General Assembly — Session 46

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• ($ontinueQ) GENERAL DRBATE ADDRESS BY MR. KENNKDY A. SIMMONDS, PRIME MPNISTER OF SAIRT KITTS ARD NEVIS The PRESIDERT (interpretation from Arabic): The Assembly will first hear an address by the Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Bevis. Mr. Kennedv A. Simmonds. Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, was escorted to the rostrum.
  1 mtg
• (-1 GENERAL DEBATZ Hr. de HICHELIS (Italy): Allow me first of all, Sir, to extend to you the warmest congratulations of the Italian Government on your election as President of the Assembly, which reflect8 the international prestige enjoyed by your country, with which Italy has close and long-standing ties of friendship. Your personal qualities and experience augur well for the progress of work at this session of the General Assembly, which will have to deal with matters of pressing concern to the international community. I would also like to offer our most sincere good wishes to the seven new Member States, whose acknission promotes the principle of universality of the ( t!lr.ar 1 United wationa, to which Itely complotoly l ub8crib.8. Wo thoroforo warmly wolconw the Republic of Erto:Aer the Ilopublic of Letvie, the Popublic of Lithuania, the Republic of KOrOe, the Domocretic Peoplo'r Republic of Korea.. the Rapublic of the Merrhell 18landr end the Fodoratad Btator of Wicronoria. Permit w l loo to oxprorm my doeport approcietioa to the Sscretery-General, Mr, Perar de Cuoller, for tho continumr offortr ho he8 made during tho pert ymer, a8 in t&o procoding nine yoarr, to promoco intornet?oael pence end jurtico end the priociplr8 of the United letionr. During the yoer that he8 l laprod rinco the leot Gonoral A88,rmbly 8e88ion, th8 Cheng88 8ot in motion by the welcome development of the reunification of G8rmaay have been f’urtbr COn8Olidated end etWplifi*d. The CO11lIp8e Of cornnunism ha8 been rorheping IEUrOpe. A merrivo political end inltitutionel restructuring i8 now in progre88, and it will hove profound repercurrions in the economic field a8 well. The threat of nUCleer hOlOCaU8t thst OV8r8hadOw8d our plsnet ha8 now abated. Armenwntr are DO longer the main solat of rrfmronce in r8lations among states. The ideological struggle - the competftion for world supremacy - which fortered the arm8 rac8 ha8 coaled to milt. This bear8 out the truth of the ancient m8xim, not alway he8d8d, that weapon8 in themsslves ar8 not the cau8e of war8 and tensions; rather they are a reflection of our ambition8 and our faar8. Rscent events in the Soviet Union matk an irreversible step forward on the road to democracy and n8w-found unity in Europe. They open up a new 8ra in global cooperation and creative friendship among peoples. The Gulf war defeated tne strategy of liaddam Hussein, baaed on the stockpiling of weapon8 of mama destruction and on aggression. The 8UCCOI8 of the coalition sod thm action undertaken by the United Nations justified the difficult choice wo all made. Pailure to confront the Iraqi dictator would have meraly encouraged him to embark on new adventures. The United Nations conferred the seal of legitimacy on the international coalition and provided the instruments of an embargo and an ultimatum. To the Organiration we entrurt the implementation of measures to eliminate completely a military Power capable of inflicting further destruction and committing new acts of aggrerrion. We also hope to derive from this experience the incentive for a more generalised control over the transfer and proliferation of sophisticated weaponry and weapons of mass destruction. In the case of regional crises such as Cambodia, a solution in in sight, while the situations in Cyprus and Afghanistan remain difficult. And the moment of truth ha8 arrived for the parties involved in the Middle Bast. The Arab-Israeli conflict, revolving around the question of Palestine, continues to be a central issue, both politically and strategically. Porty year8 of rafuaals and denials on both sidea have erected a barrier that cannot be torn down overnight. There is still a long way to go, but clearly the next step is the conference on “territory-for-peace”, a phrase which represents the only possible outcome if due account is to be taken, titer &l_Fp. of the need to affirm, in this cane as in others - and giving equal weight to other principles at issue - the right to self-determination, to which we Europeans are particularly sensitive. It would be a pity if the two sides persisted in maintaining dogmatic positions now rendered obsolete by reality. The wrongs nuffwod by the Palortiniaar nuat not be a protort for ~io1on~o, whllr the violence endured by the Jowr throuphout 60 much of their himtory lrhould be a proludo only to peace. Israol'l teak will be to tsko the firrt atop towsrdr normaliming relatioar with rurrouading couatrier. A conatructlve attitude OQ the matter of rettlomente In the occupied territories would be an important mtop too. In turn, the Irabr will hsvo to terminate the cempaign aimed at Iaraol’m liquidation. The territorier are not an Israeli conquest but the outcome of aggrerrion perpetrated againrt Israel. They are it0 ultimsto def mace. hey can, however, be replaced by other guarantee@. The war waged by the Arabr apaiast the Jews must end in a draw, ano agreements must be stipulated which the p0p10~ can accept end respect in the interest of peace and mcurity. It i8 to be hoped that no one rill want to take responsibility for undermining the mfforta of Presidsnt Bush and my colleapue. Secretary of State Baker. Those sfforts must be supported until they achieve the l ucceaa that haa eluded previous attempts. (ML Alu!mhaiaL-llaly) The nor order still ham to bo built. We are keenly aware that we cannot shirk our rorpoaaiblllty in thir regard, and also realise that we have reached a point whom, for the flrmt time in tha history of mankind, the problems of our planet can bo tackled only on a global scale. The now order ia inevitable, because the old one is gone. Thin new order will have to be based on ruleB, principles and institutions accepted by all, and capable of ensuring the protection of fundamental human rights, the development of democracy, the peaceful settlement of disputes, united opporitioa to aggroraioo, the reduction of armaments, and freedom and justice for all peopler. In other worda, the new order must reflect the logic of integration aa againrt the logic of disintegration, dissension and intolerance. The choice of diuintegration may be justified in the light of reactions inspired by fear and insacurity in the wake of the collapse of the old order, while the DOW one that will succeed it is still uncertain. We see the two philosophies of integration and disintegration confronting each other in the very centre of Europe, where structures are falling apart, and trying to reorganirs on the basis of new rule8 and principlea. In Eaatern Europe millions of people are paying dearly for the diaastr3us consequences of false myths and ideolo9ies. It would be an illusion to think that mere reversion to democracy and a market economy can lead to rapid recovery in those countries, as long aa their society is in a state of dissolution. We West Europeans must first make available the wealth of experience and material re?>urces we have accumulated over the years. It would be inappropriate for us, as countries committed to liberal and social democracy, to erect a new wall to keep out others. We must be prepared for substantial financial sacrifices, whose dimensions Italy has repeatedly tried to quantify. The main dangmr facinq the nor world order Im, in fact, thm creation of an imparsable gulf between rich and poor counttiee, botwQen the northern and the BouthQtn hQmirphQrQr. h truly new OtdQt must come to grip8 with the poverty end UndQrdQvQlopmQnt that lie at thQ root of the dinarray WQ IIQQ in the world today. OthQrwisQ, thQ flow of pOVQtty-•triCkQn ma8aQa towardr thQ industrialised world, from both thQ Eart and thQ South, will becomQ unstoppable. Thin flow, apurrsd by UncQrtain Qconomic ptospscts or unconttollQd dQmoqtaphic growth, would upsQt racial balancea that atQ ftagilQ and ptomotQ hostility among ths poor and Qgotirm among the rich. The SutopQ that has QmQrgQd from the cold war has sufficient tQlOUtCQIJ to help build a CtQdiblQ order capable of providing an accQptablQ lifQ, in their country of Origin, for thQ multitudes who are massing on it8 bordeta. If WQ hQQitQtQ WQ could WitDQQlI thQ QmQtCjQnCQ Of an intQtnatiOna1 coQxistQncQ that is even hatahst and more pitiless than that QxpQtieocQd durinq the cold war years. WQ could also fail to attain our ObjQCtiVQ of an intQg*ated 8yUtQlll t0 tQpl8CQ the tragic divisions of the past. The trends towards fragmentation which we IQQ around us are numQtous and dangerous. Indeed, YQ ate only too familiar with them. First there is the problem of nationalism, which could plunge the restructuring of Europe - from the Soviet Union to Yugoslavia - into chaos. Europe is particularly vulnerable, aa it is haunted by historical mQmotiQ6. Verging at times on the obsessive. These memories make the very principle of self-detarmination hard to administer Qnd harmonize with other equally impo,tant principles. Everything wau simpler in the days of the balancs of nuclear power, and everything becomes more complex in the transition from dbtenm to integration. When the central authority of a totalitarian party colISpS~o, local BatiOB8liUn and ethnic COnfliCta rOW.IrfaCOr and they thrOaten to msko oociaty uBgovornable. In Europe nationalism har caused bloodshed and destruction in the past, partly because there wall no political or morn1 authority capable of arbitrating conflict@. Today the situation is different. We have the United Nations. the Confmrenco on Security and Co-operation in Buropa, the turopsaa Collmunity and the Council of Curope, which are capable of reconciling solidarity with iBd@pend@nCe and integration with rampact for national idmntitiaa. and which, as in the case of the TWO~VO, serve as a mod.1 for new fedarationa. We must support those who are trying to form aaaociatioaa or confederations of free nations. Within individual countries, respect for the rights of minorities will assume a central role in ayntheairing the demands of self-determination and the needs of integration. Within our own borders, and specifically in Alto Adige, Itsly has constructed a model of autonomy which will be completed in the next few weeks, hopefully even before the end of this session. The Gulf war haa revealed another possible Source of fragmentation Sad discord between the West and the Arab world, We are not yet frsa of the danger of new holy warS and new typea of intolerance on the part of fundamentalists using religion SS a political meana. Here, too, we must make a distinction between a ju8tifiSble need for an identity, which serves a unifying function, and the belief that one ia a besieged minority holding the only key to enlightenment. This feeling produces a uiege mentality, fear of the outside world and the idea that evil ia embodied in a Single clearly identifiable enemy - either the State of Israel or the West as a whole. Raciem aa a statutory norm will diaappear rith the demise of apartheid. But it poses a continuing threat to society, including our Western societies that are receiving a hoot of new inmigrants flocking to our cities in search of refuge, protection and hope. The pronouncement once made by the United Rations equating Zionism with racism is particulariy unacceptable at this juncture. It was made at a time when our Organisation was dominated by automatic, Hanichaean majorities, hostile in principle to the State of Israel. Any resolution that equates the quest for a homeland, an aspiration cossnoa to many European cultures undergoing a Risorgimento of their own, with an act of genocide is, to our ray of thinking, an aberration. We must ensure that this outrage is expunged from the annals of our Organiration. We, for our part, are conrnitted to seeing that this happens during the present session. Protectionism is the other grave danger threatening our future. If the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade were to fail, regionalism would prevail over multilateralism, reducing trade to bilateral relations that could marginalize the poorer countries completely. If the current round of negotiations is not completed by the end of this year, the door will be open to all kinds of protectionist and autarchic schemes, somewhat tempered by fragile bilateral agreements that are subject to revision whenever there is a change in the economic situation. In a climate of protectionism it would be even more difficult, if not impossible, to undertake any major effort to integrate the third-world countries into the world economy or to give the newly emerging Eastern democracies easier access to free markets. The sacrifices demanded of these countries would appear even more unfair when compared with the selfish rivalries between the rich of this world. (nr,) The involvement ot the Security Council and the Socrotary-Conoral in the managemaat of the Yugorlav cririm im in itnelf a mign of the new tinnm we are living in and of the need for a dynamic interpretation of the role of the United Nations in situation6 which depart from the classical pattern of inter-State conflicta. The way in which the leading world Organisation handle8 the criris will test the United Ration6 capacity to play 8 peacemaking role even in much complex cane8 an that of Yugoslavia. Yho aamo obviously applioa to the Suropsan Community, which inmdiately realised the rirks ariring from the Yugoalav crisis, and from the very outset has been reeking a peaceful solution in the framework of the principles snahrined la thm Charter of the United Nationa anU doveloped in the Charter of Parim, namaly, the right to aelf-determination, thm preservation of territorial integrity, and the protection of the rights of minorities. The adoption of resolution 713 (1991) by the Security Council reflects the broad intaruational consensus on the need to try all poarible mean8 of containing the Yugoalav crisis and encouraging the search for political means of settling it. It also completes, in an exemplary manner, a process that is clearly indicative of the growing complementarity of the various organirational levels at which international decision-making is conducted. First proposed by the Twelve, subsequently endorsed by 35 States participating in the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) and further developed with the involvement of the Western European Union, the initiative to promote peace in Yugoslavia is now enriched by the Very important contribution of the Security Council, and there is no doubt that with this development the international community's desire to see the Yugoslav crisis channelled into paths of peace will have! been fully satisfied. The successful achievement of integration will be contingent on the acceptance of rules and principles and the existence of institutions capable, not only of establishing them, but also of enforcing them. This is the constructive innovation that has been made possible precisely by the changes in Europe and other parts of the world. The prospect of universality supporting the United Nations is based on the affirmation of a new scale of common values, the first prerequisite of a democratic world order. We are (-1 ltitDWSiD9 th. SppliCStiOD, also iD iDtar-8tSte ralations, Of that frwdom define6 by Kant as the OptiOD Dot to obay any law othsr than thosa to which 000 has frooly consontsd. Uo are 9raduelly moving from gusrantess within the State to puarazrtess against the State, ovorcomiag the iliscrepsacy. too fre9uontly encountered in the past, betwen promises and fulfilwnt. This objective is being attaiD@d at the regional level, urd indeed is boi~g l ffectivoly achiovad in the EuropeaD context, but it is ~*.creasiD9ly bocopiag the m&tin task Of the United Nations. As w have 80011 in the aftermath of the Gulf war, the right to iatorvsne for humsnitarisn sndc and for the protection of human rights is gainiog ground. This typs of iDtOrVsDtiOD has hCOW (111 w, aDd the DOst truly ianovative CODCOpt of the remainiD decade of this century. This aust bs the focal point of our offorts through the United Nations, which is also the main forw of the DOW wrld order. IDtervsDtion that is primarily aimed at securing protection of hm rights and respect for the basic principles of peaceful cosxist@Dca, is a prerogative of the international cosssuaity, which must have the power to susperrrd sovereignty whenever it is exorcised in a criainal manner. The international cormunity aust be on tha side both of desuxratically elected parlisaents and of oppressed nationalities, whether those emerging within the new Rurope, or the Kurds. It would be both understandable and useful if this process first occurred in a sraller geographical area, among more homogeneous countries, such as those belongi to the EUrOpMD C-unity and t&OS0 participating in the CSCE. There is no conflict here. ID fact, this regional approach end the global approach represented by the United Nations are complementary. (nt.1 The mropeM Z'orruaity is mski~g its own oripinml contribution to this proc.88 and i8 bent on con8olidstirrg aud iwKOVilXJ the l ffectivew8m of its own arganiaation. If on. half of Europe, corrittod to adoptiaq a dmcrwic political l tructure and a nsrket l coaomy is rederigaod, tbo other half crnaot maintain the 8am old balaxes and prererve the inbtitutionr of tie part. The time ham come also to sdjurt the rtructuros and tmako of tha United tfstionr. Of courme, thir is not the firrt time the kuemtion ham beoa rairod, but now dircusrion of it has becomm inevitable in the light of the followiqj conrideratioamr ?irrt, the sod of East-West rivalry, which paralysed the Organination'8 sctivitier, and the risk, iotltead, of a more explorive Ilorth-South confrontation; Sectmd, the achievement of univerrality by the United Ilstions, enhanced by the moat recent admission8 of new Membera) Third, the restructuring of the international community. Such new form of supranationality a8 the European Community are emerging; 8 country ruch a8 the Soviet Union, which will also become one of the supporting rtructuror of the new order, is being radically transformed; ?ourth, the need to involve in our collective responsibility countrier that have hitherto played a role not comensurate with their iaportence, and that are now acquiring a new political and economic dimension and a nw awareno of their tasks; Fifth, the need to ensure that no single country or small group of countries can assume responsibility for constituting a sort of military arm of the new international order: 8isth, the di88emlnation of ~108 and principl.8 that are finally gaining univer8al accoptanco and could be l aforcad at a love1 8bovo national rovoreigntio8r Seventh, the tranrition to the globality of a world ry8tea governable only by a renovated United Nationa, complemented by other group8 of limited geographical dimenrionr, which will help to apply the 8ame principlor and rule8. Thorna idea8 could provide the ba8i8 for a pO88iblO r8organiration of the United 19ation8, which ahould be gradual in nature but entail Ch8IXJO8 in certain important provision8 currently in force. A8 rtructured at pre8ent. the United Ration8 afford8 a guarantee of, but 8Ol88ti&M8 imposer limit8 on, the governability of the world. An initial partial contribution i8 already contained in 8ome proporals presented informally by a group of countrio8, which we appreciate. But uq clearly need to 90 further. Italy, in purruance Of 8OJW earlier 8U9988tiOn8, considers that the following major poalr rhould b0 8OUght. On0 rhould be the elimination of all di8CrininatOry lrgguag0 from the Charter, especially that deriving from the Second World War, which 8eem8 even less acceptable now that the cold wbr is ovbr. I hwa inl n:ind thu rsfsurences to the 80-Called "onenp 6C:at.*7", which maaad those that viore dafent6d at that time. We intend t:c iauw8 a bpacific initiative is t$at connoctian, in consultation with the c;outtrisn ccocermd, at the earliest. oppcxtuaityr A aecontf goal should ba the cxpansiao of the Sactrrity Council, with tie iucrsass in rC41u :~wnber of .both permanent: and non-parmanent members, which wau.lr! ecit nncaws&ci!y entail ax~anding ths 13gtt of veto to all the new prmmiwtl membe ~8, 1% aropose that the selection of the latter should be made I (Ilr,) on the bsmim of objoctivo criteria, much am the mime of tbo couetry'm population and its gross national product. !fhe Security Couactl was firmt expanded in 1963 to take into account thm inctearo in the nunber of Me&er States. Since then, the nwnbermhip ham rimmn fra 113 to 166 - a 50 per cant iacreamo. This factor ir in itself rufficieat to rarrant - and indeed to rake necmrmary - an erpanrion of thim decirion-uking body of the Organisation, Since it ir reguired to make choice8 of major iqortance, the Security Council nurt fully reflect developrantr in intornatioaal l ociotyr A third goal should be the revirion of mm Chapter8 of the Chartor, much as Chapter VII. Bore, too, on the basis of recent experience ranging fror the Persian Gulf to Yugoslavia, and with the emergence of “,ho principle of activr intervention for humanitarian purposes that I referred to earlier, there im Mlple scope for iM0VationJ A fourth goal should be the introduction of a ryrter of weighted voting, in both the General Assembly and the Security Council. Thir im not a problelr to be dealt with now, but a distant prospect that cannot be overlooked if wo are to take #r+ore tinsly and effective deciIJion8. Various proposalm have also been made on this point in the past, and they could be urefully l tuated. On questions regarding the removal of references to “enmay Stater”, the expansion of the Security Council and the revirion of the Charter, Italy will be sulnnitting some written colnments in the course of this aesmion, a8 a contribution to our joint deliberations. no resliao how difficult it in l imply to contomplato the chwma I have jurt outlined. I know it mean8 retreating from l atablimhed poritionr. qiving up some prerogativo8, and undertaking a redirtributioa of intornstional power to reflect the changer that have taken place in tba world in recent year@, particularly since 1909. Rut we bolleve that the task murt have seemed jurt am daunting to those who, nearly half a century ago, defined the principler l nrhrined in the Unlt.sd Nations Chartor in an atmorphere of enthusiasm and participation, not entirely free of illusiofis, at the end of the two conflict? tbat have divided the world during this century. Today, international realities an3 the expectation they geneFate give 118 (h afrmflar manfilate, at the conclkrioa of a third world war, which w&e incomparably lose bloody than those that had preceded ft but which ham left ua a legacy crf risks and dangers no less serious. He would be remiss in our duty if we continued to apply the same rule8 and used the mame tcole am before. If there L to be a renewal, the United Nstiona must be overhauled. WQ nhould like this to be one of the messages sent by the General Assembly at ite present session. Hr. I4W.K (Austria) !interprstation from French): Austria takes great pleasure in welcoming seven now 3lefnbers to the United Nations. Estonia. Latvia and Litihuania displayed admirable courage sncY persistence over more than half 2 century and were finally able to recover their independence. We also hope that the joint admission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea to tho United Nations - something we had supported for several years - will facilitate the unification process. Similarly, the admission of the Marshall Islands and the Faderated States of Uicroaeria hrr brought UB cloror to the ultimnlr goel of &Ctaining true univorrality of rwtirrhip in the Uaitod Hstionr. Ue reldol have an opwrt.unity euch a# the one we have today of witnessing profound changer all over the world. We sll rtill have fresh in our minds the historic evonta that occurrod in Moscow, renultinq in what we Iwpe will be a docirive victory of denocrscy. human right8 and pluralirn over dictatorrhip and totalitarianian. The breakdown of totalitarian ideologies offera vaat opportunities for rhaping a new universal consensus on iaternationsl cooperat ion and peace. WCI mre entering a new era in international relations. At the same Lime, we murt respond to new chslPenge6 while the world is otill bedevilled by old, chronic problems. Human rights and fundamental freedoms have now been generally accepted as central principle8 for the future in8titutional evolv.tion of the society of nations Q In many societies. we can obsurve a basic reorientation towarda broad participation by the poop10 in decision-making proceases, towards a free eco-social market economy and towards democracy and political freedom. Within the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, the principle has been establisher) that interest ahown in the safeguarding of humaD rights and fundamental freedoms cannot be rejected as interference in the internal affairs of another country. Austria has always vi- * ;--ualy supported this position. We shall endeavour to have this principle applied on a universal level as well. Violations of human rights, wherever they occur, cannot be tolerated. The United Nations should have the possibility to react quickly to serious human rights abuses and to prevent any escalation of such abuses. I propose that the Commission on Human Rights adopt an emergency procedure based on a o5KLmchL-l pernaaont togirter of l spertr - rho could be called “white helmetr” - at the CoadBrioa’r dimpoBltioa. Such an iatorrorrional omergency procedure could contain the folloria9 elomentm 8 Upon tha receipt of information on 9rom, ramrive human righta violatlonr, the Bureau of the Comnisrion on Bumsa Right8 would rend a team of “white holmetm” into the country in quertion am quickly am pormiblo, which would be ark.6 to examim the mituatlon rapidly. The toam of “white holmetr” would submit a report to the Bureau of the Cormnismion together with conclusiona and recommendations, in order to initiate rpesdy action on the basis of existing mechanisms. yinally, the report of the “uhite helmtr” and the comnents of the Govsrnment concerned would be inacribsCW on the Agenda of the next session of the Comnission, which would decide un follow-up measurea. 1 feel l ncoura9od to make thin proposal by the very important addrr’s delivered by the Secretary-General at the University of Bordeaux earlier this year. There, au well as in his annual report to the General Assembly, Secretary-General Javier Perot de Cuellar referred to a shift in public attitudes owing to heightened international intoreat in universaliring a human rights regime. The question of human rights and fundamental freedoms has become esaentially international; it ia of fundamental importance for the comaunity of nations. Respect for human rights must be one of the pillars of the international order. Therefore, concerns over human rights violations and inquiries with a view to safeguarding these rights cannot be considered interference in the internal affairs of a State. On the contrary, expressing concern in the area of human rights constitutes an important and legitimate element of international dialogue. Article 1 (31, in conjunction with Articlor 55 and 56 of the Charter not only permit@ but obligem the United Uationr to monitor rerpect for human rights and fundamental freedom8 in sll partm of the world. The practice of the United Wationa to intorvono in the cam of reriour human rightm violations aa thay occur in many countrier corroboratea that vier. The Security Council, in an unprecedented resolution, har thur dercribed the reprorrion of the civilian population in Iraq a8 a threat to intarnationsl peace and recurity. Thir docirion ir in my view a rileatone in the history of our Organisation. It will rot an important precedent for our future work. Uajor progrorm bar been achieved during the past 12 montha with regard to making our global rynten of collsctivo aocurity more affective. Austria hns actively cooperated with the international conununity in promptly implementing the Security Council’r deciriona with regard to the Iraqi invasion cf Kuwait. In this context, Austria allowed coalition forces to fly over and transit through Aurtrian territory. The liberation of the individual now under way in Central and Eastern Europe is accompanied by the rising quest for national identity. Liberation from an oppressive OyEtOm must not, however, be followed by renewed subjugation to the destructive forcea of nationalism and ethnic hatred. We deeply deplore the bloodahed, human suffering and destruction caused by the fighting over the past months in Yugoslavia, especially in Slovenia and Croatia where the peoples have pronounced themselves in a democratic vote in favour of independence. We demand that the escalating spiral of violence, which may also be reaching Bosnia-Herzegovina, be stopped without further delay. The initiativea of the European Community, which has taken the lead to contain the crisis, have our full support. Ultimately, however, the entire (Hr.-AuticAn) intarnat1onal conaunlty rharam in the roaponalbility to bring the srmed conflict in Yugorlavia to an end. In the yearr 1967 to 1989, Aurtria, together uith the othor memborr of tho European Free Trade Amrocistiou, supported tho Yugoslav efforts to reform their l ~~r~~my, which YDR to be the fundamental barir for a democratic State. Pogrottably thim proce~m of democratisatloa haa unfolded at uaovoa l pood. Ita adrvancomont warn rpeedior in the various republics than it warn at the fodoral 1~01, whore it was not poraible to hold democratic electiona. Thur, already in early 1991, Ur. Jovic, then Chairman OF the Yugoelav Preridency, had to l tato that tho constitutional organs of Yugoslavia were no longer functioning. The balance aheet of the current tragedy in YuQo8lavia amounta to 220,000 rofugseat numerous towns and villages have been destroyedt the aggression by Sorbiao irregulars in collusion wit11 the federal army has caused untold suffering to tho civilian popul&tion in Croatia. The army is no longer under the political control of the Government, as was stated by Mr. Uarkovic, Prime Minister of the federal Government. raced with this intolerable situation the current Chairman of the Presidency, Mr. Stipe t&sic, felt obliged to turn to the President of the United liationr Security Council asking for the intervention of the world Organiastion. Thi8 state of affairs led ua to conclude that thia situation constitutes a threat to ioternationnl peace and security. On 19 September 1991 Austria therefore brought the matter before the Security Council. The unaoimoua adoption of resolution 713 (1991) confirms once again, after the Gulf conflict, the capacity of the Security Council to act ql.ickly in the case of a grave international crisis. The supreme orqan of collective security decided (klrA.mkA.-b) to impose an wnbargo on all arm rhipmeatr to YugorXavla. It almo iaruod an urgent appeal to all psrtior to the conflict to obmrvo the coamo-fire. Thir strict obrorvance of the cearo-fir@ is emrootial mince it makem it poraiblo for the European regional mechanisms to continue their effort8 torardm a peaceful rsttlement of the criaim. Thur the Security Council ham alro indicated that its action cannot rmliovo the luropoan regional organiaationr of their rerponribility. The rriftnerr and determination with which the Security Council took its decision in this matter confirm that the Austrian initiative to bring the heart-rending crisis of Yugoslavia before the world organ of collective security was well-founded. We are convinced that the future cosxiatence of the peoples of Yugoslavia will have to be based on the following principles: absolute priority for strict compliance with the obligation regarding the non-use of force1 realixation of the right to self-determination in line with the desires expressed by the Yugoslav peoples; renunciation of any change by force of borders between the Yugoslav republicst full and integral application of the obligations contained in the Paris Charter for a New Europe concerning pluralism and democracy, the rule of law ,nd respect for human rights; and binding agreements concerning protection for all minorities and effective guarantees for the equal participation of all sectors of the population in the political process. Austria supports the efforts to launch the peace process in the Middle East and especially welcomes the announcement made by the Presidents of the United States and the Soviet Union that they intend to convene a peace conference in the coming month. At this stage, where there are still important obstacles, we must redouble our efforts to overcom them. We deem it vitally important to develop a positive dynamism towards peace. Por t&is reason we appeal to all parties 00ttOO~~Oa to bec0m part of this process and to ahow a maximum amount of flexibility and responsibility. We are perfectly aware that such a conference would constitute only the first step on the way to a comprehensive peace settlement ia the Middle l3ast based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). In our view. in addition to the core issues of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Palestinian guestion, a lasting solution would have to include the following elements t a discussion of all problems in the region in a broadly based political dialogue; efforts towards arms control and disarmament in the field of conventional arms, a8 well as the elimination of weapons of mass destruction; endeavours to control and reduce international arms exports; and renewed efforts to revive the dialogue between the European and Islamic worlds. c-1 I rhould like to turn now to our relation8 with our neighbour Italy, and specifically to tho application of the Agreement between our tuo countries signed on 5 September 1946 in Paria, concerning the protection of the German-speaking minority in South Tyrol. On the basis of roaolutiona 1497 (XV) and 1661 (XVI) adopted by the General Aaaombly at ita fifteenth and sixteenth aoaaiona, Austria and Italy agreed in 1969 to adopt a now autonomy status for South Tyrol. The two countriea agreed upon 137 MSSuCOS t0 be taken in favour of the minority, of which three essential meaauroa atill await implementation. Irurthermore, agreed solutions remain to be found to several bs’sic claims that originated after 1969, and that, in view of internal development8 which occurred in Italy, have an impact upon the l ffectivoneas of the 1946 Agreement. Over the last years, I wa8 able to inform thia A~aembly that Italy had given proof of an incseaaing understanding of the aspirations of the South Tyrolean minority. During the last months, however, very little substantial progress touarda bringing this controversy to a formal end was made. There are many voices in Europe today calling for self-datermination and increased regional autonomy. Therefore, it ia all the more necessary to implement those last measures which I have just mentioned and which have been ao often promised. If ue take into consideratiun the profound changes that have occurred elsewhere in Europe, it should be possible, on the basis of the mutual confidence between Italy and Austria, which has grown stronger over the years, to create autonomy for South Tyrol and to secure it against any unilateral modification. Austria would then finally be able to certify to the United Nations that the controversy dealt with in the aforementioned resolutions has been resolved. This model for the protection of an ethnic group could ~)orva as an inspiration for the rattlemeot of similar problemr, (18 has just been mentioned by the Hinirter for ?oreign Affairs of Italy, Mr. Cianni de Michelir. The new etmorpherr of cooperation which we are witnessing ID 1nternationsl relation8, erpecislly in Bsrt-Weat relations, offers additional opportunitior for multilateral disarmament negotiationr. We have welcomed the initiatives taken thir year in the field of chemical weapons. The unconditional renouncement of any UII~ of chemical weapon8 upon entry into force of ths chemical weapons convention will represent an impor,ant atop towards the global abolition of this category of weapons. Austria haa intensified its efforts with a view of contributing to the conclusion of the negotiations in Geneva by the middle of next year. In this context, I should like to reiterate that Austria would be pleased to be host to the organfration on the prohibition of chemical weapons. Conventional disarmament efforts will be globally effective only if the resulting exceas stocks of conventional weapons do not enter the international market. Austria supports, therefore, the initiative taken by member States of the European Community to establish within the United Nations a register of conventional arm8 transfers. Austria stresses the non-discriminatory character of such registers. By contributing to confidence-building, such a register would also make for greater transparency in the international arms trade. The concept of security has long transcended the narrow definitions of military security. Economic, social and environmental factors play an increasingly important role. (I!!xLHo-)tBAu The Uoitod Nationx Conference on Environment and Development is of eninont importance in thir context. The acceptsnce of environmental conxiderationr not only aa a conrtraint but ex a central objective of dovolopmnt will have a profound impact on our economiex, energy u8e systems and economic relationxhipm. It will, therefore, be helpful to concentrate on concrete propoxals in the preparation of this conference. I am thinking, for instance, of our proporal made during the forty-fourth session of the General Arrembly to rend “Green Helmets” to intervene under a system of dispute prevention and l ettlement concerning the environment. We underrtand the appeal of wreturning to San Francisco" a8 an invitation to look more creatively at the baric provfrions of the Charter of the United Nationa. The Secretariat plays an important catalytic role ax the very soul and xpirit of the world Organixation. I wish to pay a special tribute to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Mr. Perer de Cuellar. who has most rkilfully xteered the Unit& .ations to a central position in the community of nations. The General Assembly would need a better scheduling and organization of ita work, a reduction of its agenda an3 an improved institutional response to the growing need for the intersectoral and interdisciplinary analysis of issues. We highly appreciate President de Marco's initiative!! in this respect and hope that they will be followed up. The Economic and Social Council has been the subject of reform efforts for a long time. Important improvements have been achieved. New opportunities may offer themselves for considering and monitoring the issue of "envirotwmnt" and "dQVQlogQQent". IraginstivQ thinking and conrtructivo policy will be required ia the cootoxt of the Ill0 Cooforonco. In view of the challenge that naa-redo and natural diaaatarr con8titutQ to mankind, it i8 l 88Qntial that thQ UnitQd Nation8 machinery tm radQ norQ responsive to thQ8Q nOQd8. hU8ttiQ iQ rQViQWiBg it8 OVll nQtiOI3Ql 8trUCtUrQ8 in order to providQ IBOrQ QffQCtiVQ 8UppOtt to United htiOn8 OpQratiOII,. Austria walcomem the enhanced to10 the Unit9d Nations has r9cently amrumd in the aroa of social dw9lopwnt, trim prevention and, abovs ~11, int9rnational drug control. Drug problems in particular afflict all numbers of th9 int9rnational community and all classes of society. Compr9henriv9 and d9t9rminsd measures ar9 required to combat this curs9 of modern society. In ord9r to facilitate a further extension of th9 Unit9d Rations activities in Vienna, Austria has decided to construct at its own 9npense additional office space in the Vienna International Centre for ths us9 of the Unit9d Nations. In conclusion, I should like to offer my congratulstions and very best wishes to you, Mr. Prerident. I am certain that under your ah19 leadership the Assembly will accomplish its important deliberations most efficiently. wpz (Yugoslavia): I should like firat to extend my sincere congratulations to Ambassador Shihabi, a good fri9nd of mine and a prominent diplomat, on his election as President of the forty-sixth session of the United Nation9 General Assembly. I should also like to express my highest appreciation to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, His Excellency Javier Perez de Cuellar, for his outstanding report, which outlines our hopes and dilemmas and charts our future courses. In the same spirit, I should like to avail myself of this opportunity to pay a tribute to the Secretary-General for his exceptional and tireless endeavours ov9r the coura9 of the past 10 years in favour of peace and better understanding among all human beings, peoples and nations throughout the world. It ir al80 with great pleasure that I join du welcoming coven be)l State8 to the wrld Organisation. I congratulate tha Rsrpubllc of Korea, the Democratic PaopXe’r Popublic! of Itoros, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Latvia. the Rslp'ui~lic of Bs'ronis, the ?ederatwd State8 of Micronsais and the Republic of the Uarrhall Irlands on joining the great family of the United Rations. The event8 that have taken place in the world rince the last session of the General A88embly are dramatic and imposing, im3eed. Today, I have choren to speak about today’8 wrld of great expectation8 and new viatar and about new challenger, risk8 and uacertaintiest about Yugoslavia aI) an integral yet sombre part of Europaa~ an& world changes; ab+?ut the new world order and global atability at the close of the tmatiath century; and &out the United Ratiorm, a8 the key inrtrument of a world that is being integrated on a new basin. We have enterad a Dew wra in international relationa, The changes OD the world political 8cene are far-reaching and irreverhibfe. me end of the cold war has urhered in an altogether new age of freedom and democracy. Bipolar ideolo9ica1, political and military cctifrontations belong to the past. However, this new epoch raises neu questious. It is itmmbent upon us to find proper anawr8. The dramatic day8 io the Soviet Union that shook tho world brought about a major turnabout of this century. Tks fundamental transformations in that country that led to the birth of the “new thinking” have accel<:**ed the pace of history, but they have also shed light on the complexity of the options for peace and progres8, freedom and democracy. New realities call for new answers. How do we bridge the enormou8 disparities in the social and eccr~~!rr;ic spheres? How do we affirm the new values and remove tha causes of no*f divisions and retrogressive tronds7 HOW do WC carry out the much-needs& racial trnusP~9rmations and ovorcoma t.ho ofton concomitant extremism, nationalien and other degenerative tendmacies? Row do we meat the dsnando of a propulsive economy, human rights and social jurticw and avoid the undercurrents of new totalitarian rystemr that feed on human misery and povert-y? The challeagss are many. They call for political, economic and intellectual efforts at all levels - national, subregional, regional, continental and global. You have all known Yugoslavia well, aver since the timrp when, as a membar of the victorious anti-nari coalition, it wes mong the first to sign the United Hations Charter, or when it was the “first dissident” of Europe. You knew it in the period of the cold war as a non-aligned State not part of any bloc. You also remember it from the days of the contemporary world’s and Europe’s major trlals and challenges. You recall it as a country that has for decades been a factor of European stability. Now, Yugoslavia has become a matter of concern for many international forums and for its friends worldwide. As is well-known, the Yugoslav crisis was on the Security Council*s agenda two days ago, and a resolution was adopted. At that meeting, I stated that today's Yugodavia was a great threat to itself and thus, in a way, was a threat to a larger area. It could hardly be expecLad of a representative of a country actually to accuse himself. Iiowever, I find nothing unusual about that. This Organisation aad its Security Council stand for and protect peace, freedom and prosperity for all. peoples, nations and countries of the world. That is exactly nhr we should speak up here even about our own problems and challenges and, on this basis, seek support and help. I presume that the main points of the resolution on Yugoslavia are geaerallp known: the Security Council fully supported the efforts undertaken by t&i European Conmmnity - under the auspices of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Surops (CSCB) and consistent with its principles - to restore peace and dialogue in Yugoslavia, through the Conference on Yugoslavia and the mechamituas set forth within it; the Security Council appealed urgently to, aad encouraged, all parties in Yugoslavia to settle their disputes peacefully and through negotiation within the frumework of !fhe Eague Conference: the Security Council decided that all States should imediately implement a general and complete embargo on all deliveries of weapons and military eguipment to Yugoslavia; and called on all States to refrain from any action which might contribute to increasing tension and to impeding or delaying a peaceful and negotiated outcome to the conflict in Yugoslavia. As can be seen, we both initiated and welcomed the peace action of the European Conetunity, the CSCE aud the Uni::ed Nations. It certainly did not imply that me harboured hopes that someone else would take over our responsibilities. On the contrary, for us, it merely implied an additional commitment to do only what we should, aad must do for ourselves. We do not wimh to jumtlfy. nor could we jumtlfy and l rplala the current Yu9oslav drema even with some undenlsble facts! clr8t. that it la an integral part of the turmoil that ham beset Central and famtern Europe, tho Soviet Union and other parts of the world in recent yearm, and that, due to the hlrtorlcal, political and ethnic differences involved, the Yugoolav crisle hsa an additional and numt tragic component; and, mocond that tho treqody of my country lm the mum and substance of the problems thst plaquo luropo and the world of the post-cold-war era. After al: that has happened it is obvious that Yugoslavia should be redofined. We have to find a formula that would both recoqnlro legitimate national asplratlonm and contemporary needs for integration on a new basis. I bellrve that there is hope for such an outcome. Though still fragllo, the breakthrough made two days ago, through the agreement on the lmplomentatlon of a cease-f ire. is an encouraging step forward. As I said the day before yesterday, we fully recognlre that our crisis f” ohould in no way endanger anyone, particularly not those cloreat & US, our neighbours. But it implies that it is our neighbours who should, for their part, be understanding and patient where our problems are concerned. Only the day before yesterday, a colleague of mine, the Foreign Minister of Albania, Hr. Kapllani, did just the opposite. He poured 011 on the flames. Al though Mr. Kapllanl devoted tnree full pages of his statement to my country, I myself will make no further conunent. At the end of this part of my speech, I am genuinely prompted to thank, once again, all those who showed friendly concern and feelings for the Yugoslav peoples at the hard times they are going through. (Hr~.~A~rl-~UQQ~~.0Y~0) Parhnpa the Yu9oalav crisis. a teat for the new European and world architecture. could host mirror the interdependence of national, rsglonal, continental and global rtsbility. The Europe of the Parir Charter, concerned so much with the individual and hir righta, ir stable only In interaction with the entire world. That is lurope’r authentic contribution to the emergence of the now civilixation of peace. The process of global rextructurlag is under way. It requires utmost sensitivity not only in the l pherea of political transformation, but alro in the economic and aocial onea. Otherwise, the existing dirparitier might be further deepened. Therefore, even after the bipolar world has ceased to exist, the goals and potential8 of the policy of non-alignment are not exhausted. Quite the oppoxite, the non-aligned policy now has new motivation. It is logical that the old system should be diemantled, first and foremost, by those who built it on the postulates of ideological influence and military might. However , the emerging system of international relations should not be overshadowed by new supremacies. World forcer and influences are neither expected to be, now could they be symmetric. But globally the new world architecture will not be sustainable without due inputa and influences of all factora. A new world order bared on peace and democracy, freedom and equality, stability and development should apply to all. Daly universality can ensure itn lest.inq nature; and only participation of all, itm viability. The order that guarantees peace and security to the entire international comnunity requirme both participation and responsibility of the world’s majority l mbodimd in the non-aligned countrier. My colleague the ?oreign Minister of Ghana, Mr. Asamoah, spoke about thir with competence only yesterday. The world of economic devalopment and prosperity is incompatible with the poverty and stagnation of the developing world, to wtlich moat of the non-aligned countries belong. It is illusory to expect an even and perfectly balanced global development, but equally unrealistic to project a world development if some lack opportunities for expansion. A civilisation having the individual and his human and civil rights as ita supreme values needs free and stable societies - democracy, but also sound economic and social prospects. And last but not least, the environment, which has been taken for granted for so long, now, in the new world order, requires true global concern and connnon protection. For all these reasons, I have recalled the purpose and the potential of the policy of non-alignment. The name given to that policy and to the movement behind it might be outdated, but the principles and goals it stands for certainly are not. They are compatible with all ongoing positive processes in today’s world - with the progress in the field of disarmament and the signature of the START Treaty: with the progress of negotiations on chemical weapons; with the general approach in favour of enhanced controls of conventional arms transfers; with the ongoing processes of defusing the (@lr. Loncar. Yuaoslavia) regional crises and with the constructive dialogues underway; with the effective role played by the United Nations, under the Charter, in cases of threats to peace, breaches of peace or acts of aggression, as in the case of the recent Gulf crisis: and with the painstaking efforts invested in the longest lasting world crisis - the Middle East crisis and the Palestinian question - so that we may IIQW already speak in ten'nS Of a peace Conference, a meeting of all the factors involved, including the Palestine Liberation Organization. Today we speak of the rebirth of the United Nations and its return to the blueprints of 1945. By putting an end to bloc confrontation and embarking upon the process of negotiation, the major world Powers have made an enormous contribution to the revitalisation of the world Organization and its Charter. Now the United Nations has a unique opportunity to become an even more important forum absorbing momentous uorld changes and channelling the positive tendencies. a forum dealing with all fundamental and crucial issues affecting the interests Of the entire interDatiOna1 COnBIIUnity - in short, tQ become the linchpin of the new world order. The United Nations can truly be a place for accommodating interests in establishing and expanding regional organizations and mechanisms in the field of security aa cooperation, as well as in the political, economic, environmental and cultural spheres. Today security is integral not only in its global and regional, political and military character, but also in its economic and social character, including human rights in particular. Through the world Organization, the great Powers and the developed countries can effectively coordinate mutual efforts to eliminate the vestiges of the CQld war, fn particular in the field of nuclear and any other (Mr,) disarmament. Through the world Organisation we can all influence sffectively the resolution of regional crises, the creation of integrative structure8 and mechanisms, and comprehensive economic and technological development. In brief. through the United Nations, and more specifically through the cooperation of the General Assembly and the Security Council, we can all join in establishing the new world order. and thus in translating the common option for peace, security, stability, democracy and development into reality - not a reality for some, excluding the others, but a reality for all. We have the rich experience of the past 46 years to draw upon. We believe that the world can and must change for the better. This is why we are here today. Mr. PPAHIMI (Algeria) (interpretation from Arabic): It is a pleasure and an honour for me to extend to you, Mr. President, our congratulations on your assumption of your office, which reflects our unanimous recognition of your qualities. This is a tribute said to you by the forty-sixth session, as an expression of the high esteem with which it regards the values you stand for, and a reaffirmation of the Organisation's confidence in your country, in recognition of the outstanding role it has been playing in this Organisation from the very beginning. This is a happy opportunity for me to convey the congratulations of Algeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to which we are bouad by a heritage of culturm, a common destiny and ties of constructive fraternal cooperation. As head of the Algerian delegation, I aad my delegation will always be at your aide to support you in the disoharge of the noble and major task entrusted to you. You have succeeded your predecessor, Mr. de Marco, tb8 Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malta, rho bad demonstrated exemplary devotion in the S8niC8 of world peace at one of the most critical times in th8 history of the Organisation, and I would sincerely comend him for his efforts. I also wish to express our appreciation to the Secretary-General, Mr. Perez d8 Cuellar, who has spared no effort in upholding the values of peace throughout th8 world and who has lent his outstanding style to the work of the Organisation. Because of his tireless efforts in the service of the purposes and principles of this Organisation, he deserves the thanks and appreciation of the entire international comnunity. Our Arwmbly at this session has seen the admission to membership of seven new Wmbers, and we warmly welcome the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Republic of Korea, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, the Federated States of Micronesia and the li?krShi¶ll ISlandS. We wish their people8 stability and prosperity and we will COOperate with them within this Organisation and in all fields. The rapid events that we bave seen recently remind us of the v811-known idea that chang8 is the Only constant elb~alt in history. Indeed the COllapSe of the Berlin wall, the disappearance of au enormow military bloc overnight and th8 intensive endeavours to reCOn8truCt the EurOpeas home in an atM8ph8r8 thst is charged with hope and dangsr at one and the same time - all these and snauy other events as well have brought to au end au historic phase that was based on bipolarity in international relations. Thus change has become the decisive word in all that is written or said in assessing the world situation. The terminology and ideas of the cold war era are no longer valid in describing that situation. However, while there are now peoples that are masters of their own fate, peoples that are able to chart their own future and ensure their security and prosperity, we must admit that there are vast regions of the world whose peoples are at the mercy of crises and problems and even wars. Those peoples. which wonder what the future holds for them, constitute the overwhelming majority of humanity. So far, they have not seen positive changes in their material or moral situation as a result of the historic changes that have taken place. Therefore, the question that is being asked insistently is: how can we move forward from the cold-war era, which has ended, to the new international order of which there is so much talk nowadays? We believe that the United Nations is at the same time the proper framework and indeed the only means that we can use if we wish to attain the goals and realise the aspirations of all and defend everyone's interests in an atmosphere of trust and equality between all countries, whether rich or poor, strong or weak, preserving absolute respect for the principles on which this Organisation was built, and the goals it has set for itself. Turning to the Gulf crisis, this was a sore trial for the United Nations. because it led to an upheaval in the Arab world and has left an aftermath in the region which will be felt by the reqion and its peoples for a long time, because this aftewth is not confined to the bloodshed and tbe destruction of tremendous material resources. The United Nations is now working to deal with the causes which led to the eruption of that crisis in the Gulf, so as to (-1 avoid the repetition of a similar traqedg, to safequard the sovereignty of all States of the reqioa and their independence, to repair the damage that has been done and to restore rights. Howwer , the credibilitg of the Organiratiorr requires urgently that actions that are undertaken within the framework of the Organisation do not lead to the punishment of a people which has been the primarg victim of this traqedg whose consequences the international cosrnunitg is trying to eradicate. To be clear, we appeal to this Organisation and all States working in this content to see to it that the suffering of the people of Iraq is alleviated and that the sanctions that have been imposed on it are lifted as soon as possible. We have known for a long time now that the question of Palestine and the question of South Africa are two problems vhich have a colonialist character. The consideration of this question is more difficult than the examination of ang other similar questions. The two crises have seen parallel. developments over the years, but nou we are witnessing positive changes, which are very encouraging, in the case of South Africa, vhereas the situation remains critical and complicated in the case of Palestine. I call upon this Assembly to consider this disparitg. I also call upon the Assembly to analyse the causes of this disparitg and to draw the necessary conclusions. Personally, I believe that the main cause of this disparity stems from the fact that the firm position of collective solidarity adopted by the international community . . . I- - vis the minority in South Africa was the reason that made the Pretoria regime bow to the will of the international couanunity, change its policies and move towards a position that is more compatible with the requirements of the aqe and international legality. As for Paleatiae, the policy of tolerance and connivance adopted by the major States - ptatee that have influence on Israel and its daily excbanea - has encouraged the Ieraeli lead1 re to persist in this well-known intransigence and to disregard all re8olutions end international conventions. Thus, on the one hand, the international pressures that were brought to bear on the white minority in South Africa have led to the independence of Namibia, the release of Nelson Mandela, the abolition of the basic laws of the apartheid regime, the closing down of the infamous Pobben Island prison, and the emergence, aa a result of all this, of a political climate that justifies optimism with regard to the future of that country, even if the skies there are not completely cloudless. On the other hand, Iarael persists in ita extremist intransigent policies. Its repreaaive practices are being escalated daily. Some time ago, Arab Jerusalem, as well aa the Golan Heights, were annexed, and southern Lebanon is still under occupation. The Geneva Conventions are still being flouted. Palestinian lands are being confiscated every day. Thousands of Jewish immigrants are coming in from the Soviet Union and other regions. Settlements are being erected in all the occupied Arab territoriss, and every time the Palestinian and Arab sides make concessions, Israel, for its part, imposes conditions and makea new demands. Today, we are told that, in the context of the new international order, and in the wake of the Gulf crisis, the question of Palestine in particular and the Middle East conflict in general will find some solution in tote1 respect for international law and in keeping with the Charter and the resolutions of the United Nations. (Mr.1 From our point of vien, the current efforts to achieve dyaamic action leading to a comprehensive and just solution of the Arab-Israeli conflict are very important, and we appreciate the efforts of all the participants. But, despite sll these efforts, the Palestinian people does nat find therein even the minimum of its aspirations. We fear that the tolerant attitude that the international community adopts towards Israel may prevent those initiatives from having any positive results. Today, the legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people are meeting in the capital of my country. They are doing all they can to shoulder their responsibility to facilitate the emergence of the solution for which ve all hope. Everyone knoua that m country supports the Palestinian people. We have alwsys supported all peoples that have been victims of repression and have fought for their independence and dignity. We recognise the PLO ea the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, just as we recognise the African Rational Congress, which has raised high the standard of atruqgle against the apartheid regime in South Africa. We still give assistance to the PLO, just as we continue to support the liberation movement in South Africa. We support the efforts to arrive at a just and lasting aolution to the Middle East crisis. At the same time, we support the vork that is being done to lay the foundations for rsal democracy, under which an end vi11 be put to the domination of the white minority regime in South Africa. We are fully prepared to shoulder our responsibilities by participating in the peace conference on the Middle East if ve am firmly convinced that our participation vould really contribute to the attainment of a just peace for all end, in particular, for the Palestinian people. (Mr.) The negotiations on $isarmamnnt have led to achievements which we welcome. We sincerely hope that the efforts that are being made in varioua fields will continue with a view to achieving the goals that are set down in the many General Assembly resolutions concerning disarmament. It is with satisfaction that we draw particular attention to the major progress that has been made in the Geneva Conference on Chemical Weapons. Algeria expresses its appreciation of these positive developments and takes this opportunity to announce its accession to four treaties: the Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare; the Treaty on the Prohibition of the Bmplacement of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction on the Sea-Bed and the Ocean Floor and in the Subsoil Thereof; the Convention on the Prohibition of Military r any other Hostile Use of Bnvironmeatal Modif ication Techniques; and the Treaty on the Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. This is the first stage of Algeria's contribution to the collective effort that is needed if the aspirations of the United Nations and those of the peoples of the world in the various fields of disarmament are to be realited. For three years now, the countries of the Arab Maghreb have been implementing a constructive project that is of great interest to all countries of the region. It is now passino through a new stage, uhich seeks to consolidate the basis of the union and its institutional infrastructure, qs well as its consultative and executive bodies. The plan for Xaghreb unity seeks to consolidate peace in the region, and its goals are influenced objectively by every effort to consolidate peace, stability and cooperation in the Arab world - in Africa and in the Mediterranean basin. (Hr.B+ahirni.) Due to the adoption by the Security Council resolution 690 (1991) which established the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Weatera Sahara to monitor the Sahraoui people's referendum for aelf-determinaticm, we are moving, et lest, towards a final solution to that dispute. It is rmceaaary that the settlement process be carried out within the timeframe established by the United Nations, and the parameters envisaged, that is to say without the exertion of any pressure by any party. Indeed, the entry into force of a cease-fire on the date established by the Secretary-General and the deployment of the United Nations Mission in the Western Sahara have restored trust in the international community end have revived the hope that peace can be achieved. Algeria reaffirms once more its reaolve with regard to the implementation of the settlement plan for Western Sahara and it% confidence in the Secretary-General. who has earned the appreciation of the international community through his constant efforts and his patience. There are conflicts in other regions aa well, 50 we must make every effort to find solutions thereto. In Afghanistan there is sew hope that. between the Uaited States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Bepublics, the situation can be resolved peacefully, in cooperation with neighbouring countries and with the aupport of the United Nations. Likewise, everyone views the presence here of a delegation from Cambodia's Supreme National Council, the representative of the sovereign authority in that country, as proof of the confidence felt by the parties to the conflict. This is of great impvrtzmce to our efforts to achieve national iecoticiliation in Cambodia. (Mr. Brahimi. Alaerb) Turning to Cyprus, we bopa that the Secretary-Geaerel's efforts will enable that country to recover its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. In Lebanon the fighting has stopped and peace has been restored. The Lebanese authorities continue the work of national reconciliation and rebuilding national unity through implementation of the Taif agreements. The international community must shoulder its responsibilities vis-h-vie the Lebanese people by ensuring that Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon, pursuant to Security Council resolution 425 (19781, and by establishiag au international fund for the reconstruction of Lebenon. The major transformations we have been witnessing in international relations have not produced similar positive changes in economic relations or international economic cooperation. The heavy burden of external debt and the restrictions imposed on the access to the markets of the developed countries by the commodities of developing countries: inflation; rising interest rates: deteriorating terms of trade: the drop in official development assistance: and meagre flows of foreign investment to developing countries: all these constitute heavy burdens that hamper the work of reform undertaken by developing countries. The deteriorating climate of international economic relations is widening the gap between the North and the South. Take for example the deteriorating situation in Africa, which is in stark contrast to international commitments undertaken in tbe contest of the United Hations Prugrarme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development in Africa. The renaissance of the United Nations cau achieve its goals completely only if the demands of developing countries are placed at the top of international agendas. In that connection, the Secretary-General's proposed fnt8riMtfQZlal cWlf8r8nC8 for d8V8lOpmbnt ffnaUCfng d8S8rV88 support (Mr. Brahimi, Alseria) as it would provide the appropriate forum for concerted efforts to solve the basic problems facing us. We attach particular importance to the decision of the Economic and Social Council that work should be done to ensure that capital is not directed to Eastern Europe to the detriment of the countries of tie South. A genuine recovery of international cooperation through commitments undertaken at the eighteenth special sessian of the General Assembly, 011 international economic cooperations and through implementation of the goals and policies set out in the International Development Strategy, depends first and foremost 013 the political will of all Member States. Bestructuring the economic and social sectors of th~Jnited Nationsr revitalising the Economic and Social Council and efforts to bolster the practical work carried out by the United Nations can all lend credibility and effectiveness to international action. That in turn can stimulate greater political collective will to meet these challenges. Developing countries know full weli that development must depend above all on their own efforts. On that basis, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77 have adopted the principle of collective and individual self-reliance for developing countries. For that reason. we have adopted agreements on establishing African ecdnomic union and on economic complementarity among the Maqhreb countries, free-trade agreements with countries of Latin America as well as the dynamism of the economic groupings in Asia represent efforts to consolidate South-South cooperation, despite the many types of obstacles and difficulties we are facing. In fact, those efforts a0 not reflect a tendency on the part of countries of the South towards isolation. Neither are they an alternative to the fabric of international economic relations or to cooperation between all States. (Mt. Brahimi, Algeria) That is why those efforts in no way lessen the international community's responsibility to work for the develaprment of the entire international community. The domestic changes that we have 6een in Algeria are primarily a response to what we hope will be the reflection of the aspirations of our society: a democratic, responsible life. The thrust of those changes can have some effect, which we hope will be positive, on peace. stability and cooperation throughout the region. The establishment of political associations, the independence of juridical power and the strict observance of human rights are all factors which affect all strata of society. They are factors that help further consolidate real democracy, which we are establishing in Algeria. Despite the difficulties involved in such an experiment, Algeria is determined to continue along this path and work for the consolidation of democracy. we hope that these efforts will lead to the achievement of human aspirations with the consolidation of the legitimate rights of individuals and society as a whole, and that this will be accompanied by proper international action breaking new ground to produce effective global cooperation. In conclusion, we reiterate our connnitment to real cooperation with all Member States to establish the new international order to which all peoples aspire, a new order based on consultation and dialogue, democratic practices and cooperation, and not on conditions imposed by the strong on the weak or the rich on the poor. The meetins rose at 12.45 ~.m.
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• (-Am) GENERAL DRBATR &-pJJW&) (Granada) : It is with profound pleasure that my delagstion conveys to thm forty-airth sesbion of the United Nation8 General Aasembly the greetings of the Government and people of Grenada. It is our special honour to extend congratulations to you on your elaction to the presidancy of this forty-sixth session. We are well aware, Mr. President, of your outstanding qualities and competence, and we are confident that you will guide the work of this session in a moat exemplary manner. We also wish to congratulate Mr. Guide de Marco of Malta for the efficient manner in which he conducted the affairs of the forty-fifth session. The commendations of my Government are extended to the Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, for his indefatigable efforts in the service of the United Nations.* l Mr. Al-flimah (Qatar), 7ice-President, took the Coair. My delegation im almo happy to extend m warm welcome to the new Memberr of the United Ietionmr the Republic of Korea, the Democratic People’ m Republic of Korea, the ?ederated Staten of Micronesia and the Republics of the Marshall Islanda, gmtonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Surely this impressive list of new Memberr im testimony to the profound political changes now taking place throughout the world. The tederated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Imlandr have recently gained their independence. The Koreas have finally overcome decades of exclusion from membership of the United Nations. a condition that ham for mome time been politically untenable and wholly unrelated to their independent status. The Raltic States have, 80 to apeak, regained their independence. Freedom, justice and democracy have again won a splendid victory. It is now almost eight years since Grenada was liberated from an ideolog: which was alien to our political culture. Each year has posed new challenges to national reconstruction and to the well-being of our people. Indeed, these have been difficult years, and, while we have achieved some measure of progress, our people are aware that even bigger hurdles to national development lie ahead. Since late 1983 we have focused on the rebuilding of our economy and the restoration of the democratic institutions enshrined in our Constitution. In fact, in August this year Grenada restored those provisions of our Constitution held in abeyance since their suspension in March 1979, thus returninq our nation to full constitutional rule. In a related move, Grenada returned to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court System. These two accomplishments once again guarantee thp full constitutional rights of our citirons. We have held two peaceful and free general election@. Previous Governments have done, and my Government is doing, much to cultivate political stability, which would cause our nationala, tourists and foreign investora t-o be anxious to do business with and in our beautiful country. Our domeotic policies are aimed primarily at encouraging individuals, cooperatives and businesses to maximize the returns on their enterprise and efforta. At the same time, we seek to enhance opportunities for our workinq people to attain higher standards of living, through individual initiative and by building the virtue of self-reliance. The political peace we have dutifully created ia now being supported by a comprehensive development strategy, ae contained in our first Medium-Term National Development Action Plan. We have set ourselves a number of targets, which include balanced and integrated sectoral growth; strnteqic human resource planning and development; a positive work ethic and a disciplined, healthy and skilled work force; a relevant and adaptive education system: enjoyment of all guaranteed constitutional rights and freedoms; and a peaceful and stable industrial relations climate. My Government knows well the frustrations inflicted by very limited resources. Our people know the disappointment and pain of unfulfilled expectations, None the less, both Government and people recognise the need for sacrifice and patience as together we strugqle to produce larger quantities of goods and services at more economical and competitive prices. Alas, however, we are constrained by the forces of the international financial an? commodities markets. My Government is convinced that the rate of development of Grenada - indeed, of any small island country - is a function of international economic and political trends. Although to a considerable extent the characterixation of t&is phenomenon as global interdependence is apt, we must not lose sight of the blatant imbalances in economic and social development worldwide. Most importantly. we cannot be timid in speaking to the issue of the special circumstances of small island developing countries. The case for official development assistance and the transfer of real resources from the North to the South has never been as strong as it is today. Massive debt burden, loss of earnings due to drastic declines in prices for raw-material exports, persistent poverty and marginalized economies are salient throughout the so-called third world. We in Grenada are creeping under the weight of debt and the pressure of economic difficulties. We recognise, however, that corrective action cannot be taken in isolation from non-national factors and actors. Maximum efforts are obviously required of us. It is unfortunate, however, that most of our people have to look to Government for their well-being, and continue to do so precisely at a time when the national economy cannot satisfy many of their reasonable expectations. We believe, though, that economic restructuring has its merit and holds the promise of a more secure economic future. As individual developing countries embark upon such programmes, Grenada contends that enlightened support from international financial institutions is absolutely necessary. Debt forgiveness must be seen as a sensible option, as must new concessionary flows of official development assistance. The provision of special trade and investment regimes in favour of developing countries is vital to the economic viability of small States in particular at this time. turthermore, the economic ad justmantr bring undertaken r egui re aesistance to address the social costs of such adjustments. The vigorous creation and consolidation of regional economic blocs carry with them new sources of unease and new challenges to small States. W’h ile the economic logic and rationale for this development might be unassailable , Grenada appeals for special consideration for the products of traditional suppliers. If guaranteed access is replaced by unbridled price competition, without any compensatory mechanisms, social and political chaos will ravage the developing countries. The market-place has no social conscience. The need for economic survival is no more acute in the newly free States of Europe than it is in the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa or Asia. Development, like poverty, does not discriminate between cultures. Grenada calls upon all States to pursue the drawing up of an e ~,uitable international development strategy. There is a clear need for strong multilrteral initiatives within existing, but revitalized and reformed agencies of the United Nations. These agencies should be specifically mandated and financially furnished to provide for the development needs of poor countries. We speak perceptively in international forums of the globalization of the world economy and the concept of global interdependence. Por many decades industrialisation and the technological revolution provided vast quantities of goods and services, which made possible the rapid economic advancement of some countries. For many years too, poverty and hunger permanently resided with others, where millions of people eked out a meagre livelihood from limited natural resources. The cost of this twin phenomenon is present today in environmental degradation. The problems are global; the responsibilities are global: firm corrective action therefore requires a coordinated global strategy. It is in this context that Grenada looks foxward to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Braail in 1992. We believe that tbe challenge to diplomacy and international law-making cannot be shirked. Restoring and maintaining a sense of balance between economic development and environmental preservation require equitable and effective international legal instruments. It is our hope that, apart from the negotiation ana conclusion of conventions on climate change and the preservation of biodiversity, the special concerns and needs of small States will meet with genuine understanding and firm pledges of assistance. Grenada calls upon the international community not to relax its efforts to convince the industrialised countries, in particular, of the need to take urgent steps to save the environment. Small States must be assisted to find alternatives that will enable them to enjoy the beauty of the environment, rather than be forced to plunder its resources merely for survival. Let us go to Brazil with the political will and the commitment to save our planet and ourselves. The English-•poaking Caribbean region is relatively peaceful and stable at this time. Thorn@ condItiona onable out counttiea to intensify the search for deeper forms of economic and political integration. Grenada wishes to te1tstat.e its position that the economic and social prosperity of the people of the region iB heavily dapendent upon the success of out integration movsment. In recent years we have regained much of the political conunitment oocessaty for the advancement and consolidation of the integration process, and Grenada is confident that the renewed vigour and momentum will be sustained. Undoubtedly, the bright prospects of improved welfare and security have impelled the leadstm of the island States and the Cormnonwealth of Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada to engage all sectors of the community in a careful and serious search for a viable form of political union among the four island States of the subregion. Out hopes ate high that we ahall be able to define ourselves as one people and to fashion an appropriate constitutional authority to provide for our orderly and progressive governance. Grenada believes that the need to take steps to strengthen the integration process in the wider Caribbean and in Latin America is becoming more urgent, given the pace and scope of global change. In this context we note the special role being played by Venezuela and Mexico and the recent proposal advanced by Honduras. Further cooperation and collaboration between countries of the region will no doubt serve to promote hemisphe- ic unity. Grenada welcomes, with pleasure, the easing of tensions between Belize and Guatemala. The recent declaration by the Government of Guatemala that it recoqnizes Be1 i ze ’ s r iqht to independence and self-determination is very (Mr, PUKIQQ. GWIIQ~Q) encouraging. So too is the news that the two countries have established diplomatic relations. We look forward to an amiable snd definitive resolution of remaining difficulties between the two psrties on the baais of the principles of mutual respect and good-neighbourliness. The Government of Grenada deplores, in the strongest possible terms. tho recent overthrow of the duly elected President of Haiti. Grenada believes that no comfort should be provided to the military junta which has seized power for its own selfish ends, in disregard of the will of the Haitian people for democracy, peace and progress. We call upon the international community to bring adequate pressure to bear on the military junta so that constitutional rule may be restored in Haiti. It is imperative that the international community give special attention to the existing problem regarding Haitian refugees. This has become even more urgent given the current situation there. There are some who appear to believe that the political process now unfolding inside South Africa requires their immediate economic endorsement. Grenada notes, with some measure of relief, the abrogation of some of the legislative pillars of the apartheid system. But the motion of the process of fundamental constitutional change is very slow. So far none of the recognized rights and freedoms has been guaranteed to the black majority. Grenada reiterates its position that until that preferred goal is attained economic sanctions should be maintained so as to bring about the total demise of apart.heid. My Government is also disturbed over the continuing violence in the black townships and deplores the perpetuation by some agencies of such road-blocks to the realization of a dern,?cratic South Africa. ( t!L--nap....-li.KSRadQ ) The overall situation in the Middle East remains unsettled. In the aftermsth of the Gulf War new opportunities for peacm have emerged. Grenada supports the proposed Middle East Conference. In recent times t.here have been some noteworthy signs of positive movement and it is hoped that full advantage will be taken of the opportunity to settl e the long-standing differences between the Israelis and the Palestinians. The Government of Grenada has viewed with relief the demise of communism in Europe. Eastern Surope generally and the Soviet Union in particular have experienced the power of democracy. We believe that the so-called newly free States of Europe are a historic prize for the discharge of the cold war. That prize has gone, deservedly, to the people. (Mr&- GKQIA&QB 1 As the world feelr ita way in an era of seeming unipolarity, the recurity concerns of small States again come to the fore. The quemt for security absorb8 substantial economic resource6 that small States can ill afford. The vulnerability of smpll States may be defined not only in terms of direct attacks againat territorial integrity but also in termr of the pervasive conditiona of poverty and economic powerlessness. Regional cooperation arrangements provide an option, but it is respect for the independence of States, the right of their peoples to self-determination, and compliance with the rules of international law that constitute the best guarantee of security for small States. In the new international environment, Grenada see8 the United Nations aa having an even more vital role to play in buttressing the security and political independence of small States. The problems polled by the production, trafficking and consumption of illicit drugs cannot be wished away. Indeed, the very security of small States can be exposed and compromised by the violent and indiscriminate onslaught of the drug culture. F?- ally disturbing is its capacity to retard the development of our countries to the extent that it demands and consumes considerable resources that could otherwise be utilised more productively. Grenada is determined to persevere in the fight. We have introduced a number of national programmes in this area and have entered into bilateral cooperation agreements with friendly countries. My Government is of the view that regional and international agencies mandated to work in this field should receive the maximum support of Member States. The drug problem is global. The response must, of necessity, be global in scope. The decade of the 1990s continues to iinpose itself on the international c0mmunit.y as if conmissioned to effect political, economic and social change (Mr. PUrSQQ. Grenada) worldwide. Happily, democracy and freedom have been the major beneficiaries. From Grenada's perspective, we hope that our national development efforts will not be derailed but, in fact, will receive meaningful support from international financial institutions and friendly countries. It is our hope also that the neu spirit of international cooperation vi11 be consolidated and deepened so as to enhance the prospect for peace. The United Nations must be the focal point of international activity. This forty-sixth session of the General Assembly must play its part in providing opportunities for, and facilitating decisions among, the community of nations so as to advance the cause of peace and secure reasonable levels of sustained development, especially in the developing countries. Mr. DUMFJUYA (Sierra Leone): It is with great pleasure, that on behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Sierra Leone, I congratulate Mr. Samir Shihabi on his election to the presidency of the forty-sixth session of the General Assembly. This is deserved testimony to, and appreciation of, his proven qualities and skills as a seasoned diplomat and a worthy son of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a country with which we have always maintained cordial and friendly relations. Let me assure him of my delegation's fullest cooperation as the Assembly, under his leadership, forges ahead in the search for solutions to the problems confronting us. I should also like to pay a tribute to his predecessor, Mr. Guido De Marco. Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malta, under whose efficient direction the forty-fifth session made much progress. The principle of universality, for long the aim of the Charter, gained added significance with the recent admission of seven States, including Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, into our midst. For (Mr. Dumb . uva. Sierra Leone) them, membership must be the fulfilment of an aspiration to the attainment of self-determination. Similarly, we extend a hand of welcome and cooperatic.: to the Baltic Republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, whose independence and territorial integrity have been restored. These States have once again become vibrant actors on the international stage. We equally welcome the admission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea. an outcome that my Government had consistently supported over the past few years. It is our belief and hope that their presence in this international forum will be used to further their shared goal of eventual reunification. We congratulate all the new Members and note that by their membership the social and cultural diversity of the Organisation is further enriched. We meet at #is forty-sixth session on the crest of a tidal wave of significant developments, whose ramifications are yet to be fully understood. Poised as we are on what promises to be a new era, we must admit that these are exciting, yet challenging, times: exciting, because they offer an opportunity for a change in direction, or even new beginnings, in the conduct of international relations: challenging, because of the possible consequences of a wrong choice. It has been said in this very Hall that we cannot allow the emerging world order to evolve by itself. We must fashion it, nurture it and imbue it with those qualities or characteristics that will best serve us in the coming years. The nascent world order must therefore be seen as an offspring of our collective volition and effort. Consequently, the overriding premise should be that the prerequisites of such a new world order must be clearly understood and the rights, Autie8 and obligations of Staten within the contort of itr application must be clearly spelt out. What we mu8t fashion is not a tenuous arrangement of uneven quality, but a compact of free nationr, whoee conduct will truly be sanctioned by the Charter and held accountable to the peoples of the world. (Ht. Dumbuva. Sierta Leone) Invariably, the outcome of our efforts will depend largely on whether we are determined to make an auspicious start, whether we are resolved to shed those attitudes which have hitherto frustrated conflict resolution, inhibited peace-making or stifled economic development. We must be convinced of the efficacy of a progressively liberal and democratic approach whose underpinnings should be political flexibility, social compromise and clear economic vision. The situation in South Africa has been one of our agenda items for many years now. As a result of sustained internal and international pressure, the present South APrican Administration has enacted legislation to remove certain obnoxious laws from the statute books. However, apartheid is still firmly rooted in that country, and therefore it will be sn error of judgement on our part if we fail to maintain pressure on the South African Government. President De Klerk's constitutional proposals are designed above all to ensure that the majority of the people will never be able to exercise effective political power. Clearly, one cannot take seriously a system that makes it mandatory for a coalition Government to be formed irrespective of the outcome of elections. These proposals cannot form the basis for negotiations. At the same time. evidence has come to light confirming the suspicion of many that the Pretoria regime continues to coordinate the destructive wave of violence engulfing South Africa, particularly the African townships. The international community must continue to be vigilant and sustain pressure on the South African regime until the majority of the people of that country are able to determine how and by whom they should be governed. The retention of constitutional safeguards is one thing, but the perpetration of racism cannot be tolerated. We are elated at the ongoing peace process in Angola and the cersation of hostilities between the warring parties, and we look forward to ths emergence of a united Angolan people. We call upon the people of Momambique to end the bloody conflict that has wrought so much suffering on the poor and innocent, particularly the woman and children. We laud the efforts of all countries, particularly those of the aubreqion. in their bid to find a solution to the crisis in that country. With reference to the problems in Western Sahara, we see in the United Nations Mission a final step on the road to resolving the conflict in that territory. Over the years, my delegation has paid tribute to the courage, patience and fortitude of the Cambodian people in their advereity. Today we witness the result of those qualities in the establishment of a Supreme National Council under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Norodom Sihanouk, which crystallizes the conaensua of the Cambodian people to come to terms with the future direction of their society in order to resume their place on the international scene. We are convinced that the healing process, after years of conflict, has begun, and with it will come the realization that the lessons of the past will forge the Cambodian people’s determination as they march towards their destiny. My delegation welcomes the convening of an international conference on the Middle East which will address the Palestinian question and the wider Arab-Israeli conflict. It has always been the view of this delegation that the Palestinians are entitled to a homeland within secure borders, where they can exercise their inalienable rights as a people. Therefore it should be the objective of all participants at that conference to achieve a comprehensive (ME,.. PW.uYk, 6ivrra &vonv) peace settlement that will ensure that all the countries of that region llve in peace with one another within secure borders. Many people now agree that the African crisis is basically political in nature, with serious economic and social consequences. It is against that background that my President, Major-General Dr. Joseph Saidu Momoh, in August lsat year set the scene for greater participation in polltics by the people of Sierra Leone as well ae a greater democratlration of the political process. After 13 years of one-party rule, a multi-party constitution is now in place, and at the next election, scheduled to take place within a year, the people of Sierra Leone will have the opportunity of choosing those whom they would want to govern them. However, for multi-party democracy to function effectively, Government8 in our situation must be assisted to eradicate hunger, poverty and illiteracy, as the continued existence of deprivation of the majority of our peoples is likely to impact negatively on the democratic process. While Sierra Leoneans rejoice at the smooth and peaceful transition from a single-party to a multi-party constitution, our country continues to be invaded by rampaging bandits of Charles Taylor’s National P .triotic Front of Liberia. This aggression has resulted in the loss of lives of thousands of our people and the displacement of many more, thereby compounding the serious refugee problem we already have. We believe in the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all nations, irrespective of their size and wealth. Our participation in the United Nations coalition against Iraq following the latter’s invasion of Kuwait last year is an eloquent demonstration of our belief in the preservation of the territorial integrity of States. Sierra Leone is, therefore determined to repel the invasion of the eastern and southern parts cf its territory by the marsuding bandits of t-he National Patriotic Front of Liberia and appeale to the international comnunlty for support to alleviate the suffsrjng of both our displaced citirenr and the refugees from Liberia. We should also lika to place on record our appreciation of the tremendous asaiatanca rendered to us by the Governments of the Republic of Guinea, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the United States of America, t.he People’s Republic of China, the United Kingdom and other friendly countries. In a new world economic order where we see progress, achievement, growth and self-sufficiency in other parts of the world, we in Africa, particularly in the aub-Saharan region, continue to be marginalized, with our ailing economies deteriorating by geometrical progression. We continue to flounder in external debts, and there appears to be a calculated intention to keep us submerged. Programmes intended to salvage our economies and 8erve as a panacea for our economic woes meet with little or no support from the international community, Therefore they fail, and they fail dismally at that. A case in point is the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development, which at its launching had every indication of being a viable and potentially successful economic recovery programme. Today, four years after its inception, many African countries are mired in more economic difficulties than ever before. Our Hmadr of State, at their meeting in Abuja, Rigeria, laclt June, signed a Treaty emtablirhing an African economic cossnunity with the objective of creating opportunities for economic development through coopers’ on. We shall fail again in this venture if the requisite international economic atmosphere is not created. Thor. ir therefore an urqont need for a ynlm by the developed uationa in their attitude towards some or all of the caumon of our economic problems a8 WQ see them! low conwnodity prices, a heavy external -debt burden, limited transfer of resources and technology, and emerging protectionist trade bloca. We call upon the developed countries to integrate the economies of our countries into the multilateral trade aystem, thus creating an opportunity for our impaired economies to establish productive trade links with more buoyant ones. To this end, we need, among other things, a re-examination of the increasingly difficult international economic environment prevailing at the moment. It is my delegation’s view that if an improvement in the world’s economy is to be assured the international community must recognize the need for concerted action. Hany cowtrir s in Africa have embarked on the process of stabiliting their economies and introducing structural adjustment prografmnes. This process is no doubt a painful one for the majority of our people, who have to contend with reduced social serv’ces. It is therefore essential that the question of the debt burden and other related issues affecting the developing countries be seriously examined. It is widely accepted that, for Africa, the last decade was a lost decade. Now that there is an improved climate of political cooperation, we need to pursue very actively and constructively the North-South dialoque on burning economic issues. Even if the entire vorld were at peace, ve could not afford to look on helplessly an, every day, a large part of the population of our planet goes to aleep hungry. The international cotmnunity is cur8 ,tly engaged in a debate about protection of the environment. This comes after yearn of indifference to the ravages that man has wrought on hie surroundinga. Admittedly, acrone the ent.ire spectrum, rather intonne views are being voiced about the extent of certain aspects of environmental degradation - what activities are the most destructive: the impact of a comprehensive environmental regime on development, particularly in the developinq countries; and how a radical environment-oriented development system should be underwritten. Ttlsse are all pertinent aspects of an issue that should be addressed seriously. While we may differ in respect of certain areas, there is one point that we cannot argue against - that the environment is not only our common heritage but also a legacy that we shall bequeath to our children. That being the case, we have an insuperable obligation to engage in activities that will contribute both to our well-being ana, indeed, to our EurvIval. It is against this background that the Sierra Leone delegation regards the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, to be held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, as being crucial to our interests. The Secretary-General, in his report on the work of the Organization, observes that for the entire human race the stake8 in the forthcoming conference are high. We agree with this view, and we expect the consensus emerging from those negotiatiors to encompass clearly designed long-term strategies that will enable developing countries like ours to obtain the technological and material capability to deal with the deleterious effects of puv~rt.y and t.o embark 01: cnvironrncntal ly solJnd and. sustainable developmefit ( Mr LP.mnL..-auL.K aJm2Ila ) practices. It is our hope that this conference will not lead to a further marqinalisation of the developing countries and, above all, that It will address seriously those aspects of thiB issue that are of particular concern to us. Before ending my statement I should like to cosunend the Secretary-Genersl and his staff for their untiring effortcr to help UB to achieve the aims and objectives of our Organisation. Mr. Perrer de Cuellar hns rendered OUtBtaIldinq service to the United Nations for 20 ye.lrs - during tha last lQ, as Secretary-General. During these years significant events have affected the Organisation in a fundamental way. The retreat from multilateralism has subsided somewhat, and the Organisation has reoccupied the centre stage in international relations. My delegation extends sincere best wishes to Mr. Perez de Cuellar as he leaves us. His selfless service will go down in the annals of our Organisation. In conclusion, I should like to recall these words of the Secretary-General in his report on the work of the Organization to the General Assembly at its forty-sixth session: “With its return from the doldrums, and with its role no longer peripheral, the United Nations has come nearer to the vision of its Charter.” (A/46/1, p, 22) Sierra Leone shares these sentiments and commits itself to working closely wi*h others to achieve the objectives of the Charter. ADDRESS BY THE HON0URABI.E TOF1LAU ET1 ALESAllA, PRIME Ml HISTER UF Till! INDEPUNDENT STATE OF WESTERN SAMOA TBa.mmr The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Pr ime Minister of the Independent State of Western Samoa. SW&- !mLQa.c SaLea. te tJl!e ~mnfrlkt!! - Thnmum: I have great pleasure in volcoming the Prime Minister of the Independent State of Western Samoa, The Honourable Tofilau Eti Alesana, and inviting him to address the General Assembly. Pr. &.&JSAM (Samoa): May I congratulate you, Mr. President, on your election to your high post. Your long experience of international affairs and your diplomatic skills, which are well known to your colleayues, will serve this Assembly well. Our warm relations vith your country and with yourself vi11 make working with you a pleasure. May I also pay tribute to your predecessor - Malta’s Foreign Minister, Guide de Marco - for his proficient leadership of the General Assembly at its iast session. (Mr. Alesana. Samoa) This last year has seen a great expansion of the role of the United rations and an enhancement of its stature that are most gratifying to 1x5. Among the most recent examples in this connection is the sensitive role the Secretary-General has been playing regarding the hostages held in the Middle East, and we pray that through his efforts they may soon all be released. Wis quiet diplomatic skills, patience and integrity have contributed in no small measure to the renewed vigour of the United Nations. We thank him for his wise and compassionate leadership over these past difficult, but momentous8 10 years and we wish him well in his future endeavours. He will leave a much more vital Organisation and a strengthened role for his successor. Whoever that might be, he will be able to depend on Samoa's continued faith and active support of the Organisation. The number of Members of the United Nations is increasing, and during this session of the General Assembly we have been pleased to welcome seven new Members to the Organisation. First of all, it gives us a great deal of satisfaction and joy to welcome fellow nations of the Pacific and the Pacific Rim to the United Nations. Beth the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands are, like Samoa, members of the South Pacific Forum, and it is a special pleasure to see them joining us in this international forum as well. We know from working with them in the region that they will add to the vitality of the United Nations and contribute to the attainment of its objectives. We have long supported the admission of the Republic of Korea to United Nations membership, and it pleases us to see this finally achieved. We believe in the advantages of universality and, with the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea both belonging to the United Nations, we feel that an environment will be provided for reconciliation between them. We also welcome the Baltic Republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - States we know will make a worthy contribution to our vork. They were, of course, members of the League of Nations, and their proud histories and indomitable spirits well qualify them for membership. Last year we spoke of the immense speed at which world events were moving. This year there has indeed been an acceleration of the pace, and we are witnessing tbe beginning of an era of a courageous new world; a world that requires the utmost understanding, patience, compassion and flexibility of its leaders: a world where the voice of the people is becoming paramount and wise leaders listen. Democracy is resolutely on the march across the globe and, as evidenced by the recent events in the USSR and also in the Gulf, those that stand in its vay only seem to hasten its pace. We see all about us the breakdown of repression and old tyrannies. Democracy and Ere&fXG irr6 SpiE&iXKj saiftly tbr0ughOut ES%terZi Ei;iOpe, vhere the Iron Curtain once barred the way, end there is now new hope for peoples once denied them. Sadly, violence continues in Yugoslavia. We welcome the Security Council resolution on this matter and endorse the arms embargo. We hope that the European plan succeeds in bringing peace to the country. I am encouraged that in South Africa the repressive apartheid system shows signs of ending. Where for so many years the world's entreaties fell on deaf ears, finally there is movement forward. Though the South African Government’s proposals for a new constitution leave much to be desired, it ir evident that the South African Government can no longer deny the basic rights of the majority of its people nor the direction the country must take. It would seem that even in that most intransigent bastion of racism at long last movement is beginning on the road to democracy. It is our hope that now that a peace agreement has been signed by the parties, steady progress will continue and not be set back by violence or retrograde steps. In the Middle East the pace has also quickened: a Middle East peace conference is expected to begin this month. an eventuality many thought to be far in the future if indeed it would occur at all. This is the outcome not only of the new international order but of determined and enlightened diplomacy, and we are hopeful for the success of this peace initiative led by the United States. While many key procedural issues remain open, this opportunity to begin the healing of old wounds must be given every chance to succeed, with all parties represented and policies that could impede its progress discontinued. In Lebanon too there has been some progress; the civil war has finally ceased. Lebanon, however, must be allowed to rebuild without foreign forces on its soil or domination from others. In Cambodia events move steadily forward towards a comprehensive political settlement, and the new developments in this process are very pleasing. The United Nations must maintain its strong presence in the achievement of peace for Cambodia and Indo-China. We hope that the proposed conference on the Cyprus dispute will take place as planned. The Secretary-General will bring to that conference his vast experience and skills and we wish him success in his efforts to find a solution. (Mr. Alesana. Sa 3) In Afghanistan and Western Sahara we trust that the work of the Secretary-General, the resolve of the United Nations ana the positive undertakings by the United States and the Soviet Union and the parties concerned will restore the processes of peace in these countries. In all these events, the trend is a drive for freedom through self- determination, more representative government, and individual rights. We confirm our belief in the rights of people freely to decide for themselves what they want. In our country we have practised representative participation in elections since independence, but in accordance with the requirements of our customs aa traditions. Only this year did we implement universal suffrage after our people had made a conscious choice by referendum that universal suffrage should become part of our way of life. We have watched and noted the important work of the United Nations in eliminating abuses of individual freedom around the world, in particular in Central America, where most recently the protagonists in the long-lived civil war have finally signed a peace agreement. Samoa's hope is that it will be able to participate more actively in the worthy work of the Commission on Human Rights, and we enthusiastically support the holding of the World Conference on Human Rights in Berlin in 1993. While the united Nations has befin successful in supporting freedom and individual rights, a matter that casts a shadow over the integrity of our approach is the long-standing resolution 3379 (XXX) adopted in 1975, which states that Zionism is racism. Learned speakers at this rostrum have expounded the anomalous nature of this resolution and we join in the call for its reconsideration. It ‘II sometimer suggested that with the end OS the global bipolarism that drove the arma, the need for arme control and disarmament is now less urgent. To the contrary, my Government feels that we should not be complacent and should seire the opportunity created by new world conditions to hasten the progress of disarmament. The announcement by the United States that it plans to retire a large part of its nuclear arsenal and the very positive response of the Soviet Union are promising developments. We applaud these moves, which are substantial advances in the nuclear-disarmament process. We look forward to similar positive steps from the other nuclear-weapons Powers. We welcome the decisions of China and France to become parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and are pleased that other countries have recently done so. It is important that this Treaty and the safeguards it establishes be strengthened and observed. The events in Iraq and the informat:,on uncovered by the Special Conmission in its inspections sbundantly highlighted this need. Concluding a comprehensive test-ban treaty remains an urgent priority. We think the circumstances are now conducive for the nuclear Powers to take steps to negotiate such a treaty, and we urge them to do so. A comprehensive test-ban treaty would reinforce global non-proliferation efforts. In our region, we have the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, which alrio makes an important contribution in addressing nuclear non-proliferation: and we renew our plcld to the United States, France and the United Kingdom to become parties to its protocols. The Gulf conflict has served to focus attention on the dangerous proliferation of other weapons of mass destruction as well. We can clearly see that there is an ur(Jent need to achieve a comprehensive chemical-weapons (Mr. Alesana. Samoa) convention at the earliest possible date. While no chemical weapons are produced in the South Pacific. we have been forced to grapple with the issue of the disposal of toxic agents from such weapons in our region. We were pleased to see the support given at the recernt Biological Weapons Convention Review Conference to strengthening the current regime and we wish to see it become universal. Equally, the instability brought about by the huge and unmonitored accumulations of conventional weapons calls for urgent measures. The merchents of death, the arms dealers, are operating on ever-larger and more efficient scales. The resulting weapons build-ups contribute to regional and ultimately global insecurity. We therefore support the proposal for a United Nations-based register 01) arms transfers. Transparency in the conventional-arms trade could be the launching pad for more ambitious measures at a later date. While disarmament should lead to a more peaceful way of life on earth, this peace will be of little use to us if the quality of life generally continues to be destroyed by our lack of respect for the environment. We have beard colleagues from low-lying island countries speak of the threat of the rise in sea level to their very existence. That is the reality of the situation at its grimmest. Even we in the relative safety of our higher islands could still lose most of our coastal laud. We must indeed learn and practice respect for the living systems of which mankind is but a part. For this reason we attach great importance to the convening of the first-ever "Earth Summit", as it is being called. Tha United Nations Conference on Environment and Development taking place in Brazil next year is aB opportunity for serious stock-taking of the world's resources. It is a chance to assess the damage already done and to plan immediate preventive (Mr, Alesana. Samoa) measures. We must strive to maintain an ecologically sound environment whilst ensuring that sustainable development is accelerated for the benefit of both humankind and the planet. "Eco-development“ is no trendy catchword: it is essential if we and the Earth are to survive and prosper. We wish to place on record our appreciation to the United Nations Environment Programme for the coordination of the Conference preparations and in particular for their assistance with national statements for countries of our region. Environmental matters are certainly of great concern to the Pacific. We are pleased ta report that the South Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPRSP) has been strengthened into a fully autonomous regional organisation, with its headquarters in our capital, Apia. Several important environmental conventions are in force in the region. These are the Convention for the Protection of Natural Resources and Environment of the South Pacific Region; the SPREP Convention and its associated Protocol for Combating Pollution Emergencies and the Prevention of Pollution by Dumping: and the Convention on the Conservation of Nature in the South Pacific. the Apia Convention. In addition, the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty expresses our strong opposition to nuclear weapons and their testing in the region. The reasons fo; such tests have become even more obscure to us, with reduced globa?. tensions and the dramatic progress that has been made in disarmament. The immediate and pressing concern is the danger that these tests pose to the fragile environment in which they take place. The Convention for the Prohibition of Fishing with Long Driftnets in the Sout!‘ Pacific has also recently entered into force. Marine resources provide an essential part of t&e life-support system of the island countries of the (ML. AlQrmmA.R.ol@lQa) Pacific, and Samoa is pleased that the importance of their conservation in now being rsalined. We welcome the ongoing implementation of the General Assembly resolution on driftnet fishing and look forward to the global cessation of such practices in accordance with the time-frame set by the United Nations. We welcome the undertakings that have already been made in thin regard and we hope that not only driftnet fishing but all other techniques that are proven threats to the conservation of the resources in question be dealt with firmly . A matter that continues to require out attention in the region is New Caledonia. The United Nations has adopted a Declaration on the granting of independence to colonial peoples and is committed to the eradication of colonialism by the year 2003. In this regard, we are encouraged by the measures to promote political, economic and social development taken by France under the Matignon Accords to prepare the way for the act of self-determination in 1998. We also welcoms the willingness of the Government of France to accept the Forum Ministerial Committee, which rscently visited New Caledonia. Its report was both informative and constructive, and we believe that further visits should be facilitated. The ending of the cold war has political change and reform around the world moving at a crisp pace. It also means that the United Nations has an increasingly important role in ensuring security and preventing crises from escalating into tragedies, as happened in the Gulf War. Guardianship of the peace 1 naramount and the Secretary-General’s call for preventive diplomacy hy the United Rat-ions must te support.ed. (Mr. Alesana. Samoa) Diminishing world tensions, new-found freedom and the enlightened spirit of cooperation provide new hopes of opportunities for all to fulfil their reasonable aspirations. But hope zan be easily dashed and turn to bitterness if an adequate degree of economic well-being is not achieved and poverty sets in. Clearly, priority must be given to providing conditions to meet economic objectives. A cornerstone factor is trade - liberalised trade. The Assembly has repeatedly heard the call made for the successful and urgent completion of the Uruguay Round, and we add our voice to that call. Economic security is the key to our success in preventing future conflicts. Without it, the stability we have worked so hard to achieve in our individual countries and in the world would be in grave danger of disintegrating. In our region, attaining and maintaining levels of economic development to meet the growing needs of our people is not an easy task for small nations of the Pacific, including Samoa. What we have achieved, as late entrants into the modern world of economics and international commerce, has been to a considerable extent due to the willing cooperation of the family of nations. The relative stability enjoyed by our country and our region has been the result of our combined effort, and we thank each and every nation for their contributions to our development. We hope that we can continue to count on their support in the partnership we have forged. It is appropriate that we are addressing the Assembly in the week which includes the International Day for watural Disaster Reduction, because disasters, either man-made or natural, are phenomena which, because of the small size of our island nations, have a cruel effect on us. Our region, like some others, is particularly prone to cyclones and earthquakes. Besides the threat they pose to life and damage to the environment, at their worst they are capable of plunging agrarian-based economies like ours into severe (bL-..WUaa 1 daclino. Wo therefore fully aupport any undertaking by thn United Nation8 to improve it@ diaartar arrangementa. We would suggert, howavmt, that it ir l sssntial that those arrangements go beyond imnediats relief and, a8 well, address disaster-mitigation measures and rehabilitation requirements adequately. I and all of our colleagues have spoken of our aucce88e1, but WI have also identifiad the numerous problems and challenges that are the reason for the existence of this institution, the United Nations. Together wo can agree on standards of conduct, within our individual countries and amongst our family of nations, to resolve disputes and maintain peace. We have asked the United Nations to assume a greater role in many arean, including peace-keeping and monitoring, mediation and verification, and enhancement of economic security and stability. We must give it the support required to carry out these roles. We are at one of the pivotal moments in history when the direction of the world can be changed for the better. Too often in the past, when we stood at the crossroads, we have been too preoccupied with our disagreements and narrow perspectives to grasp tha opportunity. We have the chance now to leave the legacy of a secure world to our children; it must not be lost. Samoa looks forward with great pride and expectation to the achievements which will be initiated by this forty-sixth session of the General Assembly. The pmJJ&)JT (interpretation from Arabic): On behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the independent State of Western Samoa for the statement he has &jr* HQQm (tqusto~isl Guinea) (interpretation from Spanish)! The forty-sixth session of the General Assembly is taking place in a spirit of true peace, tranquillity and security under the auspices of the international community, and the delegation of Equatorial Guinea intends to make its contribution to all initiatives and suggestions that may emerge for the benefit of free and sovereign peoples. I had the privilege of being the first speaker to congratulate Mr. Samir Shihabi on behalf of the African States. This time I should like, on behalf of the delegation of Equatorial Guinea, to congratulate him on bin election to the presidency of the Assembly at this session. His great experience and diplomatic abilities are a sufficient guarantee of the aucceas of our debates. His country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is well known not so much as a great country rich in oil resources but, rather, as a contributor to and faithful collaborator with the international community in respect of the implementation of the principles and ideals of the Charter of the United Nations, and as a country that cooperates in the development of the poorest and least advanced countries, including my own, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. Through him, I extend our congratulations to all the members of the Bureau, in the conviction that with their well-known ability they will contribute to solving our problems in the best possible way. We express our warmest congratulations to his predecessor, Mr. GLido de Marco, Vice Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Justice of Malta. and to the members c+f his Bureau for their outstanding work during the last session. The previous xpoakera have expreaaed their highest regard for our 6ecretaryA3enera1, Mr. Javier Perex de Cuellsr, a man of patience, determination and a deep sense of responsibility. His self-sacrifice and total dedication to the problems of the international conununity and the leaat-advantaged countries merit a high tribute from ua, in recognition of tha arduous, positive work which, with his great ability, haa brought the United Nations to the position that it deserves in the service of mankind. ( t!iL.wAQUOtQ.LiJLl GUiR6a) The delegation of tquatorisl Guinea l haror the rincerm general feeling that Secretary-Goooral P/ren de Cuillar will romain ia the hearts and minds of each of ULI ae ao example of someone who har carried out his duty. The admission of aeven oeu Member Stator to the United Nationa is a unique event in the history of our Orgaoiaation. My country welcomes this development and congratulates all Members on their unanimous decision, which once again confirmr the universality of our Organisation. We are happy to welcome the Democratic People’, Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea, cour.triee with which tquatorial Guinea maintain8 good, close diplomatic relations. We are proud to have rpooaored the respective resolutions on their admission. The l imultaneous admission of the two Koreaa is a good omen for a sincere, open dialogue that will lead to the peaceful unification of their peoples, a8 has been done so commendably by Germany. We also welcome and congratulate the Republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, first on their return to the great family of independent, sovereign nations, and, secondly, on becoming Members of the United Nations. We wish to express equally heartfelt congratulations to the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands and to extend a warm welcome to them. We are going through one of the best periods in the history of our Organization, a ti!rle when, with the long cold war and ideological bipolarity behind us, WV are beginning to enjoy relations in a climate of confidence and optimism. The rapid disappearance of totalitarian Governments and the beginning of the elimination of weapons of mass destruction are the clearest signs of this. They call on us to focus our attention on the point where we should have begun - recognition and re-evaluation of the human person as a (Mr. Ndons. Equatorial Guinea) free agent and the protagonist of history, concepts which were being devalued, forgotten and weakened by the emergence of incredibly sophisticated machinery of destruction. The international community's new awareness of the qualities of freedom, solidarity, security and development of the human person is above all an encouraging sign of the reconstruction of the world order and an urgent appeal to make a reality of the long-cherished dream of the human community. I take this opportunity to express the strong indignation of my country and Government over the military action in Haiti which led to the overthrow of the first constitutionally and democratically elected President, in clear violation of the democratic order and in defiance of the United Nations and the entire international Community. We appeal to the military to desist from its action and restore the constitutionally elected Government to power. In my statement in the general debate at the forty-fifth session I said, with special reference to my Government's political programme to institute a multiparty system as an authentic expression of democracy: "The fact that Equatorial Guinea still has only one political party is not a contradiction and should not be viewed as unwillingness to allow the popular will to express itself. Rather. it represents a preliminary educational and formative phase for the population to ensure that we do not repeat sorry past experience and that we mature in the process and interplay of democracy." (A1451PV.21, T). 86) We are now seeing a unique situation in the political history of Equatorial Guinea. The Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea, created in 1987 as an experimental test of democratic freedoms, with voluntary membership, adopted at an extraordinary session on 31 May this year a resolution (Mr,.ldpnrt ItsrunLQ K isa QLdnrs 1 recomnendlng that that Government drew up l pro9ttumna to open the door to a multiparty mystem. Thst resolution, confirmed by thm titmt Extraordinary Congress of the Democratic Patty of Equatorial Guinea, hold in Bats from 2 to 6 Augumt, ham been accepted by the Government of Equatorial Guinea, which, to carry out that mandate, has prepsrod and adopted a short-term, medium-term and long-term plan. The Ptemident of the Republic, itm Head of State and Government, submitted the three-part plan to the people on 20 September. First, the short-term plan ptopomem the l laborstion and promulgation of a met of laws and provisiona to provide the logs1 framework to guarantee other political choices in the country, in an atmosphere of peace, tranquillity and political order, which har reigned in our country since 3 August 19791 tevimion of the Fundamental Law, am a necersaty condition for the promulgation of thu other ptovisionsr and the formation and functioning of political patties. Secondly, the medium-term plan ptopcses the creation by the Government of a climate for positive participation by the political patties that have been created in forming the country’s elective organs on the erpity of the term of office of the present Legislature. Thirdly, the long-term plan proposes the creation by the Government of a climate permitting positive participation by political parties at all levels, as provided for by law, for the consolidation of the pluralist system in the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. The delegation of Equatorial Guinea is proud to inform the Assembly that the Commission appointed to deal with technical aspects of that progranore has completed its work and reported to the Government, which in turn is now (Mr. Ndonu. Eauatorial Guinea) submitting it to the legislative body, the Chamber of Representatives of the People, for its study ana approval. The process of democratisation in Equatorial Guinea is not a haphazard matter, nor is it a result of foreign influence or pressure. Rather, it is born of a deeply felt need arising from the coherent programme of President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who, after taking power on 3 August 1979, decided to educate ana train the population for a democratic system. once national unity ana reconciliation had been achieved he began the process of democratisation with the entry into force of the Fundamental Law of 1982 and the accompanying change from military government to civil and constitutional government. It is in that context that we must see the Government's efforts to restore peace, order end tranquillity in the country, while safeguarding fundamental freedoms and human rights. Not content with recognizing, listing and defining those matters in article 20 and subsequent articles of ,the fundamental law, the Government also created instruments and control mechanisms for their full implementation. There was thus created the National Commission of Human Bights under Decree-Law No. 7 of 27 September 1990. That Commission has full independence and is absolutely free and impartial: it enjoys immunities ana privileges in carrying out its functions. It is from the same perspective that we must also see the coming into force of Law No. 411991 of 4 June, regulating the exercise of religious freedom in conformity with article 20, paragraph 5, of the Fundamental Law, which says: "Every person shall enjoy the right of freedom of conscience and religion, individually or collectively, in public or in private". The last pardon granted, on 3 Augurt 1991, which emptied our nations1 jmilm and clored their doors, confirmr the political will to put into practice principle6 and ideals concerning the well-being of persons. On various occasions we have stremred that democracy, understood ns a political system permitting popular participation in public affairs, has no single or absolute model, but is rsther a form of government based on and adapting itself to the realities and values of each country. Hence, we note with sadness and a IBbnmO of poworlaasnesr the emphasis with which the problem of human rights is dealt with here, disregarding what. in our view, should be given the highest priority. I refer to the extreme poverty, want, hunger and disease to which virtually more than half the people of the world are victim. If those problems were to be rerolvad, the human person would be the focus of development. We therefore resolutely support the Secretary-General’s idea to convene a world summit on social development. Preserving international peace and security and economic cooperation continue to be the common goals the organs of the United Nations should pursue with a view to achieving the beat results. He should therefore strike a balance between the organs of the United Nations and greater participation by its Members. This is the way to achieve the democratitation of the United Nations, and thus respect for the will of the majority. The delegation of Equatorial Guinea believea that. just aa the United Nations tackles social problems, it should also address environment problems, which are vital to our existence. Hence we are encouraged at the holding, in Brazil, of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. We believe that the time has come for the humanization achieved in the political sphere to be extended to the economic sphere. The linking of politics to the econcmy leads us to doubt that there will ever be genuine and lasting peace in the world. For t-he poor and least developed countries. cancellntion of the external debt appears to be the first - and inevitable .- solution. Since 3 August 1979, the date of the liberation of Equatorial Guinea from a gloomy and painful past, the reconstruction rind economic recovery of the country have been among the major struggles waged by the Government. Many initiatives have been taken and many projects carried out. The holding of two Round Tables in Geneva in 1982 and 1988 form part of the process; their recommendations, and the consequent structural adjustments, have been implemented. But for a country seeking to break out of what is barely a subsistence economy, this is truly difficult. I take the opportunity to thank all friendly countries and donors, as well as the international financial institutions, for their valuable support. However, my country is seriously concerned over the continued and persistent functioning of the protectionist system, which has not only made the Uruguay Round unfruitful, but also had negative effects on a country such as ours, which is correctly categorized as among the least developed. We view with optimism the recommendations contained in the Secretary-General’s report on stable solutions to our commodjty problems. In this regard. the delegation of Equatorial Guinea welcomes the Japanese initiative to hold in 1993 a summit meeting on Africa’s development. Similarly, we look forward to the success of the second Programme of Action on Africa’s Recovery and Economic Development. We pledge our full cooperation t3 the creation of the African EconoTT,ic Community, in keeping with the Ahuja guidelines - something which is both necessary and of vital import ante for our region. (Mr L t!dQIlg, b-U!@tQribl GLliMB 1 Without indulging in self-praise, 1 must say that the efforts of the Government of Equatorial Guinea for the well-being of the ccuntry, and hence of the human person, can be seen by anyone who wishes to visit the country. It is with deep pride and satisfaction thst we learned of the international recognition, in the form of the Humberto Biencamano Prize, extended to Hia Excellency Obiang Nguema Mbasogo in Bata on 17 April 1991 by an international panel composed of representatives of the European Economic Community, the European Parliament, the Nobel Prize, university rectors, representatives of the international pros8 and the Director of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in connection vith the efforts for political stability, democratization and economic development of the country. On behalf of the President of the Republic, the Government and the people, I wish to reiterate from this rostrum our thanks to these organizations and personalities. The delegation of Equatorial Guinea recognizes and commends the positive changes made by the South African Government aimed at eradicating the system of apartheid, but we regret to note that it has not yet been completely eradicated. We cherish the hope that there will be good results from the negotiations on a non-racist and democratic constitution fully guaranteeing the fundamental rights of all South Africans, in keeping with the principle of one-man. one--vote. We are concerned over the disturbant-es in the sister countries of Liberia, EthioplTr, Somalia and Rwanda, and we urge their leaders to reconsider their position:, and, through open and sincere dialogue, find solutions that restore peace, order and trnnqui 11 ity. wo are convinced that poaco in the Uiddle East cannot coexist with the persistent occupation of the Paleutinian, Arab and Lebanese terr’toties by Israel. The reality of the factu requires un to recognire both Israel and palentine as free and sovereign States, esch within its own recognised boundaries. We harbour the hope that the holding of a peace conference, under the positive auspicer of the Presidents OC the United States and the Soviet Union, will calm passions and bring about a peaceful and lasting solution. we congratulate Lebanon on its having achieved natJonal reconciliation. The International cormunity should lend support and assistance to that country for ita reconstruction. We resolutely support and praise the efforts of the Secretary-General with regard to the situation in Cyprus. We most sincerely hope that the tragic and painful situation in Yugnslavia, a pioneer of the Non-Aligned Movement. will retain the attention of the international cormsunity SO that a solution acceptable to the parties can be found. There is general agreement that military options are not the only or most desirable way to seek peace. Si vis ~acem, para bellllnl - if you desire peace, prepare for war - has lost its validity. My delegation welcomes the climate of peace and tranquillity promised by the political and economic negotiations, agreements, conventions and treaties the sister countries of aimed at establishing a common understanding between Latin Arnaric and the Caribbean, wit.h which we are 1 inked through language, culture and h.Tcory. It is along this line of think ing that. without enqaging in historical juclqementr or inquiring as to who is right or wrong, we urge the Unitad States: of America and the Republic of Cuba to open the door8 to negotiations in order to arrive at solutions acceptable to the pooplea on both aides, innocent victims of their rigid positions. That is an urgent requirement of the new era in which we find ourselves. The international community and hirtory will praise and thank them for it. The United Nationa is the appropriate forum and the time is right. Disarmament has always been the focus of our attention. Although we do not produce weapons nor possess them, a5 part of the international community, and since we might become their innocent victims, we wish to see their complete elimination. Therefore, we welcome and praise the unilateral initiative of the President of the United States, reciprocated by the President of the Sovil t Union, to begin the process of their destruction and elimination. Of course, we must exr>ress our bitterness over the vast amounts of money spent on weaponsz such resources could better serve to alleviate some of the many ills affecting mankind, but we take consolation in the saying “Better late than never”. nr. (Brtonia) I I oxtoad my werm congfatulationm to Ur. RhihaDi on him election to the promidencp of the Goneral Assembly at its forty-•ixth rormion. Ua alro l tend our rincero appreciation to Mr. Guide do Vsrco of Malta and all oarlier Preridents of the Goneral Assembly whom effortr have guided and l arichod the work of thim body on behalf of the peoplor of the world. At the IW time we exprerm our gratitude and respect to the Secretary-General, Mr. Javior Peres de Cuellar, fcr his tireless offortr to promote peace and security in the world. The people of Rrtonia have laboured and perrevered for generations in order to join this body as a fully sovereign nation at peace with its neighbours. We look forward to working under his guidance in the United Rations. It is with great pleasure that we welcome the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’8 Republic of Korea as full members of this body. With equal feeling we welcome the ?eUerated State? of Micronesia and the Republic of the Harshall Islands. With particular pleasure we welcome the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Lithuania and remind ourselves that the peoples of the Baltic States have never gone to war against each other. Instead, we have shared a consnon history - colonial domination by stronger neighbours who have fought their kdrs on our soil and at our expense. When we entered the League of Nations after the First World War our peoples hoped that a new era had begun. As we join the United Nations *nd put the Second World War behind us we rer.ew our faith in the principles on which this body is based and trust that a new era has indeed begun. The Estonian people have finally realised their age-old dreivl of self-determination. Estonia’s independence as a State has been restored and cnt.1 recognixod by the world cocrunity. trtoaia valuoo highly itm l CCeptaac0 as a Hmbor of the United Rationa and rtrnda ready to fulfil itr intmrnational obllgationr. Uo oatend our hoartfolt gtatituda to thoaa who l upportad UI in thir struggle through l o many yaarr. Um 9ivm particular thanka to Iceland - a country tha mall mira of which did not rtand in tho ray of moral courage. The people of Iceland will l lwaym have a rpecial place in our hirtory. Unfortunately, accoptanco into the United Iationr does not rolve the many problora m face in consolidating our indopondonco. Contra1 to thoma are quertionr that relate to the traditional political and l cononic orientation of our country. Pirtorically and culturally Ilatonia haa alwaym had atrong ties to nortorn and Central Buropo. That raa true oven under the domination of the Eurrian Empire during the l ightoonth aad niaotaonth centurier. Botwoon 1940 and 1991 the Soviet occupation dirruptod thoao tier but did not raaage to destroy them. In terms of the political and l conoric dovolopwnt cf tmtoaia, an inmediato priority aunt be tha rortoratioa of thorn tier and the rertoration of a European way of life. To achieve there aims, ue wish to integrate as quickly am possible with the political and oconoaic structures of modern Europa. Estonia is already a full member of the Conference ou Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCt), has rtrong ties with the nations of the Nordic Council, and has initiated discurrionr on cooperation with the European Pree Trade Association. Finally, many members of the Kuropean Comnuuity have expressed their interest in our becoming an associate member of the European Community. Istonia’s orientation towsrdr turope dear not, however, mean that it will fnil to understand the needs and aspirations of the developing countrit~a. We feel that we are in fact better positioned to spprsciate these issues than the Wertarn countries whose value6 we mharo. The Baltic Stater have emerged from a long sad difficult period of colonial rule. We hope that this experience augurs well for closn tier and cooperation with the third world. Estoniano know full well what it mean8 to live under foreign domination, especially when that domination is based on totalitarianism. For that reason, Estonia cannot take any position that fails to support the right of all peoples to self-determination. Considering this, the Government of the Republic of Estonfa recognised the independence of Slovenia on 26 September. Independence is the free choice of the Slovenian people and Slovenia fulfils the criteria for independent statehood under the generally accepted principles of international law. Estonia is convinced that respect for the right of the Slovenian and Croatian peoples to self-determination is the most effective way to achieve a solution to the Yuqoslav conflict in accordance with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations. At the same time, Estonia can only accept peaceful means based on democratic principles and respect for human rights - as well as respect for the rights of minorities. These are, after all, the principles on which the people of Estonia have based the restoration of their independent statehood. In the short term, Estonia’s highest foreign policy priority is the normalization of relations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. I am happy to report that yesterday the Soviet Union and Estonia established formal diplomatic relations. It is in the interest.s of Estonia to pursue a policy bmred on frimndly rolmtionm mnd mtuml rorpoct for nmtioaml rovormignty. Rrtonim l lro coariberr it l mreotiml to prerorvo wtumlly bmnofioiml l cononic timr with the ropubllcr of t&o U66R. Tbm procondition for thir, of courmo, ir continued progromr twmrtlr dmcrmcy in thm ropublicm of thm UIIR, in an atmorphore of intornml l tmbility. Brtonim hopor that thorn ropublicr can molvo their l cononic difficultiom mod forortmll the violont birintoqrmtion of the IJSSR. 6uch an l voat could lomd to 8 civil war capmblo of thromtaning the #lability of the l ntiro world. We are al80 concernad by the attitude of the USSR in connectlon with the process of fully roaliring Estonian l tatehood. Whfle the State Council of the USSR recognised the independence of the Baltic States on 6 September 1991, we find that there are political forces and Government agencies of the USSR that fail to acknowledge or to accept the rentoration of Eatonis’s independence. Those structures show no evidence of coming to terms with the new political realities. Most notable is a desire to maintain future relations with Estonia 8s if Estonia were a constituent republic of the USSR. This attitude is prejudicial to Estonian aovereignty and we hope that it will be a8 unacceptable to the world community an it is to the people of Estonia. A separate and immediate issue is the timely withdrawal of Soviet occupation forces from Estonia. The Eatonian Government ia concerned about the efforts of aome Soviet political leaders to delay the withdrawal of the Soviet military from Estonian territory. For example, Anatoly Sobchak, leader of the Soviet delegation in negotiations with Estonia, has repeatedly stated that troop withdrawals cannot begin before 1994. Estonia understands that some time must be allowed for Soviet occupation forces to return home. We do, however, believe that this goal can be accomplished with greater speed. Of special concern is the continued presence of nuclear weapons and assault troops on our territory. We are also disturbed by the continued existence of large foreign military contingents in Tallinn, the Estonian capit.al, a presence that threatens the sovereignty of the Republic of Estonia. For that reason, on 5 October 1991 the Baltic Council decided to propose to the USSR that Soviet occupation troops evacuate all Baltic capitals by 1 December this year. Rngarding the general isrue of European security, wb applaud thm fact that the process of democratiration in the republics of the USSR, taken toyethcr with the restoration of the independence of the Baltic States, has markedly reduced tensions in Europa. #o longer do we have a trip-wire of t*confrontation reparatlng tast and West. This new reality has become the basis Ior Estonian national-security doctrine. We do nl\t consider ourselves neutral since we no longer see a Europe divided into hostile alliances. Estonia wishes to cooperate with ita neighbours on guestions of defence and strategic doctrine, an well as with all other members of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) in the context of the CSCE process. In the spring of 1990, Estonia held parliamentary elections that were as democratic aa possible under the conditions the.. prevailing. Now that independence has been restored and a flourishing multi-party system has been established it is both necessary and desirable to hold new elections. The Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia has decided to call new elections in 1992 in order to seat a new and more representative parliament under conditions that conform to all generally accepted principles of democratic government. Of course, the internal political situation in Estonia is not without its problems. Fifty-one years of foreign occupation have weakened the political traditions nurtured during the period of independence. However, this difficult experience has taught us that only a democratic political system and a market economy can address the interests of the Estonian people. A Constitutional Assembly has been convened to develop a new constitution based on that underst.andinq. That constitution will be in accord with the provisiona end principles of tha luropeen Convention for the Protection of Human Rightr end Puadunental Premdoma ma l etablirhed by the Council of Europe on 4 November 1950. In the economic sphere, rtatuter are being prepared that will facilitate the convoraion to a mrtket economy based on the rule of law. During the past year, laws have been written to mrtsblieh private property rights, protect the interests of foreign and domestic inveetorm and institute a fair taxation system that ir favourable to private investment. The principles behind these laws are in accord with thorn implicit in the membership requirements of the International Moaetsry ?und and the World Bank. Botweon the two world ware, trtonia warn unique among the nations of the world comnunity in terms of its eteadfset and tolerant approach to minority rights. Estonian statutes on cultural autonomy for minority nationalities were a remarkable exception in a Europe torn apart by hatred and fear. These statutes guaranteed to each national group and religious minority the opportunity for education in their native language, their own publications, the freedom to practise their own religious customs, and freedom of cultural sxpreaeion as they saw fit. The revival of these liberal principles will be a good basis for cooperation between the many different nationalities living in Estonia today. During the yearn of occupation a great many non-Estonians were settled in Estonia. Many of these people think of themselves a8 having found a new homeland and have supported the aspirations of the Estonian people to self-determination. We find it self-evident that the citizens of other countries residing in Estonia should have the opportunity to apply for citiwenrhip on the barir of a fsir and l quitablo citironrhip law. If they wirh to work in Irtonla while remaining citiron8 of other countrior, that opportunity will not be arbitrarily denied them. The Republic of Estonia and ite people are in the procorm of rejoining the world community sftor 51 yearr of foreign occupation. We ohs11 not waste this opportunity for which 60 many have suffered. We wish to rejoin Europe aa a dsmocratic State, aa a good neighbour, a8 a State that rospoctr human right@, and aa a trurtwotthy partner in the affairs of nations. Hr. T-m- (Dominicen Republic) (intorprotstion from Spanirh) I It ie a wry groat honour for me to eddrorx the Aarembly at itr forty-sixth rerrion and to convey, on behalf of the Government and the people of tl;c, Domirlican Republic, our rincore wirhoe for peace and tho well-being of all the nations of the Earth. Allow me to l xprerr to Hr. Shihabi the conpratulationn of the Dominican delegation on hia l loction to the presidency of the General Assembly. I have every confidsnco that hir diplomatic skill and experience will ensure that our deliberations will be fruitful, will help to strengthen international order and mako for an even more beneficial poaco among all the nations of the world. I should also like tu l xprexx our gratitude to the outgoing President, Mr. Guido de Uarco, for hi8 competence and dignity, and for the manner in which he presided over the proceedings of the forty-fifth sesrion. Moreover, I wimh to expremr our greetings to Mr. Javier Perer de Cuellsr for his inestimable offorte 8x Secretary-General of the Organisation. The dedication and the real with which he har dimcharged hio lofty functions for nearly a decade, and the courage and devotion he hax shown in remaining in the service of the ideala of the United Natiokr, have earned him high praise, which confirms the great esteem in which he is held by the nations of the world. My delegation is pleased to extend a very warm welcome on their membership of the Organization to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Korea, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Baltic Republica of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Rather than USC the time at my disposal to discuss other serious issues on the 3igenain of the Assembly. I feel it would be more useful to enlighten the Members of the Organization about another small problem that affects just two neighbouring countries, which are perhaps unique in the world, in that together they occupy a small island in the Caribbean Sea and have relatively similar problems. In our statements to the General Assembly, the question of Haiti has, year after year, been a permanent fixture. How could it be otherwise, since geography and history have ordained that Haiti and the Dominican Republic should be two sovereign nations that are in the unique position of sharing the same island? As a result of this ptopinquity, us have been witness to the political, social, economic and environmental misfortunes that have, like ruinous plagues, befallen the Hkitian people. We have seen and felt the burden of the long-lasting tyrannical political regimes that have robbed that people of their freedoms. We have grieved at the social inequalities that have deprived the great majority of the people of education, health and development. As neighbours, we have seen the Haitian people ccme and go, weighed down, distressed and broken by abject poverty, and we have watched with amazement aa sadness as its arable iana has been stripped of its plant cover and has virtually been turned into a wasteland. A prolific people, the people of Haiti have not been able to find in their OM territory the productive land they need, end we have all observed how they have spilled over into the neighbouring area, in endless waves of desperation. Haiti has been accusing us it. various international forums of violating the rights of Haitians and of tolerating slavery-like conditions in the employment of Baitian@ on rugor-cane plantations in the Dominican Republic. And yet, a8 many time6 a8 we have spoken before the Assembly on the question of Hal.tl, we have done 80 in order to plead for assistance on behalf of the Haitian poop10 in a righteous gesture of solidarity. This time, after hearing the President of Haiti vehemently repeat this accusation here, we resolved that we should set the record straight crnd state loud and clear before this world gathering that Haiti's aim ia to subject the Dominican Republic to public blackmail and morally bind it hand and feet in a futile attempt to prevent the authorities from performing their duty as the guardianr of the moat precious attributes of nationhood. we rejrct most emphatically the charge6 levelled by the President of Haiti In .~is address to the Assembly on 25 September, to the effect that the rights of Haitians living in the Dominican Republic are being violated. This assertion is an unacceptabla distortion of the facts. Our historical problem in coexisting with Haiti is the problem that has been brought abcut by the clandestine immigration of the poverty-stricken agricultural and urban manses from Haiti to the Dominican Republic. It is highly unusual for a Hoad of Stat. to appear boforo the ir.ternstional conwnunity to criticire another nstlon for enforcing itr lawb on public order. What ir at inrum ir thr clear -zut eaorciro by the Dominican authorities of their 1rovoroi9n righta when, in purauanco of immigration regulationa, they order the repatriation of l J.iaaa who have illegally entered and are residing illegally in ths territory of the Dominican Republic. Thousand8 of Dominican men and women have been deported to their own country by the authorities of the United SLator, Spain and tha Netherlands this year because they were living illegally in the territorima of those States. However much we may have been pained by theao actions. it has not occurred to UI to take to any forum to denounce the deportation of Dominicans as a violation of their rights or as offences againrt mankind. Hon can it be fair or legal for Spain, the Netherlands and the United States to deport Dominicans living ille9ally in their territories while it is viewed as unfair or as an abuse for the authorities of the Dominican Republic to repatriate Haitians who have clandestinely entered its territory and are living illegally there? We therefore reject Haiti’s attempt to pillory the Dominican Republic before the international community by accusing it of violating the rights of Haitians. The truth is that the great masses of Haitians, strangled by the lack of rdequate living space in their own country, have been leaving their territory in droves in search of a place where they can settle down, live and get ahead. No one, absolutely no one, can ask the DominLcan Republic. a tiny nation with an area of just 48,000 square kilometres an3 J popuiation of 7,350,000, to assume the burden of all the Haitians who have beer. driven Out 01 their country by desperation and hunger. (Mr, T~YQK~Q Gwaon, with the upheaval caused by war in Centrsl America, II little more thsn 1 million Gustemalans, Selvadoriene. Nicaragusns and Hondurana mve left their countries to seek refuge - political and economic refuge - In the United States and neighbouring countries. An international conference wag held to deal with the issue of Central American r9fUgeOfI, and many programmes and activities - aome 01 them under the auspices of UnIted Nations agencies - were set up for the benefit of these rOfugOOs. Many of them have proved to be effective. Hundred@ of thousands of Haitian citizena have come to stay in our country. 18 the Assembly aware of the enormous burden which this invasion of our economy has imposed on ua, on the economy of a poor country, an economy that cannot provide bread, employment, health, educatian, clean drinking water or adequate housing for ita own growing population) Ha8 the Assembly any idea of the magnitude and enormity of this problem, which is of overwhelming proportions given our extremely limited resourcts? 1 must tell the Assembly that it is impossible for the Dominican Republic to shoulder the tremendous burden of this immigration, which has been as abundant: and torrential as the rains that accompany tropical storms. That is why we make an urgent appeal - an appeal for good will and for the international community to come to Haiti’s aid with the dispatch the situation requires. It is the supreme gesture of justice for all of us to shoulder our fair share of the burden, to make an effort to ensure that the Haitian nation is able to accommodate in conditions of freedom aud well-being all its children. so many of whom are today desperate refuqees from hunger and poverty. Aware of this situation, the Government of the Dominican Republic wirhes to place on record before this world body that it has done everything withAn its power to meek a peaceful settlement of the problems to which I have referred and to reach wreements betwow the two partier that, to the fullest extant porsible, rrapect the righte end ratirfy the requiremonte of both countries. It is not inappropriate to mention here that an official mission headed by Myrtiho Seletin, the Minister for Social Affaira and Labour, recently virited the Dominican Republic on 15 August and had contacts with the Dominican authorttieb at the higheet level. During these initial contacts between the authoritietr of the two countries, it was agreed that another conunisbion, similar to the existing one, would be appointed by the Government of the Dominican Republic r.\d would visit Haiti to ~urrue the negotiations in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. Scarcely two wseks ago the first contact was made. The Dominican commiaion has not yet gone tr, Haiti, because the Dominican Secretary of State for Labour, who was to head the mission, had to travel to Germany on an official visit and returned just a few days ago to the Dominican capital. When Haiti's new ambassador, Mr. Guy Alexandre, presented hia credentials to the Do‘ninican Government, the President of the Dominican Republic outlined for that distinguished diplomat a broad programme of action which the two countries might pursue with a view to settling their existing probler .* l The President returned to the Chair. (-A&AR .fhWJlAA. c2Dm.iA~-EAQAtll.lc) Th4bt prograwno p~ovidor, inlrri~, for the following: firmt, the conclurion of an aqreowat l mtabllmhing &he conditionm under which Haitian labourorm can bo raclcrited for work in the Dominican auger indurtryr l ocondiy, application of thim firmt agroament am 8 modal, with ruitablr changem, to other areaa which. like the coffoe indumtry, hire large numborm of Haitian workarm each year for the harvomtr thirdly, l crmmnlng by the Dominican immigration rorvicer of the many Haitian8, both 1~13 and wOm@n, who have boon living for yearm in the Dominican Republic and who, in conmmquence, are entitlad to reoidence permits as temporary workor and, fourthly, the holding of periodic meetingm among prominent intolloctualr from both Haiti and the Dominican Republic with a view to creating a climate of understanding between the two countries, since everyone is aware of the damage that ham been caused between them by mocial, economic and historical factorm, damsgs that teh.dm tn be aggravated by the abundance of Haitian manpower in the country, which gives rise to unfair competition that depromaom the wages of Dominicans and creates a dangerous situation in which the needs of a large part of the Dominican working class go unmet. Therefore I should like to conclude by assuring all +':e members of this world Assembly, especially our brothers in Latin America and in the Americas gonerally, that today the Dominican Republic is ruled by a democratic Government which respects human rights, which does n,. discriminate against any foreigners, which does not foster the ireation or maintenance of situations of any kind that may affect peace in nny part. of the world, srd which does not favour the establishment of barriers between the various members of the human family. zmm (intmrprotmtion from Arabic): I rhall nor call on thoae rmprorontativor who uirh to rposk in oxorcino of the ri9ht of reply. Owing to (I + *chnical problem, speakers will not be able to we their tablo microphones and thus will have to come to ths rostrum to speak in exercise of the right of reply. HLL.~~~ (Rwanda) (interpretation from trench): The hoad of the delegetlon of Uganda, Mr. Ssemogerere, Second Vice-Hinirter and Minister for loreign Affairs of his country, in hir atatmnent at thin forty-sixth session of the General Assembly devoted a section to Rwanda. I should like to thank him for the attention he has given to the problems of my country, Rwanda. In that statement the head of the delngation of Uganda ham attempted to lo&d us to believe that Rwanda is looking for L ecapepoat for the attacks by armed elements from Uganda against it. I reject that assertion, which deliberately overlooks historical facts and is thus a distortion of the facts. I should ?.ike briefly to recall the following facts. On 3 October 1990, three dayb after the aggression committed against Rwanda by armed elements coming from Uganda, the Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations issued a press release, No. l/90, which was circulated at the United Nations, in which it was stated that the assailants were deserters from the Ugandan Army, the National Resistance Army (NRA!. In the same press release it wa8 stated that if the attackers were to 90 back to Uganda they would be disarmed, arresteG and brought to justice in accordance with the military code of Uganda. In support of that position set forth in the press release. the Head of State of Uganda, President Yoweri Kaguta Muaeveni, reaffirmed the 8ame position at a press conference held in Brussels on 7 October 1990, emphasising that if the demerter8 were to return to Uganda they would in fact be brought to jurtlce. A recording rettlng forth this posltion Is In existence. ?heroforo It ie a verlflablo fact. Dn 10 October 1990, boforo the presr in Rampals, Hr. MusevenS, ProriSent of the Republic of Uganda, declared tha following: "1 doubt very much that the troops that are there in Rwanda can overcome the rebel forcor. Most of these are the beat elements of the National Resirtanco Army." The fact8 X have just recalled undoubtedly constitute elements that anyone can analyse to verify whether or not Rwanda is looking for a rcapegoat. Contrary to what was said by the head of the delegation of Uganda in his statement. to the effect that Rwanda is carrying out a propaganda campaign against his country, Rwanda is only re-establishing the facts. Rwanda has no interest in finding a scapegoat or waging a campaign against anyone, let alone against a neighbouring country with which we aspire to live in harmony, with complete transparency and honeaty. I ahall not expand further on the basic facts regarding my country’s attitude towards refugees. Its position has been frequently expressed, particularly since the declaration issued by the summit meeting at Dar-es-Salaam on 19 February 1991, at which Rwanda reaffirmed the inalienable right of all refugees from Rwanda to return to their homeland, at the same time recognizing that this was a measure of extreme importance for the achievement of national reconciliation. It is true that, as the sunxnit meeting of Dar-es-Salaam recognized, Rwanda appealed for the international community’s supporl in dealing with the situation with regard to resettlement of those refugees who opted for return to their country. Iaternatioaal cooperation - especially cooperation betwen Braada and neighbouring countries - ia essential, particularly in the caw of those refugees vbo have opted for solutionn otber than voluntary repatriation. On behalf of the Government of Wanda I should like once again to pay a very sincere tribute and express our profound gratitude to all those countries that have welcomed an6 given asylum to Rmmlan refugees, It is recogniwd that tbe problem of refuqees is not tbe concern of a single country or a single region in tbe wrld; it is a wrld problem. What would happen, tberefore, if every country that accepted refugees wre to help them to arm themselves and brutally attack their country of origin? Tbe wrld wuld ri?t becoming a pow&er-keg. So far as Africa is concerned, w in Rvada . are aware of thxs danger, an d w hope that tbe conventions applicable to tbis situation, will be fully applied. I refer in particular to tbe convention on refugee8 prepared by tbe Organixation of African Unity. Article 3 of paragraph 2 of this convention is of extreme importance and great pertinence with regard to security and good relations between neighbouring co&&ties affected by the problems of refugees. It imposes on the signatory States the duty to forbid tbe refugees established in tbeir territories to attack any member of tbe Organisation of African Unity by way of activities that are likely to bring about tension betveen member States, particularly the uae of arms, vritten publications or radio broadcasts. I cannot remain silent with regard to the unfounded allegationa of tbe bead of the Ugandaa delegation. wbfcb were intended to lead un to believe that these attacks were Lunched from Rwandese territory. This ia simply the thoris of the Patriotic lront of Rwanda, which ia attacking my country. The reality ir that the Patriotic ?ront har no baror in Rrandese territory. Its incurmioar againat the civilian population are carried out from Ugands, where thorn armed l loments have boon bared mince 3 October 1990. Thim ir the reality: the Patriotic lront is bared not in Rwanda but in the territory of Uganda. I should like to reaffirm solemnly, on behalf of the Government of Ruands, what I aaid in my speech to the General Assembly on 7 October 1991. Wands ? l engaged in efforta to find a final solution to the problem of Rvaadouo refugee8, which hss been our constant concern since this phenomenon began. We unreservedly subscribe to the declaration of the Heads of State of the region concerned, meeting in Dar-es-Salaam on 9 tebruary 1991, regarding a rolution to the problem of Rwandesca refugees. We await with great interest the plan of action that the United Nations High Cormnissioner for Refugees and the Orqanftation for African Unity wore instructed to draw up. This will be submitted for our consideration next year. We subscribe fully to political dialogue with the Rwandese Patriotic Front, under the auspicea of the mediator, the Head of State of Zaire. We reaffirm that we are wedded to a policy of good-neighbourliness. We shall never depart from that, and we expect that the same readiness will be expressed by our neighbours. Rwanda would like to thank all neighbouring countries that have consistently indicated understanding and their readiness to help at this Difficult time in its history, Ke should like to taks this opportunity to thank all those countries and international bodies that have constantly been Q!K..L-~~PnrPde) concernod about the 8itu8tion. hr8nd8 would lit0 to re8ffirm itr undying attachment to the principlea of the Ch8rt.r of the United lI8tioor 8nd of the Organiration of African Unity. m ,..mm (Albania) 1 In l xorci8ing the right of reply on 7 October, the reprerentstive of Oreoce l mph88is.d that the 1989 cen~ua in Alb8nia had never been recognised by Greec8. Ronothel8or. thir doea not nlter in the least the character of the con~)uI, which w8a held on the baaim of the principle of the free erprorsion of nationslity by 811 citi8enr - 8 univaraally accepted criterion in this regsrd. I mention this detail not because it is unknown but to make it clear that, when they talk of hundreda of thousand8 of ethnic Greeka, the Greek rmpre8entative8 - not out of ignorance, of course - take the Orthodox population of Albania, who live in different parts of ths country, aa being members of the Greek minority rsttled in Albanian territory. Identifying religion with nationality, and putting the two on a par, would be abaurd. This logic wuld mean that all Catholics living in Albania were Xtalians, French or Germauo, that all the Hualims there were Turks or Arabs, that Orthodox Slavs were Greeks, and Irishmen were Poles, or vice-versa. In other words, there would be no Albanians in thie small world. Taking nationality for religion would not be a serious argument, in support of whatever claim. What is more, the Albanian Orthodox population has its own mother tongue, culture and tradition, which differ completely from those of the Orthodox Greeks. The representative of Greece underlined also the fact that there are ethnic Greeks in other parts of Albania. That is true. In Tirana proper - the capital of Albania - there live the families of 80 university lecturers, of ministerm and of high-ranking officials from a Greek minority of about 60,000. A few Grookm livo in other citiom, where, oven under the former totalitarian regime in Albania, they achieved high position8 in the local organs of power. They are all included in the 1989 consum. Am for the rights of the Greek minority in Albania, I do not intend to enter into details. Au I have pointed out previously, their representatives participate in all State and governmental rtructuror. They have their own party, which im represented in the Albanian Parliament. Thim the Greek Government know6 very well from the contacts it has had with them recently, both in Tirana and in Athens. The representative of Greece cannot ignore, or with one mtatement dismiss, the question of the Albanians of Cameria. Here, we are thinking not about the large Albanian cultural and linguistic cormnunity, who recently aroused the interest ot the European cornunities also, but about the Albanian people living in Cameria, who have for years been subjected to deportat.ion, eviction and mass slaughter - especially just after the Second World War, when they were forced to abandon their homes and properties under the threat of ruthless physical annihilation. According to the Greek representative, these people had committed crimes during the war, in collaboration with the Fascist and Nazi invadtsrs. Can anyone point to an episode in history when children in cradles, pregnant women and sick old folk cormTlitted crimes in collaboration with invaders? Even if such crimes had been committed, the barbaric behaviour, mass slaughter and massacres committed against these people could in no way be justified. (Mt.-khr_b~~ Albrnia 1 That the Cam1 population fought, aide by side with Greek and world resistance movements, againrt the Yascist occupiers was recognised by the Allied Powerr. The fact that they did not flee their native land voluntarily wan placed on record by reprenentatives of the United Nations and of the then United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, who, during the period 1945-46, helped the Cami people who had been forcibly evicted from their ancient lands in Greece to aettle in Albania. Today these thousands of Albanians from Cambria demsnd the right to visit, and eventually to return to, their own lands, but they are not permitted to do 80. As a historically recognised entity, they demand to be granted all the rights stipulated in the documents of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe - namely, the Paris Charter and the Copenhagen document - aa well aa in the United Nations Charter. They alro donand that thm Albanian population, which ham boon expelled by force from their own ancient lands, rtould onjoy the rame righta am the Greek minority in Albania. Theme demsndr have been made public and preeentsU to the Greek mid., including the Greek Prime Hinirter, by the roprexentatives of the Cami population In Albania. Neither is this unknown to Ur. Samards, who in a meetinq with the Albanian Foreign Minister in June thim year declared that the Cad issue needs to bo studied in depth. It is ilot an unknown fact that Albania is in an extremely difficult situation. We would not like any country, still less a neighbouring country, to take advantage of this situation in order to impose unfounded claims on Albania. As a neighbouring country of Greece, Albania wishes to have good and friendly relat!.ons with that country. Mr. MOM GODQX (Cuba) (interpretation from Spanish)! In the statement made in the plenary meeting this morning by the representative of Sweden he referred to my country, saying that “Cuba is one trag3 c axception” in Latin America. (A/46/PV129, o, 74) We should like to know what tragedy he was referring to, because we cannot recall any earthquake, volcanic eruption, hurricane or other disaster having occurred in Cuba recently. We were surprised that wherr he referred to Cuba he did not mention in any way the brutal aggressive policy being carried out against a small country by the most powerful imperialist country in the world: that is what true tragedy is. It would be regretkable if a country with which wa have traditionally maintained respectful and fruitful relations of friendship should join the anti-Cuban campaign, whose origin everyone knows. cJrL&QIIQGJi&Q (Haiti) (Intorpratmtion from Iroach): The Haitisn delogetion has taken not* that tha Minimtor for Roroign Affmirr of the Dominican Republic devoted almust hJm ontiro spwch thim afternoon to Haiti. We thank him for hi8 kind words at?ut Haiti, but wo murt mako some comments. In the first place, with regard to the idea that the Haitian Government is conducting a campaign against the Dominican Republic, wo would like to point out that the Govornmont ?f k.,. Arimtido wea in offico for lorr than seven months. If there ir such a campaign, it wna meveral year8 old when the Organirstion of Human Rights, labour organitationr and evan film makers began to document the rituation of Haitisn labourore in the rugar indurrtry. There ir a well-known book by Maurice Lemoino, entitled Wrn ~llf. (bitter --ugar). The current Haitian Government was r.either able nor in a position to finance such a campaign. However , WI) must recognise the existence of a situation concerning Haitian workers in the Dcminican Republic. We did not invent it, an3 at this stage we highly recommend that the Minimter for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic read a book on the situation whose Spanish title is Uls al myb. written by Mr. Joaquin Belaguer, in which the current President of the Dominican Republic recognires how ill-treated the Haitians arc in his country. Furthermore, in October 1990, recognising the same situation, the Dominican Republic issued a communique on measures for improving the situation of the Haitians living in the Dominican Republic. We have taken note of the desire of the Government of the Dominican Republic to harmonrze relations between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. We were very pleased and we hope that the first atJps will be take]) in that direction. However, we have also taken note that the Dominican Government believes that the presence of the Haitians in the Dominican i:epublic (Mr, Lmgchmw, Heifi) represents a burden that it cannot bear alone. What we are asking of the Dominican Republic IIJ thst it aettle migration problems In accordance with interr.sticnal norma. We have hsd inslancer of Haitians living in almoat all parta of the world who were sent back because of irregular situations, but never have Haitians in any country been treated aB they are in the Dominican Republic. Of this we have proof furnished by the United Nations Development Progranune (UNDP) when two of its representorives noted the repatriation of Haitians at the bortier with the Dominican Republic. In June 1901 the Dominican Republic issued a decree, without consulting the Republic of Haiti. by which it expelled from its territory all Haitians under the age of 16 or over the age of 60 who were not in a regular l ituation. Since then they have expelled more than 50,000 Haitian citixens whore circumrtancea vere not in accordance with the terms of the decree and were much older than 16 and under 60 years of age. Among them we found people who had lived in the Dominican Republic on a regular basis and were working in Dominican State industries. If the Government of Jean-Bertrand Aristide had asked that compensation be given it was not as blackmail but simply in conformity with international rules a8 compensation for losses incurred not only for lost property but also for assets lost by Haitians who had been irregularly repatriated to Haiti. We noted with irony that the Dominican Republic is incapable of accepting all Haitian workers who lived in the Dominican Republic given the abundance of Dominican workers. This is quite correct. However, the fact that the Dominican Republic thinks that the first point of an agreement with Haiti concerns the sending of Haitian workers for the Dominican sugar industry makes us smile. I wish to reiterate here the words of Jean-Bertrand Arirtide, President of the Republic of Haiti, that never again shall the blood and rweat of Haitiana working In the Dominican Republic be converted into bitter auger. Haiti and the Dominican Republic are the two wings of a siagls bird, a8 the President of Haiti pointed out. We are aware of this and we shoulrj like to work towarda a definitive peace between our two cotlntrisn. We are awaiting in all good will a gesture from the Dominican Republ.!c. &r. IRUW (Uganda): The representative of Rwanda, again in his statement this afternoon, continuea to level accusations, bordering on slander, against Uganda, my country. I will handle the allegation of the repreasntative of Rwanda much more gently than he dealt with the facts. My Minister, in the course of his statement this morning, clarified the situation and outlinsd the position of the Ugandan Government on the whole question of Rwanda and the attendant refugee question. The main allegation of the representative of Rwanda is that Uganda has given bases to the Rwandan Patriotic Front and that it is giving them logistical support. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are regional efforts to solve the problem of Rwanda, including the efforts of various regional heads of State and regional meetings. We have a mediator. President Mobutu. The current Chairman of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) is now involved in similar efforts, as is the Secretary-General of the OAU. Uganda has been fully cooperative with these efforts. In fact, we have gone the extra mile to help Rwanda solve its internal problems. As we have pointed out before. Uganda has allowed Rwanda to station a military monitoring team in Uganda to verify its allegation. Similarly, we have allowed the OAU monitoring team on our territory. They have not been able to verify the hyperbole to which the representative of Rwanda has treated this Assembly. Neither the Rwanda monitoring team nor the OAU monitoring group has been able to locate any of the bases on which the Rwanda representative spent so much time. Indeed. in his report, the Secretary-General of the OAU thanked Uganda for allowing them to visit the areas they wished to see and was able to report that they did not see any rebel bases. (Mr, Our region, an8 particularly my country, has made enormous sacrifices to assist Rwanda. I think we need to know whether Rwanda is really serious about trying to assist the regional efforts and whether it really wishes these regional efforts to continue. We take it that by electing to raise this issue at this level, they have lost confidence in the regional effort?8 we in Uganda are ready to cooperate with the regional leaders and regional effrtrts in solving the Rwanda problem. Essentially, the problem of Rwanda, which gives rise to this crisis, is the failure of the Rwandese Government to accept the inalienable right of its people to return to their home country. The refusal of the Government of Rwanda to receive those of its citiaens who may wish to go back is, to my mind, morally indefensible and legally untenable. At one stage, the pretext advanced by the Government of Rwanda for refusing to allow them to go back was that they dir? --ot have enough land. I believe the representative of Rwanda was in contact with my Government trying to plead that case. This excuse reminds me of a harsh parent who harasses his children, forcing them to flee to neighbouring houses, and then refuses to have them back, arguing that his house is too small to accommodate them. But he does not stop there: then he begins lecturing his neighbours on the virtues of neighbourliness. That is the position ve find ourselves in with Rwanda. We believe we have made quite an effort by keeping the Rwandese refugees in our country since 1959 and all efforts by the international commc-.ity to assist Rwanda have come to nought. In the caurse of this general debate, most speakers have emphasised the importance of countries not hiding behind the barrier of sovereignty to violate the inalienable rights of their people. Definitely, a basic inalienable right is the right of an individual to return home. Having listened to the representative of the Rwandese delegation, I wish to pose the same question once again: Is the Rwanda Government really ready to deal with the regional efforts concerning their problem or does it wish to raise this issue at forums beyond the regional level? My delegation will be happy to cooperate with all efforts to that end. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate what my delegation stated this morning. We. the neighbouring countries of the region which have quite a lot of Rwandese refugees, while not expecting the Rwandese Government to be grateful for all the humanitarian assistance we are extending to them, do not expect it to be provocative. Mr. ROCBBREAU de LA SABLIERE (France) (interpretation from French): In his statement, the Vice-Prime Minister of Fiji felt that he should cast aspersions on my country because of the nuclear tests that it carries out on his territory. in French Polynesia. My delegation would like to recall that the underground nuclear experiments carried out by France in no way damage the interests of the States of the region, the environment or the health of the population. This has been amply demonstrated by the numerous studies carried out in situ by scientific commissions, both national and international, and recently again by the results of a mission that was carried out in March 1991 by three international agencies, one of them related to the International Atomic Energy Agency. I would add that, in connection with these tests, my country has a policy of broad dissemination of information, and it intends to continue to pursue that policy. (Hr. Bocbreau de la S&W , -1 mm (interpretation from Arabic): We have concluded our coasiderstion of agenda item 0. STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT The_PRESLDENT (interpretation from Arabic): We have just heard the last speaker in the general debate of the forty-sixth session, vhich began on Monday, 23 September, and took 27 meetings. During the course of that debate, we had the prfvilego of listening to 24 Heads of State, 10 Prime Ministers, 10 Deputy Prime Ministeru, 94 Foreign Ministers, 5 Deputy Foreign Ministers and 19 Chairmen of delegations, a total of 162 speakers. This virtually universal participation. at the very highest levels, once again demonstrates the unique nature of this global forum and underscores the importance that the world community attaches to the General Assembly. The presence and participation of such a large number of eminent statesmen and world leaders is a clear affirmation of their commitment to the United Nations and its Charter. Through their eloquent statements and interventions during this general debate, they have expressed a common determination to strengthen the role of the United Nations so that it can become a major factor of global stability in a rapidly changing world. Nearly all the statements that were made in the general debate emphasized the growing need for the United Nations to play a larger and more pivotal role in the evolving new world arrangements, as an irreplaceable global institution for the promotion of peace, justice and international cooperation, based on the fundamental principles of the Charter. The general debate has demonstrated a common acknowledgement among Member States of the positive relaxation in international tensions and a common desire to work towards the peaceful settlement of outstanding disputes, the strengthening of intornatioaal peace end security, the amelioration of underdevelopment and poverty, and the exploration of new epproachee to deal with the proliferation of aocio-economic, environmental and humanitarian problems. The attention of the General Assembly has clearly been focused on the primary concerns of the international community at this delicate stage in world affeire. The deliberations during the gezc: al debate were cheracterized by a deep awareness of the problems confronting the world community, a strong desire for dialogue and mutual understanding, and, overall, a constructive and productive attitude. Here, I should like to express my appreciation for the constructive position adopted by delegations during the general debate2 I hope that this positive atmosphere of cooperation will grow even stronger during the course of this General Assembly session. At the conclusion of the general debate, may I also thank all members for the excellent cooperation extended to me and the Vice-Presidents in the conduct of our proceedings, and for their dutiful compliance with the modalities and organization of our work, which were commonly agreed upon at the start of the session. I am confident that I can continue to rely on mer.,be r‘s ' cooperation and support, particularly in making it possible for me to commence meetings punctually. May I also take this opportunity to thank the Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar: the Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly Affairs, Mr. Ronald Spiers; and all the members of the Secretariat staff for the excellent cooperation they rendered me during general debate. They have been a tremendous source of support to me in my work. Finally, may I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the delegations which congratulated me on my election to the presidency of the forty-sixth session of the General Assembly and for the kind words addressed to my country as an expression by the international commuuity of its confidence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In acknowledging their good wishes, I wish to reaffirm my pledge to do my best to justify the confidence members have reposed in me. In my work, I look forward to the continued cooperation of all members and I am confident that with their support and constructive participation we ten make this General Assembly session a great success. The meetina rose at 6.50 p.m.
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• (-edI PROPOSED PROGRAMME WDGET FOR THE BIENNIUM 1992-1993 ma.-- (intoryrotatian from Arebic); Msmbare may recall that thm Assembly bar adoptad resolutions 46/165 A to C, 461166 A to C, 461167 and 461168 of 20 Dmcembor 1991. As members know, the item has been included in thm previsional agenda of the forty-aevsnth saaaion of the Assambly. May I take it that the Assembly conaiders that discussion of this item at the present asasion is concluded? TbJ'mQE&YJ (intorpratntion from Arabic): That concluders our consideration of nqenda item 107.
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• (A-) Appgintmbnts to Fill Vacancies in Subsidiary Organs and Other Appointments (K) Appointment of Mbmbers O? Thii Intlrnational Civil Service Commission: Report of the Fifth Committgi (A/46/878) Agenda 17Sm 146 (R;Nnlim) Financing of the United Nations Advance Mission in Cambodia; Report of the Fifth Committee (Part Ii) (W4618231Add.L)
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• (Eantiyunsl) ADOPTION OP THE AGENDA AND ORGARIZATION OF WORK: LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAR OF THE SPECIAL COMt4LTi'ES ON THE SITUATION WITH REGARD TO THE IKPLPMENTATSON Of THE DECLARATION ON THE GRANTING OF INDEPENDENCE TO COLONIAL COUNTRIES AND PEOPLES (A/46/961) The (interprstation from Arabic): Befors prOc66dinq with th6 closurs Of the forty-sixth 8666iO11, thet General Asssmbly will consider a request contained 1x1 document A/46/961, as well as the items retained on its aqsnda. Th. &,nre&ly will llirmt turn itm l ttOnthn to document A/46/961, which contaias m lottor l ddrommod to me by the Chatman of the Rpocial Conmittee on the dlltuation with regard to the Iatplsmentation of the Declaration on the Qrantiag of Iadependeace to Colonial Countrio aad Pooploe. Our attention im draw. to tbo English Vermha of the nomenclature of item 100 ot the provirioaal upada oC the forty-•ovonth l wrion. The Spatial Conmnittee decided to add the word “thorno” after the wordm “Activltles of” and to roplaco thr wordr “rhlch are impeding” with the wotdr “which impado”. nay I take it that the Arrembly agroor, thormfore, that the tnqlish vorrioa of item 100 of the provirional sgwk!a of the forty-noveath rearion will read "Activitimm of thorn foreign economic and other intoterts which impede tha implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Indrpsadsncr to Colonial Countrior and Paopleu in Territozier under colonial domination and l ffortrr to eliminate colonialism, apartheid sad racial dfrcriminstion in southern Africa”? T)le i ,!ntwrpretstion from Arabic) : That change will be retloctod in th@ draft agenda of the forty-seventh session of the General Arswnbly.
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• (Epw) UNITED NATIONS COMMON SYSTEM: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (PART IJ) (A/46/8Otl/Add.l) FINANCING OF THE UNITED NATIONS ARGOLA VERIFICATION MISSION: REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMITTEE (PART II) (A/46/823/Add.l) m PwIDEm (interpretation from Arabic): I now call on the Rapporteur of the Fifth Cormnittee, Mr. Mahmoud Barimaoi of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to introduce the reports of the Fifth Comnittee in one intervention. Hr. BARIWI (Islamic Republic of Iran), Rapporteur of the Fifth Cosunittee: I have the honour today to present to the General Assembly two reports of the Fifth Cotmnittee on two agenda items: documents A/46/6OB.Add.l on agenda item 116, "United Nations cosrnon system", and A/46/020/Add.l on agenda item 120, "Financing of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II)", As is stated in paragraph 2 of each report, the Committee considered these two agenda items at its 66th and 67th meetings on 29 and 30 July 1992. At the 67th meotiag, the Chairman of the tifth Comittoe put before it the test of the tvo draft rmrolutioos on the United Nations comnon syrten and on the United Natioam Angola voriticatioa Miamion respectively. The Cormittoe adoptmd without a vote draft resolution A/C.5/46/L.27 on the United Nations coma ryrtom. ar orally amended. I should like to draw your attention in particular to paragraphr 1, 10, 11 snd 12 of the draft resolution. IO paragraph 1, the Goneral Asoembly would strongly deplore the decision of the Secrotary-Goners1 of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to make payment of the rpecial port allowance to headquarters Professional rtaff in tha circumrtancmr doscribed in paragraphs 33 to 35 of the report of the Intmrnational Civil Srtvice Connisaion (SCSC). In paragraph 10, the General Assembly vould request ICSC, at its current 1088ion, to propose measures to enforce and enhance respect for and adherence by all organirations of the Uaited NatiOD8 conunon system to the conunon system of salaries, allowances and conditions of service, and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its forty-seventh aelsio~, together with its consideration on improving the responsiveness of the comnon system to the concerns and needs of the different organisations. Furthermore, the General Assembly would call upon the Economic and Social Council, at its next ressio~, to reviev aDd, where approptiate, strengthen the applicable sections of the relationship agreements betveen the United Nations and member orgaoiratioDtB of the comno~ system, iD particular article 8 of the relationship agreement between the United Nations and ITU, in order to enhance comparability and further adherence to the goals and objectives of the common system. Tbo final opormtivo pamgraph rmquortr ITU to l nmurm that may conrult8tivo IwotAng coavoaod purmumnt to Abinlrtrmtlva Council rwolutlon R 1024 procoodr with the clorr l wmrono88 that the Unltod Hatloo@ (knorml A#rwnbly 18 the authority for doterrbiiag conformity with tha cmn l y,rtm, In paragraph 7 of th@ Poport Of the Iifth Cmittoo, the Cornittoo rocomnondr to the Qonoral Arrombl} the l doptlon of tha draft rorolutioo. (w-0 The litth cornittee al80 8dopt.d without a vote draft rerolution ~/c.S/46lt.z6, on the Uoitod Natloam *la Voriflcation Wirmioo (UNIVISM xx). Tho draft rorolutioo on VIIAVISM XI follorr a fommt minilar to that of previous rorolutionr oo tho fioanciag of Uaitod lationr peace-hoping oporationr. I mhall thoroforo highlight only certain aspectr, which are germane to this rpocific 8ituatioo. ID paragraph 3 the Goaoral Amrombly would docido to appropriate to the rpcial account an additional amount of $13 million gro88, or $14 million net, inclurivo of the amount of $2.9 millioo l uthoriaod with the concurronco of the Advirory Coawnittoo on Adninirtratlvo and Budgetary Ouertionr, under the terms of Goneral A88ombly rerolution 461187 of 20 December 1991, for the operation of the United Nations Angola Verification Mirrioo for the period from 1 January to 31 October 1992. Ia paragraph 7 the Genorsl Assembly would docido that the vehicles transferred to the United Nations Angola Verification Mission from the United Nationa nirrion for the Referendum in Wertero Sahara rhould be at no cost to the Verification Mission. The Comittee a?rOOd, on the proposal of the Chairman, that when the draft resolution was introduced to the General Assembly, the Rapporteur would propore that Georgia’s name should be added to the list of Member States whose assessments are mentioned in paragraph 6 of the draft rerolutioo. In paragraph 6 of its report (A/820/Add.l) the Fifth Conunittee recomnends to the General Assembly the adoption of this draft resolution. ‘J$e PRW (interpretation from Arabic): Xf there is no prq>osal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I shall take it that the General (me President) Assembly decides not to discuss the reports of tbe Fifth Committee which are before the Assembly today. Xt was so decide4 .
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• (E~J&~IL\LLQ) POLICIES OF APARTHEID OF THE GOVERNMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA mP.BEsU? (interpretation from Arabic): Mombora may recall that the Assembly has adopted resolutions 46/79 A to F of 13 Dwomber 1991. As members know, the item on the policies of apsrthedd cZ the Govortlmrnt of 8outh Africa has been included in the provisional agenda of the forty-seventh session of the Assembly. May 1 take it that the Assembly considers that discussion ot! this itrm rt the present session is concluded7 ILJ!?ik.a. -89 .Ati!stia * ~p~s.IQFQ.I’2 (interpretation f fern Arabi.c) : That concludes our consideration of agenda item 37. ARMED ISRAELX AOORLUSIU# AOAXWBT TW IRAQI NUCLRAR IlBTA&tATfOLIR MD ITR ORAVI CONSRQURNCIM FOR THE SSTiRLXSHtD IHTKRRATIOWAL WIIT8M COWCRRWIWQ TWR Pl!ACE?UL USES OF RUCLEArP LNEROY, THE RON-PROLIFERATION 01 MUCLtAR WEAPONS AlID fNTSRNATIO#AG PlSACt AND SICCURITY Thr_PIIz;BulKNX (int@rpratation from Arabic11 Mombotr may recall that on 2Cl Eoptombet lQ9L the Amrombly decided to lncludr thir itom ln thn bqonda of the forty-rlnth renalon of the Oonotal Aa#ombl.y, and thnt on 20 December 1991 it further dmcidmd to defer conaidarmtion of thio Item to a later date during thir rr8nlon end to include It in the draft aqeada of thr forty-seventh aoarion. Thus we have concluded our conrideration of agenda item 42. AOUMDA ITEM 45 QUGSTION OF CYPRUS a~-.mttiX (intarpratation from Arsbic)r Hombmrr may recsll that on 20 September 1991 the Asrombly decided to include this Itern in the aqonda of the ptosont so8sion. but deferred IB docisian on tho rllocation of the item to an nppropristo tima during the serrlon. It is my underatsndlng that it would bn dosirabls to defer consideration of this item to the forty-seventh sesaion of the General Assembly. May I take it, then, that it in the wish of the Aasambly to defer consideration of thirr item and to include it in the draft agenda of the forty-ssventh session? T~B-.-E!J~&~Q&JX (interpretation from Arabic): That concludes our consideration of agenda itom 45. AUUMDA ITCH 46 CO#!#E~aMc88 or T?it IRA01 OCCUPATIOII OP Am AOQREfl#XON AQAI#sT RWAtT T.klfiM~ (i.ntorprrtetion from Arablc)c Memborr may recrll that on IJ Boptombor 1991 the Amrembly decided to lncludr this Item In the l qande of the forty-rlrth #an~lon of the Ganornl Aeeombly. It ir my undotrtandlng that it would be drmlrsblo to dofor conm.ldoratlon of thlr Itom to the forty-nrvonth rorrlon or the Qonoral Aarwnbly. May I take It that it ir the wieh of the Aerombly to decor conmiderrtlan of thlr ltom end to include It In the dreft agenda of the Forty-revonth l 8rrion? LLMArIP* ~JRULRl;ffT (intorpratation from Arabic)1 That concludes our conrid*rstlon of agoad item 46.
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• (GonLiwd) REVIEW OF TIM EWICIENCY D? THR ADMTNIS'=RATIVR AND ?INA.NCIAL FUNCTIO#INO OF THE UNITED NATXONfi T~-,,pR~gJ~~ (intoryrotstlon from Arsbicln Momborr mry recall that thm Ar8ombly ham mdapted roroiut1ons 461220 of 20 Docwnbor 1991 and 461~32 of 2 March 1992. Am momhorn know, thin Itom hen bean includad in the provimionnl rgenda of the forty-sovonth rosrion of the Areombly. May I t.sko it that the Amnsmbly conmiderr that dircurrlon of this itom at the prmrmt rasrion la concluded7 l.Lwans~islrrl l wmm&ljX (intorpreLation from Arabic)! That concludes our conrldmrstion of sgenda ltom 105.
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• ( GQ_&&in\a9.Q ) IMP ‘~ENTATION OF THE DECLARATION ON THE GRANTING OF INDEPENDENCE TO COLONIAL COUNTRI FS AND PEOPLES (a) REPORT OF THE SPECI[AL COMMITTEE ON THE SITUATION WITH REGARD TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECLARATION ON THE GRANTING OF INDEPENDENCE TO c0L0~1AL COUNTRIES AND PEOPLES (~/46/23: A~Ac.io9/i056-A/Ac.i09~io63, A/AC.109/1064 and Corr.1, A/AC.l09/1065-A/AC.l09/1067, A/AC.l09/1068 and Corr.1, A/AC.l09/1069-h/AC.109/1071, A/AC.l09/1073, A/AC.l09/1074 and Corr.1, A/AC.l09/1075-.A/AC.l09/1078, A/AC.l09/1079 and Corr.1, A/AC.l09/1082): (b) REPORTS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL (A/46/589. A/46/593, A/46/634/Rev.l): (c) DRAFT RESOLUTION (A/46/L.22/Rev.l); (d) REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/46/802). T-h-9 PRS,$J.D_F_H (interpretation from Arabic): The Assembly will nov resume its cc,nsiderat.ion of agenda item 13, entitled “Implementation of the Declaration on the Grantinq of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples”. The Assembly h;rs before it draft. resolution A/46/L.22/Rev. 1, entitled ‘*International Decade for the Ersdicat ion of Colonialism”, which vns introduced at t-he 40t.h plenary meeting on 18 November 1991. Members vi11 recall that at the 68th plenary meeting on 11 December 1991 the Assembly aaoptea two draft resolutions under this agenda item ana postponed action on draft resolution A/46/L.22/Bev.l in order to give the Fifth Comittee time to review the programme budget implications of the draft resolution. The report of the Fifth Comittee on the programe budget implications of the draft resolution is contained in document A/46/802. Before putting tbe draft resolution to the voter, I wish to ennounce that Jamaica, Libyan Arab Jamalairiya, the Syrian Arab Republic and Venezuela have become additional sponsors of the draft resolution. The Assembly will now take action on draft resolution A/QI/L.22/Rev.l. May I take it that the General Assembly decides to adopt the draft resolution? J!be draft resolution was adootea (resolution 46/181).* De PRBSIDBNT (interpretation from Arabic): Before giving the floor to the first speaker in explanation of vote, may I remind delegations that in accordance with General Assembly decision 341401, explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. I shall now call on those representatives who wish to explain their position on the resolution just adopted. Mrs. MBNENDEZ (Spain) (interpretation from Spanish): Spain has supported and continues to support the fruitful efforts of the United Nations to eliminate colonialism. That is why my delegation is in full agreement with the fundamental goal of the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, namely: the elimination of colonial situations in each and every one of the Non-Self-Governing Territories still in existence. Xn this context l Subsequently, the delegation of Israel advised the Secretariat that, had there been a vote on the draft resolution. it would have abstained. WC) recrqnir# the particular importsnce of the right ).o self dsterminat.ion of peoples t.hnt. nre in a colonial a!t,unt ion. At. the anme t ime, it is necessary t.o emphasine, In keeplny with reso1ut ion 1514 ofv) end vartoua ottlor- renolua ions rind decision8 of the General Assembly, t.hat nit houyh t her frer ersrcl so of peopl~n’ r iyht t.o salf -deCerminntion is ths most usual way of endiny colonial situationa, t.hera are Han--Self-Governing ‘I‘errItorieo, clearly idmntifisd by the General Assembly. In which this principle is not deemed ayplicabln. Indeed. resolutior~ 1514 (XV) provides in parayraph 6 that “Any attempt atmed a(-. the part.inl or t.ot.al dIaruyt.ion OF tbs national unity and the territorial integrity of a country is incompatible with the purposes and principles of the Chartor of the United Nat.iona.” ( cQR~ionIld+.m~,,~snmA~. 1 What. is more, the General Assembly has even declared that the holding of supposed acta of self-detcrmiI1atioll in certain territories is a violation of its resolutions, most especially of the principles established in resolution 1514 (xv). By virtue of this, the third paragraph of the Plan of Action for the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism recommends that the international community and tho United Nations system together continue to support the holding and intensification of ncqotiationo and consultations between States involved, with a view to resolving specific colonial situations of the t.ype I have just referred to, one of which is that of Gibraltar. These principles have been included in the resolution and in the Plan of Action of the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, thus marking it possible for my deleqation to join in the support for the draft resolr~t ion contained in document. A/46/L2.22/Rev.l. a.A_ 6mm (Naw Zealand) t thaw Zmsland welcomer the report of the secretsry-0enorsl !Kl46/634/Rw.l) to which rot@rence in made la the reaolut,ion just adopt.ed on tha International Decsde for the Eradicnt.ion of CoI,,nialism. New Zeslsnd. however, does nat nccspt t.he call In paragraph 8 of t.het report for nslt -determination refsrandums to bo held no later thsn 31 1~ecomlrar 1999. That. ln the view of the Government of Naw ZeAland, Is totally inconsirt.onte with the rlqht of tha poop10 of Non-Galf-Qovernlny Tarrj?.ories to decide Co1 themselves how and when they wish to exarclse their r Illht. to self detsrmination L.-u (Ireland) : My delegation supported draft rmaolution A/4Q/L.22/Rev.l, just adopted. None the lass, the text we have supported contains oome formulationr with which my delegation does not sqreo. In particular, Ireland doe6 not believo that it is useful or necessary for the General Asaambly to support tha holding of referendums in each and every Non-Self-Governing Territory by 1999. Rather, we believe that such action, if appropriato, should only follow a comprehensive review of the situation in each Territory and should not be made a prescriptive propoaal. Mr.- (Portugal 1 I Portugal considers that the process of decolonisation is one of the historic achievements of the United Nations and wo hope that thin process cm soon be aucceatifully completed in accordance with the Charter and the fundarpental principles and resolutions of the Orqanization. In this context, I should like to recall Yortugsl’s continuous collaboration with the United Nations in its capacity as the Administering Power ressponsible for the Non-Self-Governing Territory of East Timor, whose decolonization process is. unfortunately, atill awaiting completion, in apite of all the relevant resolutions adopted by the General A.ssembly and the Security Count i 1. tey aehpktl0n ruppoeea drdk r~801~tCOtb w46ft.aamv.I ~OCWII~ thdb t-t reafflrnm basic prlnciplrn and containa Jmportant grovlalonm that Portrrqnl fully rupporta. Moreover, wo mlcoam the pro9ovrl contalamd In th* annex to the report. of ths Sacrotnry-General (A/46/634/Pev.l). dated 12 Wovembor 1991, in conaoction with the Plan of Action for the Intotaatiaaal Docnde for the Kradicatlon of ColonialIrn, namely. the holding of relf-detmrminatlon rolorondum la the Won-Self-Qoveralng Tarrltorler aI man an porrlbl+ but no later thmn 31 Decm&mt 1999, In accordance with all rslwaat romolutlonr and decirloas of the Gcqarsl Aaronhly. Howmver, I IAUII~ srprosr my dologetion’r roaorvatioar about the continued rmloranca to spsrtheid in the context of docolonimatloa Mtter8. nt. (unitad Kiopdor): In cmwction ~5th draft resolution &/46/L.22/liev.l uader wnda iW 19, 2 rbopfa rimply like to refer to the previous statement I mede in the heelf duirrg tlm early discussion of draft resolutions W461L.27 aad A/IWL.Z!S ta tRe offeet that the United Kingdom delegatioa caaaot nupport tbew draft rwolutioas coataiaiag declaration6 oa the eradication of colonialian. Sk do not accept that self-determination automatically eqaal8 iademadeace aad, had thi8 draft resolution been put to We vote, my dele9atioa wmld h8ve bn8 rquired to abbrtaia. Hr. vm (S&horlan&)r la coaaectioa vith draft reaolutioa A/46/L.22/Rev.l, we expmcted that it would bnve beea put to the vote. I just wanted to state sow, in explaamtiea of Oar pesitioa. that, had it been put to the vote, we would have ehstahed. )cr. a (United States): The Waited States would also like to go oa record reiterating the cmatl of tb reprenntativea of the United Kingdom and the Hetherland8 to the effect that ~0 bad also expected that draft resolution A/46/L.?l/Rev.l wwld hatn bna put to a vote. The United States does not rapport this dreft reaolutioa, aad, had it been put to the vote. ve would haw abatainad. Hr. GRIFPIN (Australia): I sbmld else like to go on record as stating that it was the eapectatioa of my deleqatioa that a recorded vote would have been called for on this draft rerolution, in which case my delegation would have abstained. I shuld like to have that recorded. -8 I should 11Re to call members attention to the fact that a recorded vote should have been asked for ia this case. Mr. CaQfdi (Belgiua) (iaterpretatioa from treachl: I wish to echo what was just stated by the repre8eatativa of Uu @etherleads to the effect that. had there been a vote on flralt resolution A/46/1..221Pev.I, Belqlum would have abmtalaed. &.--A (Francs) (interpretation from Prrnch)t My dolegatlon alao expected a vote to be taken on ths draft resolution. Therefore. my delegation wishes it. to be recorded that. had there been a vote au thlm draft resolution. France would have abstained. &&A&QJJ (Canada) I We vorrld also like the record to roilect thet had there been a vote on draft resolution A/46/I,.22/Rev.l, we, too. wauld have abstained. Mr. N-8 (Indonesia): My deleqation would like to record our position to the effect that the decoloniration proceae in East Timor hso been completed nince 1976 when the decision was made to inteqrate Baa1 Timor within the Republic of Indonesia, in accordance with resolutions 1541 (XV) and 1512 (XV). Therefore, the qusation of East Timor no longer COIWB within the scope of the item under conaideretion. &mEu(O Tw. (Portugal): Allow me to make wme brief remark8 on wb-t has just been said by the representative of Indoneria concerning the question of East Timor. We cannot see how the case can be made that Ea8t Timor cease8 to be an issue of decolonixation or self-determination when the item is on the acgendas of both the General Assembly and the Special Comnittee. The Security Council has remained seized of the matter since December 1975, which means that the United Nations dots not ack~orledge that its docolonization process has been completed. )Qj, lrOF= (Austria): I should just. like to echo the sentiments of those speakers who have already stated that, had there bean a vote cn the dratt resolution before us, my deleqnt ion would have abstained. v (00mamy): my amlmqfmtion, too, l xpoct.d l wt. to b twa 88 thi0 atdt rer0htl0~. ihlim0t0, I l hould 11ko to indlcmto that, had them bwn l vota, Garurg weld have abatainod. CLr. (Xtrly): m dolwption almo l xpoctod that draft roaolution A/46/L.3t/Bev.l rould h8vo boon put to a voto, and m would 1Iko to armociatm outmlwr wltb what hma boon raid by proviour rpeakors to tho l ffoct that had l rooordo6 vote boon taken, my dm1mjatioo would have abrtainad on draft rorolutlae A/4b/L.11/~*v.l. Hifir,, BJjfiEwH (Luxembourq) ( Intmrpretst. ion I rom Prench) 1 My delayst.ion slso sspncted t.hat there would br, a vot.o on draft rerolution A/46/I,.22/Rev. 1. We would like to atste. like other dslepat.ionr which hAve spoken, t-hat. had there been (I vote on the draft. rsaolut ion, UC) would have abstained. NIL.. Bp&B.QsA (Cape Verda) ( int,.srpretst ion f corn French) t I hnw asked to speak in order to support, on behalf of my delegation. the stnt.sment just made by the representstlva of For tugal. &.x (Csechoslovakialr I have t.he honaur to speak on behalf of Hungary and Poland as well aa my OWQ country. Our delegat.ions had expect.ed that there would be a vote. If t,he draft resolution had been put to the vote, our delegations vould have abstainnd. UMIfLQY (Bulgaria) t It is the wish of my delegation to place on record the fact that we alao hnd been expecting the draft resolution to be put to the vote. Had it. bean p 5 to the vote, ve would have abat.ained. t&d!B (Norway) I This tnndu to be repetitive, but, speaking on behalf of the Nordic countries, I wish to state that. we too would have abstained had a vote been taken on the draft resolution. )lr, pQP&m (Romania) : My delegation also expected that a vote would be taken. Had a vote been taken, my deleqntion uf ;Ild have abstained. m PR&J$E~ (interpretation from Arabic): There appear to be no other speakers. I would like to draw the attention of the representatives to the fact that the request for a recorded vote must. be made hefor e the be<Jinnirq of the voting. We have t.hur, ~onc:luded our consicler.ation of ayr?nda item 10. STRCNGTHENINO OF THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN CMRlWENCY ASS1 STANCE OF TM, UNITED NATIONtir (n) DRAFT RRSOLUTf ON (A/46/L. 55 ad I.‘orr . 1) (b) RRPORT OF TI(t? FIFTH COMMITTM (A/4fi/RO6) ThQ YR&g&.PP;m (interpretnt ion from Arnbic): Iby I remind represent.atives thnt thn debate 0’1 this item van concluded at the 42ncl plenary meat 1 ng, on 5 November. Before I call on the reproaent ntlve of Sweden t.o int..roduce the draft. resolution, I would like to recall his indefatigable work, over days and niqhta, to lead us to t.hia result. I wish to express our appreciation to him for hia eE’forta. ML_S;U.ASSQN ( Sweden 1: Mr. Preaident, t.hank you very much for your warm worda. I have tho great honour and the great pleasure, as Chairmnn of the open-ended ad hoc group for informal consultations on agenda item 143. net up at your initiative, Mr. President, to introduce, on behalf of the group, draft. resolution A1461L.55 and Corr. 1 on the strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian emergency assistance of the United Nations. In the last few years, the world has witnessed the unfolding of fundamental changes of breathtaking pace and propox tion. The cold war has come to &n end, and the opportunities for deeper and wider international cooperation. particularly t-hrough the United Nations, and perhaps z eater than ever before. The Internat.ionsl crownunity now hno the chance, indeed the co1 lectlva aeaponalhi lit.y, to mske 11 possible for t.he United Nnt ions tcr rer,lire et lony lnst the very object Ives enehrlned In the Chsrt.er 45 yenr8 ago. Our ~1141 ierrgae are threefold. na uns no elcguently stcrt.ed by t-he Branliinn President in hia opanlng address to the General Annemhly ar t.he 4th plensry mast.1 ny ln September I A political onet peacet nn economic one: dcva lopment f rind nn et hicsl one: II life in dignity for all. In the political field we have been grat.ifisd to register II number of aurceasea for the United Nstiona in recent. yeara. Many rqiorrrri cur&f 1 ict.s have been settled or alleviated through offorts made by the IJnited Nations. The Security Council haa demonstrated conaidersble unity, and the Secretary-.Genernl has exorcised a great deyree of innovative diplomacy in his tenacious peace-making efforts. In the economic and social fields, however, ve are still, to II large degree, vaiting to see cone veto results from our vock here in the United Nations. During this year, graving international concern has been evident about the response to natural disasters and other emeryencies. a concern which has been deeply felt by many Governments at t.he highest level and a great number of engaged organization:; and peopirt around t.he world. This has been dramatized by the great human suffering we have vit.nessed recently: from the cyclone in Bangladesh to the cholera epidemic in Peru, from the cart.hgunkes in the Philippines to the tragic aftermath of t.he Persian Gulf war, from t.he hungry and malnourished faces of children in the Horn of Africa to the mass displacement of people and the appearance of milliOns of refugees in different parts of the world. When we eqread, esrlier t,hlr fall, to put. Item 143 on t.he agenda of t.he Genersl Assembly, wo took It. upon our~rlvor to do bet.tar and to cnntrlbuta mora In ordsr to nave liver rind to alloviato suffering around tha world. I t. is aqalnmt that bsckgraund that I am mont. gratlfl~d t.o nubmit. this draft. resolution to the G*noral Assembly for consldsrstlon end spproval. The draft resolution boglnm by metttlnq out the guiding principles for humanitarian nrsimtanco, emphasising the cnrdlnsl Imporcnnce of much srsistanca for the victims of natural disasters and other wnergsnciss. The principles of humanity, neutrality snd impartiality are streeaed. It in recognised In tho draft resolution that c.ho sovereignty, territorial integr1t.y and national unity of Gtster munt be fully respected and that in this context humanitarian assistance should be provided with the consent of and, in principle, on the basin of an appeal mnde by the affected country. whi lo affirming that each State has the responsibility first and foremort to take cara of the victims of emergencies occurring in its territory, the draft rssol*,tion also emphasiser the importance of international emergency assistance. Furthermore, States whose populations are in need are called upon to facilitate the work of implementing humanitarian assistance. Statea in proximity to emer96ncies are urged to participate closely with the affected countries in international humanitarian efforts. Other principles concern disaster prevention and preparedness, the relationship between emer9enly rehabilitation and development and the need for economic growth and sustainable development. Moreover, it is stated that contributionn for humanitarian assistance should be provided in a way which is not to the detriment of resources for international development cooperation. Ihe fInal quidinq principle underlImo tb comtrbl am4 uriq\u role of the united R&lone in providinq loador8hip aad coordlnrtiq the efforta of the Lntrrn8tiunsl connunity to rupport the l foctod coumtrlea. Aftor the quldinq prlnciploe, the draft reeolutlor outlInea 8 number of rpeciflc Wmmurom to enhance the prompt and coordimrted rerponre of the Unlted Iatlnnm l y8t.r to natural dlmaatorm *ad other eaergencier. Theme include the l tronqtheainq of tha capacity ol dovelopisp couatrier in diramter prevention 8nd ritiqmtiaar the l y8temetlc poolinq. sn~lyalm and diaaaaination of l rrly-warning lnfornotian to all Intereatrd Govorareatm l tul orq8ai8mtionrr a contra1 rrqimtor of mtancl-by capaciti.8 wlthin and outrib the Uaitod Nations l ymten that can be called upon on l hort notice by the United Iationsr a8 well aa coordinatad con8olidated appal8. Moroover, the draft rerolution cell8 for the ertabliatint of a contr81 emerqoacy rewlviyl fund of Ua$ SO rillion l m a carh-flor mchaaimn for umo la the initial ghero of emergeacier. Recoqni8ioq the critlc81 iaportaaco of the Soctetery-Generel’m Xeader8hip, the remolution rocomnnd8 the tiriqnation by the Socretery-General of a 8anior official am Brqenc:’ relief coordieator to work clomely end with direct 8cce88 to bir in fulfilling a n-r of 8pecifi.d remponrlbilitiem. Ho or ahe rhould uork in cooperation with the relevaot orgaaiaationa l d mntitiaa of the l yutem deslieq uith humaaitari8n amoi8taace. with full rerpect for their mandater and without projudico to MY decirionm to be taken by the General A8monbly on thr overall ro8tructuriaq obl the Uoitod Nations Socretsrist. This hiqh-low1 official im expected to work clovaly, sot only with orgsnirstionm and l atitiom of thm United Ration8 8y8tm, but elro with the International Conwnjttoe of the Rod Croma, tb Largw oi the Rec¶ Cro88 and Rmd Creacsat Societies, the International Organisation for Uigrstion and rolovmnt non-gw*rawataX orgaa~matlonm. rurthorraro, provirioa ir mad. for a0 lotar-Aqeacy Itmdinq Cornltt.ee, am well em for country-level coordination. Lamt, but not least. the draft resolution usderlinor that eaarqency l mmirtraca modr to ba provided in wsya that uill bo l upportiva of rocovory and long-tare dovelopunt . Internstional cooporation and l uppart for rehabilitation and roconmtructioa mhould continue with rumtained Iatenrity aftor the initial rollof atago. tinally, it im l t.atod that international coopormtion l hould ba l ccolarated for the developnrnt of dewloping countriom. thereby contributing to reducing the occurrence and impact of future diaamtorm and l wrgonclem. Taken toqethr, tho draft resolution conctitutem a met of Intorrolatod principler and Yamurom for thm provimion of hwnanitarian arrimtance in a cohoront aad tinely wnnor. Them. l lomentm form part of what can turn out to be, I dare l dy, laxhbark arrangementm for putting in place a coordinated and l ffoctiva ryrtom for huranitarian emrgency asrirtance. I thorrforo roconnend that the draft re8olutlon contained in document A/46/L.55 and Corr.1 rhould be adopted unaniroumly by tha General Assembly. Beform concludinq, I would like to coanend all delepstiona for the extraordinary rpirit of goodwill and conciliation and for the patience and i ndeod , rowtimer, good humour shown during these paxt six weok8 of intensive vork. I slro uant to thank the Secretariat for excellent, precise and loyal aasi8tsnce at very unconventional vorking hourr. I truly believe that uhat kept ua all 9oin9, especially at the tncre strenuous nonbent. of the aecJotistionr, uas the realisation that nre had beep provided with a unique opportunity to rake a real and lasting contribution to the alleviation of humnan mufferizq in the world. To put i.t simply, we could not afford to fai 1. It ir motnetimoa l mltl that it Ia only pormiblo to l chiovr, a conaanrur rerolutlon at. the Unitad Irtiosm om tk Carla of tk lourat c-n donomlnetor and through th* l kilful 8Void8nom Of to* &CimlOn8. ?hmt haa not hspprnmd during thlr prOC6rr. Wmbet Itat. bmvo rocognlrod their rorponelbillty to dssl decirivrly with l coacreta rrd ~tuuiml itom on Lho United Hmtiona apa nda . Thin 8ugurr wall for tbo Umitod Mation@, not only in the provision of humeniterlan snaIrtsaco, but alma ia lurtboriq our work in the l cononlc. racial nnd l nvironmantal fio168. Moat irportaatly, it convoya m rtrong ricpsl to yooplor around the world, particulmly Chore in tlirtrorr - and there are too many of t.hon - that tM Itatar MO&O&~ of the UnItad Nationa care and are acceptiug .- and dosling with - tbo c~llo8ger ubd reqmmibllitler facing ua. In thir way, the draft rorolutioa that ir beforo ua could conrtitute a amall but rtrongly needed victory for rolidrrity. v (intorprot8tio8 from Ar&bic) : I now call on the reprerentstivo of Ghena, who will apork in hir capacity &s Chairman of the Group of 77. Irk. A- (Ghum)r I uirbi to placa on record the deep appreciation of tha Croup of 77 for tJn 8terlibg rork undertaken by ths Permanmot Rspraaentativo of Iwodon, q good friend Anbaamsdor Elfssson, who has chaired the open-ended LLd l&c Group uu3 the Working Colnrrittse on agenda item 143 since its inclurioo and imtroductioa in rho Economic and Social Council in Geneva. Hir patiorcm ti uith-rregiaq diplomatic skills have mde it yoasible finally to rmacb aa agroumnt on thim difficult subject. We also wish to congratulatr all our aeqotiotinq psrtaerr, particularly those permanent repre8entativmr from both the North and the South, who met It ir l ometiwm mid thrt it ia only gamrlblo to l chimm l conmonnua romlut~on nt the Ueitmd Iatioar oa tk ba#Io of the lowrt co-n denominator and through the rkilful avoidance ol tough dmcirionr. That bar not happonrd during thir procorns. Membar Itetom hw~ teo9gnimoa their rouponaibllity to deal decirivmly with a coacrote ti orwrhl itrr on tbo Uaitod Yationr npenda. Thir augurr will for t.& UBI~ I&&oar, sot only in th* provision of humanitarian asmlatanco, but l lro in frrrtborhq our wrk ia the l cononic, rocisl and l nvlronmnt61 fialdr. Moot irgartutly, it conveyr a 8trong rigaal to peoplea around thm world, pmticulmly thorn in dirtrern - and there are too msny of thorn - that tk State8 Mo&ora of tbo United WeLionm care and are sccoptincj - and dealing with - the ctillengmm uul romponribilities facing us, Xn thin way, the draft rorolution that La kform UI could conrtitute a emall but strongly needed victory for l oliderlty. Tbrm (iat~rprot~tiom fran Arebic): I now call. on the representative of Ghana, who will apark ia bir cap&city a~ Chairman of the Group of 77. l!LAWJHQ6 (Ghmr)t : wlrb to plmco on tocord the deep appreciation of the Group of 77 for tbo aterliag work undertaken by the Permawnt Reprmsentativa of SuMem. q good friend Amb@rasdor Eliaeson, who has chaired the open-ended M EOC Group ud the Working Corraittete on agenda item X43 since ita inclurion 61~3 imtroductioa An tho Ekoaoaic and Socisl Council in Geneva. His petioaco ti ui&-raagiag diplomatic skills have made it possible finally to roach 80 egreommnt on tbia difficult subject. We also wish to coogratul8tm all our nmpti8tiPg ,?artnarr, particularly thoae permanent repreoentativar froa both thm Uorth rad the Sout.h, who mat We look forward to the new lease on life that this rerolution nlll give tha United Wstions in its noble role of helping the afflicted and those who nro the vlctimn of nst.ural or msn~nade dinastern. We hope t.hat. in t.he new coordination of this nsaintanco, every United Rations inst,it.ut.ion t-hat. hns been eapscially set up for this purposa, particularly the Office of the Unit.od Nations Diraster Relief Co-ordinator (UNDRO), will be able t-o play its full rola and thus make the Office a meaninyful one. We also hope that UNDRD will not become the ~OCIJJJ of flamboyant acting for the cameras or aslf-promotion on the part of anyone, but will remain a eerious centre of angagement by the IJnit.ed Nations in its commitment genuinely to he the key player in humanitsrian relief and an active agent of development and the eradication of poverty in countries where underdevelopment nnd poverty exacerbate any crisis that accompanier disaster. We reconmnend very strongly that this draft reaolution and its accompanying document be unanimoualy adopted by the General Aasembly. mm&l: (interpretation from Arabic): The General Assembly will now take a decision on draft rsaolution AI46IL.55 and Corr.1. The report of thr Fifth Corrmittee on the progranne budget implication8 of the draft resolution is contained in document A/46/006. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/46/L. 55 and Corr. 17 !&aft reSQ.&$&n A/Qmu,r. 1 watm_d( (resolution 46/182). The. Iws 1 UMT ’ I nor call on the rrprnnantflt ivr of Tunigin, who wlshsa to spenk on II point of order. In t.hs bnqlirh Cent. of prrrayrnph 34 of the annel, the comnas arc.~urd “cmnrqsnsy rsl tnf coo~~dinator” ohould ha replnc:ed by parent heoes. H~;-,.--yj@,. &cHAif (Nctharlnwln) (intorpr@t.8t.ion from French): The l?uropeon C0mnunit.y and its member Stntes welcome the fact. thn? thn draft re5olution “St.rangthoninq of t.ha coordinat.ion of humanlt.arian emerqrrncy ansiatance of the IJnitad Nations”, tnt~rotluced on the inlt.iat iv0 of the Community, h&n been aclopt.ed by consensus by t.he Assembly. While it. did not. qo ns far I\S we bad hoped, this resolut Ian is nevert.helcna a step forwnrd in coordinating humanitarian assiatancs. The desiynation of a coordinator. the establishment of an emergenc:y fund and the adoption of measures to st.rengt.hen the response capacity in this area and to improve coordination wit.hin the Wn.i ted Nations nyatemr all Q[ t.hese toyether conat i tut.e an important fir st- step towards establishing humanitarian arrangements that we must put into operation inmediately. We shall improve and supplement these arrangements in the cominy years. This test, by remfflrmln~ the importsnce of humanIt nr Lan arrrlst awe. confirm the achiovementr and principles which arc) exprsoaed, for errrmpirr, In rsrolutions 431131 and 155/100, particularly r.he princlplsa of nr:rsoa to victima and of humanitarian corridors. The contaRt. for the cnordinnt or’~ actlvftiar ib the legal framework of those resolutlona rind thst. of ths rsrolution we have just adopted. The interest agaln taken this par by everybody In human!trrrian problems conflrma the importance now accorded to aid and assi~tarrrs to any life at risk. Over and abovo the latter of the t.aut, we *ro raaffirmlng the Lundamrntal Importance ” respecting, detendinq and protecting every human life, which should remain unasaallabls principlnn and universal values. We wish to exprbsb our gratitude to all delogatluna for tho constructivs spirit in which they took part in the lbngthy, complicated and aometimas diificult negotiations. However. all parties demonstrated their commitment to achieving a lasting improvement in the capacity of the United Nations to respond to emergency BitUatfon8. We wish to pay a particular tribute to hmbassakr Jan Eliaaron, the Permanent Representative af Sweden, Eor hia patibncb, competsncb and diplomacy. S-u (United Kingdom) : My delegation is very pleased that conabn8ua wag reached on this important reoolution. As the Permanent Reprssentativb of thb Hetherlands. speaking on behalf of the European Community and its mbmbbr Statea, has just aaid, YO all welcome the comprehensive package of muasurus to strengthen the Wnitsd Nationa response to humanitarian smergenciea and disastera. We believe that this is a major step in the right direction, and 2 also 6hould like to congratulate ths PeKmaWink Reprasentativo of Sweden on the outstanding work ha did. throuytlout tllo neyot.Is~. ions on t.hIm Imyor1.4n~. tlrnft. re1101Ut ion. Wo Itny t.ribute t.o him for his sffort,s. 1 should alno I i&e t.o t trnnh 1.1~ fimc-rstnr Int tar tho excs~lent aasiatance they provided bot.h lo thn group rind to t ha Ambnssatlor in their whisvamsnt. nL thin cl~cieion. Secondly, I wish to s~~bsc:rIhe fully ant\ offer Cull aupyorl to the statement made by the Ambsssotlor of Ghana, Chairman of the Group ol ‘?‘I, bmfcJre t tw ndoptlon of the resolution. My delegation has joined in the conaonfsua on the reacJlUt.iL*n relatfny to humanitarian asaiatance on the understanding that any response .- notional, international or othsrwiae - to emergnncy situntionn must. nim firat. end foremost st aavinq 1 ivea ar.d alleviatinq the aufferinq of the people affected. It therefore follows that providing swift and effective responaen to all emergencies muet be the issue of highest priority. In the past, there have been overlapping reaponaibi 1 it.iaa bstwoen the aid ayencies in dealing with emerqencioa and humanitarian nssistnnce. We are happy to note that this resolution contains a call for streamlining to 01 iminnto past anomalies and t.0 provide n coordinnt.ad rasporr.se t.hrc>uqh t ho inter-agency standing conunittes mechanism under the leadership of the high-level coordinat.or. Similarly, we expect the same consol.ideted coordination at the national level through the direction of the resident coordinator. Furthermore, wa also expect the United Rations system to reapond quickly in the event of an emergency, with the cooperation of all concerned. We joined in the consenoua on this resolution with the hull understandinq that such a response must be made at the roqueat and with the conrent of the countries concerned. We do ncrt rubscribe to the notion that there could be situations in which there ia no authority or government: there can be bad governments. but there will always be authority in cointries or in affected areaa, and their consent must always first be obtained. The notion of sovereignty of States must therefore be fully protected and respected at all times in responding to emergency situations. Mr. (United States of America): The delegation of the United States is pXeased to have joined in the con8enaua and is privileged to have participated with others in the hard work to produce this resolution. We are grateful, too. to Ambassador Eliasson for his resolute and qraceful leadership of the informal ad hoc working group. We believe that resolution 46/le2, “Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian emergency assistance of the United Nations”, represents a signal accomplishment in United Nations reform and in the Organization’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the priority and coordination of system-wide response to humanitarian emergencies, including complex and prolonged ones. My delegation has been deeply impressed by the broadly shared rosourcef ulness, spirit, of cooperation and cormnon commitment shown by all Member countrias in forging e delicately halsncsd set of mea8urel. We bolievo that, taken together and fsithfully puflued, they can reduce ruffeting and can save and heal the lives of people who ate afflicted by horrendous diaaaters, whether sudden or creeping, violent or Insidious, natural or man-msds, rind thst they ten imorove United Naliona response capacity while honouring the principles of national. sovereignty. It is a signal of this Organisation’r retiaus dedication to the mart precious and essential humanitarian principlea that theee improvomentr have been unanimously approved by this Assembly. Hr. MhLQlrE (Canada) t My Government and the delegation of Canada ate very pleased with the adoption of this text, related to ar lnrciativo with which Canada has been closely araociated. We also should like to thsnk Ambassador Eliasson for hia sterling work in loading UI through lengthy and complicated negotiations. Similarly, we wlah to thank the Secretariat for it? valuable assistance and impressive profersionalism throughout these, negotiations. This resolution produces no losers, only winners, particularly those affected personally by emerqenciee. Nordic countries .- Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ruedan and Norway - on t.hls mstter, which la of such crucial Import,ance t.o all Wember Stales and, not t.o he forgotton, to the mil liona of victims of emergency situations around t.he world, for whom prompt and efficient assistance is t-he only thing that count.a. There is all the more reason to congrstulat-e ourselves upon t.he consensus agreement, we reached on the resolution juat adopted in that the process laadiny up to the deciuion was both very long and arduous and at the same time quite exemplary, I should say, in terms of connensua-building among Member nnt iona. Even though I belonq to the same regional qroup as the Chairman of the informal consultation group, I must be allowed to echo other speakers in warmly congratulating Ambassador Elinsson on his excellent leadership, stamina and wisdom in quidinq this process to a successful outcome. I also express my sincere appreciation to our partners in the negotiations and in particular to t.he Group of 77 for their sense of moderation and stat.esmanship on a matter that touched upon principles and subjects of a fundamental and sensitive nature to all of us. In fact, I have little to add to what previous speakers have said in terms of the subject matter, although not all our wishes vere fulfilled by the resolution. The text itself reflects a careful balance between principles and operational guidelines, while assuring the strengthening of United Nations humanitarian emerqency assistance activities through improved coordination and governance. In t.he measures just adopted by Ihe Assembly - ink&ali+ the cre*>tion of the position of a hiqh-level official for coordination purposes and the establishment of a central fund - the Nordic countries find increased confidence In the ability ot the IJnited Natinnn system t.o etfect.uatn emergenc*y asaiatance wiCh the promptnesn and sfficlsncy t.hat. Ls of 1 iternlly vlt.nl importance In the first daya of nn emergency sit.uat.ion and 81, the equnlly crucial lo1 low-up rehnbi 1 itation and cleveiopment. phaaea. The Nordic countries are now Inokiny forward t.o the enrly convening, In t.ho f I rst qusrter- of 1992, of t.ne moetinq 0f pot.ent ial donora t.hnt ia called tar in paragraph 24 of the text. in order to Recure contr ibut. iona to t.he fund on, a8 the reaolutlon atatea so well. an aaaurod, broad baaed and addi t.iona 1 baais. T~~Q~~ (interpretation from Arabic): The Assembly haa thus concluded its conaidsration of agenda item 143. ORGANIZATION OF WORK ;EbaSEIESJPEU : I should like to inform deleyat.iona that the relevant documentation for the agenda items originally listed for this afternoon’s meeting will be available tomorrow morning. Those items vi11 therefore be coneidered in a plenary meeting to be held tomorrow at a time to be announced in the u-&l. In that connection I reiterate my request for understanding and cooperation by ctrIwJ;lt ions regarding the scheduling of the remaining agenda itoms. General Assembly PROVISIONAL A/46/PV.79/Corr.l 20 March 1992 ENGLISH Forty-sixth session GENERAL ASSEMBLY PROVISIONAL VERBATIM RECORD OF THE 79th MEETING Held at Headquarters. New York. on Friday, 20 December 1991, at 3 p.m. P.WJQS 78 and 7Pzf!Q Ilhuuti: ORGANIZATION OF WORK me PRESIDEa (interpretation from Arabic): Apart from orqanizational matters and matters that may have to be considered by operation 01 ,he rules of procedure of the Assembly, and bearing in mind the artion already taken at its 31st, 45th. 56th, 69th, 70th. 72nd, 73rd and 79th plenary meetings concerning agenda items 18 (q), 18 (h). 31, 33, 35, 37, 42, iO5, 107, 137, 1, 4 and 145, the follovinq agenda items remain for consideration durinq the forty-sixth session of the General Assembly: 92-60436 85OlV (E) Item 3 (b): Report of the Credentials Committeer Item 16 (g); Appointment of t.ho members of t.he &Joint. Inspection Unit! Appointment of the membors of the Consultative Committee of Item 16 (h)t the IJnlted Nations Development Fund for Woment Item 311 The situation in Central America! threat8 to intern&ti(Jflal peace and security and peace initiatives) Question of Palestine,) Item 331 The situat:on in the Middle East) Item 35: Item 371 Policies of apartheid of the Government of South Africa; Item 421 Armed Israeli aggression againat the Iraqi nuclear installations and its grave consequences for the established international system concerning the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and international peace and security: Item 45: Question of Cyprus; Item 46: Consequences of the Iraqi occupatiou of and aggression against Kuwait; Item 105: Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations; Proposed programme budget for the biennium 1992-1993: Item 107: Item 109: Current financial crisis of the United Nations; Financial emergency of the United Nations: Item 110: Item 115: Personnel questitins; lrinancinq of the United Ratlona Iran-Iraq Military Obsarvor Itam 119: Grougt Financing of the United Nations Transition Anaiatsnce Groupr It.em 121; Administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of Item 1231 the United Nations peace-keeping operations8 Raatructuring and ravitsli8ation of the Unitad Nations in Item 1371 the economic. social and related fields; Financing of the Unitad Nations Mission for the Referendum Xtem 138% in Western Saharnt Financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Item 1391 El Salvadorr Item 144: Wevitalization of the work of the Caneral ,.aaemblyl The situation of democracy and human rights in Haitir and Item 145: Item 147: Commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nationa in 1995. I now call on the representative of Denmark, vho vishea to make a statement. -. -*-*a . l--w.- { ‘,, I L -. . 3. L I- ..*--*- e.*.- - . . ..a--. ..l. . . 1...-- *
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