Sir, your election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its forty-fifth session is a tribute to your personal qualities. It reflects the contribution of Malta, your country, to our common work of peace and co-operation between peoples and nations.
The delegation of Gabon considers it both a pleasure and a duty to extend to you our wishes for full success in the discharge of your heavy and honourable task.
Major-General Joseph Garba, your predecessor, through his dedication and competence has also served the United Nations well. My delegation joins in the tribute unanimously rendered to him today.
Indeed, the United Nations will remember the extremely positive action of Mr. Javier Pérez de Cuéllar in the restoration of our Organization to the role given to it by its founders 45 years ago. I should therefore like to express to him the sincere congratulations of Gabon and assure him of its readiness to work towards the achievement of peace and justice in the world. Gabon would like to welcome the recent admission of Namibia and Liechtenstein to our great Organization.
The course of present international relations causes some disquiet as compared with the serenity characterizing them not so long ago. This contrast, which appeared in a rather brief period, has caught the United Nations short because of its unexpected nature. Through the United Nations, each one of its Members must take any initiative conducive to the restoration of a climate of confidence more in keeping with the ideals that have brought us all together here.
Our Organization seems to have reached an important moment in its evolution. We declare our readiness to become firmly involved in the building of a new order of security in the interest of all and in the struggle for development. We could not succeed in that endeavour without being animated by a firm resolve to eliminate persistent scourges, such as apartheid, drugs, and economic and social underdevelopment, to which the General Assembly has recently devoted special sessions. These are some of the main challenges that we must face.
But it is none the less true that the spirit of peace has made great progress as an essential fact of the coexistence of nations. Other human values, such as democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, are also observed more closely today. Indeed, from a study of these last few years we can conclude with certainty that contemporary societies are becoming more democratic. It is in this context that profound institutional changes are now being brought about in Gabon, where, by means of elections that are taking place, we are embarking on the setting up of a multiparty parliament.
In response to the wishes of its compatriots, the President of the Republic, His Excellency El Hadj Omar Bongo, convened a national conference on democracy, which was held at Libreville in March and April last. That historic meeting involved all the views represented by many political or social/professional associations.
The debate on ideas was held in a spirit of openness, freedom and responsibility. There resulted a national consensus, thanks to which a new constitution now rules Gabon's political life; a national charter of freedoms has been adopted; a government reflecting several political views has been established; and to watch over the smooth functioning of the fledgling democracy, a national council for democracy and a committee entrusted with following through on the decisions of the national conference have been created.
That same mission will be assured in the media by the National Communications Council that will be set up following legislative elections. These multiparty elections, the first held in my country in more than a generation, mark a crucial stage in the strengthening of democratic mores in Gabon. The new institutions, which will now serve as a framework for Gabonese political life, will be built, above all, on the primacy of law as a guarantor of stability and respect for our institutions. We should like therefore to affirm here that democracy, in its universal avocation, is a secure path for the transition of societies that have reached a certain stage in their evolution.
In my prefatory words I stressed the role played by our Organization towards its rehabilitation. I note that some of the subjects on the agenda of this session of our Assembly point precisely to this trend. The profound changes that took place in international life through the consolidation of the climate of détente led to the beginnings of genuine peace perspectives and the settlement of some regional conflicts.
We must note here that the forces that led to the reunification of some parts in the world that had previously been divided are based, not only on the universal need for the self-determination of peoples, but also, and above all, on these same changes. The decision of the two Yemens to merge into a single State, the imminent reunification of the two Germanys, and the high-level talks recently undertaken between the two Koreas testify to the genuine capacity of the peoples we represent here to contribute peacefully to the course of history.
We are however far from being secure from all sorts of tensions because many problems still remain with us.
If we consider the situation now obtaining in Africa, it is regrettable indeed that the history of that continent will have meted out a particularly painful fate to some of its peoples. The continued unjustified practice of apartheid has given rise to mass movements of peoples and is indeed the main cause of the phenomenon of refugees in southern Africa. We should see there an additional reason to address an appeal to the international community that it do everything to bring about the full implementation of relevant decisions adopted by the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity (OAU). We should also support initiatives within and outside South Africa to achieve as soon as possible the dismantling of that odious system of apartheid. In this spirit Gabon welcomes the liberation of Nelson Mandela and the legalization of anti-apartheid movements, but we note with regret the paltry nature of the measures supposedly leading to the elimination of apartheid.
Gabon is therefore in favour of maintaining sanctions against South Africa. But the fate of these African populations is not predicated only upon apartheid; internal and border conflicts are also causes of the same problems. In themselves, border conflicts, because they involve sovereignty, raise the problem of their settlement within the machinery advocated by the United Nations or the Organization of African Unity (OAU).
In the specific case of the Chad-Libyan border conflict, my country, which presides over the Ad Hoc Committee set up by the OAU, took an active part, in the past year, in the process of implementing the agreement concluded in Algiers on 31 August 1989. Thus we have observed carefully the functioning of the Joint Technical Commission provided for by that agreement. Indeed, we organized, in Gabon last March, a tripartite meeting at the ministerial level, during which we proposed to the parties to the conflict a draft protocol for the implementation of the Algiers agreement. This proposal was partially agreed to by both parties, which undertook to continue negotiations on some outstanding points.
Now that this Organization, through the International Court of Justice, is seized of that problem, we should like to express our appreciation to the other States that have contributed to the quest for a political solution to the dispute, as well as our conviction that we have done everything possible in that direction.
Unfortunately, the crisis in the Middle East, which continues because of the increasing lack of understanding, has just experienced another episode, which adds to the complexity of the debate on this region and thus weakens the efforts being made in the search for appropriate solutions.
As to the classic aspects of this debate - that is to say, Lebanon and Palestine - Gabon advocates resort to machinery whose creation and setting up, on the basis of relevant United Nations provisions, would make possible comprehensive Solutions to these questions, in particular, the proposal to convene an international peace conference on the Middle East, with the participation of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), should be implemented as soon as possible.
The gravity of recent events in the area - since the entry of Iraqi troops into the territory of Kuwait - is a matter of concern to us all. In considering the situation thus created we must mobilize all the political and diplomatic means at the disposal of the international community, in keeping with the relevant resolutions of our Organization.
There have recently been significant developments in the situation in Cambodia. We welcome, among other things, the agreement expressed by the parties to the conflict on the framework, proposed by the five permanent members of the, Security Council, for a comprehensive and lasting political settlement of that conflict.
The changes that have taken place in East-West relations, which formerly were based on the balance of terror, should, logically, result in radical changes in the political role allotted to nuclear weapons. Indeed, since 1988 the main owners of nuclear weapons have agreed on the principle of reduction, and they may conclude an agreement on the means by the end of this year. These changes and the continuation - of such efforts should lead to a climate favourable to a new balance based on dialogue, trust and respect for mutual interests. Only in this way will future international relations, whether political or economic, become more secure and more stable.
It was entirely appropriate that the General Assembly devoted its eighteenth special session to international economic co-operation and development. The  Assembly's conclusions on the situation of the world economy in the 1980s, the prospects for improving that situation, and the commitments that were made by the Assembly make possible a positive view of that event.
The renewed assumption by the United Nations of a role in respect of the problems relating to the North-South dialogue, if it is characterized by a global approach, should result in new hope. The advantages of such an approach are obvious. Applied to the thorny question of the treatment of debt, for example, it would avoid priority being given to economic aspects over social aspects, or to political aspects over moral aspects.
As was said by the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa in his last report, external constraints are an essential element of the economic standstill in Africa. Indeed, in addition to an ever-worsening balance of trade from year to year, there is an ever-heavier burden of debt, amounting, for the African countries alone, to about $260 billion - that is to say, one fifth of the total debt of developing countries. Our countries have adopted programmes of structural adjustment, and have participated in agreements for the rescheduling of debt. On this basis, they have taken, individually, measures to improve their finances and their budget procedures, and have done so despite negative consequences at the social level - consequences that might become less dire if creditor countries were to lessen the debt burden.
In this respect, Gabon - a country of medium-range income - welcomes the reduction in the rate of interest on the public debt unilaterally decided upon by France. This initiative is proof of the role of international solidarity in the handling of economic difficulties. We renew the appeal repeatedly made by the Group of 77 for the debt of developing countries to be cancelled.
During the last two years the world economy has, it is true, grown more rapidly than was expected, but balance has not been achieved in the global development of economic relations between industrialized and developing countries. In the case of Africa in particular, there remain reasons for deep concern for the future of the continent. Standards of living in general have deteriorated for the fourth consecutive year because of lower commodity prices and because of Africa's small role in international trade. To confront this imbalance, which is endemic, the models of development in our countries must be restudied. How can we stop playing the simple role of producer of commodities, to which we are restricted? How can we ensure equilibrium in the balance of payments and the renewal of export income? But it would be illusory to review the models of development adopted by our countries if we did not acquire financial resources, if we did not learn more about trade in commodities and improve the role of our countries in world trade. That is why we believe it is urgent that there be agreement on an equitable and final solution to the problem of debt, an increase in the resources allotted to development, co-ordination of national macro-economic policies, and promotion of a system of international negotiation.
If current international political and economic issues are matters for concern, so are questions relating to the environment and population. As to the environment, the objective is to make public opinion in our respective countries aware of the dangers threatening the security of all of us - anarchical deforestation, soil erosion, water and atmospheric pollution, depletion of the ozone layer, illicit traffic in toxic waste, and so on. These fundamental problems could be debated at the conference on the environment to be held in Brazil in 1992.
The question of the future of world population is at the forefront of the concerns of our Organization. The operation launched a few years ago by the United Nations Population Fund bears witness to that fact. If I were to sum up my comments so far, I would say that our Organization's rehabilitation is going hand-in-hand with a genuine touch of humanization in its consideration of the major issues. This must surely be a sign of the times; a reflection as it is of the diversity and the financial strength of its Members, the United Nations holds within itself all the trump cards it needs for its revitalization. This is a general rule, in fact a universal law in the progress and future of any organ. Each Member State must naturally, therefore, do its utmost to help the United Nations achieve its revitalization.
This comes down to saying just how essential is the issue of what resources to grant the Organization. The United Nations cannot escape the burdens of all kinds which weigh on the progress of mankind towards a better world. Nevertheless, we must on each occasion deal with those burdens by trying to be imaginative enough to cope with them, and in doing so we would not be the first to travel the road: the generations that came before us were faced with the same challenge. However, better armed than they as we are, we should enter into the next millennium, which is almost upon us, with confidence and determination.


On behalf of the Thai delegation, I should like to extend to you, Sir, our warmest congratulations on your unanimous election to the presidency of the General Assembly at the forty-fifth session. I should also like to pay a tribute to Mr. Joseph Garba, President at the forty-fourth session, for his effective leadership during the past 12 months.
We are witnessing and living in a most remarkable period in world history. A new world order seems to have dawned. Until August 1990, the nations of the world were steadily moving towards accommodation, transcending the ideologies which, for most of this century, divided the peoples of the world. Since the beginning of this year, the East-West cold war appears to have ended. The dismantling of the Berlin Wall and the imminent reunification of Germany serve to underscore this fact. The only jarring note in this hopeful scenario occurred in the Persian Gulf. Even so, and from the vantage-point of the United Nations, there seems to have emerged an unprecedented degree of unity among nations, as evidenced by the remarkable number of resolutions adopted by the Security Council aimed at restoring peace and security in that region of the world. Thailand stands firmly with the international community in its support of the resolutions adopted by the Security Council. We cannot condone the use of force in violation of the United Nations Charter and of international law anywhere in the world.
The activity and the resolve of the United Nations in the Iraq-Kuwait conflict reflect, in an unprecedented fashion, a willingness on the part of the international community to allow the world body to play the role envisaged by its founders. Indeed, over the past 12 months, the nations of the world have looked to the United Nations to bring about a settlement of numerous and long-standing regional issues - in Africa, in Asia and in Central America.
In North-East Asia, developments concerning the Korean peninsula continue to be very important for the question of peace and stability in that region. For this reason, the unification initiative by President Roh Tae Woo deserves serious consideration. Furthermore, we would welcome any move by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea to join this Organization if they so desire, for we believe in the principle of universality of membership of the United Nations.
In numerous instances, especially in recent times, the United Nations and its peace-keeping operations have proved to be indispensable as instruments of peace. For their success, the Secretary-General and his staff and, in particular, the United Nations peace-keeping forces, deserve to be commended. United Nations peace-keepers have gone beyond the role of merely separating hostile forces to include peace-making endeavours. The administration of free and fair elections by the United Nations is a very important component of this. Indeed, a number of countries have been actively exploring the possibility of utilising the United Nations in just such a manner. One country that stands to benefit is Cambodia.
One of the first major policy pronouncements of the Thai Government under Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan two years ago was that of turning the battlefields of Indochina into a market-place. This is in keeping with the positive trends that have been becoming oviduct in international relations. These are the trends towards peace and accommodation. Regional conflicts are on the wane. Governments everywhere are turning their energies towards modernising their countries and enhancing the quality of life of their peoples. The same is true for most of the countries of South-East Asia, especially those in the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASSAM). We are at peace, growing and prosperous. We comprise one of the fastest-growing regions in the world. An exception, however, is Cambodia. The Cambodian people continue to suffer from the war, which has lasted for more than two decades. This has to come to an end. The fighting must stop so that the Cambodians and the international community may be able to work together to restore peace and to lay the groundwork for progress and prosperity for the Cambodian people.
As Cambodia’s neighbour, Thailand is in a good position to help. In February this year, Bangkok was offered as the site of a meeting between Prince Norodom Sihanouk and Mr. Hun Sen. This, I believe, facilitated the convening of the informal meeting on Cambodia in Jakarta as well as the subsequent meeting in Tokyo in June.
Thailand welcomes and greatly appreciates the efforts of others who have been deeply involved. I would like to commend the Secretary-General and his able assistants for their tireless efforts. I would also like to encourage them to forge ahead with preparations for the important and enhanced role of the United Nations in the settlement of this conflict and in the transition to normalcy in Cambodia. The efforts of Australia to bridge the differences among the various parties and to bring them closer together is also instrumental in bringing us to the stage at which we are now.
A very important step in the peace process for a political settlement in Cambodia has come from the five permanent members of the Security Council during these past few months. At their meeting in August, they were able to reach agreement on a framework for a comprehensive settlement. The document produced by the five permanent members was a result of skilful diplomacy, for which they should be warmly congratulated. This led to the historic informal meeting on Cambodia in Jakarta early in September under the leadership of Foreign Minister Ali Alatas of Indonesia. At that meeting that document was accepted by all the Cambodian factions in its entirety. In addition, an agreement was reached on the formation of a Supreme National Council (SMC) in the interim period, pending elections under United Nations administration and supervision. This was indeed a very important breakthrough.
After the conclusion of the Jakarta meeting, the Thai Government was requested to organise the first meeting of the SMC to elect its chairman and to form a Cambodian delegation to the current session of the General Assembly. Unfortunately, this attempt was not successful. However, the Thai position on the peace process in Cambodia is clear and consistent. The Thai Government hopes the SHC will commence its work without delay in consultations with the Secretary-General and the members of the Security Council, especially the five permanent members, in order to ensure that the United Nations is enabled to play an active role. Thailand reiterates its full support for the United Nations and the Secretary-General in assisting the Cambodian people and the SNC in this crucial transition leading to free and fair general elections in Cambodia.
There are other urgent issues which must be addressed. Important components of the settlement process must be further elaborated before the reconvening of the Paris International Conference on Cambodia (PICC). The outstanding questions must be resolved as soon as possible so that the transition to normalcy in Cambodia will be smooth and efficacious. The Thai Government stands ready to join the other participants in the PICC whenever the Co-Chairmen - France and Indonesia - deem it appropriate to reconvene the Conference.
Recent developments augur well for the Cambodian people. As a neighbour of Cambodia, Thailand will work closely with its partners in the Association of South-East Asian Nations, the co-chairmen of the PICC, the five permanent members of the Security Council and all other interested countries and parties to help ensure that peace and harmony, progress and prosperity return to Cambodia very soon.
Thailand's hope of seeing the transformation of the battlefields into market-places extends beyond Cambodia to all the countries of Indo-China, and also Myanmar. We believe that the successful integration of these countries, with ASEAN, into a broader regional economic system will be in our common interest. We stand ready to contribute to such integration, which we believe will enhance the economic performance of the Asia-Pacific region.
The economic performance of the Asia-Pacific region as a whole has been impressive. In the period from 1987 to 1989, real economic growth averaged 4.2 per cent for the members of Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC), nearly twice that of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Trade between the APEC countries constituted over half of all APEC trade. The outlook remains bright for the period 1990 to 1991. Foreign investment within the APEC region has contributed to this happy trend.
Although trade between the APEC countries and economies has been dynamic, APEC is not a trading bloc. Its aim is not to compete with existing institutions. On the contrary, APEC is a reflection of the strong commitment of countries in the region to free trade and the spirit of multilateralism. It may, indeed, contribute to the ongoing General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) negotiating process and the Uruguay Round.
We will have to wait and see what APEC will be able to achieve in real terms and in the long run. But I am convinced that APEC reflects greater economic interdependence among its members and reinforces it, thereby facilitating regional peace and co-operation in the spirit of the United Nations Charter.
As I said at the beginning of my statement, events of the past few months have shown the United Nations to be a vital mechanism for the maintenance of international peace and security. We also know that the United Nations has been, and continues to be, an instrument that can enhance the social and economic development of our peoples. We like what we have seen, and wish to encourage the United Nations to have an ever-increasing role in these directions.
In all this, the Secretary-General has emerged as a central figure. He has proven time and time again that he is a skilful and capable diplomat. His tireless efforts and his contributions to world peace have been vital. The international community owes him a vote of thanks.
As for you, Mr. President, you have a long and important session of the General Assembly ahead of you. It is a great responsibility and a challenge. I have no doubt that you will excel in your task. I wish you every success.


At the outset I should like to congratulate the President on his election to his high office at the forty-fifth session of the General Assembly. Because of his great intellectual and moral qualities we are convinced he will be able to conduct our work with the utmost competence and resolve.
We extend the greetings of our Government to Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and express our satisfaction at his excellent performance with regard to the task entrusted to him.
We also wish to join with those delegations that have expressed satisfaction at the admission to membership in the United Nations of the principality of Liechtenstein and the Republic of Namibia.
We have come to this forum convinced of the continuing validity of the major purposes and principles set forth in the Charter. The important changes that have taken place in the world make it possible to predict an era of peace and good will among people and of increased understanding between the super-Powers and co-operation, and assistance among all nations.
In this international context the United Nations is acquiring new importance as a forum for the co-ordination of national and regional activities and as an instrument indispensable to world peace and security. The work done by the Security Council has been essential to the strengthening of the Organisation, and its recent action has reaffirmed the need for multilateralism.
The Republic of Paraguay shares and fully supports the thrust of the Security Council resolutions clearly and categorically condemning the invasion of Kuwait and adopting measures to deter the aggression.
The rights of independence, territorial integrity and free exercise of sovereignty by a State are essential to the very existence of the international legal order. Without full and complete respect for such rights, peace among the community of nations is inconceivable. For that reason Paraguay has not only publicly condemned that aggression against a Member State of our Organization but, in strict compliance with the provisions adopted by the Security Council, also has taken measures we have already reported. We take this opportunity to encourage the Secretary-General to undertake new efforts to solve the conflict within the framework of the United Nations.
Paraguay, which has always had very close links of co-operation with the Federal Republic of Germany, cannot fail to express its satisfaction with the decision of the German States to reunite in a single great nation.
We hail the trend towards the normalization of internal relations in the Republic of South Africa and we support any reform which, with the consent of the various sectors that stake up South African society, will lead to the full integration of all of its citizens without discrimination.
We note with concern that solution of the problem of the Middle East .is not yet within the grasp of the Organization. Paraguay will endorse any initiative that will lead to the peaceful solution of the differences separating the peoples of Israel and the Arab States and that takes account of the Palestinian people's right to its own homeland and the State of Israel's right to live in peace within its own borders.
Signs of a possible negotiated end to the long-standing conflict in Cambodia have been strengthened by the decisions of the parties to accept a peace plan and a broad solution with the help of the United Nations. Paraguay is pleased to support those steps and urges the parties concerned to take advantage of this historic opportunity for peace and reconciliation for the Cambodian people.
We also wish to take this opportunity to express our Government's solidarity with the constant efforts of the Republic of Korea to achieve through dialogue reconciliation of the Korean people in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. We hope that in the near future the people of Korea will be represented in our midst.
The question of disarmament continues to be a priority issue for our Organization. The new climate of confidence and dialogue established between the super-Powers gives us hope that part of the resources used for the production of armaments can be redirected towards helping development.

Peace and security can be achieved only by taking the needs of people into account and considering the causes and sources of violence. Given the dimensions of various world problems, we are all very much aware of the dangers of nuclear confrontation. The need to give full effect to human rights and fundamental freedoms has been one of the main concerns of the democratic Government of my country established after the elections of 1 May 1989. Political will has made it possible for our country to be counted among those States Members of the Organisation that fully respect human rights. My country's Government is making great efforts to adapt its legislation so that it may be among the most advanced in this respect and to disseminate fundamental principles in order to train its people in knowledge of a respect for human rights. To that end we are being assisted by the Organisation. For the first time, with the co-operation of the United Nations, we held a seminar on human rights last July. Our national Government attaches the greatest importance to the well-being of children and therefore welcomed with satisfaction news of the convening of a United Nations summit conference at which practical measures can be discussed and decisions adopted with a view to solving problems affecting children.
On the national level end in our bilateral relations, specific measures are being adopted to strengthen our country's legal and institutional instruments in order to control the illicit production and traffic of dangerous drugs more effectively. At the same time, co-operation programmes are being established within the legal framework of the agreements we have recently signed with neighbouring countries and with the United States for more effective joint action. Along the same lines, Paraguay ratified the United Nations Convention against illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
We believe that in our country and the world at large, tangible progress has been made in the struggle against the illegal traffic and consumption of drugs. We will continue our struggle to ensure that by educating our youth and creating better social conditions, the consumption of drugs will no longer be attractive. Our Government, committed to a better future for mankind, is bent on helping to adopt all measures to preserve our natural resources for future generations, and expresses its determination to adopt and implement all measures necessary towards that end.
In 1992, 500 years after its discovery, America will once again express its hopes for a better world for humanity when the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development is held in Brazil. Thirty years ago, in 1960, we launched the first United Nations Development Programme and we prepared an action strategy. Nevertheless, the problems of the developing countries are far from being solved. We still have serious obstacles to the expansion of our trade. Instead of a growing transfer of resources from the industrialized nations to our countries, the opposite is true. The prices of our commodities are declining in real terms and all our efforts to capitalize are thus fruitless. Technical assistance and the transfer of technology assists countries of average development, which need it most, our ever-dwindling financial resources and external debt are some of our problems that seem unsolvable or only partially solvable.
We are fully convinced that it is indispensable to deal with the social and economic problems of our international society in a global fashion by adopting measures that will effectively change the very structure of the world economy, thus creating a new, more just international economic order. No future strategy can have definitive results if it does not include structural reforms.
With the end of the East-West conflict we can conceive of a community of nations investing all its strengths in a new type of struggle, in which North and South, united in common ideals, will strive to put an end to the main causes of human suffering» We aspire to a world of integration, co-operation, assistance for development, and not merely a world of peaceful coexistence.
For Paraguay integration is a comprehensive factor for development as the best political and economic means to achieve a future for Latin America. That is why we have accepted an invitation to participate in a process begun by Argentina and Brazil, and also involving Chile and Uruguay. Paraguay's pro-integration position is expressed not only in the declaration of principles set forth in our national Constitution, but also in our deeply rooted links with our neighbours on the American continent, both in commercial enterprises such as power-generation and infrastructure, as well as in joint efforts such as the Paraguay-Parana waterway. We hope that this decade will be known in America as the decade of integration, and we are sure that it will benefit our peoples. America must comply with the historic mandate of unity.
President Bush's America’s initiative has been welcomed by the countries of the hemisphere, and expresses the spirit of unity and continental solidarity and the intention the Government of the United States to help developing countries. In that respect, the countries of the South American common market region have adopted a joint position with regard to arriving at a specific agreement with the United States Government.
Since the advent of democracy, a freely elected Government was established in my country under the leadership of President Andres Rodriguez, with full respect for human rights and legitimacy. One of our first tasks has been the reform of legal and institutional instruments, allowing us to ensure full exercise of democracy in our country. We can thus point to the repeal of repressive laws; the adoption by our National Congress of a new electoral code incorporating Paraguay's legislation in institutions appropriate to modern participatory democracy; the convening in 1991 of the first direct municipal elections in the history of Paraguay; and the restoration of a sincere climate of tolerance and dialogue in our country between all political parties, without ideological prejudice. We have respect and guarantees for the right of assembly. Workers' associations are free to express themselves through trade unions, and there are no political prisoners in our country. In the economic sphere, the Government has accepted the responsibility of redressing the country's imbalances by adopting the necessary economic, financial, monetary and exchange policies.
The solution to some problems makes it possible to solve other problems that were overshadowed by the first. The major political and economic reforms that allow us to see a new Paraguay, one filled with hope for greater well-being and happiness, have made it possible to better appreciate the existence of problems that the national Government is today determined to resolve. For that, we need the co-operation and understanding of the United Nations and of friendly nations at a higher level of development.
The major changes that are taking place in the world reaffirm our faith in the destiny of mankind. With the fall of walls and the opening of borders, humanity is moving towards a future in which it can exercise its inalienable rights. The changes that have occurred, in America and Europe in particular, constitute above all a triumph of liberty and the right of people to choose their own future and to enjoy the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
America, our America, is experiencing a unique time of democratically elected governments that answer to the demands of the people and have begun to move towards integration. America would like to have a single homeland, the fulfilment of its hopes and dreams.
We reaffirm our confidence in the United Nations. It will continue to be the primary instrument to preserve world peace and, above all, to guarantee the liberties, independence and integrity of peoples and nations, enforce the law, and achieve acceptance of the solution to all disputes.


At the outset, I should like to congratulate you Sir, on your election to this important post and express our confidence that your vast and diversified experience and political sagacity will contribute to the success of this august international forum and enhance the prestige of your country, Malta, with whose representatives we enjoy an excellent relationship.
As one of the countries that signed the Charter of the United Nations at San Francisco 45 years ago, the Ukrainian SSB warmly welcomes Namibia and the Principality of Liechtenstein among the States Members of the Organisation.
Despite all the complexities and contradictions of today's political processes, the dominant trend in world events is that of radical positive changes and transformations. Today's world is a boundless field full not with modest and barely noticeable sprouts of vegetation but with young shoots which are already growing and gaining strength and which we call the new political thinking. Rapid changes and momentous events have swept the world. We are witnessing a historic departure from military confrontation in Europe and a transformation of military-political alliances into political organisations working towards constructive interaction. Vow opportunities are opening for contacts and co-operation.
The new, post-confrontational reality has an international as well as a national dimension. The transformation and democratisation of all aspects of the life of the Ukrainian people have provided the impetus for a national and spiritual revival. This will lead to the destruction of the barriers of ideological and political alienation that as recently as yesterday estranged us from other nations and from Ukrainians living abroad. Today Ukrainians, wherever they are, can satisfy their national yearning for their historic homeland and fulfil their cultural, linguistic, religious and spiritual aspirations. Thus outmoded stereotypes and clichés are disappearing, giving way to interaction and co-operation that can strengthen universal human values.
The Ukrainian SSR welcomes the active participation of the United Nations in the processes of global renewal. We pay tribute to the peace-making efforts of the United Nations and its Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Peres de Cuellar. The role played by the United Nations has been dramatically changed. At this new stage we see the Organisation as a sort of collective decision-making body promoting the harmonious development of an integrated and interdependent world.
The ongoing intensification of the process being carried out within the framework of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) is crucial for strengthening international peace and security. The Ukraine views with hope and optimism the important changes in European international relations, which are described in the Secretary-General's report to the forty-fifth session of the General Assembly as representing the choice for peace. Those changes will no doubt facilitate the development of good-neighbourly and friendly relations and broad co-operation between all the countries of Europe.
The unification of the two German States has become possible in the contest of Europe's movement towards a common European home. That is a trend we intend to promote. The Ukraine seeks to increase its contribution to the international life of Europe.
The 16 July 1990 declaration on national sovereignty adopted by the Supreme Soviet of the Republic affirmed the Ukraine's intention to participate directly in the CSCE process and in European structures. We hope that our aspirations will be understood and supported by the international community and will be realised without delay.
However, the positive changes taking place in international relations are net reason enough for ignoring the destructive treads that still persist on the international scene. This is perhaps the main conclusion of the present crucial period.
Iraq's recent armed aggression against Kuwait is a throwback to the days of power politics. In this context our republic's Supreme Soviet has stated that the Ukrainian SSR regards the use of force as an unacceptable way of settling international disputes that are not caused by armed aggression. The sovereignty, national independence and territorial integrity of occupied Kuwait must be fully restored and safeguarded. The resolute steps taken by the Security Council, including the mandatory sanctions supported by the world community, have made it clear that under the new conditions the United Nations is capable of preventing war and halting aggression. The inexorable intensification of the sanctions should remove any temptation to plunge into military adventures. The United Nations of 1390 is capable of fully implementing the purposes of its Charter relating to the restoration of peace and justice.
The Iraqi aggression has further aggravated the political situation in the Middle East. There is an urgent need to find quickly a political solution to the entire Middle East conflict, whose centre-piece is the problem of Palestine. In our view, an effective way to settle the conflict as a whole is to develop a dialogue on the implementation of the relevant United Nations decision through a peace conference bringing together all the parties concerned, including the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and the permanent members of the Security Council.
A transition from bitter hostility to partnership in world politics can and must facilitate the search for just and equitable solutions to all regional conflicts without exception.
The Government of the Ukrainian SSR has consistently held the view that all international conflicts and crises should be resolved by peaceful means at the negotiating table. We are convinced that the United Nations peace-making mechanism must be fully utilized for that purpose. This applies in full measure to the problems of Afghanistan and Cambodia, the settlement of the situations on the Korean peninsula and in Western Sahara, to the dismantling of apartheid and to other conflict situations.
The construction of a fundamentally new, truly secure, democratic and civilised world will be feasible if all States work together to strengthen the comprehensive multidimensional security structure at progressively lower levels of military capability. The active participation of the United Nations in the disarmament process, which should cover all types of armaments and extend to all regions, therefore assumes high priority. Each country has a contribution to make to the strengthening of international security through bilateral and multilateral disarmament.
We share the view that considerable progress has recently been achieved in this area, opening even greater prospects for the future One of the most important accomplishments has been the Soviet-United States dialogue on nuclear-arms control. Noteworthy results have been achieved. The elimination of intermediate-range and shorter-range nuclear Missiles is nearly complete, and we hope that a treaty on the reduction of strategic offensive weapons is within reach. All of this means that real nuclear disarmament has begun.
However, a number or priority issues are yet to be resolved. Everyone in this hall is well aware that one of our most urgent disarmament objectives is a complete prohibition of all nuclear testing. In the opinion of the Ukrainian Government, one possible way to achieve an early solution of that problem is to extend the scope of the 1963 Moscow Treaty on the prohibition of nuclear testing in three environments to include underground testing. We expect the forthcoming 1991 Review Conference to give serious attention to that possibility. Such a solution could be greatly facilitated by a joint Soviet-United States moratorium on all nuclear explosions.
To those in the United States who still question or deny the need for the complete cessation of nuclear testing, I want to say this you cannot even imagine the high moral and practical dividends that your country and its leaders would derive from responding positively to the world community's desire that this planet should finally be rid of nuclear explosions.
We also propose starting substantive talks on the prohibition of the production of fissionable materials for weapons purposes.
Another matter of concern is that there exist certain so-called nuclear- capable States, which have not abandoned the idea of going nuclear. The gravity of this problem became evident at the recent Von-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference, the first one attended by a Ukrainian delegation. I wish to refer to a solemn declaration adopted by our Parliament stating the Ukraine's intention of becoming in the future a permanently neutral State which will not participate in any military alliances and will abide by the three non-nuclear principles, not to accept, produce or acquire nuclear weapons.
The conclusion of Soviet-United States bilateral agreement on the destruction and non-production of chemical weapons has created the most important conditions for quickly finalising a multilateral convention on the complete prohibition and elimination of those weapons.
The persistent danger of the militarisation of outer space continues to be a matter of serious concern. Other problems that call for speedy solutions include the limitation and reduction of naval activities and armaments, prevention of the spread of the most sophisticated types of weapons, and elimination of military presences sad bases maintained by one country in the territory of another.
Another issue that has recently come sharply into focus is that of conversion, the planned shifting of military production and defence spending to civilian uses. What can we do to derive maximum benefits from conversion at minimal economic and social cost? This is a disturbing question for us all, On 26 September, the Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr, B. D, Genscher, told the General Assembly:
"The conversion of armaments factories to the production of civilian goods is a global task in the cause of peace. Ш are prepared to co-operate with any nation in this new and important field of international security." (А/45/PV.e, pp. 19-20)	.
I welcome this statement and wish to say the following: having been drawn, along with a divided Germany, into a burdensome arms race, we would now be truly glad to engage in practical co-operation with a united German State in the demilitarisation of industry.
In reviewing the current political situation in the world, we must not overlook the economic parameters of international security. The development of world economic ties is not keeping pace with today's political realities. We are confronted with inequalities in economic development. In many regions of the world, living standards are still extremely low, and rising too slowly if at all.
Worst among the problems faced by many countries, including the developing countries, are the lack or scarcity of resources for development purposes and the ever-growing foreign debt. A breakthrough must be achieved in the development of international co-operation and in adjusting it to the new world realities, if these and many other acute problems of international economic relations are to be resolved.
The eighteenth special session of the General Assembly became a milestone in this field by proclaiming, in its Declaration, the achievement, of a new, global economic consensus. For us, the corner-stone of the Declaration is its support for the efforts of the East European States to implement drastic economic reforms and become integrated into the world economic system, inter alia, by joining international economic and financial institutions. Just as, not long ago, a common concern for the safety of space explorers made engineers provide for complete compatibility between the Soyuz and the Apollo spacecraft, so today, a common interest in international economic security dictates the integration of our economy into the world economic system.
The law on economic independence adopted by the Ukrainian Parliament will help the Republic assume a role in international affairs that will match its political, economic, intellectual and cultural potential. In this connection, we attach great importance to establishing and expanding equal and mutually beneficial economic and trade relations both with our European neighbours and with all other countries willing to co-operate. The law provides equal legal protection for all forms of ownership, which is a major prerequisite for our transition to a market economy. Equal opportunities will be created for the development of all forms of entrepreneurship. This will encourage competition and prevent monopolies. In general, we are engaged in a search for an efficient economic model which would remove artificial constraints and set free the creative potential of individuals.
We are now going through a difficult period of transition and dealing with a complex social situation. Economic problems are worsening, and political passions are running high. At this extraordinary time, when the Ukraine is asserting its sovereignty, national statehood and economic independence, the Government is concentrating its efforts on preventing economic disintegration and a further decline in living standards. We are working very hard to deal with specific problems and achieve tangible results more rapidly. The Government is taking further steps to protect the people's interests by economic measures, tax policies and other available means.
The economic hardships in the Ukraine, whose entire territory has become an environmental disaster area, are being exacerbated by environmental problems. In the aftermath of the Chernobyl tragedy, the Ukraine has an important stake in the efforts to formulate, at the 1992 Conference in Brazil, a strategy for the survival of our planet. Ws look forward to co-operation for greater international environmental protection based on the constructive interaction of all countries in dealing with environmental problems. Building an environmentally clean world is becoming a priority for the United Nations.
The World Summit for Children has made it clear that a decisive factor affecting the environmental health of our planet and the physical health of generations to come will be our ability to place the advances of science and technology at the service of mankind. Technological progress in and of itself may become either a bridge to the future or a road to extinction. Only the deliberate internationalisation of technological achievements and the exchange of production methods that are safe for the environment and beneficial to mankind can pave the way to the early attainment of improved levels of industrial activity.
One manifestation of the new approach is the contribution the United Nations and its specialised agencies are making to co-operation in mitigating the effects of the Chernobyl nuclear accident. The consensus resolution on this subject adopted by the Economic and Social Council at its second regular session of 1990 is a major show of solidarity and international concern over the situation in Byelorussia, the Ukraine and certain parts of Russia. The resolution was an expression of willingness to provide the victims with assistance not subject to any ideological or bloc-membership constraints. Let me convey the sincere gratitude of the Government and people of the Ukraine to all the States Members of the United Nations and to all the collective and individual donors too supported us in that trying hour.
It is a source of great moral encouragement for our people that, in these times of hardship in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster, the united nations of the world stand by them. I urge the General Assembly to live up to the hopes of those who have suffered and to adopt a resolution on assistance and co-operation to be provided by the specialised agencies of the United Nations system in overcoming the ravages of the Chernobyl disaster, I wish to inform you that the Ukraine has decided to freeze the construction of new nuclear power plants and to close down the one at Chernobyl. In co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and with the States concerned, an international research centre is being set up in the Chernobyl area. As we mobilise billions in funds and the Ukraine's entire scientific and technological potential for programmes to eliminate the effects of the disaster, we hope that the world community too will participate in this effort.
An important task in building new international security structures is to strengthen and develop humanitarian co-operation and to eradicate the remnants of confrontation in the socio-humanitarian and legal bodies of the United Nations, so as to free their work from ideology and focus it on effective results. The General Assembly’s adoption of the Political Declaration and the World Programme of Action at its seventeenth special session and its proclamation, on the initiative of the Ukraine, of the United Nations Decade against Drug Abuse are, in our view, an indication that States are determined to achieve a breakthrough in fighting that social plaque.
The Ukrainian SSR in prepared to take an active part in attaining the objectives of the United Nations Decade of International Law, for, as President François Mitterrand stated from this rostrum, "indeed the time has come for the rule of international law.' For us, affirming the supremacy of international law goes hand in hand with building a democratic State based on the rule of law.
We are becoming convinced that more can be done to help mankind see itself as a global community imbued with the humanitarian spirit, and not as a conglomeration of un-cooperative nations, through uniform human-rights standards implemented by democratic States in which the rule of law prevails and through the affirmation of universal values than by anything else.
These conclusions are supported, inter alia, by the findings of the United Nations seminar on international human-rights standards held at Kiev last week by the United Nations Centre for Human Sights in co-operation with the Government of the Ukrainian SSS.
The Ukraine would like to see appropriate human-rights standards harmoniously combined with guarantees of international security and greater international co-operation. Human rights, international security and co-operation form an indissoluble amalgam in international policy and practice that will ensure lasting peace and stable progress at this crucial time, when humanity is not only entering a new millennium, but also, we should like to believe, initiating a new historic stage of greater perfection.


On behalf of the delegation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, I should like to extend to you, Sir, my hearty congratulations on your election to the presidency of the General Assembly at the forty-fifth session. I am confident that under your leadership, and with the assistance of all delegations, the work of the present session will be crowned with success. I should like to congratulate your predecessor, General Garba of Nigeria, who also successfully conducted the debates of the Assembly, at the forty-fourth session.
In addition, I should like to pay a tribute to the Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, for his dedication to the task of safeguarding the role of the United Nations in the maintenance of peace and the settlement of conflicts in different parts of the world.
The Lao People's Democratic Republic welcomes the admission of the Principality of Liechtenstein as a full-fledged Member of our Organization and welcomes its delegation among us.
The forty-fifth session of the General Assembly is taking place at a time when our world is experiencing important and rapid changes in relations between States and when there are new trends favourable to peace and international security. In the area of disarmament, although the danger of a nuclear war has not been entirely laid to rest, the fact that the Soviet Union and the United States have decided to reduce their strategic weapons by 30 per cent, as well as the agreement on the Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-range and Shorter-range Missiles that they concluded earlier, constitutes a significant contribution to the lessening of the danger of such a war. In addition, the convergence of those two countries, views regarding the need to eliminate chemical weapons and halt production of such weapons is likely to give encouragement to the talks under way for the drafting of an international convention on the subject and to speed up its implementation once drafted.
In the political area, the exchange of visits and regular meetings between Heads of State and high-ranking leaders of various countries have without doubt created conditions conducive to better mutual understanding and to the dispelling of mistrust.
The joyous official reunification of Germany today, the efforts exerted by the Soviet Union and the United States to reduce their troops and armaments under the Warsaw Pact and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation respectively and the adoption of collective confidence-building measures in Europe have all contributed to dissipating gradually the old climate of distrust.
In general, my country, like the other countries of the world, desires only to see our world free of nuclear weapons in these last years of this century, to see mankind spared the horrible danger of chemical weapons and to be able at least to have our children and grandchildren live in lasting peace and in a society that respects the independence and sovereignty of others, heeds the right and the interests of others and maintains mutually advantageous bonds of co-operation.
To achieve these aspirations I consider that it is time for the countries, possessing considerable military forces to begin serious negotiations to achieve general end complete disarmament under effective international control, disarmament that entails a genuine halting of the arms race including the arms race in outer space, and the limitation of conventional weapons.
However, relations between States and groups of States have in some cases remained very confused. In certain regions military confrontations are striking features of the present situation that are capable of leading to grave catastrophes for mankind.
In the Persian Gulf, the annexation of Kuwait by Iraq has created a very complex and confused situation that seriously threatens the peace and stability in that region and throughout the world. The Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic is greatly concerned over this situation and feels that the adoption by the Security Council of various resolutions on this subject it highly appropriate action that should make it possible to ease the crisis and resolve it by political means. Of course, people the world over are concerned first and foremost by the situation thus created in the Persian Gulf, but we must not in any case lose sight of the question of Palestine and the situation in Lebanon, which also require speedy settlement. That could not but contribute greatly to promoting peace, stability and co-operation in that region.
The question of Afghanistan is not yet completely resolved. The innocent population of Afghanistan, whether in urban centres or in the countryside, continues every day to be the victim of hostile forces. It is time for all the parties concerned to make efforts together to solve this problem by peaceful means, on the basis of the strict and complete implementation of the Geneva Agreement by the co-signatories and the guarantors of the Agreement. The situation in the Korean peninsula remains difficult and complicated despite the recent meeting between the Prise Ministers of the two parts of the country. The Lao government fully supports the initiative and the efforts of the Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Korea aimed at that country, peaceful reunification free from any foreign interference.
In South Africa, the release of Nelson Mandela is an important victory for the black population fighting for the complete abolition of apartheid and to make South Africa a united, democratic and non-racial country where the whole population can live in conditions of justice and security. Thus the international community should continue to apply the sanctions against the racist regime until it agrees once end for all to abolish its apartheid policy and decides to negotiate seriously with the African National Congress of South Africa.
 In South-East Asia peaceful coexistence, the settlement of disputes by political means and economic co-operation are constantly growing stronger and developing. The countries of the region continue to consult together, both formally and informally, and spare no efforts to make that region an area of peace, independence, freedom and neutrality.
The problem of Cambodia is one of the chief subjects occupying the attention of international public opinion. At present, everyone agrees that this problem must be resolved by political means. The process of the settlement of the Cambodian problem in moving forward constructively. The Tokyo Declaration of 5 June 1990 by Nr. Hun Sen, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the State of Cambodia, and Prince Sihanouk is an important step in that process and has received full approval from world public opinion. The recent meeting at Jakarta among the different Cambodian parties and the subsequent Security Council resolution 668 (1990) have marked another no less important stage in the process of the comprehensive settlement of the problem by political means, for they are in keeping with the real situation in Cambodia at the present time. The Lao Government whole-heartedly supports the decision of the Supreme National Council of Cambodia to send its delegation to this session of the General Assembly in order to represent the independence, sovereignty and unity of Cambodia in the international arena.
On the subject of the present situation in our country, the Lao Government has, for SOME time now, adopted a new policy aimed at expanding our economic co-operation with other countries. To ensure success in the implementation of this new economic policy, we have enacted several laws, such as the Investment Code, the Criminal Code and the Civil Code. In addition, we have prepared a draft of the first constitution of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. That draft is now being discussed by the different sectors of the population and will finally be placed before the Supreme People's Assembly for consideration and approval.
In general, the economic situation has become more dynamic than before. The market has expanded, and the production of goods has been developed, thus making it possible gradually to improve the living conditions of our country's multi-ethnic population. The Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic considers it essential to continue to pursue an outward-looking, market-oriented policy. To do so, it hopes to enjoy the support and co-operation of friendly countries and international organisations.
The relations of the Lao People's Democratic Republic with neighbouring countries are generally good. There have been positive developments in Lao-Thai relations. The two countries continue to exchange visits and to hold consultations at different levels, among them that of the two highest-ranking representatives of our national armies. In addition, economic and cultural co-operation between our two countries is developing in c spirit of good-neighbourliness and brotherhood.
However, a number of problems remain unresolved, particularly the border dispute in the area of Botine in the Lao Province of Sayabouri and Phitsanoulok in Thailand. On the Lao side, we have put forward several proposals and will do our utmost to resolve the problem jointly, expeditiously and definitively. That would make an important contribution to strengthening relations between Thailand and the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
Apart from the question of war and armed conflicts in different regions, other problems are subjects of concern for the international community. I should mention at this point the problem of drugs. which constitutes a long-term danger to mankind unless we can find a solution in time. Above all, we must abandon the old idea that the principal cause of the drug problem is solely drug production. In reality, demand is also an important and inherent factor. Hence the fight against illicit drug trafficking as a result is a matter for collective responsibility and requires international co-operation. with regard not only to punishment but also to financial assistance to developing countries in their efforts to develop substitute crops in the form of the programme of integrated rural development. Furthermore, in order to be effective. such co-operation should be constructive and should be carried out with full respect for the sovereignty and the traditional features of the beneficiary countries. It is in that spirit that the Lao People's Democratic Republic has been co-operating with the United Nations Fund for Drug Abuse Control and the Government of the United States in the implementation of programmes to substitute other crops for the opium poppy in mountain areas. Our Government is ready to co-operate with all countries and international organisations to that end.
Although at present, with the exception of the Persian Gulf crisis, there is general detente in the political sphere throughout the world. the world economy is still in a difficult and complex situation. Over the last 10 years, the inequality in economic growth between developed and developing countries has grown worse. and the gap separating the two groups is becoming ever wider. Most developing countries continue to face an unfavourable situation. The prices of raw materials - their main export products - remain very low, and deteriorating terns of trade and high real interest rates have meant a constant increase in their external debt to such a point that they can no longer repay it. In addition, their export products are constantly blocked by the protectionist measures of the developed countries. What is more, some developed countries continue to impose coercive political, economic and other measures such as blockades, embargoes and restrictive trade measures against certain developing countries.
This situation compounds the unsatisfactory results obtained in the implementation of the new Substantial Programme of Action for the least developed countries and has made the economic situation of those countries increasingly critical.
We feel that insomuch as international political relations have undergone a change for the better, the present system of international economic relations should also be restructured, both in form and in principle. With regard to the least developed countries, we hope that the Programme of Action adopted by the second United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries held at Paris last September will be seriously implemented and that there will be no political pre-conditions for granting aid to them.
The characteristic feature of our present-day, evolving world can only be one of mutual assistance and interdependence between the developing and the developed countries. Therefore just and mutually advantageous international co-operation has become more than ever imperative. The fact that we meet here each year affords us all a valuable opportunity to consult among ourselves and jointly to seek a way of making multilateral international co-operation more effective. In multilateral co-operation the United Nations is the Organisation best suited for playing a central role. We must therefore strive to increase the effectiveness of our Organisation in dealing with the problem of ensuring peace, security and international co-operation, in order to respond to the aspirations of mankind as reflected in the Charter of the United Nations, to which all Member States have subscribed.


Allow me at the outset to convey to you, Sir, my delegation's sincere felicitations on your unanimous election as President of the forty-fifth session of the General Assembly. Our satisfaction at your election is even greater as Nepal shares with the friendly Government and people of Malta a deep and abiding commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and to the policy of non-alignment. Your wide experience as a political leader and your knowledge of multilateral diplomacy will no doubt provide you with the particular sensitivity and skill to guide us through the complex issues on the agenda of the General Assembly. My delegation pledges its full co-operation to you.
Nepal welcomes the admission of the Principality of Liechtenstein as a Member of the Organisation, an event that has moved us even closer to the goal of universal membership of the United Nations. We look forward to working in close co-operation with the delegation of this friendly country, which represents one of the most successful combinations of democracy, human rights and economic prosperity.
I should like to avail myself of this opportunity to express my delegation's appreciation to Mr. Joseph N. Garba of Nigeria for the admirable manner in which he guided the work of the forty-fourth session of the General Assembly.
The past 12 months have been a busy period for the United Nations. There is today a renewal of faith in the Organization as an irreplaceable instrument in promoting international peace and co-operation. Much of this welcome resurgence is the result of the diplomatic skill and efforts of the Secretary-General,
Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar. He deserves our gratitude and full support.
The year has been marked by events extraordinary in sweep and importance. Almost a half century ago the peoples of the United Nations through its Charter reaffirmed faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small. For the majority of the peoples around the world, this vision was little more than a dream. Symptoms of positive changes in international relations, accompanied by a new and legitimate assertion of peoples, rights, became evident beginning with the middle of the decade of the 1980s. That the momentum towards the vision of freedom and dignity outlined in the Charter would gather the strength of a massive tidal wave, were beyond anyone's imagination only 12 months ago. This spontaneous wave has awakened people to assert their fundamental rights and freedom not only in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe but also in many parts of Asia and Africa, including my own county, Nepal. The movement for the restoration of multiparty democracy in Nepal, which started only days after the first breach in the Berlin Wall, has ushered in a new political era in our country. The interim Government, representing major political parties, is now engaged in the task of consolidating democracy. The Prime Minister himself would have liked to come and acquaint the Assembly with the recent political changes in the country. However, that was not possible at this stage owing to the consultations he is undertaking on the draft of a new Constitution that is soon to be promulgated. The new Constitution, reflecting the democratic aspirations of the Nepalese people, will institutionalize a constitutional monarchy and a multiparty system and adhere to the values of people's sovereignty and accountable government. The Constitution will also guarantee the inviolability of fundamental rights and freedom, in keeping with the Universal Declaration of Human Sights, other covenants and the principle of the supremacy of law. General elections held on the basis of universal adult suffrage scheduled for the first of 1991 will strengthen political stability and freedom. The people of Nepal are proud to be part of the global movement towards democracy and freedom; the people of Nepal arc grateful for the understanding and support they have received from people around the world.
Having set ourselves the irreversible goal of democracy and pluralism, we now look forward to meaningful co-operation and assistance from friendly countries and multilateral institutions in the daunting task of economic and social development.
Nepal most heartily welcomes the creation of a more relaxed international climate, characterised by the big-Power détente. The most concrete symbol of revolutionary change in the political atmosphere is the reunification of Germany. I take this opportunity to extend the most cordial welcome to the delegation of the united Germany to this family of nations.
The euphoria over the end of the cold war and the hopes for a more stable and democratic world order have, however, been dampened by the present situation in the Persian Gulf region. The aggression against Kuwait, a sovereign and independent State and a Member of this Organisation, is a rude reminder that the agreement of the two major Powers to settle their conflicts is a necessary but insufficient condition for the maintenance of international peace, security and stability. The aggression is an open violation of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. It has also caused immense sufferings and dislocations to nationals of third countries, including Nepal, residing and working there. The aggression has evoked a swift and unprecedented response from the Security Council. The series of resolutions the Council has adopted demanding unconditional compliance with the rule of law in inter-State relations has ushered in a new phase in the application of the authority of the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security.
The five permanent members of the Security Council bear a special responsibility under the Charter for the maintenance of international peace. It is true that there are and will be many more influential actors in world affairs. This will require consultations, co-ordination and compromise. The renewed interest in the international Organization and the willingness of the major Powers to use the mechanism of the Charter have the potential of restoring to the collective security system its original design. Nepal, therefore, welcomes the emergence of the unique convergence of views among the permanent members of the Security Council over the grave situation in the Persian Gulf region. We earnestly hope that this unity of the United Nations will he the rule rather than an exception. My delegation also agrees with the view expressed by the Secretary-General that agreement among the major or Powers must carry with it the support of the international community to counter any legitimate anxiety that world affaire may be run by a directorate.
As the international community prepares for a new millennium, we are witnessing a rapid curtailing of many comfortable assumptions of yesteryear. At the sane tine, it is heartening to note that schisms which characterised the post - Second-World-War era are also being rapidly bridged. These positive changes have enhanced the capacity of the United Nations to work for a peaceful settlement of various outstanding bilateral and regional conflicts.
The peaceful transition of Namibia to independence is an outstanding example of what this Organisation could achieve, given the support and co-operation of its Members. The potentials of peace-keeping and peace-making operations of the United Nations have also been evident elsewhere, especially in Central America. We welcome the recent agreement between Iran and Iraq to settle their disputes in keeping with Security Council resolution 598 (1987). While the situation in Lebanon continues to be alarming, admirable services are being rendered by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, to which Nepal is a contributor. Implementation of the Taif formula, fully supported by the United Nations, has held out promise of an end to the tragic fratricide in that country. The situation in the Middle East continues to be explosive with the stalling of all efforts to
promote a dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. My delegation feels that the opportunity created by a new climate of international relations must be used for a collective and concerted effort for the resolution of the conflict on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). As in the case of the Middle East, the spirit of conciliation among the major Powers offers hope for a settlement of the situation in Afghanistan. This spirit of conciliation has already raised the expectation that a solution of the problem of Cambodia with the active involvement of the United Nations may be within sight. Elsewhere in Asia, we welcome the unification of Yemen. My delegation is looking forward to the day, and we hope it is sooner rather than later, when the Korean people will be reunited through their own peaceful efforts. We have long respected their aspirations for reunification and welcome the continuing high-level negotiations between the two sides. Each side has been exercising all the attributes of sovereignty, and they will doubtless settle between them in the course of negotiations the question of membership of the United Nations. My delegation understands and will fully respect the wish of each side in the matter. In South Africa, the universally condemned system of apartheid is still in place. While we are encouraged by some recent developments, we believe that concerted efforts and pressure will have to be maintained to make the process irreversible and comprehensive with the establishment of a multiracial democratic society in South Africa. We share the disappointment of the Secretary-General at the lack of progress towards an overall solution in Cyprus and continue to support the use of his good offices for the restoration of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-aligned character of
The growing consensus on the need to wage a concerted war against drugs and terrorism is indicative of the new climate in international relative, in which nations are willing to work together for the general well-being of the people. The programme of action adopted at the seventeenth special session provides a useful framework for combating the scourge of drug abuse and trafficking, which threaten to tear the very fabric of civilised society apart.
Looking to the future, there are some imperatives which need to be taken into consideration by the Governments if we are to ensure peace and justice, human freedom and dignity. The United Nations provides an indispensable instrument for the co-ordination and harmonization of actions in these areas.
The first of these imperatives is that of arresting and reversing the arms race. Recognition by two of the world's most powerful States of the fact that the arms race has reached an absurd limit beyond all legitimate needs of national security has opened a new era of hope for disarmament.
The perceptible improvement in international relations must be utilised to press for the extension of disarmament efforts beyond the nuclear and conventional arsenals of the great Powers and their alliances. Disarmament, to be meaningful, has to be the joint endeavour of all nations.
The second immediate challenge before the world community is that of the increasing economic difficulties, especially in the developing countries. It has become imperative to act urgently in three spheres] debt, trade and commodities, and human resources development. At the special session on international economic co-operation the General Assembly made a serious evaluation of the current problems and the steps needed to address them. The strategy for the fourth United Nations development decade, expected to be adopted at the current session of the General Assembly, should be a coherent and realistic programme reflecting the development imperatives in the decade of the 1990s.
The vagaries of the international economic situation have hit the least-developed countries the hardest. Those countries face the most acute problems and are being increasingly marginalised in the world economy. The adoption at the Paris Conference of a programme of action designed to speed the growth and development of the least-developed countries is a milestone and we expect full and expeditious implementation of the plan. In this connection, we welcome the announcement by Kuwait that it would write off all interest on its loans to the least developed countries and consider with them arrangements with regard to the principal, with a view to easing the debt burden of the least developed countries.
The third imperative is the need to halt and reverse the alarming degradation and destruction of our environment. The challenge is to preserve and protect our environment for generations to come without sacrificing the development imperatives of the developing countries. The global debate and activities on this question augur well for the adoption of environmentally sound development strategies at the 1992 Conference on Environment and Development.
The fourth challenge is to adjust to international law and to honour the obligations that flow from the Charter. Only a legal order that encompasses the entire community of nations can provide the framework for effective multilateral co-operation. It is in the interest of all nations, large and small, to work for and within a coherent and viable system of law, impartially administered and imposed. In the final analysis, the rule of law alone will guarantee peace and stability for all.
The fifth imperative is to secure universal respect for human rights. The principal purpose of the United Nations - the maintenance of international peace and security and the promotion of economic social progress and better standards of life for all - is to give content and meaning to human dignity. As long as a government violates the universally accepted norms of human rights, as long as people are brutalised and oppressed on the basis of sex or race or because of their opinions or beliefs, the international community cannot claim to have conquered the brutalities that have darkened human history. The United Nations presents the only forum for a co-ordinated effort to ensure that human rights and fundamental freedoms are fully observed.
The unprecedented attendance at the recent World Summit for Children highlighted the need to take special actions in favour of children, who constitute the most vulnerable sector of our society. The Declaration adopted by the Summit should prove to be a powerful incentive to put the children first - to give every child a better future. The Summit has also provided a strong incentive for the speedy accession to, and ratification of, the Convention on the Sights of the Child, making it a truly universal instrument.
The beginning of the decade of the 1990s has ushered in hopeful signs of growing mutual confidence and good faith. This is essential for the movement from an age of fear, doubt, anxiety and deprivation for an overwhelming majority to a new era of interdependence and co-operation, to a more generous period of statesmanship, an era of freedom and dignity for all. Today, there is also an increasing willingness on the part of Member States to use the existing international mechanism to its full potential. This is essential to ensure the safe and dignified passage of humanity to the next millennium.