GENERAL ASSEMBLY RECOMMENDS 1997 MEETING BETWEEN CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY AND UNITED NATIONS TO DISCUSS JOINT PROJECTS

Press Release
GA/9163

GENERAL ASSEMBLY RECOMMENDS 1997 MEETING BETWEEN CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY AND UNITED NATIONS TO DISCUSS JOINT PROJECTS

Resolution Also Seeks to Enhance Cooperation Between the Two Organizations, Towards Peace, Progress and Development in Region

The General Assembly this afternoon recommended that the first general meeting between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and its associated institutions and the United Nations system take place next year, by the terms of a resolution adopted this afternoon without a vote.

The purpose of the meeting, to be held in New York, would be for consultations on projects, measures and procedures to facilitate and strengthen cooperation between the two organizations.

The resolution also calls on the Secretary-General of the United Nations to assist in furthering the development of peace and security within the region, and urges the specialized agencies and other organizations to cooperate with the Secretary-General in order to maintain and increase consultations and programmes with CARICOM.

The representative of Saint Lucia, who introduced the text, recalled that two years ago, the CARICOM heads of government decided to seek an even closer relationship with the United Nations. Also that year, they decided to support the international community in the restoration of democracy in Haiti, and participated in the multinational force in that country.

The representative of the European Union, recalling the agreement reached by CARICOM Foreign Ministers in May on specific areas of enhanced cooperation with the United Nations, said that areas where a heightened cooperation would be particularly useful included the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, peace-keeping operations, the development of programmes to reduce poverty, and the implementation of the 1994 Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States.

Statements were also made by the Bahamas, Cameroon on behalf of the African States, Cuba, Mexico, Colombia, Canada, Jamaica on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean States, United States, Germany, Argentina, Italy and the Observer for the Caribbean Community.

The Assembly will meet again tomorrow, Tuesday 12 November, to consider its agenda item, "Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba".

Assembly Work Programme

The General Assembly met this afternoon to consider the question of cooperation between the United Nations and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). It had before it a 45-Power draft resolution (document A/51/L.14/Rev.1) by which it would invite the Secretary-General to continue promoting and expanding cooperation between the two organizations. The Secretaries-General of the two bodies, or their representatives, would be asked to hold consultations with a view to signing an agreement on cooperation between them.

The Assembly would take note of the areas for such cooperation, approved recently by the CARICOM Foreign Ministers. These included follow-up to global conferences, implementing the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, matters relating to the law of the sea, peace-keeping, poverty reduction, and governance and development in the Caribbean. The Assembly would also take note of the special role played by CARICOM States in the restoration of democracy in Haiti and its participation in the United Nations Mission in Haiti. The Secretaries-General of the two organizations would be called upon to assist in furthering the development of peace and security in the region.

By other terms of that draft, the Assembly would ask that the first general meeting between representatives of CARICOM and its associated institutions and the United Nations system be held in 1997, in conjunction with the Conference on Governance and Development. The purpose of that meeting would be to consult on projects, measures and procedures to facilitate and strengthen cooperation between the organizations.

The United Nations specialized agencies and other bodies of the United Nations system would be urged to cooperate with the Secretaries-General of the two organizations in order to initiate, maintain and increase consultations and programmes with CARICOM and its associated institutions. The Secretaries- General would be asked to encourage inter-agency, sectoral and focal point meetings on areas of mutual priority. The Assembly would also welcome the special relationship between CARICOM and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The draft resolution is sponsored by Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Cyprus, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Fiji, Gambia, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Japan, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Namibia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and Venezuela.

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The Assembly also has before it a report of the Secretary-General on the matter (document A/51/299), in which he reviews consultations and exchanges of information between the United Nations and CARICOM during the past year. Such cooperation included CARICOM participation at the special meeting of the General Assembly held to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations. Addressing that meeting, CARICOM's Secretary-General said the 14 CARICOM States Members of the United Nations had benefited substantially from working with the United Nations and its bodies. They had also contributed significantly to the work of the United Nations, particularly in the peace processes in Haiti, Central America, Namibia and South Africa.

The report notes that the Secretaries-General of the two organizations held consultations in October 1995 and February 1996. Also in February, the CARICOM Secretary-General participated in meetings between the United Nations and regional organizations convened by the United Nations to discuss modalities and principles for cooperation in preventive diplomacy, peacemaking and peace-keeping. Also, CARICOM representatives attended the April session of the Commission on Sustainable Development, which was devoted to reviewing progress in implementing the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States.

The United Nations Secretary-General, in a message to the CARICOM Heads of State meeting in July, emphasized the vital role played by CARICOM members in furthering the United Nations causes of peace, development and democracy, the report states. He said the United Nations attached utmost importance to building ever-closer ties with CARICOM. The CARICOM Heads of State stressed the importance of furthering the Community's possible role in the development of peace and security in the Caribbean region.

As the focal point for cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, the Department of Political Affairs has introduced a flexible mechanism for cooperation and coordination with CARICOM, the report states. The establishment of focal points within the United Nations system and CARICOM would promote more pragmatic and cost-effective cooperation.

The report also contains information received from the following elements of the United Nations system: the United Nations Secretariat; the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF); the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD); the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM); the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); the United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP); and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Other bodies reporting are: the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW); the International Labour Organization (ILO); the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

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Organization (UNESCO); the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO); the International Monetary Fund (IMF); the International Telecommunication Union (ITU); the International Maritime Organization (IMO); the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD); and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Statements

R. SONIA LEONCE-CARRYL (Saint Lucia), in an oral revision of the draft resolution before the Assembly, said that it would "recommend" rather than "request" that "the first general meeting between representatives of the Caribbean Community and its associated institutions and of the United Nations system be held in 1997 for the purpose of holding consultations on projects, measures and procedures to facilitate and strengthen cooperation between those organizations". She said it was assumed the meeting would be held in New York, for one or two days on dates to be determined, and would be accommodated without giving rise to additional expenditures in the programme budget for 1996-1997.

She noted that the Charter of the United Nations placed great emphasis on the promotion of peace and security, as well as the economic, social and cultural development of Member States. It also made provision for cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations. The arrangement between the United Nations and CARICOM rested on the principles, purposes and practices of those provisions.

Since 1985, she observed, the Caribbean Community had invited the United Nations Secretary-General to be represented at its summit meetings, and had cooperated with the representatives of the United Nations programmes and agencies at the regional level. She recalled that in 1991, the General Assembly granted observer status to CARICOM. In 1994, CARICOM heads of government decided to seek an even closer relationship with the United Nations.

They decided to support the international community in the restoration of democracy in Haiti, and participated in the multinational force in that country. In view of the current financial situation of the United Nations, CARICOM member States proposed a biennial reporting mechanism, without prejudice to the efficient and cost-effective consultation and coordination between the two organizations.

HARCOURT TURNQUEST (Bahamas) said that the Secretary-General's report clearly showed that, since the granting of observer status to CARICOM in 1991, there had been considerable collaboration between that organization and the United Nations. Particularly welcome was the information on joint activities in disaster preparedness and prevention, and on international drug control. The Bahamas would support any effort to promote efficiency for more pragmatic and cost-effective cooperation between CARICOM and the United Nations.

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He regretted that the report did not include information on the activities to be undertaken by the Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development (DPCSD), which would coordinate the follow-up to the United Nations conferences. Information on the activities of the Department for Economic and Social Information and Policy Analysis (DESIPA) was also needed, since the enhancement of national capacity on data collection, research and analysis was of significant interest to CARICOM countries. It would also be useful to have information from such United Nations entities as the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the United Nations University. Also, in the light of the escalation of crime in the region, the Bahamas would welcome information from the Division for Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. He said the next logical step in the growing partnership between the United Nations and CARICOM would be the establishment of a formal agreement mechanism. Within that cooperation, due attention should be paid to small-arms trafficking and the transshipment of hazardous waste throughout the Caribbean.

JOHN H.F. CAMPBELL (Ireland), speaking for the European Union and also for Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia (and with Iceland and Norway aligning themselves with the statement), said the agreement reached by CARICOM Foreign Ministers in May on specific areas of enhanced cooperation with the United Nations was of particular significance. They included the Convention on the Law of the Sea, peace-keeping operations, development of programmes to reduce poverty, and implementation of the 1994 Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States. He said the energy and dynamism brought by CARICOM to their relationship with the United Nations was exemplified by the involvement of regional governments to bring democracy to Haiti and to control illicit drug trafficking. While the member States of the European Union had long had a special relationship with the countries of the Caribbean, a new partnership was developing. It was based on support for the process of economic transition; promotion of sustainable development, with a focus on human resource development and natural resource protection; and the promotion of increased economic cooperation leading to fuller integration in the world market.

The European Union was already working to support the sustainable development of CARICOM countries, and reaffirmed its commitment to continue to provide financial and technical assistance to tackle the challenges which confronted small island economies. Further efforts were needed to promote regional economic integration and cooperation which would lead to economies of scale across a range of economic activities. Such activities could include trade and market access, tourism development and the expansion of inter-island "feeder" services.

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MPAY JEAN-MARC (Cameroon), speaking on behalf of the African Group, said the Caribbean Community had made considerable progress in regional cooperation in areas such as health, the environment, communication and education. Only thirteen years after its integration, it was also clear that CARICOM was doing well in other areas as diverse as agriculture, the maintenance of human rights and democracy. The presence of CARICOM in the United Nations efforts in Haiti was also outstanding. The Community was also working hard to promote democracy and human rights among its Member States.

He noted that the countries forming CARICOM were Small Island Developing States. Their efforts to enhance cooperation with the United Nations were most welcome because it was only by developing such relationships that genuine sustainable development could be achieved. Africa, he said, wholly supported these efforts.

PEDRO NUÑEZ MOSQUERA (Cuba) said bonds of solidarity had linked the people of Cuba with the people of the Caribbean for many years. The 14 States of the Caribbean Community had gained greatly from the efforts of the United Nations, and they had contributed much to the attainment of the goals of the United Nations. However, in the proposed United Nations medium-term plan, the small island States were not granted the importance they deserved. Important international conferences on development, trade and the environment had enjoyed the participation of CARICOM members.

He said the Secretary-General's report illustrated the importance of the efforts of the small island States. The report also recognized that those States had succeeded in establishing a multilateral cooperation mechanism while maintaining a regional approach to international relations. He noted that in December his country would host a CARICOM meeting.

MANUEL TELLO (Mexico) said the Secretary-General's report contained information on various activities of critical importance to both CARICOM and the United Nations, as well as information on CARICOM activities supporting the goals of the Organization. He appealed to the United Nations agencies to expand cooperation with Caribbean countries. He hoped a cooperation agreement between the two bodies would be completed soon.

The nations of the Caribbean were a priority for Mexico in terms of its foreign and trade policy, he continued. Efforts to expand diplomatic relations with Caribbean nations had been made. Investment, education and business opportunities in the CARICOM region were being pursued by Mexico. His country would also continue to strive for economic and social development in cooperation with the countries of CARICOM.

HERNAN RUBIO (Colombia) said his country shared with CARICOM nations the hope for economic and social development and the emergence of a better life for their people. Cooperation between CARICOM and the United Nations had

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contributed to the economic and social development of the Caribbean States. The Community had also participated more actively in the work of the United Nations and contributed to the achievement of its goals. Cooperation activities would continue to benefit both organizations. He noted that Colombia, CARICOM, Central American countries and others had established the Association of Caribbean States to strengthen aspects of regional cooperation.

TAMARA MAWHINNEY (Canada) said that the report of the Secretary-General summarized an impressive variety of activities that the United Nations was carrying out in cooperation with CARICOM. Canada was pleased to note the large number of pragmatic activities aimed at promoting the economic development of the region, both at the grass roots and at the national level; those contributed to the development, expansion and adaptation of Caribbean economies within the world economy.

She commented that the report made special mention of efforts to involve women in shaping the future of the region, which was based on strong and laudable Caribbean traditions. She said Canada considered CARICOM's cooperation with the United Nations in Haiti an example of the potential for the further development of peace and security within the region. Canada and the Commonwealth Caribbean shared a long tradition of cooperation in many areas; their relationship had evolved to address the new political, social and economic challenges in the region, and CARICOM was an interlocutor for Canada on important regional issues.

PATRICIA DURRANT (Jamaica), on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean Group, welcomed the cooperation between the United Nations and the Caribbean Community. The report of the Secretary-General had emphasized that the United Nations attached utmost importance to building even closer ties with CARICOM, and took note of its contribution to the United Nations Mission in Haiti.

Members of the Latin American and Caribbean Group were encouraged by this commitment, and agreed that close collaboration of that nature would be of real benefit to the two organizations and to the peoples of the Caribbean region.

She noted areas for joint pursuit between the United Nations and CARICOM, including follow-up to global conferences such as the Rio summit on environment and development and the Barbados Conference on Small Island Developing States. The extensive report of initiatives undertaken within the region by various funds and programmes within the United Nations system was encouraging, and the relationship with the specialized agencies could contribute positively to improving the ability of the United Nations and CARICOM to work together for the benefit of the peoples of the Caribbean and furthering the international goals of peace, security and development to which the United Nations was committed.

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JAMES C. HORMEL (United States) said the United States supported its "friends and neighbours", the member States of CARICOM, in their call for a closer working relationship with the United Nations, which was itself not only a forum for individual Member States, but also a resource for regional organizations and arrangements. The CARICOM was a regional leader, he noted, comprising 14 States, three languages, and millions of people. It had recently shown leadership in its support for United Nations-authorized peace- keeping missions in Haiti that restored peace to the region and supported democracy in the hemisphere.

Since its formation in 1973, CARICOM had worked to improve and integrate the economies and political structures of the Caribbean. It was also showing leadership through its efforts to work closely with the United Nations in the areas of development, environmental protection, drug control and the promotion of the welfare of children. The coordination of efforts among nations made programmes more effective and guarded against duplication of effort. He supported the resolution and CARICOM's continued goal of bringing the governments of the region together, helping those "dynamic nations" secure a better future for their citizens.

NIKOLAI VON SCHOEPFF (Germany) said his country was ready to cooperate even more closely with all Caribbean States on a wide range of issues, from enhancing private investment in the region to environmental protection. Solutions and aid to the specific problems of small countries such as those in the Caribbean could be found only in cooperation on the basis of equality, and in a process of mutual respect and understanding.

He noted that the CARICOM countries were often subject to environmental catastrophe. Germany had taken action to assist in such situations and, this year alone, had granted substantial bilateral emergency aid to the Caribbean Community, and wanted to help further in establishing an effective early warning system. His Government believed that the industrialized nations bore a great responsibility in this regard. He said the Special Session of the General Assembly next year would have to determine what had been achieved since the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) on the common path to a sustainable, economically efficient, as well as socially balanced and ecologically sound, development. He proposed a special discussion on the progress achieved by implementing the Declaration from the 1994 Barbados Conference on Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States.

FERNANDO PETRELLA (Argentina), supporting the initiative to strengthen the cooperation between CARICOM and the United Nations, said the Secretary- General's report reflected the role played by the CARICOM countries in the work of the Organization, and the clear commitment of the Organization to the task of consolidating peace in the region. That objective had been significantly strengthened by developments in Haiti. That consolidation was highly appreciated, in particular CARICOM's contribution to it.

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He said the presence, contribution and dynamism of the Caribbean countries in the Rio summit on environment and development was also worth noting. Argentina believed that an agreement within the framework of the Convention on Climate Change was necessary. He expressed his Government's concern over the natural disasters which periodically affected the region. Assistance granted by the international community, in particular the United Nations, was worthy of mention, but too often -- once the crisis was over -- international interest waned before the needs of reconstruction had been covered.

LORENZO FERRARIN (Italy) said cooperation between the United Nations and the Caribbean Community was a particularly successful case in the wider framework of cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations. The economic and social development of CARICOM countries should be a United Nations priority.

The characteristics of the CARICOM region and the importance of its development was a primary reason for Italy's active promotion of European Union cooperation with the small island developing States, he said. Italy had supported the desire of the Caribbean States to begin a political dialogue. Italy hoped that a structural framework would be given to that dialogue in the future. Italy was studying a series of development initiatives in the field of environmental protection, which would be implemented by the United Nations system.

BYRON BLAKE, Observer for the Caribbean Community, said that CARICOM, consisting largely of small island developing States, placed a very great reliance on multilateral systems and rules. He recalled its establishment in 1973 with the fundamental objectives of promoting economic development, strengthening the "interface" of the small States of the Caribbean with the international community, and promoting social and cultural development and preservation.

Within the Community, priority had been given to several objectives. These included deepening the economic integration process through the creation of a single market and economy before the year 2000; organizing its institutional and human capacity for the Community's more effective participation in hemispheric and global developments; and increasing the involvement of its civil society: -- a Caribbean Community Charter of Civil Society now in the final stages of approval.

He said the granting of observer status to CARICOM in 1991 had been an important boost, not only to regional integration, but to the cooperation between the Community and various United Nations bodies. Even in the face of rapidly declining resources to the region, a number of critical cooperation initiatives had been undertaken with various entities, including the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), UNICEF and the UNDP.

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The draft resolution before the Assembly, he said, would further strengthen the resolve of the various agencies in the United Nations system to work cooperatively with the Caribbean Community, as it sought to promote integration and sustainable development, and to strengthen its productive and institutional capacity to participate effectively in the global economy.

Before action on the draft, the Acting President, JULI MINOVES-TRIQUELL (Andorra), announced that France, Germany and Nepal had joined as co-sponsors of the draft resolution.

The draft resolution, including the oral revision as described by the representative of Saint Lucia who introduced the text, was adopted by the Assembly without a vote.

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