I
bring to you, Sir, and to all the representatives to this
General Assembly the warm greetings of the people of
Djibouti. I extend to Mr. Opertti my sincere
congratulations on his election to the presidency of the
General Assembly at its fifty-third session. As the world
grows smaller and the problems confronting us grow ever
more challenging, the deliberations of humanity?s forum,
the General Assembly, assume a critical urgency. His
competence and broad experience will undoubtedly guide
us very ably in the coming year.
We are also most grateful to his predecessor, the
former Foreign Minister of Ukraine, for bringing to bear
a degree of focus and productivity that was exemplary.
Through his exceptional grasp of the issues before the
General Assembly, he was able to lead us to satisfactory
results.
Our indefatigable Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi
Annan, continues to earn our deepest appreciation for the
manner in which he has managed the activities of the

Organization, especially for the way in which the United
Nations has risen in the eyes of the general public.
Demands on the United Nations have increased. Ever-
changing economic, environmental, social and political
problems have added to these demands. Core contributions
to the funds and programmes continue to decline, however,
and the United Nations faces unpredictable resource flows
due to unpaid assessments. Recognizing that a radical
transformation of the United Nations would cause political
tensions, the Secretary-General wisely formulated a series
of realistic reforms to rationalize operations, reduce costs
and refocus on certain critical areas demanding United
Nations attention, such as the mitigation of poverty,
sustainable development and strengthening management and
coordination, both at Headquarters and in field-level
activities.
We support the Secretary-General?s relentless efforts
to communicate directly with and engage the people of the
world, exploring critical issues and exchanging views with
them, and explaining the role, capacities and constraints of
the United Nations system. His work has given the United
Nations a reality and a new face vital to its mission.
In early August, a corner of our world, eastern Africa,
was profoundly shocked, baffled and aggrieved by the well-
coordinated simultaneous bombings of United States
embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. Over 260 people
lost their lives and thousands of innocent people were
injured in those attacks.
These brazen acts of aggression wrought
unprecedented carnage and extensive destruction and
damage to property. I recently visited Nairobi. What I saw
resembled a war zone. I unreservedly condemn this
senseless act of terrorism. Once again, I wish to express our
heartfelt condolences to all the families who lost their loved
ones in this tragedy and pray for the speedy recovery of the
injured.
May I also express our concern at the United States
action against the Sudan. There are growing doubts about
the justification for the raid that devastated the El Shifa
pharmaceutical plant, which produced desperately needed
medicines and drugs. Visiting there recently, I was struck
by the extent of the damage. All that is left of the plant is
a mountain of rubble. The onus lies now on the United
States to produce fuller evidence to support its claim. We
also urge the United Nations to undertake an independent
investigation to determine whether this factory was indeed
making chemical weapons, as alleged.
It seems essential to remind ourselves that the annual
session of the General Assembly has become the sole
occasion for virtually all mankind, collectively, to
appraise the human condition. Additionally, drawn as we
are by the hypnotic spell of the approaching millennium,
the need to assess our past successes, achievements and
failures and to develop priorities and strategies for the
future has assumed a sense of urgency.
A little over 50 years ago, the world embarked with
great vision, enthusiasm and optimism upon a high-
minded journey to end the scourge of war, eliminate
poverty and create a world of freedom and justice for all.
Undoubtedly, much has been accomplished and the world
is a far better place to live in, despite the fact that many
dreams remain unfulfilled and many commitments
unimplemented.
This decade, in particular, has witnessed tendencies
towards the fragmentation of societies, the spread of civil
strife and conflict and a plunge further into the poverty
trap. In general, we recognize that respect for human
rights has improved and that many countries have
embraced democracy and good governance, and we
welcome that.
Unfortunately, human rights violations continue, and
there is a lingering concern about the capacity, resources
and mandates of the United Nations for timely
intervention in cases of egregious violations of human
rights. We have had the bad experience of regrettable
vacillation and indifference in the face of appalling crimes
committed in Bosnia and Rwanda, and now in Kosovo.
As the United Nations High Commissioner for Human
Rights has correctly stated, efforts to prevent the most
abominable violence should focus not only on resolving
ethnic and political disputes, but also on the social issues
of chronic underdevelopment, grinding poverty, mass
unemployment, widespread illiteracy and systematic
inequalities of income or opportunities.
We therefore welcome the establishment of the
International Criminal Court, which replaces once and for
all the ad hoc proceedings. It fills in the gap in
international law exposed by the famous Nuremberg trials
of Nazi war criminals: the need to install a permanent
international institution able to investigate war crimes,
genocide and crimes against humanity.
Much of the technological advancement of the
twentieth century has created a host of other problems.
Man?s mastery over nature for his own benefit has
2

become a potential nightmare of environmental disasters,
one which we seemingly lack the will to contain or correct.
Will we continue to have land to farm, clean water to drink
and healthy air to breath? Will our cities decay into piles of
humans for whom day to day survival becomes the
crowning achievement of their lives?
Overpopulation, abject poverty, crime, drugs and the
consequences they bring may soon threaten the foundations
of social cohesion. To a great extent, these forces are
transnational, extending beyond the capacity and control of
individual States. They are global in nature and pose
serious challenges to society and its leadership. We must
act collectively in marshalling the resources necessary to
mitigate the harmful effects of modernization and
globalization.
Unquestionably, the founding of the United Nations
was one of the outstanding achievements of this century.
After 50 years, we can take pride in the continuing
relevance of this institution. Naturally, given the breadth
and complexity of issues facing the United Nations and
mankind, there will always be differences of views on the
evolving role of the United Nations. However, the basic
mission of the United Nations has not changed one iota:
collective international action for maintenance of
international peace and security and promotion of economic
and social development for all.
While the Charter remains relevant, the world of 1945
is no longer with us. The United Nations of today must
embrace the realities of the new millennium. Anachronistic
structures and outmoded thinking cannot coexist with
current needs and perceptions. The phenomenal growth in
the membership of the United Nations leads us to hope for
a more democratic, transparent and representative
Organization. This is the case in particular with regard to
the Security Council, which must reconcile itself to
undergoing a thorough transformation in both its structure
and its functions in order to reflect a more equitable
geographical representation of developing and developed
countries.
The sudden outbreak of hostilities between our
neighbours, Ethiopia and Eritrea, has greatly dismayed us.
As in the case of Somalia, Djibouti has attempted to
reconcile the different points of view in various ways,
although there are few real signs of hope for a way out of
the stalemate. Beyond the tragic loss of lives, displacement
of people and destruction of property and facilities, the
psychological wounds inflicted by the tensions and
hostilities that are dividing these countries suggest that it
will be several difficult years before the Horn of Africa
becomes once again a region of peace and trust. Both
leaders understand my frustration — indeed, my
exasperation — at this wasteful, unnecessary and
seemingly endless conflict. We are confronted by serious
regional problems and must revive economies that have
been dormant for a long time. We need a new vision, new
perspectives and a far-sighted approach to deal with
bilateral differences.
I urge my friends, the leaders of Ethiopia and
Eritrea, to give peace a chance. Let us end the hostile
propaganda and provocative rhetoric and replace it with
a genuine desire to engage constructively in finding a
solution to this problem. It would be a tragedy if the
relentless shuttling between Addis Ababa and Asmara by
leaders and senior officials of many Governments,
including heads of regional organizations, who have all
demonstrated immense goodwill and perseverance and
expended time, energy and boundless effort in trying to
resolve the conflict, were to be taken by some to be
largely symbolic. We believe they are more than that. The
series of attempts made by a great many mediators and
facilitators demonstrates the seriousness of this matter.
The many views, opinions, decisions and resolutions
relating to this conflict, even if not wholly acceptable to
one or both parties, nevertheless contain significant
elements that can form the basis of a settlement. It is
incumbent upon both leaders to go beyond the immediate
unfortunate problem and to look forward resolutely to a
better and promising future of benefit to all. In the words
of the Preamble to the Charter of the United Nations, I
call upon the leaders of those countries
“to practise tolerance and live together in peace with
one another as good neighbours”.
There is no doubt that the speed of globalization and
the expansion and integration of the international
economy have brought immense benefits to many
countries and positive changes in the living condition of
many people. However, several countries and their
populations, particularly in the developing world, are
facing marginalization and hopelessness because they are
unable to adapt to the rapid pace of integration. The least
developed countries in particular require special attention
so that they do not slip further into the abyss of poverty
and disintegration.
The World Economic Survey 1997 shows that Africa
will have to demonstrate still higher and more sustained
rates of growth in order to alleviate widespread poverty
3

and reduce high unemployment. Improved and sustained
macroeconomic stability and economic reforms have played
important roles in Africa?s recent economic upturn,
although the sacrifices have been great.
But Africa must now grapple with the erroneous
perception by developed countries that private investment
flows can be a substitute for development assistance, which
in fact largely bypasses the continent: only 5 per cent of
such assistance goes to Africa as a whole, and only 1 per
cent to sub-Saharan Africa. Add this to the crippling debt
servicing costs and it becomes clear that Africa, and in
particular the least developed of its countries, is in a
precarious financial position. The danger of prolonged, or
indefinite, marginalization is a real one.
As the continent continues to be mired in a series of
crises, the much vaunted policy of finding African solutions
to African problems, which was among the precursors of
Western disengagement, seems to be predicated on a
number of premises that are tenuous at best. The fact is that
Africa cannot succeed alone; it needs serious, resolute
commitment to Africa?s economic recovery on the part of
the industrial countries, along with a determination to
prevent and resolve conflicts. It is important to note that
African countries have played an important role in the
efforts to maintain and restore peace in Liberia and in
Sierra Leone. That is a positive development that we cannot
fail to welcome. But we are saddened by the resurgence of
hostilities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We
warn all involved in the current crisis that pursuing
individual military agendas in the Congo is not in the
interest of the long-term stability of the region or of Africa
as a whole. The territorial integrity of that country must be
respected, and no country in the region or in any other
region of Africa should try to place any of its neighbours
under its thumb.
Since 1991, at the time of Somalia?s implosion,
Djibouti, both independently and through the
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has
tirelessly sought to restore peace and security to that
country. In 1991, we organized the first two national
reconciliation conferences; then the United Nations began
its extensive operations. Subsequently, Ethiopia, with a
mandate from IGAD and the Organization of African Unity
(OAU), organized a series of meetings that led to the
Sodere agreement. Other countries, the League of Arab
States, various Arab States and other organizations have
also made serious reconciliation efforts during this period.
Every year, new conferences were held and new agreements
signed, none of which were implemented. This shows that
the faction leaders had learned the technique of making
people believe in a reconciliation that would last about as
long as their return flights home.
Since the United Nations departure and
disengagement from Somalia in the mid-1990s, the
international community has come to remember only a
“failed operation” and a “failed State”. But that devastated
country needs the United Nations to become engaged
once again. Somalia deserves greater interest and attention
than it now gets. This is not solely a regional or even an
African or Arab problem; Somalia was and continues to
be an international disaster. Its neighbours have made
enough concessions, and they stand to sacrifice and risk
even more. It is therefore fair to say that it is not easy or
tolerable to continue living in a no-peace-no-war situation.
Imagine having to life beside a neighbour without laws,
without a government, without a central authority.
After seven years of bickering, the faction leaders
have nothing new to offer. Give the people of Somalia,
with the support of the international community, a chance
to elect leaders of their choice, by stages, both regionally
and nationally — without threats and without blackmail.
It is not impossible that the evolving new approach of
setting up regional administrations or “mini-states” could
enhance security and stability and shape the future
political structure of Somalia, so long as they do not
compromise the country?s unity.
We are deeply saddened by the lack of progress
under the peace agreements in the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Israel is continuing to seize Palestinian property; engaging
in relentless settlement activities in the West Bank;
imposing intransigent rule over East Jerusalem; and
illegally and unilaterally extending the boundaries of the
municipality of Jerusalem.
Israel?s arbitrary and coercive measures, which
include the suspension of the Palestinians? rights to enter,
work, trade, reside, remain, build or travel in the country,
have created intolerable uncertainties and a difficult
situation. We demand that Israel immediately withdraw its
troops, put a stop to settlement and construction in the
settlements, and desist from taking unilateral decisions
that undermine the peace efforts, as called for by the Oslo
peace accords.
We are one with the legitimate aspirations of the
Palestinian people to establish an independent State and
to live side by side with Israel in peace and within secure
borders. Above all, we hope that Israel will heed the call
4

by the international community to establish comprehensive
peace in the Middle East on the basis of Security Council
resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 425 (1978).
The relentless fratricidal war in Afghanistan shows no
sign of abating, despite intense and continuing international
efforts. The people of Afghanistan have suffered immensely
and are on the verge of losing all hope of any political
solution to this crisis. In the last two years there has been
an increase in violence, intolerance, and the abuse of
human rights, in particular against women. We hope that
the risk of tensions escalating as a result of the murder of
Iranian diplomats will be defused through the ongoing
initiatives of the Secretary-General.
The international community has often turned to
sanctions in order to combat violations of international law
or to punish uncontrolled criminal behaviour. In practice,
however, the application of sanctions is often too general
and broad, serving particular political interests. Real targets
or target groups are not affected, and it is the innocent
population at large that suffers as a result of such blind
embargoes. Once sanctions become personalized or are used
to serve as weapons to serve and protect powerful interests,
they cease to have time limits or clear indications as to
when their requirements have been met. Their original
purpose is lost and the sanctions assume a life of their own.
The end result is a climate of frustration and non-
compliance with a resultant considerable squandering of
credibility. Without a sense of limits, purpose and fairness,
the exercise then becomes futile and counter-productive.
Behind the broad global problems facing our planet
Earth, some of which I have mentioned briefly, lie specific
areas and countries which merit particular attention. For
example, there is universal concern about the economic and
financial crisis assailing Asia and its implications for the
rest of the world. It is difficult to comprehend that the
Asian miracle we had all come to marvel at should collapse
so abruptly, with grave consequences for Governments,
businessmen and peoples. Many of the countries involved
risk falling into severe recession. Whatever the explanation
for this crisis, this experience proves that there are real
perils in the free flow of international capital. The danger
is incalculable, forcing serious revision of some of our
long-term development plans.
It is also disturbing to see so many of the resources of
the International Monetary Fund (IMF) going towards
rescuing large international banks and financial institutions
that recklessly and of their own volition placed their funds
in sectors where restraint and control were needed. Now we
must all wonder who will be the next to suffer a flight of
capital and who will help to bail them out. There is
undoubtedly a strong case for creating a better mechanism
to regulate international standards for financial
management and capital flows.
The task of engendering a national sense of identity
and cohesion and shared values against a backdrop of
turbulence and instability is one of the core challenges of
nation-building. In Djibouti, we have had our ups and
downs. We continue to face daunting economic
difficulties, aggravated by the presence of a great number
of refugees, which has overwhelmed our limited means
and severely strained our social services.
I am proud to say that Djibouti, despite these
obstacles, has established itself as a nation, a responsible
member of the international community. Since gaining
independence over 20 years ago, we have effected a
series of changes aimed at the attainment of better
standards of living and have undertaken to found a culture
of democracy and tolerance. The process of accelerated
political and economic change continues, however fragile
it may be.
I believe in the concept that there should be
opponents but not enemies. That is why tolerance,
compassion and forbearance have guided my actions as
leader of my country. We have pursued a policy of
regional and ethnic inclusion, and have long recognized
the concept of diversity in unity.
Djibouti?s approach to regional affairs has always
been based on mutual respect, moderation and
cooperation. We believe that the countries of the Horn of
Africa must unite to confront the problems of poverty,
conflicts and underdevelopment within the framework of
the Intergovernmental Authority on Development whose
revitalization is crucial.
At the international level, we credibly contributed to
the maintenance of peace and security during our
membership in the Security Council in 1993 and 1994. As
an extension of this, we have participated in international
peacekeeping missions to bring peace and stability to
countries in the throes of conflict.
In the context of the current global financial turmoil,
one thing is certain: yesterday?s international institutions
cannot cope with today?s intensity, magnitude and
rapidity, which demand greater openness and
transparency. Djibouti therefore joins in the overwhelming
5

call for a comprehensive overhaul of the International
Monetary Fund and the World Bank so that they can
adequately respond to the financial calamity we are
experiencing. They must also be fully equipped to mount a
determined attack on poverty, growing hopelessness and
underdevelopment. I pray that the new millennium will
bring us more stability, understanding and harmony among
nations, and among peoples within nations.


The General Assembly has
unanimously chosen Mr. Opertti to direct the work of its
fifty-third session. Echoing previous speakers, I should
like to congratulate him, as I consider his election a
tribute to his personal qualities as a diplomat and a
statesman. Through me, Madagascar is pleased to express
its best wishes for the success of his mission.
His predecessor, whose competence we valued, was
able to rely on our cooperation throughout his term of
office; and Mr. Opertti may also be assured of our
complete support in his efforts to accomplish his task
successfully.
Madagascar reiterates its encouragement and support
to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, in his quest for
ways and means to make our Organization increasingly
dynamic.
The great family of the United Nations is meeting
once again, as it does every year, to reflect collectively on
the situation in the world so as to lay the foundations for
19

a better existence, one which is safer and more equitable,
in spite of all our differences and divergences.
Madagascar reaffirms its support for the United
Nations though its presence every year at this annual
gathering. For us, this forum for exchanging views
represents the first, universal bastion against injustice and
violence in the world, and it is the best tool for
safeguarding peace and security and for the promotion of
progress.
In the light of the statements made here, globalization
undoubtedly constitutes the backdrop for our many concerns
at this end of the century. With all its advantages,
disadvantages and disappointments, and transcending the
limits of the economic framework, globalization is today
expressing itself in terms of insecurity.
Insecurity is spreading virtually everywhere, in many
forms and manifestations. Insecurity is being globalized,
and whenever a man dies — whether it be in a war, or as
a bombing victim, or in a cold-blooded massacre, or simply
in his sickbed — somewhere children cry, women suffer by
the hundreds, by the thousands, by the millions. And death
is more than ever part of our daily lives. This is why today
we are focusing our attention on the problems of insecurity
and on the need to rally our efforts for the maintenance of
peace.
The international community is now confronting
situations that jeopardize peace and security and that
threaten the sustainable development of nations. In many
parts of the world, civil wars, inter-State conflicts, border
disputes, and ethnic, tribal and religious confrontations
resurface, bringing suffering, poverty, political instability
and marginalization, be it in Kosovo, the Comoros, the
Great Lakes region or elsewhere.
Added to this is the persistence of new threats, such
as international terrorism, organized crime, corruption, the
proliferation of narcotic drugs and the deterioration of the
environment. Access to weapons of mass destruction is
becoming easier and easier. The proliferation of the light-
weapons industry and the widespread use of those weapons
are becoming a major scourge for most countries.
Insecurity is economic as well as social. In the era of
technological progress and of the spectacular growth in
world food production, whole regions are experiencing
famine and malnutrition. One quarter of the world’s
population is still living in poverty. Millions of children
under the age of five continue to die of diseases, and major
sectors of society are cut off from education and from
basic health care. About 180 million children under the
age of 14 are obliged to work; the less fortunate have no
alternative except sexual exploitation, and for many young
people unemployment is the only prospect for the future.
Similarly, a large number of women cannot to this very
day exercise their fundamental rights. Many remain
victims of domestic violence, social injustice, deliberate
massacres or armed conflict.
Moreover, the financial upheaval that has afflicted
South-East Asia, Latin America and Russia has shaken
the international economic system. It is true that global
information networks have reduced both distances and
time, but at the same time they have contributed to
increasing scientific, cultural and moral insecurity.
Computer viruses have become as dangerous as nuclear,
biological and chemical weapons. All of this illustrates
the magnitude and the drawbacks of globalization, as well
as the scope of the interdependence of States.
Fifty years after the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, the rights and freedoms inherent in the dignity and
worth of the human person are still often violated, and we
witness the burgeoning of new challenges — challenges
that are ever different and that require well-adapted and
better-planned strategies. It is obvious that no State in the
world can guarantee each of its citizens material and
spiritual well-being in conditions of peace and full respect
for the most basic rights and freedoms.
While in the recent past — and more specifically in
1985, from this same rostrum — emphasis was placed on
the balance of forces, in general, and on nuclear parity, in
particular, everyone today unanimously recognizes that
security cannot exist without cooperation and solidarity,
which implies spectacular changes in international
relations. Evidence of this recognition is the forthcoming
entry into force, on 1 March 1999, of the international
Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling,
Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on
Their Destruction, as well as the establishment of nuclear-
weapon-free zones.
For its part, Madagascar, which has never deviated
from its commitment to disarmament and which is, in this
respect, a signatory of a number of international
Conventions, is gratified at the prospects of the
negotiation of a cut-off treaty on fissile material for
military purposes in the framework of the Conference on
Disarmament in Geneva.
20

We also welcome the call for the holding in the near
future of an international conference on the complete
elimination of nuclear weapons, a call made by the heads
of State or Government of the Movement of Non-Aligned
Countries who met recently in Durban. Along the same
lines, Madagascar of course associates itself with the
proposal made by President Blaise Compaoré, the current
Chairman of the Organization of African Unity (OAU),
concerning the convening in the year 2000 of a summit
conference under the auspices of the United Nations with
a view to the formulation by the international community
of a joint response to the problem of terrorism.
Like other States, on 18 July, in Rome, Madagascar
signed the Statute of the International Criminal Court, as
well as the Final Act of the Diplomatic Conference of
Plenipotentiaries.
It would be appropriate to consider the question of
security through a multidimensional approach encompassing
military, economic and social aspects at various levels —
international, regional and national.
Poverty and the persistence of imbalances that divide
the world into developed countries, developing countries,
least developed countries, poor and indebted countries, are
factors contributing to tension and obstacles to the
establishment of a genuine and lasting peace. This, in any
event, is the reality in Africa, my continent.
The Cairo Declaration of 1993 established the primary
objective of the OAU Mechanism for Conflict Prevention,
Management and Resolution in Africa. Nonetheless, without
the active support of the international community, these
actions would remain ineffective. Security Council
resolution 1170 (1998), on the holding of regular ministerial
meetings in order to evaluate actions undertaken for peace
in Africa, should therefore be welcomed. For Madagascar,
it is a question of confirming the will to coordinate actions
of the United Nations with the pan-African organization and
with regional mechanisms.
While awaiting an appropriate mobilization of the
resources needed for the effective implementation of actions
in the framework of the Agenda for Development, it seems
to us vital that the developing countries make their
contribution by proposing the establishment of a mechanism
to help them attain their shared aspirations and affirm their
solidarity.
It is in this spirit that the Heads of State and
Government of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries,
meeting at Durban, considered a proposal to establish,
within the Non-Aligned Movement, a mechanism
consisting of three funds financed by our own resources,
up to perhaps 0.1 per cent of gross national product or a
percentage of export income. The funds thus obtained
would be capitalized through investment in international
financial markets.
For Madagascar, this mechanism would help
integrate the activities of developing countries into the
process of financial globalization and would help resolve,
at least in part, their financial and debt problems, in
tandem with the actions undertaken by the international
community and the financial institutions. A large number
of speakers during that session recommended an
evaluation of the capacity of the Bretton Woods
institutions to adapt to current realities. The three-fund
mechanism could be among the basic documents for joint
reflection on a new global financial architecture.
In implementing the resolutions of the international
community, it is a key responsibility of each country to
create a climate conducive to lasting peace and economic
growth. Among the elements of this responsibility are the
establishment of regulations that are in keeping with
agreed aspirations, good governance, the creation of
adequate systems for follow-up and monitoring, and
respect for the rules of democracy. In the present context
of global economic liberalization, every development
actor has its own role to play, including the State as the
protector of the fundamental rights of its people and of its
sovereignty and as a catalyst for development
programmes.
Madagascar, whose Constitution and national laws
are based on the principles of the United Nations Charter,
endorses those values. In that connection, we are engaged
in the process of democratization, good governance and
the rule of law, along with economic and structural
reforms, to lead our country towards credible partnership
in the international system. Our authorities are now
committed to implementing recovery programmes aimed
at stepping up the struggle against poverty and at creating
a climate conducive to the complete fulfilment of the
citizen.
The institutional aspects of this programme include
the establishment of autonomous provinces and of
institutions provided for in the Constitution, and the
continued reform of the civil service and the judiciary
system.
21

In the economic sphere, the State is continuing to pull
out of the production sector, and will be doing all in its
power to create an environment of vigour and competition
and to put financial administration on a sound footing
through the creation of bodies to regulate sector-based
activities.
Finally, in the social area, public expenditures will
reflect our priorities: education, health and safety, and
security. We are devoting special attention to programmes
to make the most disadvantaged segments of the population
aware of their own responsibilities.
Although the implementation of this programme
depends first and foremost on Madagascar’s own efforts, it
is obvious that there are limits on our resources for
guaranteeing a better quality of life for our citizens and
thus for protecting their rights. The strengthening of
international partnership should therefore be viewed not
only from the financial but also from the scientific and
technological standpoints, so that all countries may hope for
an equal chance of success. Of that I am convinced.


Please allow me to extend to
you, Sir, my delegation?s sincere congratulations on your
election to preside over the fifty-third session of the
General Assembly. I wish you all the best in carrying out
your duties. Let me also express my appreciation for his
excellent work to Mr. Hennadiy Udovenko, the President of
the General Assembly at its fifty-second session.
As of today 462 days remain until the end of this
century — a century which has recorded many phases in
the development of the world. There have been times of
confrontation and times of partnership, times of
protectiveness and times of openness.
Seven years ago the walls of separation between the
nations of East and West were torn down, creating
opportunities for closer cooperation and economic
integration. This also opened doors for nations to promote
general welfare, mutual understanding and respect and the
building of trust and confidence in one another.
As has been said about this moment in history, it is
not so much that the borders between States are now open
and can be freely crossed, but that they can be transcended.
Distances and borders now have limited significance; the
globe has become a universal village in its own right.
Today, the world economy appears to be sliding into
a deep crisis. The countries that are suffering the most are
the poorest. While I realize that globalization entails risks
and challenges for economies and societies, I am convinced
that there is no alternative. The only credible formula for a
viable global economy is the promotion of freer trade
through the abolition of trade barriers and the pursuit of
sustained economic and democratic reform. Once starting
on this path of reform, as difficult as it may be, there can
be no stepping aside for shortsighted political consideration.
Estonia?s success is living proof of this.
Along with many other States, Estonia began its
transition from a Communist regime to democracy and
from a State-controlled economy to a free market in 1991.
By 1997, Estonia had the highest economic growth rate in
Europe, and preliminary figures for 1998 indicate that
growth continues to be strong. Estonia?s inclusion among
the six countries to begin accession negotiations with the
European Union is a recognition of its achievements in
building a civil society and a well-functioning market
economy.
In my country, we are proud of the European Union
invitation. We regard the European integration process as
among the most challenging yet most rewarding
endeavours for our continent, today and in the distant
future. European integration is not simply an effort to
provide our citizens with the tools for success in a
globalizing world; it is also a catalyst for greater openness
throughout the continent. We are convinced that pursuing
membership is in itself a strong guarantee for stable
development, as it provides all applicants with a viable
road map to reform.
Estonia greatly appreciates the help provided by the
United Nations, other international organizations and a
number of bilateral donors during the difficult early years
of transition. Now that Estonia has entered into the post-
transitional stage of its development, we believe it is time
to start paying back. During the last eight years our
Government and people have accumulated a wealth of
experience and know-how on transition to a market
democracy. We want to share this knowledge with
countries at an early stage of their reforms, starting from
building up a well-functioning border guard and finishing
with successful monetary reform. Learning how to teach
and provide support is the final lesson before graduation,
and this should be the goal of every reform country.
At any one time, there are 15 or 16 armed conflicts
from around the world on the Security Council?s agenda.
Conflicts between and within States spread from Europe
to Africa, from the Middle East to Asia. These conflicts
are often driven by poor socio-economic conditions or
ethnic nationalism. Estonia, recognizing the primary role
of the United Nations in the maintenance of international
peace and security, supports efforts to maintain and
strengthen the Organization?s capacity to organize and
effectively conduct its peacekeeping operations. In
addition, we trust that the phasing out of gratis personnel,
as mandated by the General Assembly, if handled
properly, will not adversely affect the functioning of the
Department of Peacekeeping Operations.
As a contributor of personnel, Estonia is committed
to continuous participation in United Nations
peacekeeping operations. We are preparing to dispatch the
joint Estonian- Latvian-Lithuanian battalion known as
BALTBAT for its inaugural tour of duty in the near
future. I would like to extend our thanks to all nations
which have supported the establishment and formation of
BALTBAT.
Estonia also intends to continue its involvement in
Bosnia and Herzegovina within the United Nations
International Police Task Force (IPTF). As a conflict
31

prevention measure, it welcomes and supports the enhanced
cooperation of the United Nations with regional
organizations or arrangements. In particular, deeper
cooperation with the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Organization of
African Unity (OAU) has great potential.
This year has already provided the international
community with a number of landmark events. Among
notable achievements were the twentieth special session,
on the reduction and prevention of the illicit production,
sale and demand of narcotic substances, and the adoption
of the Statute of the International Criminal Court. Estonia
trusts that this fifty-third session of the General Assembly
will reinforce the momentum captured in June and July in
both New York and Rome, respectively.
On the other hand, the world community has
witnessed a number of vicious terrorist attacks. It is time
for everybody to understand a basic fact: terrorism is not
politics; it is not religion — it is murder. Estonia deplores
all terrorist activities wherever they occur, whatever the
form or manifestation. We sympathize with all nations
that have suffered these acts and call for even stronger
solidarity to fight against such attacks.
We also must acknowledge that even on the eve of
the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, one of the major
accomplishments of our Organization, the world is still
home to gross violations of human rights on all six
continents. We therefore call for a sustained effort of the
General Assembly, in close cooperation with regional
organizations, to address this issue and to find the most
effective mechanisms for early warning to identify and
stop these violations.
Finally, a few words concerning the United Nations
reform. We support reform based on the proposals by the
Secretary-General. Estonia strongly believes that the aim
of this reform must be to come to grips with a changing
world as well as the principle of cost-effectiveness.


I come with the greetings
and warm wishes of His Majesty King Mswati III, Her
Majesty the Indlovukazi, the Queen Mother, the
Government and the whole Swazi nation to all our fellow
members of the United Nations.
On behalf of the Kingdom of Swaziland, I would
like to extend our warmest congratulations to Mr. Opertti
on his unanimous election to the presidency of the fifty-
9

third session of the General Assembly. We have the fullest
confidence in his ability to lead the deliberations of this
session, and I can assure him of my delegation?s full
support and cooperation.
I would like to congratulate his predecessor,
Mr. Hennadiy Udovenko, on the skill with which he
presided over the fifty-second session.
I would also like to commend the work done over the
past 12 months by our Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan,
and the staff of the United Nations Secretariat. We have
been impressed by the strength of their commitment to
meet the many challenges facing our Organization, and we
take pride in their considerable achievements.
The Kingdom of Swaziland is encouraged by the
progress that has been achieved in the reform of the United
Nations. Much credit is due to the Secretary-General and
his staff for their implementation of cost-cutting measures
and the commitment they have shown to creating a more
efficient Organization.
For our part, we believe the membership must provide
the financial resources for the Organization to carry out the
tasks that we ourselves have set. We surely cannot expect
the United Nations to meet its existing obligations, let alone
take on the new challenges we present to it, if we lag
behind in the payment of our dues. The Kingdom of
Swaziland makes every effort to keep up to date with its
financial obligations in full, on time and without
conditions — and we appeal to all our fellow Member
States to do the same.
The Kingdom of Swaziland is nevertheless concerned
at the painfully slow rate of progress in the debate on the
restructuring of the Security Council. The delay is
especially frustrating when we know that there is global
consensus on the need to make the permanent membership
of the Council more democratic and representative of the
developing world. This issue has been central to discussions
during Non-Aligned Movement summit meetings and
successive meetings of the Organization of African Unity
(OAU). There continues to be unanimous support for
change.
In this regard, the Kingdom of Swaziland continues to
support the African common position, which calls, among
other things, for membership of the Security Council to be
based on an equitable geographical formula. Africa is
calling for two permanent seats, with the full voting and
veto rights that are enjoyed by the current membership.
However, in the longer term, we believe that the right of
veto should be the subject of review, as it is not in
accordance with recognized democratic practices since it
gives unequal weight to the minority view.
As we celebrate the thirtieth year of our
independence and the thirtieth birthday of our monarch,
the Kingdom of Swaziland is continuing quietly and
peacefully to develop all aspects of life according to the
wishes and expectations of our people. Our overall aim is
to raise the living standards of all our people and to
ensure that access to all the basic requirements of decent
human life is available to all. We have conducted a
number of initiatives aimed at identifying the areas of
highest priority for action and we have asked the people
themselves to contribute their ideas and views on how we
can overcome the challenges we face. We have always
believed that sustainable development will be best
achieved in our country when there is the involvement,
support and understanding of the whole nation. It is for
this reason that we continue to consult the people on
issues of national importance at open forums, thus giving
all Swazis the opportunity to make their views known and
have them considered.
The implementation of our development aims
involves a twin-track approach, with an economic and
social reform agenda covering the shorter term, and a
national development strategy to provide an action plan
for the next 25 years. Both are the result of the
recommendations of the Swazi people themselves and
reflect the wishes of all Swazis.
In a similar vein, and again in response to the
people?s request, we are conducting a review of our
Constitution. His Majesty informed the General Assembly
last year of the establishment of the Constitutional
Review Commission. The whole nation is engaged in this
vitally important exercise, and I am pleased to inform our
fellow Members that substantial progress has been made
over the past 12 months. The end result will truly reflect
the will of the people themselves, and we are confident
that we will have in place a Constitution that will serve
the best interests of all Swazis for many generations to
come.
We have been most grateful for the support we have
received from the United Nations towards these important
nation-building processes, and we value highly the
continued support and encouragement from many of our
friends and partners in the international community with
respect to our development efforts.
10

In common with almost every country, we find that
the issue of unemployment remains our greatest challenge.
We recognize that, with the global economic situation
deteriorating and the gap between the developed and the
developing countries widening, the task of creating jobs is
becoming more and more difficult. In response to this, we
have introduced incentives to attract investment from both
internal and external sources, and we have established an
investment promotion authority to act as the catalyst for
rapid investment growth. Such national initiatives are aimed
at creating favourable conditions for our people to gain a
decent standard of living and to continue to enjoy the peace
and stability with which we have been blessed throughout
our history.
We have noted with regret that the past 12 months
have seen an alarming rise in situations of internal conflict
and external aggression among many of the Member States.
Furthermore, there are many instances of situations where
internal conflicts have spilled over borders, creating the
potential for regional instability. The situations in the
Kosovo region of Yugoslavia, and the heightened tension
on the border between Iran and Afghanistan, are just two
examples which are of great concern to the international
community.
This worrying trend has resulted in valuable global
resources being channelled away from economic and social
development priorities, and has undermined our collective
efforts to achieve peace and stability throughout the world.
All too many of our fellow human beings are caught
up in a spiral of seemingly unending violence, with millions
forced into exile from their own homes, thus becoming the
latest statistics among the unfortunate numbers of refugees.
In this respect, we urge the international community to
continue to improve its response mechanisms so that
appropriate action is taken quickly and decisively to prevent
conflict and to repair the misery caused by it.
In a similar vein, the stalling of the peace process in
the Middle East continues to frustrate the efforts of those
who desire a genuine, lasting peace in that troubled region.
The Kingdom of Swaziland applauds those nations which
are working hard to get the process back on track, and we
continue to urge those involved to respect the terms of the
Oslo peace accord as the only basis on which to rebuild the
atmosphere of trust which is so necessary for the process to
move forward.
Meanwhile, on our continent of Africa, the conflicts in
areas including the Horn of Africa and in countries such as
the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Lesotho
and Guinea-Bissau, are challenging to the full the
diplomatic skills of all of us in the international
community who hope to bring lasting peace to our
continent.
Of particular concern to us in the southern African
region has been the renewal of civil war in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, the resumption of
hostilities in Angola and the very recent disturbances in
Lesotho. Our fellow members will recall the efforts of the
Southern African Development Community (SADC),
among others, to find a solution to the distressing
situations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and
Angola, which are hampering cooperation between
member States of the community. In the case of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Kingdom of
Swaziland believes that the United Nations has a role to
play as peacemaker to complement the efforts of SADC
and the OAU.
In all cases, we pray that a solution may be found to
end the bloodshed, establish a lasting ceasefire and allow
negotiations between the opposing sides. We pray that
sustainable solutions may soon be found to all of Africa?s
conflict situations and that all our fellow Africans may be
free from the sufferings endured by so many for so long.
The Kingdom of Swaziland applauds the remarkable
progress made towards a lasting settlement in Northern
Ireland. We know there is still a long way to go, but,
given the centuries-long history of the Troubles, the
achievement has been all the more impressive. We also
commend those who have contributed to the process, and
we salute especially the people of Northern Ireland, who
chose to take their destiny in their own hands and voted
for peace. This provides an excellent example of what is
possible when there is true commitment to peace from all
sides in a dispute.
Our continent?s fresh crises have shown once more
that Africa needs to be better prepared to head off
potential conflicts through timely dialogue and
negotiation, and to have available a pool of peacekeepers
to act where necessary.
The Kingdom of Swaziland welcomes the Secretary-
General?s report to the Security Council regarding the
causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and
sustainable development in Africa.
11

In this regard, we support the concept of an integrated
approach to conflict resolution on our continent as a way of
enhancing closer cooperation between Africa and the rest of
the world and making the best use of the resources at our
disposal.
The Kingdom of Swaziland is already engaged in
efforts to become more involved in conflict resolution. To
this end, we have welcomed the support of the United
Kingdom and of the United States of America towards the
preparation of our defence force for participation in
peacekeeping operations in Africa and around the world.
Of particular concern has been the evidence in the past
year of the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and
their use as instruments of aggression and intimidation. We
in the Kingdom of Swaziland reaffirm the view of the Non-
Aligned Movement that there can be no moral justification
for the ownership, manufacture or use of such weapons.
We join the majority of States Members of the United
Nations in calling for real commitment by all countries to
global disarmament and to the creation of a world that will
be free and safe for future generations. In this respect, we
urge all nations that have not done so to become parties to
the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
(NPT).
It may be said that the crises we have mentioned so
far have been the result of man?s worst qualities and
therefore unnecessary and avoidable. The same is not true
of the many natural disasters that have struck hard at
nations across the globe, irrespective of development status.
The “El Niño” phenomenon has resulted in a series of
natural disasters, the latest example being widespread
flooding throughout the Americas, Asia, Africa and parts of
Europe. Meanwhile, ironically, we in southern Africa must
wait once more to see if we will receive sufficient rain for
our crops this year.
The establishment by the United Nations of the Office
of Humanitarian Affairs could not have come at a more
opportune time, and the Kingdom of Swaziland gives its
full support for its operations. We hope that its role will
include assistance to Member States to develop emergency
relief mechanisms so that we may all be better prepared to
cope with disasters of all kinds in the future.
The Secretary-General recently gave warning of the
deteriorating global economic situation and the widening
gap between rich and poor nations. The crisis in Asia has
had a devastating effect on the people of that region, and
now all the indications are that the economies of the rest
of the world will also be adversely affected. The two
certainties are that the worst is yet to come, and that it
will be the developing world that will be hardest hit.
In this interdependent world of ours, the Kingdom of
Swaziland recognizes the importance of the concept of
partnership between nations. We agree that no nation can
afford to remain isolated and that there is an obligation —
and an economic necessity — for the more developed
countries to support and assist those of us in the
developing world.
We believe that the underlying principle of any
partnership should be one of mutual respect and
understanding of each partner?s views, beliefs and
position. We look forward to working with our partners
in areas that our people have chosen as their development
priorities, in an atmosphere of trust and openness, and
free from the imposition of conditions that can impact
negatively on our capacity to improve.
The process of globalization is now well advanced.
The Kingdom of Swaziland believes that a good deal
more time and preparation are needed before we in the
developing world are ready to cope with the additional
responsibilities that globalization will bring.
The United Nations provides the ideal forum for
discussion of these matters; let us make full use of our
Organization, in an atmosphere of true respect between
partners, so that the positions of all may be understood
and appreciated.
As we celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the
adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
the Kingdom of Swaziland appreciates the efforts of the
United Nations to integrate human rights issues into all its
policies and programmes.
The Kingdom of Swaziland has taken and continues
to take seriously its obligations to its people on human
rights issues. Furthermore, we support all initiatives aimed
at improving the status of women, youth and children.
They have a vital role to play in the development of a
nation in all aspects of life. The ongoing constitutional
review is, inter alia, promoting the debate on human
rights issues.
It is unfortunate to note that, even as we celebrate 50
years of existence of the Universal Declaration of Human
12

Rights, there is one nation of 21.8 million people that we
believe is denied the right of membership of the United
Nations. I am referring to the question of the Republic of
China on Taiwan.
The Kingdom of Swaziland continues to raise this
issue because of our conviction that the United Nations
Charter provides for the representation of all nations of the
world. Furthermore, the Republic of China on Taiwan has
shown very clearly that it is a nation with the willingness
and capacity to play a prominent and responsible role in
global development affairs, and yet it remains excluded
from the activities of the one truly global development
organization.
The principle of universality, as contained in our
founding Charter, provides that all citizens of the world
have the right to be heard in these chambers, and yet it is
a fact that as I speak the people of the Republic of China
on Taiwan are not represented here and therefore cannot
contribute their resources and expertise for the benefit of
the international community through the medium of the
United Nations.
The Republic of China on Taiwan has shown itself to
be a peace-loving nation, with a high level of political,
economic and social development. It has an excellent record
of supporting development activities throughout the world.
The Kingdom of Swaziland believes that the time has now
come to restore its rightful membership of the United
Nations to the Republic of China on Taiwan. We join the
rest of our fellow members in proposing a review of this
issue, with full regard for the change in circumstances since
the decision was taken in 1971 which led to the expulsion
of the Republic of China on Taiwan from our Organization.
The problem of drug abuse and trafficking is a
relatively new phenomenon among the people of Swaziland,
but it is fast becoming a major threat to the development of
our country, particularly among our youth, who seem to be
the easiest target.
The Kingdom of Swaziland welcomed the special
session of the General Assembly on drugs, held in June this
year, as a timely and necessary initiative. We therefore
have high expectations of the recommendations that
emerged from the special session, and we commit ourselves
fully to their implementation. We recognize, though, that
the drug trade is cross-border and international in nature,
and we are working closely with our neighbours and
regional partners to share ideas and resources in a
combined effort to prevent the spread of the drug trade.
The Kingdom of Swaziland condemns international
terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We believe
there can be no justification for the type of outrage that
was witnessed recently in Nairobi, Kenya; Dar-es-Salaam,
Tanzania; and Cape Town, South Africa. The deaths of so
many innocent people can surely bring no credit to —
and win no support for — those who planned and
committed the deeds. Our prayers are offered again for
the victims and their families and to all whose lives have
been affected by the evils of terrorism. We support all
moves to bring the perpetrators to justice and to prevent
the spread of the use of terrorism tactics.
In this regard, the Kingdom of Swaziland welcomes
the establishment of the International Criminal Court
following the Rome Conference. We believe it to be well
timed and justified, and we are of the view that the
international nature of terrorism and drug-trafficking make
it essential that they be included as crimes that will fall
under the jurisdiction of the Court. We are confident that
the General Assembly will give urgent priority to the
establishment of the Preparatory Commission so that the
Court itself will become operational in the shortest
possible time.
The United Nations remains the only global forum
in which the world can have any hope of achieving the
goals we all strive for. Peace and stability among all
nations, promotion of sustainable development for all, and
the hope of future prosperity and security for all our
peoples: these are the wishes and expectations of those
we represent here.
Our peoples look to this Organization to create the
right conditions for these things to be possible. We cannot
let them down. I give my assurance that the Kingdom of
Swaziland will work hard to support the Secretary-
General and his staff in their efforts to improve the
efficiency and effectiveness of the United Nations
operations. We are deeply grateful for the assistance
given by the United Nations in support of the initiatives
we are undertaking in our country.
Finally, on behalf of His Majesty the King, Her
Majesty the Indlovukazi, the Queen Mother, the
Government and the whole Swazi nation, I am proud to
take this opportunity to reaffirm the Kingdom?s
commitment to the ideals and aims of the Charter of the
United Nations.


It gives me great pleasure at the outset, Sir, to
extend to Mr. Opertti my sincere congratulations on his
election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its
fifty-third session. We are confident that his political
perspicacity and wide knowledge of international affairs
will guarantee the success of the work of this Assembly.
His election is an acknowledgement by the international
community of the active role that his friendly country,
Uruguay, is playing at both the regional and the
international level for the establishment and enhancement
of cooperation between peoples and the consecration of
the universal principles of peace and justice.
I should also like to extend to his predecessor,
Mr. Hennadiy Udovenko, my warmest thanks and
appreciation for the competence and dedication he
demonstrated in discharging his responsibility in order to
strengthen the foundations of change and structural reform
of our international Organization so as to enable it to
enter the next century with the necessary efficiency and
effectiveness.
I also wish to pay tribute to the Secretary-General,
Mr. Kofi Annan, for his continuous and dedicated efforts
to strengthen and restructure the Organization and for his
eagerness to bolster international peace and security and
the peaceful settlement of conflicts.
The last decade of the twentieth century has been
characterized by fiftieth anniversary celebrations
commemorating the creation of many international
institutions, including the United Nations. As the
international community moves towards the twenty-first
century, it is called upon to evaluate its accomplishments
20

in giving effect to the principles and goals of the United
Nations and in delineating the contours of the future with
a view to ensuring security, peace and development for all
the peoples of the world.
In this regard, ensuring a better world for future
generations — a world in which security, justice, stability
and prosperity for all prevail — remains the highest
common goal, whose achievement requires efforts by all.
This requires the international community to show an
unwavering determination and to sustain efforts to establish
a world order, built by all States, consolidating the
objectives and principles of the United Nations and
fulfilling the spirit and the letter of the Charter, on the basis
of international legitimacy and the principles of democracy,
equality and equity among States.
The new approach adopted by the international
community in the process of reform, which covers all
United Nations structures and fields of activity, offers an
opportunity for consolidating the principle of democracy as
a basis for international relations. In this connection,
Tunisia attaches great importance to strengthening the role
and prerogatives of the General Assembly in all the areas
of its competence as provided for in the Charter of the
United Nations, particularly with regard to the development
and maintenance of international peace and security.
We wish to emphasize once again the need to
revitalize and enhance the role of the General Assembly,
given its universality, representativeness and democratic
character. Strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of
the General Assembly should go hand in hand with the
reform of the Security Council so as to confirm the
principles of transparency, pluralism and democracy. These
are values which should prevail in international relations
and guide the activities of our Organization and its various
bodies, including the Security Council, in order to enhance
and develop its role in the maintenance of international
peace and security, which, in recent years, has become
increasingly important.
Just as we expect the Security Council to act
effectively and to fulfil its mission in the best way possible,
we also stress the need to give that body a globally
representative character that takes into account the interests
of developing countries and reflects the reality of the world
following the end of the cold war by expanding its
membership to include all regional groups. In this respect,
we stress our support for the request of the Group of
African States, reaffirmed at the Ouagadougou summit,
which calls for the allocation of two permanent seats to be
occupied on a rotational basis by States from Africa, with
the enjoyment of the same privileges as those of the
current holders of permanent seats.
However, the process of Security Council reform
should not be limited to restructuring that body. The
rationalization of the Council’s working methods is
needed so as to strengthen and consolidate one of the
Charter’s most important principles, that of compliance
with and respect for international legitimacy by all. In this
connection, we emphasize the need to review the veto
right, whose use should be confined to the areas covered
by Chapter VII of the Charter.
We also believe that the sanctions regime practised
by the Security Council should be reviewed to ensure the
protection of populations, prevent their suffering and
guarantee their right to development and to a life of
dignity, and take into account the interests of
neighbouring countries which have economic and
commercial relations with the country targeted for
sanctions. A specified time-frame should also be set up
for the implementation and lifting of sanctions. In this
connection, we stress the necessity of respecting Iraq’s
sovereignty and territorial integrity and of implementing
the relevant resolutions of the Security Council, including
those resolutions dealing with Kuwaiti prisoners and
missing persons.
As we pay tribute to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi
Annan, for his efforts to contain the crisis between Iraq
and the United Nations Special Commission, we call upon
him to increase his efforts and to undertake the required
initiative for a comprehensive review of the situation with
a view to finding a solution acceptable to all parties
which would accelerate the lifting of the sanctions
imposed on the brotherly Iraqi people.
Regarding the Lockerbie issue, Tunisia has expressed
optimism over the recent developments, which could
accelerate the achievement of a just and satisfactory
settlement of this issue, taking into account the
willingness demonstrated by the brotherly country of
Libya and other concerned parties to deal in a positive
manner with the ideas already put forward. We encourage
all parties to move ahead in that direction so that the
embargo imposed on the brotherly Libyan people can be
lifted.
With respect to the Middle East peace process,
Tunisia has since the very beginning supported and
worked relentlessly for its success. We wish once again
21

to express our deep concern about the present status of the
process. We warned that setbacks and deadlocks would
result from Israel’s continued policy of fait accompli and its
refusal to honour its commitments and to implement the
agreements that were concluded.
We believe that it will not be possible to reach a just,
comprehensive and lasting solution to the Middle East
question without Israel’s compliance with international
legitimacy represented by the relevant United Nations
resolutions and based on the principles outlined in the
Madrid process, particularly that of “land for peace”.
Tunisia, which supports the just Palestinian cause,
welcomes the resolution adopted by the General Assembly
at its last session enhancing the status of Palestine as
observer at the United Nations. We hope that this step will
soon be followed by international recognition of an
independent Palestinian State with Al-Quds al-Sharif as its
capital.
Increased efforts by the international community to
consolidate democratic relations among States and to
strengthen international legitimacy in the conduct of world
affairs are imperative for the foundation of a balanced
international order that guarantees a better life for future
generations and promotes conditions of stability in the
security, economic and social dimensions.
With regard to security, many regions of the world
continue to be torn by war and conflicts, and their
populations still endure suffering and tragedies due to the
absence of stability and security. In our view, the best
solution to these problems is to pre-empt crises through
preventive diplomacy so as to eliminate their causes in the
fastest and most effective way. The international
community has successfully adopted this right approach and
has been able to contain a number of conflicts through
mediation, good offices and other peaceful means.
The United Nations has also achieved considerable
successes in the context of peacekeeping operations in
many parts of the world, enabling it to contain conflicts
either by interposing itself between the belligerents or by
supervising the conclusion of peace agreements or by
following up on their implementation. In addition, the
United Nations has intensified cooperation with regional
organizations within the framework of respect for the
national sovereignty and political independence of States,
and non-interference in their internal affairs.
Nevertheless, these efforts remain insufficient, given
the challenges that persist in many regions of the world,
in particular, the African continent. Africa continues to
face difficulties and diverse problems which are
increasing its burden and hindering its efforts to achieve
stability and development.
In this respect, Tunisia has welcomed the Security
Council’s initiative regarding the situation in Africa. We
believe that the Secretary-General’s report in this regard
was well timed, expressing concern about the situation
and offering help to the African continent to find
solutions capable of enhancing its security and
development.
We hope that this orientation will be confirmed by
continued United Nations support for the Mechanism for
Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution of the
Organization of African Unity through adoption of
practical measures designed to help the integration of
African States in the world economy.
We believe that a lasting peace can be established
only through total dismantling weapons of mass
destruction, particularly nuclear weapons, whose
formidable arsenals constitute a continued threat to
humanity. It has become clear that the current nuclear
non-proliferation regime cannot by itself eliminate the
danger that the arms race poses to humanity with its
ominous implications. Therefore it has become imperative
that the international community increase its efforts to
adopt practical measures aiming at eliminating all
weapons of mass destruction, without exception, and
banning their proliferation and stockpiling.
While working towards that objective, the
international community should strenuously endeavour to
ensure the safety of non-nuclear States and to prohibit the
use and the threat of the use of nuclear weapons against
the sovereignty, territorial integrity and peoples of those
States. We also emphasize the need for creating nuclear-
weapon-free zones so as to put an end to continued
threats to the security of countries and to open new vistas
for the establishment of peace, security and stability
throughout the world. In this context, Tunisia calls for the
urgent creation of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the
Middle East, considering that all the countries of the
region except Israel have adhered to the Treaty on the
Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
With regard to conventional weapons, we express
our satisfaction at the signing at Ottawa of the
22

Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling,
Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on
Their Destruction. Tunisia hastened to sign that Convention,
believing that an end should be put to the great suffering
that unarmed civilians are enduring because of these
weapons. Hence, the necessary legal measures are being
taken for Tunisia’s ratification of the Convention.
We believe that peace and security cannot be
established in the world without achieving economic and
social development and ensuring conditions of well-being
and dignified living for all peoples.
Meeting the major challenges confronting developing
countries starts with the establishment of a world economic
order founded on equality and solidarity so as to enable
developing countries to be integrated in the world economy
and to attract the required flow of capital and direct
investment needed to support their development efforts.
The financial crisis that certain developing countries
are experiencing confirms our belief that the economic
globalization in which we have placed high hopes has,
despite its positive aspects, negative repercussions on the
world economy, particularly on the stability of the
economies of developing countries.
We call upon the international community and all
United Nations agencies, in cooperation with the Bretton
Woods institutions, to speed up taking the necessary
measures that will overcome the negative aspects of
globalization. Therefore, we support the search for effective
multilateral mechanisms to control international capital
flows and monetary fluctuations in order to ensure fair
competition and to organize financial transactions on sound
and solid bases. In this context, my country supports the
initiative taken by the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries
to establish a high-level mechanism of consultation between
the Movement and the Group of Eight most industrialized
countries.
We also believe that in the absence of a radical
solution to the debt problem, efforts to liberalize the
economies of developing countries will remain insufficient.
In this regard, I would like to recall the proposal made by
Mr. Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, President of the Republic of
Tunisia, with respect to finding a solution to the problem of
external debt by applying those debts to the implementation
of environmental, social and other priority projects in
developing countries.
Working for the adjustment of the globalization
process is not, in our opinion, limited to the pivotal role
played by international organizations and financial
institutions. Increasing efforts at the national and regional
levels are also needed. In this context, Tunisia has striven
to make its financial structures more efficient and to
strengthen the factors of sustainable development through
concentrating on the enhancement of human energies,
establishing the state of law and institutions, protecting
human rights and public freedom and strengthening
democracy, which is based on the participation of civil
society with all its components in decision-making.
Aware of the importance of economic and
geographic groupings in advancing the economies of
developing countries, promoting man and facing the
challenges of globalization, Tunisia has adopted a
comprehensive strategy that reconciles the imperatives of
security and the requirements of cooperation with
economic complementarity and solidarity among States.
That strategy is also based on strengthening the Maghreb
area, establishing partnership with the European Union
through the creation of a free trade zone and
consolidating its relations with all countries, particularly
those of Africa.
The international conferences which have been held
in recent years, particularly the Vienna World Conference
on Human Rights, the Beijing Conference on Women and
the Copenhagen World Summit on Social Development,
have enabled the international community to develop
coherent plans of action, addressing many social problems
which still hinder the progress, the stability and the
security of peoples.
Tunisia calls for increased efforts to ensure full
implementation and genuine follow-up of the decisions,
recommendations and plans of action adopted by those
conferences and for the necessary measures to apply
them.
While we recognize the responsibility of States in
implementing economic policies which ensure the right of
their citizens to development, we also emphasize the need
to establish equitable international economic relations
which take into account the right of all countries,
particularly developing countries, to comprehensive and
sustainable development. We also call upon United
Nations organs, funds, programmes and specialized
agencies to shoulder their responsibilities and help
developing countries carry out their economic
programmes.
23

The continued shrinkage of resources allocated for
United Nations economic and social activities is a matter of
concern to us. Therefore, we call again for the
implementation of General Assembly resolutions stressing
the need to provide additional funds for development. We
also urge the international community, and particularly rich
countries, to honour their commitments so as to give
impetus to their efforts in the area of economic and social
development.
The year 1998 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This coincides
with the start of the evaluation of the follow-up of the
recommendations adopted at the Vienna World Conference
on Human Rights. We believe that the international
community should take this ideal opportunity to reaffirm its
commitment to promoting and protecting human rights as
well as to develop a clear plan in this regard for the future.
Tunisia takes note with satisfaction of the pioneering
role played by the United Nations in promoting human
rights, a matter which is in the forefront of its priorities, in
accordance with an approach based on a comprehensive and
coherent vision of those rights. Tunisia has contributed to
the formulation of that approach. Nevertheless, we feel that
these achievements are not enough. Poverty and exclusion
continue to disrupt social stability in many countries. These
are phenomena which also threaten the gains made in the
field of human rights and constitute challenges which
should be met with the required efficiency and
effectiveness. The international community should, in our
opinion, confirm the values of tolerance and disseminate
them as a basic platform for promoting human rights and
deepening the culture of human rights among societies
throughout the world.
We also emphasize that great importance should be
given to the right to development and the need to remove
all obstacles to the effective exercise of that right.
In implementing its social and economic policy,
Tunisia has adopted a comprehensive and integrated
strategy aimed at the advancement of human beings. It has
worked to honour all the commitments it has made by
adhering to human rights conventions. At the initiative of
the President of the Republic, many amendments to enact
legislation have been introduced with a view to
strengthening democracy and pluralism, promoting and
safeguarding human rights, disseminating the culture of
human rights, strengthening national institutions and
mechanisms working in this field and protecting individual
and group liberties as well as the rights of women and the
child.
In the area of social and economic development,
Tunisia has increased its efforts to ensure a dignified life
for members of all social sectors. It has focused its policy
in this field on the enhancement of social integration, the
struggle against poverty and the promotion of
employment for all. In formulating its policy, Tunisia has
been eager to involve all components of civil society in
defining a comprehensive strategy and in taking necessary
measures to carry out programmes of economic and social
development.
Social solidarity is one of the pillars of Tunisia’s
policy in combating poverty and all forms of exclusion.
The National Solidarity Fund, set up in 1992 at the
initiative of the President of the Republic and
subsequently reinforced by the creation of the Tunisian
Solidarity Bank, has provided funds for many projects for
low-income groups and has made possible the integration
of underprivileged regions into the national economy.
With respect to the consolidation of its employment
policy, Tunisia recently formulated a comprehensive
strategy manifested in the adoption of a national
declaration on employment. That declaration was drafted
following broad consultations in which all the country’s
active forces took part; this was signed by all of our
political parties, trade unions and professional
associations.
Tunisia’s approach to the formulation and
implementation of its economic and social policy is based
on the conviction that the phenomena of exclusion,
marginalization and social discrimination create threats to
the very foundations of stability and security, which are
essential for the progress and prosperity of peoples. The
struggle against those phenomena is the most appropriate
means for eradicating terrorism in all its forms and
manifestations, organized crime and drug-trafficking.
In that connection, we once again urge the
international community to increase its efforts to combat
terrorism by setting up a global strategy and taking the
necessary legal measures to contain and uproot that
phenomenon.
Increased international awareness of the great danger
of the drug phenomenon, which was illustrated in the
convening of a special session of the General Assembly
in June 1998 on the common struggle against drugs,
24

encourages us to support the efforts being made by the
Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice to
formulate a draft United Nations framework convention
against organized crime. We hope that these efforts will
succeed, for the international community is in urgent need
of such an instrument.
In the same context, Tunisia welcomes the
recommendations of the World Conference of Ministers
Responsible for Youth, held recently in Lisbon, and stresses
the need to ensure that the implementation of the decisions
taken at that conference is followed up. This will allow us
to deal with the concerns of young people, develop their
sense of responsibility and properly prepare them to assume
the responsibility of managing tomorrow’s world.
The Diplomatic Conference held at Rome in June and
July 1998 on the creation of the International Criminal
Court and the extensive participation of Member States and
non-governmental organizations in that Conference, testify
to the great importance we all accord to the creation of
such a court, whose task will be to deal with heinous
crimes against humanity and to punish their perpetrators.
Tunisia participated in the Conference and voted in
favour of the statute of the Court. While expressing
satisfaction at the agreement reached on the creation of
the Court, we would like to stress once again the
importance of ensuring its independence and neutrality.
Given the need to respect the principle of national
sovereignty, Tunisia supports the consensus reached on
the complementary character of the jurisdiction of the
International Criminal Court and on the need to accord
priority to national legal systems, which should retain the
initiative of prosecution.
We look forward to the advent of the new century
with high hopes, and we call upon all States to evaluate
what we have achieved so as to pursue joint action, to
confront remaining challenges and to spare humanity from
suffering like that which it has endured throughout the
current century. This is a task that requires firm political
will from all of us in order to meet the aspirations of our
peoples to security, stability, growth and cooperation.
Our devotion to the principles and purposes of the
Charter of the United Nations, the consolidation of
international legality and democratic practice among
nations, and the implementation of the process of the
reform of the United Nations system to serve those
principles and goals are undoubtedly the best means by
which to lay the foundations of a better world, a world
which we shall shape and build together for future
generations.


This year we are
celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights. In our global community,
the issue of human rights is the concern of us all. For this
reason the Government of Norway welcomes the fact that
human rights are now being given increased priority in
the work of the United Nations. Adoption by the General
Assembly of a declaration on human rights defenders on
the International Human Rights Day, on 10 December,
would represent proof of our strong commitment in this
field.
Human rights is basically about human dignity â€”
about protecting the individual against oppression and
exploitation, poverty and injustice, marginalization and
degradation. The struggle for civil and political rights and
for social, economic and cultural rights must be one and
the same struggle. When we address breaches of civil and
political rights, we must also address the issues of
development and poverty.
As a new millennium is upon us, one of our most
fundamental challenges is the realization of a humane
world. This must be more than a vision. It is a moral
imperative. All Governments endeavouring to implement
and promote respect for human rights in their societies
deserve our wholehearted support. Democracy,
transparency and good governance are essential for
economic growth, sustainable development and political
stability. Governments that continue to disregard basic
30

human rights norms deprive their populations not only of
political freedom, but also of improved economic
conditions.
The pursuit of a humane world requires new
approaches. And new tools. A good example of this
approach is the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of
the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-
personnel Mines and on Their Destruction, which was
negotiated in Oslo. With the ratification by Burkina Faso,
presently chairing the Organization of African Unity
(OAU), as the fortieth country, the Ottawa process has in
less than two years produced a binding international legal
instrument which will enter into force early next year. This
has been made possible by a new diplomacy reaching
beyond relations between States to engage individuals and
non-governmental organizations.
Our efforts to rid the world of the scourge of anti-
personnel mines must be intensified so that we can reach
the objectives set out in the Ottawa process. Norway has
already made a commitment of $120 million over a five-
year period to mine action programmes, including
assistance to mine victims. We call on other Governments
to join in this endeavour. The United Nations has a central
role to play in these efforts.
The partnership between Governments, international
organizations and civil society demonstrated throughout the
Ottawa process should be pursued in our new drive to
restrict proliferation of small arms and light weapons. In
recent years it has become evident that small arms are a
formidable barrier to ending violent conflicts and
consolidating peace, political stability and reconstruction of
war-torn societies. We need to intensify and harmonize our
efforts to combat the illegal trade in and proliferation of
such arms, which account for most casualties in todayâs
conflicts.
Norway has committed considerable resources to
immediate action to assist populations in war-torn societies.
We support demobilization and arms collection programmes
in a number of countries, and we have raised the question
of what role United Nations peacekeeping operations could
play in these areas. To further strengthen these efforts,
Norway proposes the establishment of a trust fund to
combat the widespread proliferation and illegal use of small
arms, in particular through the collection and destruction of
such weapons at the end of armed conflicts. Norway will
pledge 15 million Norwegian kroner (NKr) â€” about $2
million â€” to the establishment of such a trust fund and
calls on other countries to follow suit. We propose that the
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) be
charged with the management of the fund.
Norway is gravely concerned by the recent
underground nuclear tests by India and Pakistan. I would
like to emphasize the crucial importance of both the
Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
(NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
(CTBT) for international efforts to prevent the
proliferation of nuclear weapons and achieve nuclear
disarmament. Therefore, Norway urges all countries to
join the NPT and the CTBT. We believe the United
Nations should serve as an important forum for
strengthened dialogue and exchange of information on
non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament and that it
should contribute to more transparency and confidence in
these crucial matters.
The current world economic crisis clearly illustrates
that we are all part of a single global economy. It also
illustrates that we are far from fully understanding the
powerful forces of globalization, and even further from
being able to adequately manage them. The international
financial crisis has led to soaring unemployment,
plummeting living standards and shattered expectations of
a better life for millions of people.
We clearly need a better understanding and better
management of the global economy. My Government
shares the serious concern expressed by the recent summit
meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in Durban. While
the process of globalization has led to greater economic
opportunities for many, a large number of developing
countries are being left even further behind in the wake
of the increasing integration of the world economy.
As was pointed out during last weekâs high-level meeting
on globalization and development here at the United
Nations, there is no alternative to multilateral cooperation
efforts if we are to maximize the positive effects of
globalization, while minimizing its negative aspects.
While our planet is shrinking, the income gap
continues to grow â€” between as well as within nations.
At the same time, we are experiencing a steep reduction
in official development aid from North to South. It is a
regrettable fact that the industrialized countries are
increasingly distancing themselves from the agreed United
Nations target of 0.7 per cent of gross national product
for development purposes.
31

Developed and developing countries alike are accusing
each other of broken promises and failure to live up to their
commitments. What we need is a new partnership based on
result-oriented policies in developing countries and a
commitment on the part of the developed countries to reach
the 0.7 per cent target within an agreed time-frame.
Norway, which has been well above this target for decades,
is actively seeking to counter the growing donor fatigue and
intends to further increase its official development
assistance in the years ahead.
Many of our most pressing problems are international
in nature and global in scope. International crime and
terrorism, environmental degradation and the spread of
disease do not need passports to cross borders. They are
global problems, requiring global solutions.
As the world changes, so must the United Nations. We
have previously commended the Secretary-General for his
reform agenda. Much has already been done. It is now up
to us, the Member States, to promote the reform process
throughout the whole United Nations system.
We cannot ask the United Nations to do more and
perform better, while at the same time cutting back on its
resources. As a very minimum, all Member States must
honour their legal commitments and pay their dues in full,
on time and without conditions.
For the poorest and most heavily indebted developing
countries, the debt problem represents one of the main
obstacles to development. Urgent action is needed to end
the unsustainable debt burden of these countries. Norway
for its part will launch a comprehensive national debt relief
strategy. The strategy will form the basis for our policy for
supporting and strengthening the international debt relief
schemes. It will also contain additional debt reduction
measures on a bilateral basis which will be applied on top
of the reductions made under multilateral operations.
No investments yield a higher return than investments
in basic social services â€” in primary health and education.
Since the World Social Summit, Norway has actively
advocated the 20/20 principle. This calls for a mutual
commitment between developed and developing countries
to allocate 20 per cent of official development assistance
and 20 per cent of national budgets, respectively, to basic
social programmes. We encourage all countries to adhere to
this target.
Economic growth and social development underpin
political stability. But political stability and good
governance are also prerequisites for sustained economic
development. While the United Nations should retain its
vital role in economic, environmental and social affairs,
the Organization must also involve itself more extensively
in conflict prevention, crisis management and peace-
building efforts. In two weeksâ time we will be
commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of United Nations
peacekeeping operations. The United Nations has proved
indispensable for maintaining stability, peace and security
for millions of people, for which it was awarded the
Nobel Peace Prize 10 years ago. At this juncture, we
pledge our continued support for the United Nations
peacekeeping endeavours. The Organizationâs capacity
must be further enhanced, not least with regard to rapid
response to armed conflicts.
In particular, we wish to honour those who have
given their lives under the United Nations flag. The
increasing number of casualties among United Nations
personnel on missions abroad has made us more aware of
the security situation for United Nations staff. Today, the
Geneva Conventions go a long way in protecting
uniformed personnel in combat situations. United Nations
personnel working to promote and alleviate the suffering
created by war are not protected in the same way under
international law. It is therefore important to improve the
security situation of United Nations staff, and we urge
more countries to sign and ratify the Convention on the
Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel.
To further facilitate the United Nations role in
preventing conflicts, Norway took the initiative two years
ago to establish a Trust Fund for Preventive Action. This
fund has made it possible for the United Nations to
undertake preventive missions and diplomatic initiatives
it otherwise would not have the resources to carry out.
Some countries have made contributions to the fund. We
encourage others to do the same.
To enable the Security Council to better fulfil its
prime task of preventing conflict and securing
international peace, it is important to enhance its
legitimacy while not compromising its efficiency. We
need to find broad-based solutions which better reflect the
political realities of today.
Conflict prevention, crisis management and peace
building clearly require a coordinated approach. We must
secure a better unity of purpose and integrate United
Nations peace-building efforts with those of other
stakeholders. Norway will be taking over the
chairmanship of the Organization for Security and
32

Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 1999, and we are
determined to further refine the already well established
working relationship between the United Nations and the
OSCE.
Most armed conflicts of today are taking place within
States. Civilians are increasingly affected, and indeed
singled out as military targets. In this context, the adoption
in Rome a few months ago of the statute establishing an
International Criminal Court is truly a historic achievement.
The existence of a permanent, global institution of this kind
will allow us to address the serious problem of impunity
and will significantly enhance deterrence of the most
heinous international crimes. The statute also provides for
credible protection against biased, arbitrary and otherwise
unwarranted prosecutions.
We need more, not less, involvement of the United
Nations and regional organizations to prevent underlying
conflicts from bursting into flames. In Kosovo, we have in
the last few months witnessed an alarming deterioration,
where the parties seem determined to resolve the conflict
by military means. There is an urgent need for a ceasefire,
access for international humanitarian organizations to all
parts of Kosovo and stronger involvement by the
international community, in order to facilitate a negotiated
political solution.
Five years ago the Oslo Accord was signed in
Washington, and gave hope for a peaceful future for the
people of the Middle East. Although progress has been
made, the peace process is today in serious difficulties.
There is, however, no alternative to a negotiated settlement.
The responsibility for advancing the peace process lies first
and foremost with the parties themselves. We therefore urge
the parties to do their utmost to build confidence and
cooperation and to refrain from all unilateral measures and
actions designed to pre-empt the outcome of the final status
negotiations.
Although developments in Latin America in general
have been positive over the past few years, there are still
situations that give cause for concern. Every support should
be given to the new Government in Colombia in its efforts
to end the armed conflict. The international community
should also give continued support to the implementation of
the peace accords in Guatemala. Consolidating the peace is
as important as ending the war.
Norway commends the Secretary-General for his
report on security and development in Africa. Recent
developments are indeed worrying and may threaten the
stability and future prospects of large parts of the
continent. The African nations themselves have the prime
responsibility for ensuring a political climate that is
conducive to stability and economic growth.
However, the international community must provide
political support and assist in mediation, peacekeeping,
humanitarian aid, human rights enhancement,
demobilization efforts and institution-building. It is vital
that these activities be coordinated and mutually
supportive. Here the United Nations must play a leading
role, in close cooperation with the Organization of
African Unity and the subregional organizations. We
follow with great interest the ongoing work by the
Security Council in this respect, and we look forward to
the discussions on the General Assemblyâs follow-up of
the Secretary-Generalâs report during this session.
If we are to meet effectively the many global
problems facing us, there is no alternative to concerted
multilateral action. We must build a future based on
international law, where solidarity and social
responsibility are not confined within national boundaries,
but stretch across borders and continents. We, as
Governments, must do this in close cooperation with civil
society, with non-governmental organizations. In all this,
the United Nations must be at the very centre of our
multilateral efforts.