PARIS AGREEMENTS ARE ELOQUENT TESTIMONY OF INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY'S UNITY OF WILL, SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL

22 October 1996

Press Release
SG/SM/6091

PARIS AGREEMENTS ARE ELOQUENT TESTIMONY OF INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY'S UNITY OF WILL, SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL

19961022 ADVANCE TEXT Fifth Anniversary Message To Be Delivered by Special Representative for Cambodia

Following is the text of a message from Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the Agreements on the Comprehensive Political Settlement of the Cambodia Conflict (Paris Agreements), signed in Paris on 23 October 1991, to be delivered in Cambodia by his Special Representative Benny Widyono:

Today, the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Paris Agreements, presents a valuable opportunity to congratulate the Royal Government and the people of Cambodia on the remarkable progress they have made in the last five years. These Agreements further serve as eloquent testimony to what the international community can achieve when there is unity of will. Representing over three years of negotiations, both between Cambodians and within the global arena, and arising from a much longer process in which the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations played a central role, the Paris Agreements marked the beginning of an unprecedented effort by the international community, through the United Nations, in providing assistance to one of its own. The Agreements offered a framework for a comprehensive solution to the Cambodian conflict, primarily through the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), the second largest peace-keeping operation ever mounted. During its life, UNTAC helped achieve numerous successes. First, it organized and supervised an election, in which nearly 90 per cent of the population voted, which was judged to have been free and fair. Second, every refugee and displaced person was repatriated or established in a region of Cambodia of his or her choice. Third, UNTAC began an extensive programme to help Cambodia rid itself of the appalling problem of land-mines. Fourth, UNTAC initiated in Cambodia a broad education programme, including the basic principles of democracy and human rights. Fifth, UNTAC's rehabilitation

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component focused on the restoration of Cambodia's basic infrastructure. Finally, Cambodia re-emerged as a fully accepted member of the international community.

Throughout UNTAC's existence and in the years since, Cambodia has had at the helm His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk, whose moral authority and devotion to his people have been an example to all. In this task, he has been assisted by the dedication of Her Majesty Queen Monique and the statesmanship of his Prime Ministers, His Royal Highness Prince Norodom Ranariddh and His Excellency Samdech Hun Sen, as well as the devoted work of all members of the National Assembly, under the Presidency first of His Excellency Samdech Son Sann and subsequently of His Excellency Samdech Chea Sim.

The international community continues to help Cambodia build upon the gains made during UNTAC. The emphasis in our role has rightly shifted from that of being Cambodia's guardians to that of being Cambodia's friends. Without doubt, however, the biggest contribution to the country's rebirth has been by the Cambodians themselves, who are setting in place and strengthening the elements of a civil society, whilst beginning to reap the dividends of an ever-strengthening economy. Cambodia's focus is shifting from survival to progress. In this regard, we are encouraged by the recent signs that peace and complete national reconciliation, for so long elusive to Cambodia, may at last be possible. The benefits of security -- the physical safety it brings, the emotional trauma it eases and the financial savings it induces -- will be of immeasurable value to all Cambodians.

The objectives set out by the Paris Agreements do not mark a moment in time but rather a process designed to get Cambodia back on its feet. Progress has been steady and it is my earnest hope that, supported by the international community, Cambodia will soon bring to fruition the inherent aspirations of the Paris Agreements. The United Nations will provide help in the coordination of technical assistance for the forthcoming elections and I know that several other Member States represented here today have also agreed to assist in this process. In short, the future will depend upon Cambodia's ability to build upon the achievements of the past half decade: namely, its economic rejuvenation, national reconciliation, universal respect for human rights and the maintenance of political pluralism. Challenges lie ahead, but we are confident that the Government and people of Cambodia are prepared to tackle them. We must be optimistic. This country's greatest asset is its people. Cambodia's friends remain committed to work together with them as they move toward the new century ahead.

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