he dlreaaed to m. Mr, ESSY (Cote do Ivoire) (interpretation f tom French) t When the African Reads of State qathered in Addis Ababa on 25 May 1963 to establish the Otqanizati0n Of African Unity, their primery objective was to atruqqls to achieve the total decolonisation of Africa and to put an end to all racial diaariminationr notably anortheid. It is therefore particnlarly aiqnificant that a felicitou!, happenotancfe 55~ to it that it would be you, Sir, the cepreeentative of the country that Pbye hOet to (Hr. Essy, C!ote d@Ivoire) Implementation of the bclaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, and President of the Seduritv Council for the month of April, would be directing our work to realize not only the emerqence of a new State on the international scene but also, and above all, fulfilment of the aspirations of the foundirq fathers of the Organization of African Unity and of the African peoples to bring about the decolonisation of the African continent. My delegation is sure that, thanks to your qreat political experience and Your exceptional professional qualifications, the work of the Council during this month will be crowned with euccess. I would express to your predecessor , the Ambassador of Democratic Yemen, He. Al-Ashtal, our fullest appreciation and admiration of the professional competence and the judicious manner in which he conducted the work of the Council durim the lPonth of Match, a month in which we did a qceat deal of work. It is a souece of particular satisfaction to see that, along with the many ccmplex questions often debated by the Council in a tense atmosphere, Council membera are ecmetimes present at a positive event such as the adnisebn of a State to the United Nations. The Security Council, which hae through its resolutions and decisions played a major role in the peaceful transfer of power to a united, free and independent Namibia, hae just unanimously adopted a historic resolution recommending Namibia’s admission to the United Natione. The honour and joy felt by Cote d’ Ivoire on this blessed day is explained by the fact that for ue# the people of Cote d’fvoire, the Republic of Namibia is not just another nation among nations1 it is a sister nation within the great African family that is today eeeiflq the consecration of the couraqeous struggle waged by it8 people to vindicate its riqht to diqnity and national sovereiqnty. It was with (MC. Essy, Cote d’lvoire) Ouch &mgUish that Cote d’hoire followed the many alternations in the struqqle of Namibia for independence. It ia thus quite natural for us joyously to hail the successful conclusion Of the Liberation strugqle, which is coming to an end in peace, with unity reqained, thus bearinel wjtness to the determination and maturity of the Namibian people and its CspSCity to OVeLCOIne, throuqh dialogue and neqotlation, all the differences, thus enabling a democratic, peace-lovinq State to emerqe. It is a source of acuta ‘pain to recall on this day of joy the colonial history Of Namibia and the hcpea, disappointmiants and frustrations our Orqanization has felt since the adoption of resolution 435 (1978) as it has osycholoqicallv prepared itself to welcome an independent Namibia in its midst. That has now been accomplished, and better late than never. This is the place and time to PaV tribute t0 the magnificent job done by epecific bodies of our Orqanization such as the United Nations Council for Namibia and the Cammtttee of 24, and the tireless efforts they in particular have made throughout the long strugqle to brinq in&?endence to Namibia. The troops of the United Nations Transition Assistance Croup WNTAO and the civilian units that participated in the great adventure of the daaroaretic dacolonization of the last bastion of colonialism in Africa are worthy of our fullest admiration for the remarkable way in which they diacharqed their tasks under tryirrq conditions. It was a noble mission indeed. Soarcely a few years ago, in the context of internatFona1 relations then dominated by doubts and sceptictam, in his statements and reports to the General Assembly our Secretary-General never getled t.o mphaeize the tieiqce ic>s te be played W the United Nation8 and its capacity to confront and cope with the many challenges the world over. (Mr. Esay, Cot@ d* Ivoire) If it enjoyed the confidence and support of the Member States, the success of the operation carried out in Namibia by the United Nations, which history will record as one of its qreatest achievements , confirms the forward-lookinq vision he had then with regard to the data and factors that fashion the evolution of the world in which we live. This success is his successr just as it is the e*iccess of the team that assisted him day by day in times of extreme tension t5at marked the various stages of that l 8ui qenerfsY operation. Objectivity Compels us to acknowledqe , with reqard to the present authorities of the former adminstering Power, that they have indeed shown the merit of co-operatinq in the final phase of the process of bringing independence to Namibia in orderly and diqnifiea circumstances and through demcratic institutions. The difficult economic context in which Namibia is accedinq to independence renders all the more complex the future battles to be waqed b the Namibian people and its Governmsnt as they seek throuqh dialcgue to secure territorial inteqrity and to succeed in economic an9 sccial development. Cote d*Ivoire joins in the appeal launched by the President of the Security Council, in keepinq with resolution 683 (1989) of 31 October 1989, for qenerous material and technical SuppOKt fOC the Namibian people, which we are convinced is prepared to ll&flize, alonqeide other peoples, to face and cope with new non-military threats to peace: unemployment, druqs, the absence of development , third-world indebtedness and destruction of the environment. The a&nission of the Republic of the Namibia will confirm - there can no be universality. With impatience and much Sope, we await the admission of the 160th Member of our Orqanization. The PRRZIDENTr I thank the representative of Cote d*Ivoire for the kind words ha addresaad to me and my country. Ht. PI(xmING (United States of Ametical: I would fitst like to congratulate you, Sir, cm yout aeeumption of the presidency of the Council and to &ssure you that we look forward to working closely with you this mnth. I would in addition like to thank your predecessot, Ambassador Abdalla Saleh Al-Ashtal of Democtatfc Yemen, for his enormous contributions to our work last month, when he wao President of the Council. The United States is especially pleased and proud to support Namibia’s application for membership in the United Nations. The matter w are discussing totlay is not just a routine formality but the outcome of 14 years of continuinq and determined effort in which LB played a role as a deeply enqaqed participant. Eegtnning with the formation of the Contact Gtoup in 1976, we joined with others in working to create the aqreements that ultimately led to the resolution of the conflict in Namibia. Two Americans, a diplomat and a military officer, qave their live8 in that effort. (Ht. Pickerinq, United States) As ue obaerve h& the Namibian people are preparing for their future, we are sure that our efforts were worth while. We are qretified to see that the Namibian people have created an excellent constitution , one which ensures them democracy and all of its benefits. It also appears that they will pursue sound, pragmatic economic principles. They have set themselves on a course of social tolerancer openness and forqiveness to heal the wounds of conflict. They will be warmly welcomed by all of us into this Organisation , which has had so uuch to do with their fttledom and independence. And we would like in that reqard to congratulate the Secretary-General cn the manner in which he, his staff, and all other United Nations personnel have acted in this regard. Waving helped brfnq Namibia to the threshold of the United Nations, we also pledge our continued Support to Wamibia as it establkshes itself in the community of nations. Namibia’s birth has been protracted and difficult, but it now appears that the star under which it comes into the world shines brightly. We have eve& hope for Wamfbia’ 8 succeesf ul future. The HIeSDDmTt 1 thank the representative of the United States for the kind words he addressed to me. Mr. pmq (Prance) (interpretation from French)t First of all, Sir, I should like to enter&I my delegation’s and my own conqratuletions to you on Ethiopia’s accession to the presidency for this month. We are very happy that Namibia’s admiseion to the United Nations is takirq place durirq the presidency of 1 wish to take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Abdalla Saleh Al-Ashtal for having guided OUT work during the past month. (Mt. nlanc, France) Out Council has just unanimously recommended to the anera Assembly that it accept Namibia’s application for membership of the United Nations which was addressed to the Secretary-General by President Nujom. In the view of the French delegation this meeting is of special importance for sevetal reasons. Fir,& of all, the admission of a new Member to the United Nations has become a rather rare occurrence; but above all it is because it is Namibia, for whose independence the United Nations has worked so long, that we are about to welcome here among us. And this so long awaited independence has come about after an operation unprecedented in our Organisation’s history. The quidinq principles of the operation had been defined in Security Council resolution 435 (1978). That resolution’s implementation , So efficiently ensured by our Secretary-General and his team, was followed very closely by the Security Council from April 1989. On this solemn oocaeion our thoughts are turned to the people of Namibia, who have struqqled so lonq for fndependence. Recently that people have demonstrated their responsibility and maturity , in particular by their massive participation in the November 1989 free and fair elections to choose a constituent assembly. And it was by consensus that that assembly adopted a democratic constitution which 13 fully in keeping with the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. In this connection, my delegation wishes to pay a tribute to the resolve and wisdom demonstrated by President Nujome. Accordingly, France warmly supports the application for membership submitted !zy e!?ikin~ We ace c+eciailv happy to welooii&! in our Organisation a new State from Africa, a continent with which arj country has long had close ties of f f iendship and coveration. (Mr. Blanc, Prance) France hopes that Namibia will benefit from the active support of the inPetn8tiOnal oommunity, particulatly thtouqh the United Nations, as it pursues its objectives in the field of economic and social development. For its patt , France will continue to do what it can to help in the attainment of those objectives. I cannot conclude without paying a tribute to the work done bv the Secretary-General and his Special Representative2 theft contribution was decisive in the successful conclusfan of the process of independence and the success of one Of t!he mOSt difficult operations ever undertaken by our Orqanization. Lastly, my delegation extends its warmest conqratula tfons and sincerest best wishes for success to the Sovetnment and the people of Namibia. The PBESIDENTt I thank the representative of France for the kind words he addressed to me. Mr. BEfiDNDQOV (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) (interpretation from Russian) 8 First of all, I should like warmly to conqrstulate an Africm COUnttY a friend of the Soviet Union and you personally, Sir, on acceding to the presidency of the Security Council at this time, which is indeed an historic one for the world cosmunity and for Africa. I wish you every success as you diecharqe your mandate. I should also like to extend thanks to the Permanent Representative of OelaboratiC Yemen, Ambassador Al-Ashtal, foe the exemplary manner in which he dischscqed his -date as President of the Council in March. Today’s msetinq of the Security Council on this item on the adiniaeion of the (Mr. Relonoqov, USSR) community to implement Security Council and General Assembly decisions, and it is an important step in the international political standinq of tnis younq State. On 21 March this year the last paqe in the colonial history of Africa was turned vhen Namibian independence was proclaimed and the last bastion of classic colonialism crumbled, General democratic elections were then held in Namibiar as a result of which the South West Africa People’s Orqanization (SWAP01 was qiven a mandate to qoverrl the country. This Namibian experience has shown clearly that the most complex problems can be resolved by political means0 if the efforts of the parties concerned and of the world community are bound toqether by a coaxnun qoal. From that standpoint, the freedom of Namibia is not only the fruit of the heroic efforts made bv the People of Namibiai it is also the result of international joint action based on new politPcal thinkinq. Namibia’s exarpple Is convincinq proof and evidence of the enhanced effectiveness of the United Nations and its Security Council and of the efforts of the Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar. (Mr. Belonoqov, USSR) There is one IIyIre important conclueian that we think can be drawn from this: the improvement in International relations makes it possible to work productively on findim settlements to regional conflict situations and breathes new life into the search for comprcnnise solutions based on a balance of interests. We have all witnessed the inception of far-reachirq charxjes in South Africa. The settlement of the Namiblan qrceotion offers qood prospects for the settlement through national conciliation of the internal conflict in Anqola( it also has an Influence on Mozambique. What is more - and th%a may be the ntoet remarkabla cf all the thinqs that await us in tha future - is that we have qlimPBcd tha beqiMtrrJ Of the process of the elimination of the system of racial segreqation in South Af KiCS. What will be requirea is a demonstration by all parties of consietenCY, patience and mutual un%e rstandi ng . The Soviet Union ia willinq to do all it can to prcarote this pzocess. I turn now directly to the Item that has brouqht us all together here today at the table of the Security Council. I take thio opportunity to ertend IV congratulations once again to the people of Namibia on the fulfilment ot their age-old dream. The Soviet Union has already declared that it will co-operate with the Government of the free and indapsndent Namibia. In supporting Namibia’8 request for membership of the United Nations, we are eltpteaeing Our belief that this youm -public, which will becon& the one hundred and sixtieth Member of the Organization, wit1 make a positive contribution to the multifaceted activities of the United Nations. The a~fzarn&blrF* -..- - I thank the representative of the Union of Soviet Socialfet Republics for the kind words he addressed to me and my aountry. Mr. EULlDN (United Rinqdon)r It ie particularly fitting that this meeting of the Security Quncll should be taking place under your presidency, Sir. Ethiopia was one of the four African founder Members of the United Nations and has (Mr. Fulton, United Kinqdom) played host for many years to the headquarters of the Orqanization of African Unity. The resolution we hnve just adopted is in nisny ways a milestone in the history of Africa: it is thus doubly appropriate that you should be in the Chair today. I should also like to pay a tribute to your predecessor for the way in which he quided the Council’s work in March. I was very qlad to have had the honour to vote, as I have just done, on behalf of ths Britioh deleqatfcn in favour of the admission of Namibia as a Member of the United Nations. As the Secretdry4enetal has said, the United Nations has had, since its inception, a special responsibility for Namibia. The independence of ?Waibia Is an event of great siqnificance both for scuthern Africa and for the Orqanisatfon. It marks the end of the colonial era in Africa and provides a portent for peace and reconciliation in southern Africa. It is also a major triumph for the United Nationa. It is right an this occasion to pay a tribute to the Secretary-Gsneral and to his Special Bepresentetive, Mr. Hartti Ahtisaarir in fulfillirrq their mandate from the Council they have successfully conducted one of the larqest united Nations operationa ever munted. Nor should we forget the contributions made to Namibia’s transit?on to indeoendsnce by others, fr@ all sidss of the political divide. For many years Britain has been deeply involved in efforta to brinq Namibia to indspendance. It is a source of particular satisfactia, that this cams about through the holdinq of free snd fair elections in fulfilment of the United Nations aettlememt plan. That plan was presented to the Security Council in 1978 tr/ the Western contact qroup, of which Britain wa8 a member. It has stood the test of tim well. So have the associated understandings neqotiated by the Sectetary-Qeneral and the oontact group between 1978 and 1982. I should also like to pay s tribute to the efforts of all thoat? involved in the neqotiations that (Mr. Fulton, United Kinqdom) culminated in the siqninq of the aqteemnt between Anqola, Cuba and South Africa in December 1988, which cleared the way for the implementation of the settlement plan. The elections in CJovember last ye.lrr , which took place under United Nation5 supervision, were a model of the democratic process in action. They were a great credit to the Namibian people and the spirit of reconciliation, which led to agreement on a Constitution more quickly than allwed for in the settlement plan. The Secretary-General has since reported to the Council that the Constitution reflects the Principles for the Constitution for an Independent Namibia adopted in 1982 by all the parties conoerned. The international community must now see to it that the new Republic of Namibia qets the best possible start. In addition to its substantial contribution to the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAQ - which included finance of so= $27 million, a siqnals unit, 50 election monitors and a team of finqerprint experts - Britain has made a major contribution to the repatriation effort of the United Nations High Commissioner for mfuqeee (UNHCR) and to the help for Namibia provided by the World Food Praqramme. On 21 March the British Foceiqn Secretary aII.nOUncd a bilateral aid packaqe of 516 million for commitment over three years. We have alreedy responded to requeets for help for the new Nsmibian Government, and are helping In education, the police, fisheries, and public-service reform. We are also providing military training for the new Namibian army. Our involvement will continue. Our bilateral aid will focus on technical co-operation and rehabilitation# we shall also be providing substantial asaietance throucjh multilateral channels, includiq the European Community and the Commonwealth Fund for Technioal Co-operation. (Mr. Fulton, United Kingdom) The Ccvernment of Namibia has left the Council in rm doubt of ita determination to play an active and constructive role on the international scene. We are very glad that Namibia has joined the Commonwealth as it8 fiftieth awtubet. We ettongly support its application for membership of the United Nations .md lock forward to workinq closely in the future with the Namibian deleqa tion. The FRESPRENT~ I thank the representative crf the United Kingdom for the kind words he addressed tc fm and my country. Hr. lY3RNUDD (Finland1 t May I first express my deleqation’e warcu ccnqratulations to you, Sir, on your aesumption of the presidency of the SecuritY bunCi1 foe the month of April. We Pledqe our full co-operation to you a0 you fulfil your responsible duties , and we are conf .dent that your leadetehip will eucceesfully advance the Ccuncil’e work during the current month. I wish alto to thank Ambassadcr Abdalla seleh Al-Aahtal of Deuocratio YeePen for the effective way he handled the presidency during the month of March. It ie a Lace pleasure nowadays tc admit a new Member State to the United Watione. It is an even rarer pleasure when the new State being recomended for merPbetdhip is a nation for whose free& and independeme the Otqanization has calPpai9ned for 80 lonq and so hard. Let me take this cppcrtunity to extend Finland’s warm conqtatulationa to the PeOPle end Government of NarPibia m their acceeeicn to independence. (MK. Toenudd, Finland) I am sure tihat Namibia will slake a qreat contribution to the work of the Orqanfaatbn. Many of its constituent Parts ace already very famili%K to Nmibians, who know the aork of the United Nations at fir%t hand. Succeaafu~ implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (19781, and the harmmy and goodwill displayed by Namibians in drafting a constitution for the new nation embodying constitutional principles that have stood the test of time, auqur well for the future of Namibia. finland 1% proud to have lent a hand to Namfbians in the cour%e of their long quest for freedom and fndependence. As a member of the Security Council, a5 a contributor to the United Nations Transition Assistance Gtoup, and a5 a member of the United ?&tfon% Council for Namibia, oe now have the tamense %ati%factfon of Witne%%inO the new nation of Namibia a8sufue Its riqhtful place at this table of natlone, the United Natione. My laatwords wfll only be; Welcolpeo Namibia. The BRES'IDENTc I thank the representative of Finland for his kid word% addreesed to f&e. Hr. LI WYE (China) (interpretation f tom Chinese) t At the outeet, I should like to congratulate you , sir, on yOUK aeeumptton of the presidency of the 8eourity Counuil for thie month. P am certain that you will discharge your important duties with distinction. At the same time, f should like to thank Ambeesador Al-Aehtal of Democratic Yemen for hi% sucee%%ful completion of the Counail’e heew work l%%t umth. m-1-.- ‘a rwua, *o 8 52; “L p m..u- -0 a*--* +y per me= (PO all vividlv remember thet, during the exeended period before t&afnibis became independent, the 8ecuKity Council Et%t On nuIM!rou% occaeiono to deliberate the situation In that country, which was then occupied by colonialiet rulers. ‘Ibday, the Republic of Nmlbia haa become a fact, and (90 are a95in qathered here to discues its apolicetion for membershiP in the United Nations. ThAt has a special significance indeed. The Chinese delegation wishes to express its sincere congratulationa to the Namibian people, which has just won its long-awaited independence, and wishes to bee Namibia abitted to membership in the United Nations. With one more Member, the United Nations will gain strength with fresh forces in its efforts to maintain world Peace* in keeping with the purposes and principles of the Charter. We Are convinced that the Republic of Namibia will contribute both to United Nations affairs And to the cause of humn progress. As the last remaining colony in Africa, Namibia’s declaration of independence marks the beqinnirrq of an era in which the continent is once &d for all liberated from colonial rule. This is a ma jot event of epochal importance and far-reachin imPACt, frcm which the international community can draw a qreAt deal of inspiration. fn order to win state independence and national liberation, the Namibian people carried out a tenacious struqqle over a lorq peri& and sustained enotmou8 aacc if ices. The people of the entire world hold the Namibian people and their leaders in hiqh reqard for their dauntless fiqhtinq witit and bravecv. Namiblen independence is the reeult of the protracted struqqle of the Namibian People. It is also inseparable from the viqoroua eupport of the African countries - the front-line countries in partfcular - the United Nations Council for Namibia and the international community as a whole. We would like to express our appreciation to the United Nations Secretary-General and the United Nations Traneition Assietanoe Group for their active endeavour in implementinq the NAmibiAn independence pian. The Chinese Covernlrant and people hAVe Always deeply svmpathized vfth And firmly supported the WAmibiAn people In its just etruqqle Aqsinst colonial domination And for national independence , and never wavered in their aonviction that the Namibian people’s just cause would triumph in the end. The fACt that (Hr. Li Luye, China) Namibia established diplomatic relations with the People'8 Republic of China immdiately after its independence indicate8 that the profound friendship between the Chinese and Namibian peoples, forge% over long years of COm00 struggle, will be further consolidated an% developed on a new foundation. Namibian in&pendence has added a new chapter in the annals of African history, and the iYamibian PWDle has also entered a new historical period. We are confident that under the leadership of President Nujoma the Government and the people of Namibia will achieve Still fbrther 8uoCe88e8 in their cause of maintaininq national independemce and builciimg their new-born nation. The PfBIDENTt I thank the representative of China for his kind word8 addressed to me. Mrs. CASTAWO (Colombia) (interpretation from Spanish)t Sir, my delegatim is DIeage% that you have aseumed the presidency of the Security Cauhcil for the mnth of April. We sre especially pleased that an African country should have thus been honoured precisely at the mment w8 are aCCePtinq Namibia’6 application to become the 160th State Member of the United Nations. Futthemre, we welcome the fact that Ethiopia should now hold the presidency of the Cwncflr foe it is a country with which we are bound bv close ties Of friendship and Cooperation, in addition t6 it8 beinq a fellow ummber of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. We are also pleased that Ambassador fadesse should be the person holdinq that office. His long career in the public service of his oountxv, and his proven skills a8 a negotiator aud dipiornot l giidt&-,Lde ;‘S$ZC 25: *ho Pnam~4l*p crack. --.w ---____ - we wish to take this opportunity to enprese our apprecietion to Arabama%or Al-Aehtal, PGrmnent Representative of Demo0retic Yemen, for his ex8mplary guidance of this body durirq the difficult month of March. (Mrs. Castaflo, Colombia) In the majority of cases, the Security Council meets to debate issue5 of international concern when the Peace and security of the world are threatened. Rarely does it have the opportunity to meet for purposes as pleasant 69 that of celebrating the aaission of a State aa a new, fully-fledqed Member of our Organiza tfon. We are dealing here with a very special case. The United Nations is opening its dooea to a State to which it haa en’iended solidarity, nffort and work for over 23 years, a State at whose people’s side we heve stood in it3 atruqqles and dream, ad with which we are now climbing the first step l@adinq to the forum of the United Nations. For over 20 years the Council for Namibia protected the riqhtB and inte?88ta of the Namibian people, administered its affairs, and strove to emute representation for its People by tralninq ite future leadera. Above all, the Council for Namibie has helpe% it In its quest for ways to brfnq about the WitMrarPal of South Africa and to achieve independence, f reedcm and self -Betermina tion. Colombia had the qood fortune to be a member of the Council foe Namibia, and in that way observed at first hand that historic process of ettuqqle for the freedom of the Namibian People, We are ov8Ccome with joy, as all aret but We feel a Certain Pride in knowing that we have made our own, albeit mOdest, Contribution a OUI Oqanization’e gigantic endeavour , toqether with the People of Namibia and the Eeeolute support of brotherly African countrfee, which led to t haPPY concluebn on 21March, when ln%ependence was declared. Today is a Gay of joy and qratitulle for the United Natione. The effort un%ertaken moee than two deca%es aqo by the Unite% Nations fe reaching a BUCi?eBBfu~ conclusion. This is the tirrre to thank the Secretary-General, who, with dedication, skill and aetuteness, guided. Namibia’s transition, It is the time to recocinlze the WCs. CaStaflo, Coloinbla) major role played by the Security Council in adoptilq the resolutions that in turn provided for an end to South Africa’s mandate over Namibia, lent legitimacy to the struggle of the Namibian people aqafnet South Africa*e presence cm its territory, and declared illegal the steps taken by the Govetnmant of South Africa on behalf of Namibia. Pacticulat mentian must be made of Security Counci.1 resolution 432 (1978), which declared that the territorial inteqrity and unity of Namibia had to bs assured throuqh the reinteqcation of Walvis Bay within its territory. We aho extend Out a&wCeciation to the General Assembly for its steadfast vigilance and support for Namibia’s struqqle for its independence and freedom. (Mrs. Castallo, Colombia) Ws must pay a special tribute to the heroic people of Namibia who, under the wise leadership of President Sam Nujoma, have been successful in winning and keepinJ the support ancl crolidarity of the international community because their ideas were on the side of justice. That people, led with diqnfty, militancy, determination and wisdom by the South West Africa People’s Orqanization (SWAmI v have al80 enjoyed the resolute backing of fraternal countries throuqhout Africa. Lastly, bdaY is a day of happiness for the Security Council. We are meeting to recoammd the a&iissiOn of the Republfc of Namfbfa as the 160th State Member of the United Nations. We are gathered here to salute its arrival in Our midst, certain that the same support it won in its strugqle for free&m will new be qiven it to k-p intact a strong, independent and sovereign State that will be the master of itS Oun destiny in order to foster the kind of economic and social devefoment that will provide for its pe@e the well-beilrq and happiness they have hitherto . been denied. Welcome, Namibia. The PRES IDmTz I thank the representative of Colombia for her kind words addressed t0 IPB and to my country. Hr. MKW’RhNLl (Roniania)t f am very pleased to congratulate You most COCaiSliYy, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security COUnCil for the aurrent mOnth. My delegation trusts that under your able quidance the Council will elterotse ite hiqh reaponslbilitiee in a most eatlefactorv manner. I also wish t0 enpress once w)re my Belegation’ hLggh appreciation for the excellent performance of Ambassador Al-Ashtal 88 President of the Council last =nth. The achievement of nattonal independence hae always been the most sacred a&ration of any pe0ple. At: one tirPe Or another every nation has had to q0 thruuqh suffering and sacrifice before enjoyinq the fulfilment of that noble aspiration. The Namibia people are no exception. Their path towards independence was not an easy one. Therefore, when independence cacao three weeks aqo the people of Namibia had every reason to feel proud and happy and to celebrate that qreat: rpoment in their hietocy. Nor were they alone in celebratirq that historic event. Hiqh officials from all over the world gathered in Windhoek on 21 March to share the feelinqs of fulf tlment of the Namibian People. Today, we have just witnessed in the Council another fmportant event in the life of the newly independent nation of Namibia. In the resolution just adopted the Security Council, actino on the request of the President of the Republic of Namibia, recommends the admission of that countcy to membership of the United Nations. Fop: all of UsI the Namiblan request for United Nations QWnber&ip ilWi&~~te~y after its proclamation of independence is fully understandable. In no other previous instance has the United Nations been so deeply involved in the birth of a nation. In fact, for almost a quartet of a century the world Orqanization fuLly identified iteelf with the struqqle of the Namibian people for izuiependenoe. In that connection I wish to pay the warmest tribute to the Secretary-General for his outetandinq contribution ta the successful outcome of a most comple% and difficult pcoces~, one that eventually led to Namibian independence. Romania, for which the idea Of national independence has always been a way of exietence, ha8 firmly aid& f corn the very outset, toqether with many other countciee, with all United Nations efforts to er%ist the Namibian people to achieve their goale. Thus, my country hae been,direcely associated from the beqinning with . rne ~GLAVACA=O W- -A * --a AA-- -0 t+ r&(ted Natbne Councit for Namibia, which played a prominent role in bringfrrq about the situation thet made the Windhoek celebratiOne of 21 March and today’s meetfnq of the Council possible. My country also had the pcivileqe of bein one of the sponsors of Security Council resolution 395 (1976), which called for free elections under the (Mr. Munteanu, Romania) aupervieion and control of the United Nations as a means of enablimq the people of Namibia freely to determine their own future. The mesaaqe from the President of the Provisional Council of National Unity, Ion Iliescu, to the President of the Republic of Namibia, Sam Nujoma, on the day of the country’s independence expressed the satisfaction of tha Romanian people at the happy outco!i& of the lone struqqle of the Namibian people against colonial rule and apartheid end for national diqnity and democracy. The emerqence of an indepetident Namibia is a historic and crucial event for the Namibian people, a8 well as for Africa and the whole world, and a major contribution to the ideala of peace , understandinq and co-operation amonq all nations. As a country which has firmly embarked u9ar the Path of a qenuinely democratic development baaed on individual freedom. political pluralism and the widest possible co-operaticn with all nations, Romania is convinced that its relation8 with Namibia, which have been raised to the ambassadorial diplomatic level and are based on a 10139 tradition of sympathy and ntutual soliderity, will further develop to the benefit of both nations. Mr. President, my delegation fully shares the sentiment6 of happineee and the conqratulatbns and support you conveyed on behalf of the Council to the Government and the people of Namibia on this auspicioue occasion. The PRESIDRNTI I thank the representative of Romania for his kind words addreeeed to me. Mr. FDRTIRR (Canada)* Allow me firet to conqfatulate Ethiopia on havinq aeeumfxl the presidency of the Council for the month of April. My delegation is very pleased indaed to see you, Sir, at the head of our table at thie important and crucial time. It ie also my pleasant duty to pay a tribute to our colleaque, Ambaesador Abdalla,Saleh Al-Aehtal of Democratic Yemen, for the eXeK@lary manner with which he presided over our deliberations durim the very bw fmnth of Hatch. (MP. Fottier, Canada) Canada takes special pleasure in eupporti~ this hietoria resolution today. It WW during our previous term on the Council that we had the honour of particfpating in the negotiations which led to the adoption of the United Nations eettlement plan for Namibia. Throughout the intervening years we remained fully c0annLtted to the implementation of the plan. We therefore take great satiafaation in preparing to welcome Namibia into the United Nations. The road to nationhood has been long and difficult, and the Namibian people must be warmly applauded for their courage and their commitment. The dignity and the determination with which they have embraced democracy is an inspiration to all who aspire to such freedom as well as to those who take such libertiee for granted. In exerrplary fashion their elected representatives worked assiduously and with cOmmon purpose t0 adopt a modei constitution that entrenches and guarantees a full range Of human rights. It Fe indeed an auspicious debut for the world’s youngest nation, and we welcorae the ewalsple they have set. We all have geod reason to be proud, for Namibian independence Is a viatory of the entire international. community. The implementation af the Nambian eettlenmt plan* involving two-thirds of the United Nations membership, has been a truly interna Mona1 ef f Ott. The Secretary-General, his Special Representative mrtti Bhtisaari, and all those who served with such distinction in the United Nations Transition Assistance GrOup must be congratulated for the outstanding mmaem with which they have fulfilled their mandate and the trust placed in them by the Namibian people and the @iember States of the United Nations. (Mt. Foctier, Canada) Dome 700 Canadians participated in UNTAG as military personnel, Civilian police lmd electoral experts and supervisors. Many more supported the stcuqqle of the Namibian peo,?le throuqh their work with churches and non-qovernmental orqanizetions. political indePel&?nce is, however, but the first step. As Nac:ibia embarks upon the road of nationhood it will look ta the continued support and goodwill of the interna,Lti . *I community to develop its economic and social infrastructure and to ensure L 2 : . . i:’ CLtiarL- LI>)OY the riqhts and freedoms for which th y have struqqled 50 valiarr c 1.;’ I (u? therefore pl;raeed to inform the Council that in the current year Canada will provide mce than $4 million in development assistance to Namibia throuqh the United Nations, the C’..monwealth and Canadian non-qovernrmntal orqanizations. The initial projects include a major effort on immunization with the United Nations Children’s Fund WNICEF) , police training and drouqht relief. Additional projects will be developed in response to the United Nations Development Proqrcrmme donors’ con2erence in Jdne. In clOfJif~#, I want to express Canada’s pleasure and honour in having had the opportunity to work so closely with both present and past members of the Councilr the international commity and the people of Namibia in realizinq thie happy event. The reeoluticrn we have adopt&9 today is the culmination of decedea of r?edicated work by the Namibian people md the international community. It elf30 stands ao a powecful reaffitmtion of the fundamental principlee and purposes of the United Nation8 in Proartinq the peaceful reeoiution of threats to intirnetional peace and eeouclty through intaenaticmal dialoque &nd common action. The PRESIDEZJT: I thank the representative of Canada for his kind words eddreased to am end my country. Mt. ALAkQ)N DE QUEsADA (Cuba) (interpretation from Spanishlo f wish to say first, Sir, that my delepatlcn is very pleased to see you presidinq over our work. We are sonvinced that, with the benefit of your experience and skill, the Security Council will fully live m tc its reeponsibilitias this mcnth. We are particularly pleased to 8ee the repreeentative of Ethiopia, a country so closely involved in African independence and unity, presiding over a meeting with such significance in the overall etruqqle aqainet colonialism. 1 ~1~0 wish tc take this opportunity to carry out a pleasant duty - that Of Payiw a special tribute to Ambassador Al-Aahtal for the very effective way in which be guided the Council's work durlrr) March. The Council has just recommended the acrlnission of Namibia a8 a new Member of our Organization, a decisiar that comes at the beqinnirq of the Decade that the Organiaatbn ha8 proclaimed as the one in which we ahall see the total elimination of colonialism in all its for:as and manifestations. We ate confident that, as in the case of Namibia, atter 8UCh a long and eelflees struqqle, those peoples that still cannot exercise their inalienable rfqht to self+Ietermination and independence will one day, sooner rather than later, be able to do so. As previous Bpeakers have Said, this is the tfma to express recoqniticn of, and to comratulate, first, our Secretary-General, Mr. Javfer P6te2 de Cu&lac, and hi8 a88ociates. such a8 Mr. Ciouiai~, and the others at Iieadquertere who day after day sought the implementation of reeolution 435 (1978), and Particularly Mr. Ahtieeari, Mr. I&gwaila and General Ptem Chad, whan we are very pleased to see in this Chamber. They.amaqed tc do a compleff and very difficult job on the ground in eneurirq that the plan adopted by the Council in resolution 433 (1978) WaS fully and 8uccea8fully implemented. Other United Nation8 bcdies, particularly the (Mr. Alaccon de Quesada, Cuba) United Nations Council for Namibia and the Special Committee responsible for implementinq General Assembly resolution 1514 (Xv), the Declaration on the Grantinq of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peopies, over which you, Sir, so effectively preside, also deserve our recognition. For long years they took care of the legitimate interests of the Namfbfan people and sought to create the conditions in which that people might finally fulfil its main national aspiration - indspendence. Siowever, we also feel that ‘we should recognize the main factor that has brought us to this happy mItM3nt: the self less liberation struggle waged for so many years by the Namitsian people, headed by the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) . Xh that struggle SWAP0 enjoyed the active solidarity and backing Of Africa, particularly the front-line States, all the metiers of the Non-Aligned Uovemant and all those others arouud the world who have struggled to put an end to colonialism. Throughout that struggle Cuba, its people and Government have had the most solid fraternal ties with SWAPO, whic;r we gave our fullest material, diplomatic and moral auppport. Wq believe that that international solidarity, parLcular).y that of the People.5 Republic of Angola, given to the SWAP0 combatant8 for more than a decade, will always head the list whenever recognition is given to events in the long process leading to Namibia’8 independence. Angolane, Namibians and Cubans struggling together forged indestructible ties of friendehip and eolidari+zy, cofifirmed in the trenches at Cuito Cuanavale and the battles in south-wegt Angola. (Mr. Alarcon de Quesada, CU&) But if ve knew how to fight with determination on the battlefield, ve also knew how to conduct ourselves in the more constructive arena of consistent, patient diplomatic effort. So it was that we reqarded the siqnirq of the December 1988 aqreement8~ first in l3razzaville and later in New York, and the establishment of the joint Commission, made up of the People’s Republic of Anqola, the Republic Of South Af tiaa and the Republic of Cuba, as an undeniable contribution to that years-lortq diploma tic effort. Despite the major differences that separated the countries making up the Commission, ve felt that constructive joint action was taken, action that contributed slqnificantly to the iamlementation of, in particular, the Plan adopted by the Council at the beqinninq of &xi1 laet year. We are especially pleased that the whole process of combat and neqotiation has at last borne fruit with the very auspicious occasion that brings us toqether today. .- -.... .._ __. -_.. On 21 mr& we hailed the coming TV independence of a new State, and we established full diplomatic ties between our two Governments. We hope and expect, to the extent of our potential, to be able to contritite to the process the Namibian people ia now beqinning, the I?razess of rebuilding, of economic construction, of the building of a new life, drawing on a colonial experience that lasted too lon9 and was too bitter. In this aonnection the Security Council continues to have a responsibility we cannot dodge. The international community in general, and the Council in particular, must see to it not only that appropriate co-operation is qiven the Wamibisn people but also that everythirq possible is done to ensure that Namibia’s sovereignty, national independence and territorial integrity are guaranteed, including the reincorporation into it8 territory of Walvie Ray, as stipulated in a resolution adopted unanimously by this Council, resolution 432 (1978). Like all other members of the Security Council, we extend a cordial welcome to the new Member State, Namibia, and we thank youI Mr. President, for the maaterful way in whioh you are guidiq our deliberations. The PREsIDENl’z I thank the representative of Cuba far the kind worth he addressed to me and IBY count rY= The next epeeker is the representative of %razil, who wishes to make a steteteent an behalf of the States of the Zone of Peace and Co-operation of the South Atlantic. I invite him to take a Flat% at the Council table and to make his statement. MC. BA’yltlm (Eraziijr 6iir. Preeideentr aiiclw me ix3 tSt&fC & eXie3tGii@ to you our apprectation Ear 9iving us the opportuntty TV perticipate in thie debate on behalf of the States of the Zone of Peace and Co-operatidn of the South Atlantic. Way I also oongratulate you warmly on your assumption of the presidency of the (Mr. Batlsta, Brazil) Security Council for the month Of April and On the skill with which YOU have quided the Council’s work. Our thanks also qo to Ambassador Al-Ashtal of Pemocratlc Yemen for his efficient handling of the Council’s affairs In the month of March. I have the grectt honour and privilege to speak at this meetlnq of the Security Council especially convened to consider the application of Namibia t0 become a Member of the United Natfons, on which the Council has taken the historic decision unanimously to recofflmend Its acceptance to the General AssemblY. 1 have been asked, In my capacity as Co-otdinator of the 22 States of West Africa and South America members Of the Zone of peace and Co-operation of the South Atlantic, to express our great satisfaction and Pride at seeinq Namibia occupying its riqhtful place in the coramunib+ of nations. Namibia’s independence is a 9Oal that has in fact been with us for several decades as a fundamentaL case for the application of the principle of self-determinetirm worthy of our utmost attention and care. The long and overdue process of its accesston M statehOOd has to a great extent been the result of common resolve and of actions taken by the United Nations either through the General Assembly or thie body in support of the Namibian people’s unswerving and heroic determination to become free. The tnQependenee of Namibia certainly took lpUch longer than we desired or expected. It has been completed, however, in a peaceful, deamcratic and orderly way, in a manner which augurs well for its future as a peace-lovim.; Member of this Orqanization. We, the 22 States of the Zone of peaue and Co-operation of the Sau th Atlantic, feel partioularly Close to Namibia, a country which we nave aiways wneideE& a natural and inteqral part of the zone we decided to constitute with the blessing of the General Assembly in 1986. We are extremely Pleased to witness the oominq into reality of the expressions of hope ve then manifested that rePresentatives of a (Mr. Batieta, Brazil) frae aed in&pendent Namibia would be able to join us in the community of South Atlantic nation%. The States of the Zone of Peace and Co-operation of the South Atlantic will be meetiw again in Nigeria next June to evaluate the impleuentfou of the objective6 we set for ourselvee at our firet wetinq, in Rio de Janeiro in July 1988. We very nwrch hope that Namibia vill be in a position to be present at that meetirK! fn Weria as one of the first demonstraticns of its ability to exercise to the full the recently acquired prerogatives of stetehocd. I ehould like to place on record on this occasion the aongeatulatione of the Ststes of the Zoue to the Secretary-General foe the skilful %ud able umnnee in which he diachaeqed his responsibilities in the COUIBO of the independence ProceRs in Namibia. The Seeueity Council, %s ultiaretely responsible for this peocesf31 is aleO deseevtnq of pr%it?e foe iti consistent action m behalf of the Nnmibi%u peuplevs quest foe independence. Lastly, ve should be eemies if ve failed also to thank those Members of the United Nations vhich mad% a epecial. ccnteibution to the attainment of this lofty go%1 through their paeticipetion in the voek of the United Nations Counoil foe Nasibis 68 veil 89 in the United Nations Transition Aseistsnce Group (UNTAG). a PR~~IDENTI I thank the eepeeserrtetive of Brsail foe the kind word6 he addrewed to we The next epeaket ie the repre%ent%tive of South Af rice. I invite him to take % place et the cbuncil table MB to laake hia etetemnt. Me. SREARAR (louth Afeice) I Mr. President, it ie indeed appropriate that a eepreeentative of Afric% should pee%iBe over the Security C~unoil at the tim of Wamibia*e %pplic%tion foe mmberehip of the United Net&s. May I cougr%tulate you ar the w%y in which you have carried out your duties a% Pee&dent and vieh you succeae during the reaurininq term of your pr~idmcy. (Mr. Shearar, South Africa) It givea EPB g&t pleasure to :\oin those delegations that have spoken and Will speak today to wePconle Namibia’s application to become the 160th Member of the United Nations. It is with a qreat sense of achievement that the South Africen Govermnt hae participated in the lonq and arduous process that has enabled the neu Sbte & be born amid circumstances of considerable Promise. There are many who deserve thanks and appreciation for their sacrifices and the work they have done to promote the independence proceaa of Nmibia and to m&e it a reality, who have chiselled away at this unyieldinq reek in order ul,timatelv to make Peace a reality. In the process many of them gave their llves. They are not and shall not be forqotten. When he spoke in the South African Parliamnt on 14 and 15 March 1940, during the second readinq debate cm the Bill to recoqni.:e the independence of Narnibiar which was signed into law by the South African State President, Mr. F. W. de Klerk, on 20 Marah, the South African Minister of Foreiqn Affairs, Mr. 8. F. Bothar rerainded his audience a ‘Those who are familiar with the conplexities of the Namibian dispute would aqree with me that all the debates, confrontations and conflicts surroundinq this dispute did not in the end brtnq about a solution to the problem. The solution cakm about when we heeded the inatructiim in the Charter of the United Nations which requires that disputes be eettled pemef ully . l (Mr. Shearat, South Africa) Hs addad: “It is the earnest hope of the South African Government that this fundamental concept - the commitment to peaceful negotiation - will form the basis for resclvinq other conflicts in southern Africa and beyond. ‘T would like to express the hope that what has happened in Namibia will serve as an encouragement in the field of naqotfations to all the leader& in southern Africa to resolve the problems of the reqion in a peaceful manner. ” The intsrnational dispute about the administration of the Territocy is behind UB. Nataibia is now a free, independent sovereiqn State which has earned the recognition and qood wishes of the nations of the world and those of southern Africa, the sub-continent of which both it and South Af rice are &I tnteqral Part:, in particular. Progressive phases of internal self-determination have qiven the people of Namibia vital experience in self-qovernment at various levels. Over the years8 with the extensive concrete assistance and encouraqement of South Africa, they have worked together to produce an enviable infrastructure which will equip the new country for the challenqes that lie ahead in terms of economic development, towards a quality of life to which the people naturally aspire. We join the international oontmunity in the hope that the future of thie vast and beautiful land wiil be one of peace , security and ptoperity for all its people. My Government once aqaln wishes to make a serious appeal to that conrnuniry to recoeniae ths need for tangible assietance to be provided to Namibia as It joins the sommunity of nations. Now ta the time for a cormnitment from the United Nations and the international. community. P South Africa has during the ,protracted neqotiations over the past years derived particular satisfaction from beinq able - within the framwork of the new circumstances created by the trfpartite discussions with Anqole end Cuba and the constructive role of not only the United States of America and the Soviet Union but also several African Heads of State - to help initiate the final IoplexentatiM Of Security Council resolution 435 (1978). Close co-operation with them and, thereafter, with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and with the PoKce CcUmander of the United Nations Transition Assfstance Group (UNTAG), General Prem Chand, has demonstrated that where the political will exists negotiated solutions can be found to seeminqly intrsctable problems. In particular, I would recall the remarks of the Scuth African Foreiqn Minister on 15 March 1990: *At last, after years of tuesling with each other, I also want to convey my eincere qratitude to Mr. Hsrttt Ahtfsaari, the United Nations Secretary-General*s Special Representative, who, beinq between the devil and the deep blue ma, also brarqht his ship safely to shore. I also thank Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar. We were sometimes at serious loqqerheads with one another, but now that our troubles are over we may thank each other.* Mfmy of u8 have been touched in some way by the lonq Procaae which ha8 ied kla6Bibi.e to this day. Few have been 80 deeply involved for so long as the man who is now 8outh Af rlcan Foreign Wnister , or qiven so much of themselvee be he in his pursuit ovez 30 years of a fair eolutiarr to the aapirationa of all the t%ibPan peopbe. -L..- -e-e.. --a AL I wuid thsrefoere C~EM~ my ~124~8-4~ wLcla 6 :;fLeet?o:: =-f hit .hatahtn e _.___ )... - he Looked back over the paat, last monthr (Mr. Sheacac, South Africa) “They say that the Skeleton Coast was not so mch qiven that nama OVinq t0 its Gad-forsaken and inhospitable appearance. Inch by inch, the qiant sand dunes are continually beirq moved by the wind. Concealed skeletons are uncovered and covered up again by the wind - hence the name Skeleton Coast. In this way? all tha footprints of everyone who has ever walked there are wept away. To all uy colleaques who have walked with me throuqh the Namib: Your footprints of friendship will never be swept away, even after our skeletons have come to rest on the Skeleton Coast.’ The people of South Africa wish the Government and PeOPle of Namibia prosperity, happiness and stability. We lmk forward to a constructive and mtually rewardinq relationship with Namibia and with all the sovereign States in the southern African region. The ~RP~ID~TI The next speaker is Mr. Mustafa Aksin, Vice-President of the United Nations Council for Namibia, to whom the Council haa extended an invitation under rule 39 of the provisional rules of procedure. I invite him to take a place at the Council table and to make his statement0 Mr. AR810 (Turkey), Vice-President of the United Nations Council for Namibia2 Let QB at the outset, Sir, express to you our deev sense of eatisfaction at your oreeidency of the SecuCity Council at this important time. Your MtiOn’8 commitmnt to the principles of free&m, justice an8 equality needs no confirmation. Your country haa been involved intimately vith the reoucqence of Africa, and you personally, Mr. President, are the able and articulate Cheirmen of the Special Committee on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. Namibia’s freedom t&s cansi&trabLV lightened the riqours of your tesponaibilities, even as it has reflected the efficacy of your efforts. (Mr. Akein, Vice-President, United Nations Council for Namibia) We also express our appreciation to Ambassador Al-Aahtal of Democratic Yemen for the outstaudinq way in which he conducted the presidency of the Council last month. For the United Nations Council for Namibia this is a moment of both pride and humility. The truet plectJ in us by the international community 23 years ago stands fulfilled. We did not achieve this alone8 our efforts were inspired and inv:qlorated by the nolidarity the world community displayed on this critical issue. Above all, the vision, qrit and determination of the Namibian people themeelves qave w direction. The United Nations Council for Namibia provided a unique instance of international trusteeship. Its areation formelized e number of tenets and principles the Orqanizetion v&e built Won. Namibia offered a dramatic and tangible possibility to make those principles work in 8 precise, defined instance. Univereal acknowledgement Of staked interest in Namibia’s future underscored collective responsibility. Proqraauaee of international assistance and co+,peration compelled the realisation of the indivisibility of man. The oare and diliqence with which the oPten rocky and elwaye arduous road to independence wae &otiated made menifeet the essentiality of statesmanship, grace and reconciliation in the conduat of international r515tiOnS. On this last aspect, the role of the 8eourity Council has been of eseential value. Only last week, et one of its special plenary meetinqs in Windhoek, the United Nations eounoii far We=.,,- Ibar A%?lerod that the Becuritv Council had II . . . eesur& the critical implementation of its resolution 435 (1978) by the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UWTAGI for Namibia and its completion under the quidance of the Secretary-General.’ (Mr. Akain, Vice-President, United Nations Council for Namibia) It went on to assert that: I) . . . the fulfilment of this mandate is a tribute to the strenqth, resilience and capacity of the world body.” The Declaration of the Special Meetinq underscored the sharing by the Unit& Nations Council for Namfbia of I . . . the commitmen: of the world community that independent Namibia be assured of coopplete territorial integrity, security of frontiers, sovereiqnty over its resources as well as unhindered and equal opportunity for its citizens to realize their full human potenti* % It reflected the pride of the COQ.~ Al at the assistance it had been able to extend to the Namfbian people throuqhout its existence and, ” . . . While expressing deep appreciation for the qenerosity extended by f reedom-lovlnq peoplesa, went on to call upon all . . . . to address with equal fervour and concern the immense challeqes faciq the new nation. ” (Mr. Akein, Vice-President, United Nations Council for Namibia) The United Nations Council for Namibia has returned from Windhoek with a sense of joy and fulfilment. The sense of diligence and purpose with which the Namibian nation, under the leadership of its popular and democratically elected Government, ha8 embarked on the journey of self-rule has moved us all. Trust, vision and hope are the hallmarks of this proud people. We are qrateful for the opportunity we have had to share their voyage. We look forward to our nsw journey together, as fellow Member States of this comity of nations. In the concluding words of the Windhoak Declaration of the Council for Namfbfar “Today we celebrate the dawn of a new era and welcome the rise of a new star on the African continent. The Namlbian people have finally reqained liberty and are now worklnq towards the establishment of an equal and just society. “Namibia, we salute you. l The RlESIDENTt I thank the Vice-President of the Unfted Nations Council for Namibia for the kind words he addressed to mS and mY country* The nert speaker Is the representative of Mali, who Wishes to make a statement in his capacity as Chairman of the Group of African States for the month of April. I invite him to take a place ?It the Council table and to make his etatement. Mr. OIAKPTE Mali) (interpretation from French) # As Chairman of the Group of African Etates for the month of April, I extend our warm conqratulations to you, Sir, on your ‘accession to the presidency of the Security Council, and thank you sincerely for the opportunity you have given me to participate in this important consideration of the question of Namibia’8 admission %j ir~ii&iats;h?p Of the United Nations. (Mr. Diakite, Wali) Africa is proud to see a distinguished son of Ethiopia presiding oper the Security Council at a crucial moment in the history of our continent. Your country has spared no effort with a view to speeding r@ the process of the complete decolonization of Africa. During the long colonial night, Ethiopia’s material, financial and diplomatic assistance to the colonial countries and peoples of Africa vas never lacking. For example, it will be recalled that in 1960 Ethiopia, together with Liberia, initiated proceedings at the International Court of Justice against South Africa’s illegal ‘occupation of Namibia. And, finally, I extend to you, Mr. President, our whole-hearted thanks for your personal commitment to the strugqle vaged by oppressed peoples to free themselves from the colonial yoke. The members of the Special Committee cn decolonisation - that important body which You have presided over so successfully for many years - have been able to appreciate your courage and your xesolve. I also vish, through you, Sir, to congratulate the Ambassador of Democratic Yemen on the remarkable way in which he presided over the Council last month. On 21 Warch the Namibian people celebrated with joy and elation their country’s accession ti independence. All of Africa saluted that event, and many African Heads of State went to Windhoek to pay a tribute to the courage of a people that had made such enormous sacrifices to put an end to South Africa’s illegal colonial occupation. Namibia’s independence is the result of the armed struggle waged by the South West Africa People’s Organiza tion (SWAm) to restore dignity, freedom and equality to its country. The blood of the martyrs has not flowed in vain, for today the people of Namibia are the sole master of their fate. The road to Namibian independence was a long, difficult and arduous road. Durim the many years of struqqle the Ocqani?atir.n .\f ? *i-3*1 “--‘I-‘*, tea, frfint-line States and the United Nationa supported the cause of the Namibian people with (Mr. Diakite, Mali) de termination. Here I should like ti pay a heartfelt tribute to the Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellac , whose perseverance and coutaqe made possible the implementation of Security Council 435 (1978). Africa salutes also all the States Memcecs of the United Nations that, for these long years, made their contribution to Namibia’s liberation. Namibia’s accession to independence has not put a miraculous end to the suffering of the Namibian people. The young nation will for a lorry tifae bear the wounds inflicted by apartheid and colonialism. To remedy the situation it will be necessary to create jobs, to improve social and economic conditions, to build schools, health centres, housing. Also, in the interest of the Namibian people, agriculture, mining and fishing will have to ceqain their importance. We believe that the international community, given its historical responsibility for the country, should provide Namibia with sufficient aaslstance to enable it to Overcome the difficulties inherited from the long period of colonial exploitation and hence to set forth on the path to economic liberation. The Security Council, in keepinq with chapter X of its provisional rules of procedure, has just recommended that the Young State of Namibia be admitted to membership of the United Nations. So far as the States Members of the Orqanlzation are concerned, there could be no objection to this admission, because the applicant is, if I may say so, “the child of the United Nations”. Indeed, Namibia was under United Nations administration for over 40 years. That responsibility came to an end only on 21 March 1990, when the United Nations Secretary-General administered the oath to Mr. Sam Nu joma, the first President of the Republic of Namibia. In ConferrAn upon Namibia le9al personality at the international level, the United Nations believed that the State of Namibia was in a position to shoulder its international responsibfllties as a full-fledged He&er of our Orqanisatbn. That ia the point of view of Africa; it is also the point of view of Namibia. (Mt. Diakite, Mali) On behalf of the African Group, I thank the Security Council for unanimouslv reconunendinq approval of Namibia’s application for admission to membershio of the Uni ted Nations. Given Namibia’s qlorious past and ita people’s leqendary wisdom, we are convinced that the new State will make a real contribution to the United Nations. In wnclusion, I urqe the international community stronqly to sucport the territorial integrity and indivisibility of Namibial Walvis Bay and the offshore islands are indeed an integral part of the territory of Namibia. Africa will, as in the past , spare II) effort to ensure that Namibia will be able to cope with this new situation. The PBESIDENTr I thank the representative of Mali for the kind words he addressed to me and my country. As there are no other names on the list of speakers, I should now like, in my capacity as representative of Ethiopia, to make a statement on this solemn occasion when the Council has recommended that the Republic of Namibia be admitted to membership of the United Nations. On rare occasions such as the one afforded us today the Security Council discharqes the pleasant duty of accedinq to requests for membership bV newly emerqinq States. None the less, I submit that the request which the Council has just considered is unique in every sense of the word. (The President) It is unique not only because it marks the culmination of the lonq and arduous StrucNle of a people for freedom, justice and independence, but also because it is the end of a saga involving a trust betrayed and a process in which numerous resolutions were violated and few upheld. It is a unique occasion because it concerns an ex-colonial Territory over which the United Nations had assumed dir& juridical responsibility. It is unique because it pertains to a newly born nation in whose emergence the United Nations has played the significant role of midwife. For my own country, Ethiopia - which, alonq with the sisterly African Republic of Liberia, was in the forefront of taking the historic step of brinqinq the Namibia question to the International Court of Justice - the occasion is one that evokes emotions of all varieties. That this same country should, by a Pleasant coincidence of history, be presiding over the deliberations of the Council focussing on the admission of Namibia, is a matter of qreat satisfaction to me personally and to the country I have the honour to represent. As many of the previous speakers have mentioned, this happy occasim did not come about without human and material sacrifices associated with the kind of protracted armed struqgle which the heroic people of Namibia had to wage under the leadership of its vanquard movement , the South West Africa People’s Orqanization (SWAFO) . Without rancour or ill-feelinq towards those in the Territory who inflicted so much ar the people of Namibia - whose patience and tenacity is well known even to the most disinterested observer - we pay veil-deserved homaqe to all the sons and daughters of that land who have contributed to the struqqle for independence. Indeed, we pay a tribute to all of Namibia’s fallen heroes and to those who have lived to capture the commanding heights of independence and to witness this historic outcome. (The President) Those of us who had the pleasant opportunity to observe the election process in Namibia also know that the Namibian people was willinq to live and let live, to forgive and reconcile even with those who were not on its side at its moment of trial and tribulation. Indeed, it is that same degree of maturity and wisdom that this great people continues to demonstrate under the able and, I miqht add, tested leadership of President Sam Nujoma. The world was witness to his astute sense of Political judgment when the new Government in Windhoek very carefully and judiciously chose its cabinet members , ensuring the democratic participation of all the people of Namibia in the governance of their beloved country. It is therefore our view that the political infrastructure for an independent and sovereiqn Namibia is well in place. On this solemn occasion, I should like to place on record our appreciation to the United Nations Council for Namibia for its oerseverance in the fulfillment of an important task. Likewise, we would like to conqratulate the entire team of the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (ONTAG) , under the brilliant stewardship of the 8ecretary-General, Mr. Javier P&rez de C&llar, who had to overcome numerous difficulties in the delicate mission of ensuring the smooth conduct of free and fair elections in that country. As the Council is well aware, Namibia is a qenerously endowed country headed by a demcra tlcally cons tl tu ted Government. Indeed, we are hapW to note that the new Government is already asserting the country’s sovereiqnty over it8 marine resources. None the less, w5 also knaJ that the newly independent State mu8tr as a matter of necessity, qrapple with the exiqencfes of a State, and that the struqqle the new Republic will have to wage cn the economic and developmental front will be just as challenqinq. It therefore behooves the international community to render all material and political support to Namibia, with a view to enablirq it to become increasinqly viable and preserve its unity as well as its territorial inteqrity. (The President) In welcomiru3 the Republic of Namibia to the assembly of free nations, Ethiopia ia fully aware of Namibia’s potential contributions to the maintenance of peace and security within its own region and , indeed, to the furtherance of the objectives Paid down in the Charter of the United Nations. My country, therefore, is deltqhted to have supported the application of Namibia for ummbership In the Organization. We are equally confident that the General Assembly will unanimously admit the Republic of Namibia to ambership of this qrowinq family of nations. I now resume my function as President of the Security Council. I note that the list of speakers for this item has been exhausted. I take it that the Council ha8 concluded its consideration of the matter before it. The meeting rose at 6.05 p.m.