UN General Assembly
1991

In the economic field, the implementation of the programme of economic and social recovery suffers from the direct affects of unfavourable international conditions, which are reflected in the curtailment of economic relations with some of our traditional partners and in rising oil prices on the international market. This situation demanded that the Government adopt drastic austerity measures. However, despite the effects of the war and other economic constraints, economic growth levels continued to be positive in 1990, although last year's growth rate was relatively low compared to levels between 1987 and 1989, when annual growth averaged 5 per cent. The main constraint on economic and social development continues to be the acts of armed destabilization and the resulting social instability. As a result, thousands of peasants continue to be forced to abandon their places of origin and seek refuge in distant lands. This aggravates the emergency and hinders the development of the rural economy, which can no longer respond adequately to the economic incentives provided by the Government.