UN General Assembly
1982

be less vulnerable to the dealings of the countries of the North and, in any case, to stimulate effective co¬operation among ourselves as a consequence of our solidarity. Barely a month ago the Intergovernmental Follow-up and Co-ordination Committee, a key organ which was established in 1981 in the Caracas Pro¬gramme of Action,3 held its first meeting in Manila. The results of the meetings of experts were reviewed there, and on that basis important recommendations were made, to be submitted shortly to the ministerial meeting of the Group of 77. Without any doubt, it can be concluded that the Caracas Programme of Action is functioning. It is complementary to efforts which might be made in North-South negotiations and a contribution to the establishment of the new international economic order. In the last quarter century Venezuela has succeeded in consolidating a genuine democracy solidly rooted in the conduct and beliefs of the Venezuelan people, a democracy which endeavours increasingly to play its part within a philosophy of social justice and respect for the freedom and dignity of all citizens. The promotion and