At the outset, may I
congratulate Mr. Hennadiy Udovenko on his election as
President of the fifty-second session of the General
Assembly and wish him much success in this important and
responsible function. I should also like to use this
opportunity to thank his predecessor, Ambassador Razali
Ismail, who, with his typical energetic approach,
contributed greatly to the success of the fifty-first session.
The recently concluded fifty-first session of the
General Assembly can certainly be described without
exaggeration as one of the key periods in the history of the
United Nations. The important reform proposals submitted
during its course will, if carried out, result in the most
fundamental change in the structure and activities of the
United Nations since its foundation. We strongly believe
that the Organization will emerge from the reform process
reinforced and that this process will increase the importance
of the United Nations as a global forum that focuses on the
serious problems facing our world today, open to all who
wish and are willing to take part.
We greatly appreciate the vigour and vision with
which the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, has
committed himself to the reform efforts. We support the
measures he has already taken to make the work of the
United Nations Secretariat more effective as well as the
package of recommendations he submitted to the General
Assembly last July. Whether or not these concrete and
effective reform steps are really put into effect now
depends on the political will of the Member States. The
Czech Republic will make every effort to be most
cooperative in this respect.
We are glad that the reform efforts of the Secretary-
General have met with a favourable response on the part
of the Member States. His proposals have been supported
also by the 16 Heads of State and Government associated
in the Carlsson Group, of which Czech President Václav
Havel is also a member. As this Group stated in its
declaration of 10 August 1997 on the Secretary-General’s
reform proposals, the United Nations has a chance to take
a step forward, and this chance should not be missed.
As for restructuring the Security Council, the Czech
Republic prefers the expansion of both Council-member
categories while preserving the Council’s effectiveness
and flexibility. We continue to support an increase in the
number of permanent members to include Germany,
Japan and three other countries representing Africa, Asia
and Latin America. My country also advocates expansion
of the category of non-permanent seats, including one seat
for the Group of Eastern European States.
The reform of the Security Council should also
result in improving and simplifying the Council’s working
methods. My country has actively participated in
discussions of this question and has submitted a proposal
for a broader interpretation of Article 31 of the United
Nations Charter. We are pleased that our proposal has
been backed by a number of Member States and believe
it will become part of the working methods of the
reformed Security Council.
It is quite unthinkable to restructure the United
Nations without changing its present system of financing.
In order to make cost-sharing more equitable it is
necessary to change the existing scale of assessments. The
new system of contributions to the regular budget and to
peacekeeping operations should reflect the real economic
capacity of individual Member States. All Member States,
without exception, should also duly comply with their
financial obligations.
For my country, this year is a year of important
events. The invitation extended at the Madrid Summit to
three Central European countries, including the Czech
Republic, to open talks on accession to the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization (NATO), is a key and historic
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decision which we regard not as a first and last step, but,
rather, as the beginning of the process of NATO
enlargement. The Czech Republic is convinced that the
alliance will in the future invite some other democratic
countries. The signing of the Founding Act on Mutual
Relations, Cooperation and Security between the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization and the Russian Federation
constitutes an important step towards the strengthening of
European security.
The Czech Republic has noted with satisfaction that
the effort of the European Union to further enhance the
integration process achieved concrete results at the
Intergovernmental Conference in Amsterdam. We
welcomed the European Commission’s positive assessment
of the Czech Republic as a candidate for European Union
membership. We believe that negotiations with the Czech
Republic and other candidates for membership can start in
the early months of 1998.
One of the basic prerequisites for a country’s stability
is harmonious relations with its neighbours. This is why we
attach great importance to the Czech-German declaration on
mutual relations and their future development, signed in
Prague in January of this year. By signing this document
the two sides confirmed their political will to further
intensify all-round bilateral cooperation as an expression of
their determination to work jointly on shaping a peaceful
future in Europe. In fact, this joint determination and
political will is already being transformed into concrete
steps in different areas.
We are very sensitive to the political problems of our
present world, and, within our capacities, participate in their
solution. One of the most complicated issues is undoubtedly
the conflict in the former Yugoslavia, and particularly in
Bosnia and Herzegovina. We support the peace process
based on the Dayton Peace Accords and on the London
Programme of Action, and consider them the best possible
solution to the protracted conflict. It is beyond dispute that
one key prerequisite for the success of the peace process is
the just punishment of all war crimes committed during the
conflict.
We also focus our attention on the situation in the
Middle East, the region currently being visited by President
Havel. The peace process is now in a difficult phase, but its
role is irreplaceable. We hope, however, that bilateral talks
between the State of Israel and its neighbours will lead to
greater stability in the region and eventually result in just
and lasting peace for all.
The Czech Republic follows with much concern the
security and humanitarian situation in certain African
countries, in particular in the Great Lakes region, but also
in Somalia and Sierra Leone. We fully support the efforts
of the United Nations and the Organization of African
Unity aimed at putting an end to unrest, wars and
suffering in Africa. Positive changes taking place in
Liberia, for example, fill us with optimism. We believe
that the work done by our own military observers in the
operations of the United Nations Observer Mission in
Liberia has also contributed to this progress.
My country wishes to continue to participate in
building a global security architecture. Within the United
Nations we want to work actively, mainly in the fields of
peacekeeping operations, arms control and disarmament.
Our military observers, doctors and other medical
personnel participate in a number of United Nations
peacekeeping operations. A Czech Army battalion has
been operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina under NATO
command within the multinational Stabilization Force, on
the basis of the Security Council mandate. It has been
performing its tasks well, and we are pleased that its
activities are being viewed positively.
The inclusion of the Czech Republic at the
beginning of this year in the Special Committee on
Peacekeeping Operations is both a sign of appreciation of
our activities in this field and a manifestation of our
commitment to participate further in peacekeeping
operations and to improve the level of our participation.
The Czech Republic has been actively participating
in the field of arms control and disarmament. As a non-
nuclear-weapon State, we are naturally interested in
attaining universality of the Treaty on the Non-
Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its strict
observance, which, we expect, will lead to the further
reduction of nuclear proliferation and will advance the
long-term objective of nuclear disarmament. We attach
great importance to the sessions of the preparatory
committees, and expect that their positive suggestions
could set the tone of the Review Conference to be held in
the year 2000 towards reinforcing the Non-Proliferation
Treaty.
The Czech Republic has from the very beginning
voiced support for the idea of strengthening the
international safeguards system of the International
Atomic Energy Agency within the so-called 93 +2
Programme. It was within these efforts that the Czech
Republic only a few days ago officially informed the
18

International Atomic Energy Agency’s secretariat of its
interest in concluding a supplementary protocol to the
safeguards agreement between the Czech Republic and the
Agency, as required by the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The majority of Member States of the United Nations
last year signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban
Treaty, and I am pleased to state that my country was one
of the first to ratify it.
We welcome the establishment of the Organization for
the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. We expect it to
effectively control and carry out the verification process, in
which we are prepared to participate fully.
We are convinced that the Biological Weapons
Convention needs more effective control mechanisms. To
this end, Czech experts are actively participating in talks on
finalizing the verification protocol, which will considerably
strengthen this Convention.
In the field of conventional weapons, the Czech
Republic supports all measures contributing to greater
transparency, and has been systematically fulfilling all its
obligations concerning notification to the respective
registers. At this year’s Brussels Conference on anti-
personnel land mines, the Czech Republic joined the so-
called Ottawa process, and it is prepared to sign in Ottawa
early in December a convention on the complete ban of
such weapons.
It has been an honour for my country to chair two
important United Nations bodies this year. The Economic
and Social Council plays a very important role in promoting
international cooperation in the economic and social fields.
Its reform is therefore very important. The Czech Republic
has always stressed the need for better coordination,
effectiveness and simplification of the Council’s structure
and activities. We also believe that when chairing the
Council we have helped shape its new image. We noted
promising signs of this new image already during its
substantive session in July. One example was the high-level
segment with participation of ministers and senior
government officials, which proved the growing interest of
the Member States in discussions on specific subjects. An
informal political dialogue with representatives of United
Nations funds and agencies also proved the Council’s
ability to serve as a platform for useful and fruitful
exchanges of views. The reform and strengthening of the
Economic and Social Council should continue. In this
respect, we welcome all steps taken to implement resolution
50/227, and above all to further simplify the structure of
the Council’s subsidiary bodies.
In its priorities, the Czech Republic pays great
attention to the protection of human rights as one of the
necessary conditions for free development of human
society and democracy. We had the honour to chair the
Commission on Human Rights in the first year of our
membership in this important body. On the basis of this
experience, the Czech Republic has been urging the
elimination of factors negatively influencing the work of
the Commission, and has been seeking new approaches
and methods of dealing with individual cases of flagrant
violation of human rights.
Next year the international community will
commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We hope that
this event will be an occasion not merely for ceremonial
assemblies and declarations, but for presenting concrete
results of work in the field of human rights.
My country supports all efforts aimed at early
establishment of an International Criminal Court, which
would create a new system for punishing the most serious
crimes of human rights violations and violations of
international humanitarian law. The need for such an
institution is acute, and the Czech Republic fully supports
the convocation of a diplomatic conference in 1998 to
adopt and open to signature the convention on the
establishment of the court.
One of the burning scourges of our world today is
the growth of international organized crime and the
related problem of drug abuse. This global problem can
be solved effectively only through close international
cooperation. We believe that the special session of the
General Assembly in 1998 will stimulate the
strengthening of this cooperation.
Another threat hanging over the world is
international terrorism. This is a threat which can be
neutralized only by the tough and uncompromising
attitude of the international community and by effective
international cooperation. Every country sincerely
interested in security throughout the world must strictly
observe and comply with commitments arising from
relevant international instruments. The Czech Republic
supports every effort aimed at the elaboration of an
international convention for the suppression of terrorist
bombings. In this respect, my country has also actively
participated in the work of the Ad Hoc Committee set up
19

to deal with this problem and believes that the current
session of experts will make further progress in the
finalization of the draft convention so that it may be
adopted and opened to signature as soon as possible.
One of the most dynamically developing spheres of
international and global cooperation is that of environment
and sustainable development. The United Nations has been
traditionally working hard in this field. The key,
irreplaceable role in this field is played by the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United
Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. It seems
that UNEP is already on the way out of crisis, although not
all the problems are solved by any means. The recent
establishment of the high-level committee is undoubtedly a
step towards improvement of the governing structure of
UNEP and towards stabilization of its programme and
budget. In a short time we expect the strengthened UNEP
to start a new endeavour to fulfil its mandate.
The process of follow-up activities of the United
Nations Conference on Environment and Development was
given a new and strong impulse at the nineteenth special
session of the General Assembly. The results of this special
session were not unambiguously positive. On the one hand,
we welcome the wide support for the promotion of
sustainable development and for efforts of Governments
and international organizations, further strengthened by
complementary activities of non-governmental
organizations, national Governments, entrepreneurial circles
and other interest groups. On the other hand, however, the
session proved that not all of them are prepared to take
resolute steps towards achieving sustainable development.
The tasks facing the United Nations in the next period
are numerous and difficult. However, they have been
clearly outlined and can be fulfilled. It also depends on us,
Member States, whether and how we will cope with them.
It is the results of our joint efforts that will decide not only
the fate of the world Organization but also of the world
itself on the threshold of the next millennium.


At the outset, I wish to convey the pleasure of the Haitian
delegation at faithfully attending this great annual meeting,
which always has a particular importance for us. It is yet
another opportunity to participate in the discussions on the
great questions before us and to seek better solutions in our
quest to preserve international peace and security and
promote economic and social progress.
The consideration of various subjects will certainly
entail difficult debates, but Mr. Udovenko’s long experience
and solid understanding of international problems are sure
guarantees for the successful outcome of our meetings. In
congratulating him on his election to the presidency of the
General Assembly at its fifty-second session, I wish him
every success in his guidance of our work.
I take this opportunity to express our gratitude to
Ambassador Razali Ismail for the achievements of the
fifty-first session.
To our new Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, I
convey our satisfaction at the dynamism with which he
has infused the Organization since he assumed office.
Three weeks ago, the wreck of a passenger boat,
which killed more than 100 of my compatriots, threw the
country into grief and the entire world into dismay.
Messages of sympathy arrived from every corner, as did
assistance that helped us to cope with this tragedy. On
behalf of the Haitian people and Government, I wish to
express our deep gratitude to the international community,
which, yet again, has demonstrated great solidarity with
my country.
For some time, the gist of statements made in this
Organization about Haiti was a plea for the restoration of
a state of law and an end to the violence and brutal
authoritarianism. Today, I am pleased to convey the
message that the Haitian people has been greatly relieved
by the reestablishment of democratic institutions, assisted
by the international community, and the United Nations
in particular.
I wish to highlight some of the progress that has
been made in the political sphere and the efforts exerted
to consolidate the gains of the new democratic deal,
whose rules of play are being increasingly respected. The
transition of power has been recognized and accepted as
a cardinal principle of political life. The state, quasi-state
and civil institutions are being further strengthened.
Socio-professional associations and pressure groups are
playing an ever more active role.
In the field of human rights, no effort has been
spared to end the repressive practices that characterized
the former dictatorial regimes. Arbitrary arrests, summary
executions and abuse have practically disappeared. The
structures of oppression have been dismantled and
replaced by institutions sensitive to the need to respect
citizens’ rights. This is the case with the National Police
force that has replaced the Haitian Armed Forces, which
were the main perpetrators of human rights violations in
the country. Created barely two years ago, this Police
force continues to acquire the experience necessary to
carry out its responsibilities for keeping the peace and
public safety. It is already gearing up to ensure security
and stability throughout the country when the mandate of
17

the United Nations Transition Mission in Haiti ends in late
November.
The judiciary, for its part, has enjoyed special
attention, given the desire for justice expressed by the
populace. Parliament is currently considering a bill that will
allow the necessary deep-rooted reforms to be undertaken
to improve the administration of justice.
While the political situation in the country has
stabilized, economic and social performance has lagged
behind. The gaps created by the crisis of 1991-1994 have
yet to be breached. Democratic institutions are up and
working, it is true, but they remain fragile because certain
needs of the public have yet to be fulfilled.
Nonetheless, efforts are being undertaken to revitalize
the economy. For example, it has been decided to
modernize public companies. Hence, the creation of the
Council to Modernize Public Companies. Cooperation with
Parliament has already led to the creation of legal
instruments aimed at maximizing the potential of these
companies to the great profit of users and the consumers of
the goods and services they produce. Similarly, the fiscal
and financial system is being reformed and trade
liberalized. A bill on customs tariffs is currently under
consideration by Parliament.
In order to invigorate national production, an agrarian
reform programme has been launched that aims at
bestowing ownership on the peasants of their means of
production. It works on three levels: access to land, access
to credit and availability of technical training. The
Government believes that agrarian reform will facilitate the
social integration of citizens who have long been
marginalized.
This programme falls within an anti-poverty campaign
led by the Government in order to assist the poorest sectors
of society. As can well be imagined, the democratic process
in Haiti is being pursued, but it remains fragile because of
the precarious situation and the great poverty of the people.
It is quite obvious that, if it is to be viable, it must be
maintained, nurtured and supported by sustainable
development.
The Heads of State and Government who met here
during the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the
United Nations two years ago committed themselves to
enabling the Organization to carry out its mandate properly.
Consequently, the Secretary-General is now proposing a
programme of reforms to strengthen the role of the
Organization and to give it a new impetus. We thank the
Secretary-General for this initiative, to which we give our
full support. This bold and innovative proposal will
enable the Organization to become more effective and
carry out its mission fully.
Some of the measures presented have drawn our
particular attention. For example, there is the idea of
regrouping the activities of the United Nations around
five major themes: peace and security, economic and
social development, development cooperation,
humanitarian affairs and human rights. However, we must
ensure that development issues, which are crucial for the
majority of Members, are given the same attention as
other themes — if not more. Any reform must give
development the priority, resources and political
commitment it deserves.
The question of Security Council reform, which is
still being studied, is another matter on which we must
make progress, given the Council’s role in the
maintenance of international peace and security. Haiti
continues to call for more transparency and participation
in the Council’s work, so that the views of States which
are not members of the Council are considered in the
decision-making process. Any expansion of the Security
Council should be carried out in a way that guarantees a
fair and equal geographical representation. Everything
should be done so that the universality of the inhabitants
of our planet is recognized in the United Nations system.
However timely they may be, reforms alone will not
make the Organization more efficient if it does not have
adequate financial resources to carry out its activities. We
are convinced that the financial crisis of the United
Nations may reduce its capacity to cope with the serious
problems it faces.
We need a strong and efficient United Nations,
capable of finding solutions to current problems and
facing the challenges of the next century. It is through the
orchestrated, collective action of the United Nations that
we will be able to overcome our numerous current
problems, which threaten international peace and security
and compromise the well-being of our populations.
There we refer first to the many armed conflicts
which are raging in all regions of the world, some of
which seem to resist any attempt at a negotiated
settlement. Haiti encourages the use of regional and
multilateral mechanisms to solve these conflicts.
18

Likewise, the existence of vast arsenals of weapons of
mass destruction is a grave threat to our collective security.
The progress achieved in the area of disarmament —
especially the opening for signature last year of the
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and the entry into
force of the Chemical Weapons Convention — is
encouraging. However, we urge the countries concerned to
make further efforts to achieve complete and true
disarmament.
The Republic of Haiti welcomes the recent adoption
of the text of a treaty banning anti-personnel landmines.
This is an important step in the battle to eliminate these
deadly devices, which have caused so much suffering and
which continue to take a toll among civilian populations,
especially among women and children.
The illicit use of drugs and drug trafficking are also
problems which the international community must face with
determination. They are, in fact, a threat to the internal
security of small States because of the violence and
criminality with which they are often associated.
Furthermore, drug use affects the most vulnerable stratum
of society: young people. International cooperation is
absolutely necessary to overcome this scourge.
Since 1960 several summits and conferences devoted
to poverty and development have been organized.
Recommendations have been formulated and measures have
been contemplated. Nevertheless, poverty continues to gain
ground. According to the 1997 Human Development Report,
more than 1.5 billion of the planet’s inhabitants live in a
state of extreme poverty, particularly in African countries
and less developed countries, which see themselves
increasingly marginalized.
The eradication of poverty, especially in the least
developed countries, should go beyond simple speeches or
resolutions. It requires a strong political will, adequate
resources, well defined strategies and the implementation of
appropriate programmes. It also requires the sincere support
of the international community, especially the support of
international institutions and the leaders of the industrialized
countries, namely, those who possess technology and
wealth. The battle against poverty must also be a struggle
for human dignity, sustainable development and peace.
With a view to strengthening international peace and
security, the Republic of Haiti has pursued a policy of good
neighbourliness which has enabled it to come closer to
countries in the region. It has established with the
Dominican Republic a mechanism for consultations through
a joint Haitian-Dominican Commission. This is an
excellent tool for cooperation and working together to
find a solution to the various problems of the island. We
would like to see this important forum continue, as it
represents a necessary stage towards greater mutual
understanding between the Haitian and Dominican
peoples.
Likewise, Haiti recently rejoined the Caribbean
Community (CARICOM). By getting the train of
integration under way, my country intends to contribute
in a significant manner to the realization of the objectives
of the Community, because Haiti is aware that a strong,
open-ended, united CARICOM will largely determine the
socio-economic performance of the Caribbean region. In
this context, we urge the international community to
continue to support the reconstruction of Montserrat.
Fifty-two years ago at San Francisco we undertook
to work for the progress and happiness of our peoples in
a world where peace and security would reign. We should
therefore work to realize their dreams and meet their
expectations and aspirations.


At the outset, I would like to say how pleased
we are to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the
presidency of the fifty-second session of the United
Nations General Assembly. We are convinced that your
great experience and wisdom will promote the success of
this session. I can assure you of the cooperation of the
delegation of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in
reaching the results to which we all aspire.
I take this opportunity also to express our gratitude
to and esteem for your predecessor, Mr. Razali Ismail, for
the great efforts made and the positive results obtained
during his term of office as President of the past session.
5

I should also like to express our appreciation to
Mr. Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations,
for the tireless efforts he has made since his assumption to
his high office to promote the universality of the United
Nations and to strengthen its credibility and capacity to
discharge its responsibilities despite a difficult international
situation.
In this context, we welcome the initiative taken by the
Secretary-General in submitting an outline for reform,
which includes a number of provisions that could improve
the functioning of the Organization. An in-depth study of
this outline will undoubtedly facilitate its adoption by all
members of the international community.
While the end of the cold war has created a favourable
climate for the emergence of a new era of international
dialogue and cooperation, the improvement of the economic
conditions of developing countries remains an urgent need.
Indeed, with the growing trend towards globalization
and liberalization in international trade, the developing
countries are facing a number of obstacles, including slower
growth, falling export revenues, and a reduction in the
volume of investments and in official development
assistance. All of this may prevent these countries from
becoming part of the global economy and further
marginalize them if the international community does not
mobilize swiftly to provide them with the aid they need to
meet these challenges.
The increase in the volume of debt is another obstacle
to the economic and social development efforts undertaken
by these countries for the benefit of their peoples. In this
respect the 1996 report of the World Bank notes that the
burden of debt in many of the least developed countries has
reached such a level that it is virtually impossible for them
to continue with their economic reforms, which are of
crucial importance; and that this situation is exacerbated by
the fact that in 1996 official development assistance, which
can reduce the effect of indebtedness, fell to its lowest level
in real terms in 23 years.
International strategies do not seem to have succeeded
adequately in easing the burden of debt in the developing
countries, which is why more effective solutions, such as
increasing official development assistance, must be found
so that these countries’ development priorities can be
financed.
Despite the fragility of the international economic
situation, progress has been made in various areas due to
efforts by the United Nations to promote international
cooperation and to define policies and strategies capable
of meeting the economic, social and environmental
challenges that confront the world today. For instance,
several important international meetings and conferences
have been organized during the past five years under the
auspices of the United Nations, resulting in some
decisions and undertakings relating to the main issues of
development that seek to promote international
cooperation and coordination for development.
I am referring in particular to the World Summit for
Children, held in New York; the Earth Summit, held in
Rio de Janeiro; the World Conference on Human Rights,
held in Vienna; the International Conference on
Population and Development, held in Cairo; the World
Summit for Social Development, held in Copenhagen; the
Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Beijing; the
World Food Summit, held in Rome; the second United
Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II),
held in Istanbul; and the nineteenth special session of the
General Assembly, devoted to the overall review and
appraisal of the implementation of Agenda 21, which took
place in New York last June.
These initiatives attest to the determination of the
United Nations to take into account the concerns and
interests of the international community with regard to a
whole range of development issues. The United Nations
should continue on this path and seek to ensure
implementation of the decisions adopted.
Under the enlightened guidance of its President, His
Excellency Mr. Maaouya Ould Sid’Ahmed Taya, the
Islamic Republic of Mauritania has completed the process
of establishing constitutional institutions within the
framework of a democratic process that began 11 years
ago. This ensures that these institutions will be able to
function normally within a multi-party system and a State
based on the rule of law. My country is proud to state
that we do not hold any political prisoners.
Fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of
expression and a multi-party system, as well as trade
union freedoms, are guaranteed and enjoyed by 20
political parties and a large number of organizations and
trades unions that can pursue their activities in complete
freedom. Likewise, there are dozens of newspapers and
magazines that reflect various political and intellectual
sensibilities.
6

Furthermore, in keeping with the provisions of our
Constitution, the two Houses of Parliament have been
replenished, and for the second time presidential elections,
set for 12 December this year, are being prepared in a
climate of freedom, peace and stability.
A global strategy that seeks to raise the level of our
people’s economic and social development and to
consolidate democracy has been implemented. This goes
hand in hand with the democratic process and is in keeping
with the following comments of the President of the
Republic, His Excellency Mr. Maaouya Ould Sid’Ahmed
Taya:
“We are seeking to build a modern society
capable of accompanying the world on its march
forward and of assimilating scientific and
technological information; a society aware of the
challenges of our time and working to meet those
challenges”.
In this context, the promotion of women’s rights and
the campaign against illiteracy figure prominently in our
development programmes. A sustained effort is also being
made to provide as many of our citizens as possible with
access to education, jobs and health services, thereby
guaranteeing them a better standard of living. The results
obtained in this regard are satisfactory. Indeed, the
enrolment rate in our schools has reached 86 per cent and
health care coverage for our people has been significantly
extended towards meeting the goal defined by the World
Health Organization, which is health for all by the year
2000. Drinking water supply systems have been built in
several regions, and the main cities of the country now
have electricity.
Within the framework of a huge programme to
provide access to remote towns in the interior of the
country, several new roads have been built, and a modern
telecommunications system now covers the entire country.
These important achievements attest to our firm desire
to combat underdevelopment in all its forms, relying first
on our own resources and then on the support of our
development partners.
I should like here to express my gratitude to all
brotherly and friendly countries and international
organizations and agencies, as well as to non-governmental
organizations, for their support of my country’s efforts in
this area.
One of the positive features of international relations
today, which has led to the strengthening of democracy
and respect for human rights in several regions of the
world, is the international community’s effort to
consolidate fundamental principles such as transparency,
the representative character of power, the primacy of law,
and the independence of the judiciary.
While we can be satisfied with the significant
progress made in this area, we should not lose sight of
the fact that democracy cannot be limited to the narrow
confines of each individual country; it must extend to
relations between nations. In this respect we attach
particular importance to the efforts made by the Open-
ended Working Group on the Question of Equitable
Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the
Security Council. We also hope that these efforts will
lead to greater transparency in the decision-making
processes of the Security Council as well as to improved
working methods.
In a different area, we need to adopt a new form of
preventive diplomacy that is capable of preventing
conflicts and the human tragedies that result from them,
such as those we have witnessed recently and those we
see today and yet are unable to resolve.
The Islamic Republic of Mauritania expresses its
profound concern at the difficulties encountered in the
peace process and at the negative developments in the
region of the Middle East, which result from non-
compliance with agreements concluded and commitments
undertaken in accordance with the established timetable.
My country believes that there can be no just and
lasting peace in the Middle East unless Israel withdraws
from all the occupied Palestinian territories, including
Al-Quds, the Syrian Golan and southern Lebanon, and
unless the Palestinian people regain their right to create
an independent State on their territory.
My country also calls for the taking of the steps
necessary for the resumption of the peace negotiations
among all the parties concerned. We are convinced that
Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and
425 (1978) and the principle of “land for peace” remain
the basis of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.
Furthermore, we call upon the two sponsors of the
peace process to redouble their efforts to ensure that the
chance for peace is not lost and the hopes for a new era
of cooperation and concord, in which the potential of the
7

region is dedicated to economic development and social
promotion, are not dashed.
In this context, my country calls for the lifting of the
embargo placed on the Palestinian people, and we ask the
international community to mobilize the necessary resources
to finance the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for
Palestine Refugees in the Near East so that it can do its job
properly.
In the Gulf region, the aftermath of the war continues
to impede the normalization of the situation. The Islamic
Republic of Mauritania, while reaffirming its dedication to
international law and its commitment to respecting the
principles thereof, again states its rejection of any violation
of Kuwait’s independence, its territorial integrity and the
security of its citizens, and calls for a rapid solution to the
question of Kuwaiti prisoners.
We also reaffirm our steadfast position that no
measures should be taken that threaten Iraq’s unity and
territorial integrity, and we call for the lifting of the
embargo imposed against the Iraqi people, so that an end
can be put to their suffering. We hope that the
implementation of the resolution regarding “oil for food”
can help to achieve this.
Still on the same region, we reiterate our support for
the United Arab Emirates in its desire to regain its
sovereignty over the islands of Greater Tumb, Lesser Tumb
and Abu Mussa.
In the Arab Maghreb, my country is acting in
cooperation with its brothers for the attainment of the
aspirations of the States of the Union of the Arab Maghreb.
On the subject of Western Sahara, my country
welcomed with great satisfaction the agreement which was
concluded on 16 September last in Houston in the United
States under the auspices of Mr. James Baker III, the
Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, and which deals
with the main issues that have hampered the
implementation of the settlement plan for Western Sahara
worked out by the United Nations in coordination with the
Organization of African Unity (OAU). The Islamic
Republic of Mauritania reaffirms its willingness to do
everything it can to promote implementation of the plan for
the settlement of this dispute.
Furthermore, we call for the lifting of the embargo
imposed against the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, and we hope
that the efforts of the League of Arab States and of the
OAU to find a peaceful solution based on the principles
of international law, a solution that will put an end to this
situation so detrimental to the Libyan people and all other
Maghreb peoples, will be given favourable consideration.
On the question of Africa we hope that the meeting
of the Security Council at the ministerial level held two
weeks ago to consider the situation in Africa will
contribute to the achievement of appropriate solutions to
the problems of the continent.
My country also wishes to reaffirm its commitment
to the principles of dialogue and negotiation as the only
way to overcome crises and conflicts and to defuse
pockets of tension which exist in several parts of the
continent. Accordingly, my country renews its support for
efforts to revitalize the central organ of the OAU that
deals with prevention, management and settlement of
conflicts in Africa.
As for the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros,
my country hopes that the efforts undertaken by the
League of Arab States and the OAU will contribute to the
settlement of the crisis in that country.
We hope also that in Somalia the parties concerned
will have recourse to constructive dialogue to reach a
solution that will guarantee harmony and stability.
In regard to the Republic of Congo, my country
hopes that a peaceful solution that will restore security
and stability will be found.
We hope that there will again be a normal situation
in Sierra Leone, in keeping with international law.
The United Nations is today required more than ever
before to react more vigorously to the problems facing the
international community. The end of the cold war, and the
international community’s awareness of the importance of
coordination and dialogue, are positive factors for giving
our Organization the necessary momentum to enable it to
meet the challenges and to establish the bases for a new
international order founded on the principles of justice
and solidarity and guaranteeing the maintenance of peace
and security throughout the world.
There is no doubt also that being aware of the
magnitude of the challenges and the need to pool our
efforts to meet them is the best way to restore our hope
of moving closer to the fulfilment of the ideal that was
8

consecrated at the ceremonies commemorating the fiftieth
anniversary of the Organization:
“We the peoples of the United Nations united for a
better world”.


I
should like at the outset to make two imperative
acknowledgments. The first is to congratulate Ambassador
Hennadiy Udovenko on his election to the presidency of the
General Assembly — and to congratulate the Assembly on
the election of an insightful and experienced politician to
preside over this session — which may, for many reasons,
prove to be an exceptional one.
The second is addressed to the Secretary-General at
this first regular session convened under his mandate. Mr.
Kofi Annan is a veteran of the United Nations system,
which explains how, in the short time since he took up the
post of Secretary-General, he has been able to submit an
important programme for the comprehensive reform of the
Organization.
I wish also to state my Government’s full support of
the statement made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of
Luxembourg on behalf of the European Union. Spain shares
the commitment of the European Union to the reform of the
Organization; it is specifically upon this matter that my
statement will be focused.
When we speak of the reform of the Organization, we
frequently link it with the financial crisis which the United
Nations is undergoing. Yet I consider it important to
differentiate the two questions and to emphasize that the
reform process must not be seen solely as a remedy or
factor for saving the United Nations from the financial
crisis. On the one hand, the current crisis is fundamentally
a crisis of payments. I shall return to this matter later on.
On the other hand, the Organization’s supposed “failures”
reflect the limits of cooperation in the international
community as it exists at present.
The crisis is, in any case, one of growth. The United
Nations has to adapt and do away with the bureaucratic
obstacles accumulated by the Organization during the
decades of the cold war and to develop new means with
which to tackle the complex situations it now faces.
The great virtue of the reform programme introduced
by the Secretary-General on 16 July is that, building on the
better part of the thinking of recent years, it presents a
comprehensive plan to adapt all sectors of the Organization.
Recent experience has shown the difficulty of implementing
partial reforms. The links among the main functions
entrusted to the United Nations is becoming increasingly
clear: international peace and security can hardly be
maintained without genuine cooperation to promote the
development of the world’s States and regions, and
without respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
I should like straight away to declare Spain’s
agreement with this approach and to make clear the
backing which my country is willing to give to the
Secretary-General’s programme. I will now present the
views of the Spanish Government on the main aspects of
the overall reform process.
I shall begin with the reform of the Security
Council. This is undoubtedly one of the most significant
questions facing us, and its success will determine if the
Organization will be able to enhance its legitimacy and its
effectiveness in maintaining international peace and
security in the future. The reform of the Security Council
is a most sensitive task, involving an amendment to the
Charter; it must therefore be undertaken carefully, without
haste and on the basis of the broadest possible agreement.
It must promote greater cohesion among the
Organization’s Members and not create greater tension
and suspicion among them. We should not forget: poorly-
done reform could bring grave repercussions for the
Organization, which could lead to an irreparable crisis of
confidence.
An increase in the number of members of the
Security Council, and particularly of permanent members,
is a much more contentious issue than the improvement
of the Council’s working procedures. The category of
permanent members of the Security Council was created
in historical circumstances which no longer apply.
Furthermore, the enlargement of that category could
create more problems than benefits. Therefore, we
consider it wisest in the present situation to limit
enlargement to the category of non-permanent members.
Current proposals for enlarging the permanent
membership of the Security Council introduce formulas
which tend to meet the legitimate interests of a few
States, but fail to resolve serious problems raised for the
vast majority of Members of the Organization, and so
they cannot be positive for the United Nations as a whole.
As far as the veto is concerned, aware of the
difficulty in present circumstances of achieving its
elimination, we propose that it be limited to situations
involving Chapter VII of the Charter. In any case,
proposals for the creation of new permanent seats, with
postponement of discussion as to whether those seats
would or would not have the veto, are not very realistic.
22

The leading role acquired by the United Nations at the
end of the cold war in making, maintaining and
consolidating peace is without historical precedent.
Spain unreservedly supports United Nations efforts in
the maintenance of international peace and security. In the
last year, in addition to the Spanish contingents deployed in
the International Police Task Force (IPTF) and the
Stabilization Force (SFOR), forces from my country have
participated in the United Nations Mission for the
Verification of Human Rights and of Compliance with the
Commitments of the Comprehensive Agreement on Human
Rights in Guatemala (MINUGUA) demobilization process
and in the multinational protection force for Albania, which,
as the Prime Minister stressed just a few minutes ago, has
helped to avoid a serious internal conflict. Spain was also
ready to participate in the multinational force for Zaire. My
Government is also studying ways of enhancing the
Organization’s operational readiness, particularly by
increasing its rapid deployment capabilities.
While dealing with this matter, I must refer briefly to
certain situations of special interest to my Government. The
deterioration of the situation in the Serb Republic is a cause
of special concern. We must continue to give firm backing
to those in the Republic who are willing to cooperate with
SFOR, the High Representative and the special envoys.
Sub-Saharan Africa also deserves special attention. Of
particular concern is the serious situation which persists in
the Great Lakes region and in the Republic of Congo. Spain
supports the efforts under way to restore peace, as well as
the holding of an international conference under the
auspices of the United Nations and the Organization of
African Unity (OAU). Likewise, with reference to the
situation in Angola, Spain joins the appeal to UNITA to
comply with its international commitments and to finally
allow peace to come to this country.
My Government welcomes the recent agreements
reached in Houston to unblock implementation of the
United Nations settlement plan for Western Sahara, and
accordingly wishes to congratulate Morocco and the
Polisario Front. I equally wish to congratulate the Personal
Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. James Baker, on the
efficient mediation work he has performed. My Government
considers that the holding of a referendum, freely and with
international guarantees, in which the Sahraqui people will
exercise their right to self-determination, continues to be the
only acceptable solution to this conflict. Spain, which has
always supported the settlement plan, considers therefore
that the extension of the mandate of the United Nations
Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara
(MINURSO) is indispensable. My Government trusts that
the parties will continue to demonstrate flexibility and a
constructive spirit until the referendum is held.
Spain is also following developments in the Middle
East with the greatest concern. The peace process is,
without a doubt, going through one of its most difficult
phases. However, this dialogue is the only possible
alternative. The European Union, in particular through its
Special Envoy, the Spanish diplomat Miguel Angel
Moratinos, is making major efforts. I should like here to
reiterate the Spanish Government’s commitment to this
process and to restate our willingness to continue to work
actively for peace and understanding among the peoples
of the region.
With the signing of the Agreement on a Firm and
Lasting Peace in Guatemala, a process in which Spain
played an active role in the verification of compliance
with the accords, the way has been paved to stability, the
strengthening of democratic institutions and sustainable
development in Guatemala. Spain will continue to support
this process, through practical measures such as
multilateral and bilateral cooperation.
As I have already indicated, peacekeeping has
become a multifaceted activity. In addition to military
activities, it has become essential to take into account the
humanitarian consequences of conflicts. In fact, the
humanitarian role of the United Nations is increasingly
linked to peacekeeping. Spain accordingly supports the
Secretary-General’s initiatives to enhance the coordination
and rapid deployment capability of the United Nations
humanitarian response through the establishment of the
Emergency Relief Coordination Office.
Together with my Government’s official
humanitarian aid, I must refer here to the commitment of
Spanish civil society to such humanitarian operations, and
pay tribute to all the international relief workers and
missionaries who, generously and at risk to their very
lives, are deployed in war-devastated areas. Five Spanish
relief workers and four missionaries have been killed in
recent months while performing their humanitarian tasks.
Spain considers that additional measures must be adopted
to protect those participating in these humanitarian
missions, and we intend to introduce a proposal to that
end during this session.
Recent experience of the conflicts in the former
Yugoslavia and in Rwanda has highlighted the need to
23

create a judicial body to prevent impunity and to facilitate
reconciliation of war-torn societies and consolidate the
peace process. The creation of an international criminal
court is thus a matter to which the Spanish Government
attaches great importance.
Concern for the protection and promotion of human
rights, which is becoming one of the Organization’s
principal functions, underlies all these developments. As of
10 December and throughout 1998 we will be celebrating
the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights. This will be an appropriate time to assess
the situation and to devise strategies which will allow us to
continue to move forward in the advancement of human
rights.
As pointed out by the Secretary-General in his report,
the United Nations human rights programme must be
integrated into the whole range of the Organization’s
activities. Spain supports the Secretary-General’s proposal
to consolidate the Centre for Human Rights and the Office
of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and stresses
the need to increase the human and financial resources
devoted to the human rights programme.
Spain will maintain an active policy in defence of
human rights and will help to ensure general respect for
human rights and for democratic principles.
Another of the Organization’s major functions is
cooperation for development. Spain welcomes the proposals
put forward in this area by the Secretary-General. In
particular, I should like to stress my support for the
Secretary-General’s various initiatives aimed at ensuring the
release of more funds for operational programmes.
The inclusion in development cooperation activities of
other than purely economic factors — such as social and
environmental ones — is the expression of a concept to
which the United Nations has given primary attention
through a number of international conferences held under
its auspices. I am referring to the subject of sustainable
development.
I would like to underline in this respect the importance
that the Spanish Government attaches to environmental
matters and our special interest in the problem of
desertification, which affects Spain so directly. I wish to
note in this context that my country is presenting the
candidature of Murcia as headquarters of the permanent
secretariat of the Convention to Combat Desertification. I
am convinced that Murcia would be an excellent
headquarters, and I therefore ask Members for their
support.
The attainment of effective international cooperation
in the fight against terrorism is a priority objective for my
Government. The phenomenon of terrorism cannot be
controlled without complete and active cooperation at all
levels. The conceptual advances made in the area of
extradition that have taken place within the European
Union must be furthered in the United Nations. The
Spanish Government participates actively in the
negotiations on the International Convention for the
Suppression of Terrorist Bombings, aimed at creating an
effective tool in the fight against terrorism that is
acceptable to the largest possible number of countries.
Spain also supports the Declaration on Measures to
Eliminate International Terrorism and the Supplement to
that Declaration adopted by the Assembly at its last
session.
In this connection, I cannot fail to mention the tragic
situation in Algeria, a country which is a neighbour and
a friend of Spain and which has the solidarity and support
of my Government in its battle against the plague of
terrorism. The Algerian Government can count on
Spanish backing to continue resolutely the process of
political reform, in order to achieve the widest possible
base of support among the population, ensure peaceful
and lasting coexistence and to eradicate terrorism.
The fight against drug trafficking is also a question
of the greatest importance to Spain, and it is one that
undoubtedly has connections with terrorism and
transnational crime. My Government therefore supports
the creation in Vienna of an international crime
prevention centre designed to reinforce the Organization’s
capacity to combat these scourges.
Spain is pleased with the decisive role played by the
United Nations in disarmament and arms control. Spain
welcomes the outcome of the Oslo Conference and will
be signing the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use,
Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel
Mines and on Their Destruction, while promoting
discussion of this question in Geneva at the Conference
on Disarmament.
The preparation of a protocol to strengthen the
Biological Weapons Convention — particularly in the
field of verification; the negotiation of a convention to
ban fissionable material for the manufacture of nuclear
weapons; and the improvement of control and
24

transparency in conventional weapons: these are also
matters of importance.
The process of decolonization has without any doubt
been one of the Organization’s greatest successes. It may
therefore seem anachronistic to refer to this matter in a
statement that deals with the reform of the United Nations
and that focuses on the present and the most immediate
future, rather than on the past. The reality, however, is that
unresolved colonial situations unfortunately continue to
exist, and our Organization still has to deal with them.
With regard to these situations, Spain is affected
directly and painfully by the question of Gibraltar. The
existence of this colony on our territory — the colony of a
State that, like Spain, belongs, to the Atlantic Alliance and
to the European Union — is an anomaly and an
anachronism that we are trying to resolve within the context
of the doctrine established by the United Nations. In
resolution 2353 (XXII), and in accordance with resolution
1514 (XV), the General Assembly acknowledged that the
colonial status of Gibraltar violates Spanish territorial
integrity and that the principle of self-determination
therefore does not apply. The territory of Gibraltar was an
integral part of Spain, and the Spaniards who lived there
were expelled when a military base was established.
Pursuant to the repeated invitations made by the
United Nations to Spain and to the United Kingdom to
settle this matter by negotiation, my Government is engaged
in the search for a solution through the bilateral channel
established in the Brussels Declaration of November 1984.
The Spanish authorities have given repeated assurances that
the legitimate interests of the inhabitants of Gibraltar will
be respected. I very recently and publicly formulated a most
generous offer whereby, following the reincorporation of
Gibraltar into Spain, the current inhabitants of the colony
would be allowed to retain the broad outlines of their
present economic and legal situation. We believe that this
offer should help us advance in the bilateral negotiations
with the United Kingdom.
We all agree on to the irreplaceable nature of our
Organization and on the need to reform it. However, our
Organization cannot prosper, nor can the reforms be put in
place, if we Member States do not comply in full with our
financial commitments. As the Secretary-General himself
has pointed out, the Organization’s present financial crisis
is a payments crisis. The punctual and full payment of
contributions is an international legal obligation that should
be recognized by all States that respect the international
rule of law. It is unacceptable that any Member State
should place conditions on these payments or on the
payment of arrears. Such a practice would lead eventually
to the bankruptcy of the Organization we defend.
As early as 1996, the European Union introduced a
proposal designed to encourage States to meet their
financial obligations to the Organization and to establish
a fairer scale of assessments. Spain hopes that this
proposal will be carefully considered at this session.
The United Nations is the main international forum
entrusted with maintaining international peace and
security, with promoting development, human rights and
fundamental freedoms and with ensuring cooperation
between States. The indispensable nature of its role has
become clear in recent years.
Finally, I would like to restate the Spanish
Government’s firm commitment to the purposes contained
in the Charter of the United Nations and to reassert our
unshakeable determination to continue to participate in the
reform process in the firm belief that, together, we will be
able to adapt the United Nations to the requirements of
the new millennium.


It gives me pleasure to extend to Mr. Udovenko our
heartfelt congratulations on his election to the presidency of
the General Assembly at its fifty-second session. We are
confident that his experience and wisdom will contribute to
the successful and efficient conduct of the deliberations of
the Assembly and help us achieve our desired objective.
I am also pleased to address our thanks and
appreciation to his predecessor, Mr. Razali Ismail,
Permanent Representative of sisterly Malaysia, for the
manner in which he conducted the work of the previous
session.
I take this opportunity to express my country’s
appreciation to Secretary-General Kofi Annan for his
valuable efforts in serving the interests of the international
community, strengthening international peace and security
and striving to attain the noble principles and objectives of
the United Nations.
I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to pay
tribute to his predecessor, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali,
former Secretary-General of the United Nations, for the
positive and important role he played in carrying out the
tasks and responsibilities of the United Nations Secretariat.
If we were to define the general trend characterizing
the fifty-second session of the General Assembly, we
would say it is the great attention paid to the Secretary-
General’s report on the financial and structural reforms of
the United Nations and its related agencies. This points to
the fact that the Secretary-General’s reform proposals are
of great significance and not just an ordinary matter.
Indeed, they aim at preparing the Organization to usher in
the twenty-first century with more vigour and
competence, thus enabling it to achieve the noble
objectives of the Charter.
The Republic of Yemen, in principle, supports these
proposals. However, we have to underline certain basic
considerations that should not be forgotten or overlooked
under the rubric of financial and administrative reforms
of the Organization. It is first and foremost necessary to
emphasize that the purpose of these reforms should be to
reinforce the United Nations ability to shoulder its
responsibilities within the framework of the noble
objectives for which it was established under the Charter,
which we all have accepted and pledged to abide by.
As a least developed country itself, the Republic of
Yemen expresses its concern regarding some indications
in the report that the United Nations role in the field of
development may be reduced and its responsibilities
limited in the field of social justice and the task of
narrowing the huge gap that separates the developing and
developed industrialized countries — all on the pretext
that some of these responsibilities have been shifted
elsewhere.
Any move in this direction is bound to encourage
certain dangerous phenomena that we have been
witnessing of late, including legal and illegal emigration
from developing to developed countries, that could sow
the seeds of social, ethnic and cultural conflict. Any
diminishing of the United Nations role in development
will lead to an increase in the population of developing
countries, which, in the absence of such basic needs as
food, clothing and shelter, could lead to a further
deterioration of the environment.
For these reasons, we would like to confirm in the
name of the Republic of Yemen that the development
tasks undertaken by the United Nations and its related
agencies constitute an integral part of the main objective
behind its establishment: to achieve international peace
and security on this planet.
21

With regard to the question of reforming and
expanding the Security Council, which has been under
much discussion for some time and is referred to in the
Secretary-General’s report, we strongly support the
expansion of the representative basis of the Council, either
by accepting Japan and Germany as new permanent
members or by increasing the number of permanent
members through an increase in the representation of
geographic groups and by allowing each group to rotate its
permanent seat among the countries of that group.
We support what has been said about the need to
reduce the use of the power of veto by permanent members.
Indeed, its use should be limited to matters that directly
affect the highest national interests. In this way, we can
avoid the arbitrary use of the veto power in matters that are
irrelevant to such interests, but affect narrow regional
calculations or temporary political gains unrelated to issues
of international peace and security.
It is known to all that our Organization was created in
1945 to implement the principles of its Charter, which
stipulates that its main task is to maintain international
peace and security, settle international conflicts, protect
human rights and the dignity of man and respect the
commitments emanating from international conventions and
pacts.
During the 50-plus years of its life, this Organization
has witnessed ethnic and national wars and conflicts as well
as rivalries and polarizations that have led to controversies
because of what was then known as the cold war between
the super-Powers. No one can deny the fact, however, that
the wars that raged from Latin America in the west to the
African continent and even to East Asia have indeed
subsided, thanks to the undeniably worthy efforts of the
international Organization itself and of efforts made from
outside the Organization, but mostly under its umbrella.
Yet, one important question that threatened peace and
security in our region even before the creation of this
international Organization still constitutes a looming danger
to international peace and security. It is the question of
Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict, with all its
complexities. The international Organization has failed to
solve this question and has been forced to be a mere
onlooker before the various attempts that have been made
but have yet to reach a comprehensive, durable and just
peace.
The displacement of millions, the occupation of their
territories, the establishment of settlements, the confiscation
of their properties, the arrest of tens of thousands of
Palestinians and the violation of their most basic human
rights, all of which result from the Arab-Israeli conflict,
constitute a flagrant breach of all the noble principles
enshrined in the United Nations Charter and a challenge
to the resolutions of international legitimacy emanating
from the Security Council and this Assembly.
We believe that it is the right of all people in
general, and of every citizen in the Middle East in
particular, to speculate about the secret behind the
inability of the international community to tame a State
whose population is less than half the population of this
city in which we are meeting to adopt legitimate
international resolutions.
Even more peculiar is that, when a candle of hope
flickered and lit the dark fierce night of the struggle that
started early this decade — that is, when the world felt
some optimism following the announcement of the Oslo
agreement, the signature of the Jordanian-Israeli peace
agreement and the progress achieved in the talks on the
Syrian track to a stage described by President Hafez Al-
Assad of Syria as at times encompassing fewer points of
divergence than of convergence — after that slim beam
of hope, the new Israeli Government came all of a sudden
to extinguish it and decided to send the whole region
back to square one: conflict and destruction.
On the other side of the spectrum of what is being
called today the “new world order”, we are all asked, and
without exception, to implement the harshest sanctions
against the Iraqi people, even seven years after the
withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait. Can anyone tell
us which lands the Iraqis are still occupying now and why
the Iraqi people should be displaced and deprived of their
most basic legitimate rights? Is it not high time for the
humanitarian conscience of some of us, particularly the
permanent member States, to be awakened and for an end
to be put to the sufferings of the Iraqi people?
In accordance with its positive stand in support of
the peace process in the Middle East, which is in line
with the position of the Arab Summit Conference held in
Cairo in June 1996, the Republic of Yemen reiterates its
commitment to seeing the process for a just and
comprehensive peace completed as stipulated by the
Madrid Conference, in the resolutions of international
legitimacy — particularly Security Council resolutions
242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 425 (1978) — and in
subsequent relevant agreements and protocols, and in
keeping with the principle of land for peace.
22

This principle would ensure the complete Israeli
withdrawal from all the occupied Palestinian territories; the
establishment by the Palestinian people of its own
independent State, with East Jerusalem as its capital; the
return of the Palestinian refugees; the release of prisoners;
the dismantling of the settlements built by the Israeli
occupation authorities in the occupied territories in defiance
of the resolutions of international legitimacy; and full
withdrawal from occupied Golan and occupied southern
Lebanon.
Furthermore, we affirm that Israel should respect the
sovereignty of brotherly Lebanon, should release the
Lebanese prisoners and detainees in the Israeli camps, and
should compensate Lebanon for all the damages caused by
the Israeli aggressions against its peoples and lands.
Since it gained its unity and strove to consolidate the
democratic direction it has adopted, the Republic of Yemen
held the second parliamentary elections on 27 April this
year. The elections took place in a free and fair atmosphere,
as confirmed by national and international observers. These
elections will have positive effects at all levels — national,
regional, Arab and international — for they represent a new
and advanced turning point in strengthening the democratic
direction that is based on a multi-party political system,
freedom of the press, respect for human rights, and the
institutional consolidation of the modern Yemeni State.
Our people is still waging its most important and most
difficult struggles to implement the programmes set up by
the newly elected Government and approved by the elected
house of representatives. These programmes focus on
pursuing reform efforts — economically, financially and
administratively — and on continuing cooperation with the
International Monetary Fund and the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development.
In this regard, our objectives are to correct the
economic, financial and structural imbalances; to achieve
steadiness and stability in the economy as a whole; to
activate the role of the private sector in the competitive
free-market economy; to achieve sustainable development;
to foster stable environments so as to attract foreign
investments; to upgrade the basic necessary services of
society; and to build the new State and improve the
standards of living of all citizens.
Following these elections and the formation of a new
Government, Yemen has persisted in its efforts in the
implementation of the advanced stages of its economic and
administrative reform programmes. These programmes have
been welcomed by the international financial institutions
and by the Brussels conference of donor countries, which
pledged $1.8 billion in support of the Yemeni
Government’s efforts over the next three years. Our
thanks go to all donor Governments and organizations
that have manifested their support for and solidarity with
the Yemeni people.
The British Prime Minister Henry Palmerston is
reported to have said that the foreign policy of a country
is the reflection and expression of its internal policy. And
since economic and social development constitutes the
backbone of the internal policy of the Republic of Yemen,
the success or failure of the Yemeni foreign policy could
therefore be measured by its ability or inability to bring
in foreign support in order to realize the main objective
of its internal policy.
This leads me to say that a country such as Yemen,
which mainly depends on foreign aid to carry out its
internal policy — that is, its economic, social and cultural
development — has to take into account, in seeking the
financial and technical assistance needed to achieve the
objectives of the internal policy, certain basic
considerations that might seem to others supplementary
and not mandatory.
Allow me to say in this respect that within the
parameters of a foreign policy there exists a red line that
should not be violated when realizing an internal
objective. Most important among these considerations is
the need to safeguard sovereignty and not to become
mortgaged to others when seeking national interests.
Foreign support should not be sought at the expense of
the regional and international commitments of the
country. Correspondingly, there are also certain basic
considerations that are unanimously recognized by the
international community which cannot be ignored or
overlooked, as this would adversely affect the interests of
that country and damage its relations with the
international community. Included in those considerations
is the need to abide by international pacts and
conventions and to respect human rights.
Equally, the fight against terrorism and violence in
all their forms and manifestations, regardless of their
origins or perpetrators and regardless of where they are
committed, has become a basic consideration that cannot
be overlooked by any country seeking foreign assistance
or even mere acceptance by the international community.
23

In a similar manner, the relation between a
Government and its citizens has a direct and strong bearing
on its relations with the donor countries that are to provide
assistance and support. We need not be too idealistic,
however, for the requirements of national interest of some
donor countries have been placed above those idealistic
principles. As a result many countries that have had
extremely bad relations with their peoples have still
managed to get a considerable amount of financial aid,
although this occurred more during the cold war than now.
The Republic of Yemen is therefore fully committed
to the consolidation of security and stability at both regional
and international levels. This can best be reflected in its
position regarding its conflict with Eritrea and its
endeavours to solve border problems with its neighbours in
a peaceful manner.
The Republic of Yemen supports the process of a
comprehensive and just peace in the Middle East and the
principle of land for peace. But, like other Arab countries,
it categorically rejects the principle of peace for peace.
The Republic of Yemen has condemned all forms of
terror, be it terror committed by an individual, by a group
or by a State.
These are the foundations and the principles of the
foreign policy of the Republic of Yemen.
At the internal level, the relation between the
Government and its citizens is based, as I said before, on
constitutional legitimacy; on equality among all citizens,
whether male or female; on equality in rights and
obligations of men and women alike; on the freedom of
individuals and groups; on the freedom of association to
parties, trade unions and civilian community organizations;
on freedom of the press; and on the protection of human
rights.
On the basis of its deep understanding of the noble
principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the
Republic of Yemen is pursuing a foreign policy that is
based on mutual respect, positive cooperation, common
interests, rejection of violence in international relations,
peaceful coexistence, maintenance of security and stability,
good neighbourliness, and consolidation of the role of
Yemen in attending to the needs of our nation and in
standing for the causes of righteousness, justice and peace
in the world under the wise leadership of His Excellency
President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
In this regard we are satisfied with the results of our
efforts to improve our relations and to cooperate with our
brothers and friends. Here we take pride in having been
able to solve the border problem between our country and
the sisterly Sultanate of Oman, and to reach a final
solution acceptable to both parties. This can be an
example to be followed by brothers and neighbours in
solving border problems.
This is what we are trying to do now with our
brothers and neighbours in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
We hope that we will be able to achieve what we all are
looking for: to serve the interests and aspirations of our
two brotherly and neighbourly peoples and to consolidate
stability and peace in the region.
With the aim of reaching a peaceful solution that
safeguards legal, historical and geographic rights, the
Republic of Yemen has endeavoured to avoid escalation
and to dissipate tension. It has demonstrated a sincere
desire and exerted great efforts both in dealing with the
Eritrean occupation of the Yemeni Greater Hanish island
in the Red Sea in mid-1995 and all along in the
negotiations between the two countries. We did not rush
to use force, but rather have sought to pursue all peaceful
ways and means. We have opted for dialogue through
official mediation and international arbitration in order to
save our neighbouring peoples the scourge of war.
While the Republic of Yemen expresses its solidarity
with the brotherly Somali people, the Yemeni leadership
represented by His Excellency President Ali Abdullah
Saleh has added its efforts to those of the League of Arab
States, the Organization of African Unity and the Inter-
Governmental Authority on Drought and Development
(IGADD) to achieve peace in Somalia. Just last August,
President Saleh received the United Nations envoy to
Somalia when he visited to our capital. At that time the
Republic of Yemen expressed its special interest in the
Somali question and discussed its efforts to find a suitable
solution to the conflict in Somalia, not only in view of the
historical and social links between Yemen and Somalia,
but also in view of the negative effects this crisis could
have on our countries and the fact that thousands of
Somali refugees have come to Yemen.
The Republic of Yemen has affirmed its readiness to
cooperate with the United Nations with a view to
normalizing the situation in Somalia and enabling that
country to become an active member of the international
community. Our joint efforts have resulted in noticeable
progress in this respect. Our political leadership has
24

received a number of Somali leaders and has sought to
solve outstanding differences in Somalia. This is because of
our belief in the need to safeguard the unity and territorial
integrity of Somalia and to achieve justice and equality
among its citizens.
From this rostrum we hereby call upon our Somali
brothers to take the initiative themselves and to demonstrate
a greater political will and sincere desire to find a peaceful
solution to the conflict and to attain stability so that
Somalis can restore their national institutions and
reconstruct their country. In this way it will be possible for
Somali refugees to return to their regions and be resettled
in their country.
We also call upon the international community to
increase its effort and to provide the necessary assistance
and support to rebuild the State institutions within a
framework of national consensus that is acceptable to all
Somalis.
When we met last year Yemen welcomed the
memorandum of understanding that was signed between
Iraq and the United Nations in May 1996 to implement
Security Council resolution 986 (1995) on the oil-for-food
formula, it being the first step to alleviate the sufferings of
the Iraqi people. Yemen was optimistic that this agreement,
which was reached after arduous negotiations, would be
implemented without delay. But we find now that the
implementation of that agreement often faces great
difficulties, which has compounded the agony of the Iraqi
people.
The Republic of Yemen, while reaffirming the need
for Iraq to implement all the resolutions of international
legitimacy and to continue its cooperation with the United
Nations, finds it necessary and urgent to alleviate the
suffering of the Iraqi people caused by the embargo
imposed on that country.
This leads me to talk about the air embargo and other
measures imposed on the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and
about the damages and sufferings inflicted upon the
brotherly Libyan people in consequence of this unfair
embargo. We would like to affirm our call for an end to
this embargo in the context of the resolutions of the League
of the Arab States, the Organization of African Unity and
the Non-Aligned Movement.
Concerning Sudan, my country would like to express
its happiness about and support for the new developments
and changes regarding the Khartoum peace agreement,
which should receive the support and backing of the
United Nations and the international community.
We in the Republic of Yemen look with much
admiration and respect on the way in which democratic
elections were held recently in the Islamic Republic of
Iran. We congratulate its new President on his election,
and we applaud its Government for the approach it has
adopted towards the region. However, we call upon our
brothers in the Islamic Republic of Iran and in the United
Arab Emirates to continue their direct dialogue in order
to reach a final and peaceful solution to the question of
the three islands, in accordance with the United Nations
Charter, the principles of international law and the
principle of good-neighbourliness.
The maintenance of international peace and security,
the achievement of sustainable development and respect
for human rights depend, first and foremost, on the
political will of the Member States of this Organization.
Yet the selectivity used by the powerful Members of the
Organization in dealing with others will strip the new
world order, whose characteristics are not yet
ascertainable, of its humanity and the justice to which we
all aspire. Therefore this rostrum and this Organization
represent the real safety valve for the security and safety
of all mankind.