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GA/9207

GENERAL ASSEMBLY CALLS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM SECURITY COUNCIL, AS IT ADOPTS RESOLUTION ON COUNCIL'S ANNUAL REPORT

17 December 1996


Press Release
GA/9207


GENERAL ASSEMBLY CALLS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM SECURITY COUNCIL, AS IT ADOPTS RESOLUTION ON COUNCIL'S ANNUAL REPORT

19961217

Assembly President Appoints Members to Committee on Conferences; Assembly Also Acts on Humanitarian Assistance, Haiti, Central America

The General Assembly this morning called upon the Security Council to provide information to the Assembly regarding Council consultations held prior to action or deliberation by the Council, by adopting a resolution on the Council's annual report to the Assembly by a vote of 111 in favour to 4 against (France, Russian Federation, United Kingdom and United States), with 41 abstentions. (For details on vote, see Annex I.)

In taking that action -- one of many taken this morning on a range of topics -- the Assembly requested the Council to highlight in its report to what extent Assembly resolutions were taken into account by the Council. Following the vote, several representatives, speaking in explanation of position, objected to the way the resolution addressed only some aspects of Security Council reform, while Assembly working groups were attempting to craft a comprehensive reform package.

The Assembly, in another recorded vote, welcomed the signing in April of the political charter between the Government and many factions of the rebel movement in the Sudan. By a vote of 103 in favour to 34 against, with 15 abstentions, the Assembly adopted a resolution encouraging the remaining factions to join the peace process so as to establish durable peace and stability in the country and to facilitate relief efforts (Annex II).

Adopting three other texts on humanitarian assistance without a vote, the Assembly:

-- requested all relevant United Nations agencies to collaborate closely at the country level in carrying out their relief activities, to enhance policy coherence, operational complementarity and cost-effectiveness of United Nations response to emergencies;

-- appealed to all States and relevant organizations to provide financial, technical and material assistance for the restoration of services and the reconstruction of Afghanistan;

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-- and deferred until the resumed fifty-first session its consideration of a draft resolution on emergency assistance to Burundi. By the terms of that draft resolution, the Assembly would appeal to Burundi's neighbouring countries to lift the economic blockade against Burundi imposed in July and urge the international community to show greater concern for and generosity towards the social groups in Burundi most seriously affected by the general economic embargo.

Also this morning, acting on recommendation of the Secretary-General, the Assembly authorized the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations component of the International Civilian Mission to Haiti until 31 July 1997, with the possibility of a further decision to renew the Mission until 31 December 1997. They did so by adopting a resolution to that effect, without a vote.

Turning to the situation in Central America, the Assembly, acting without a vote:

-- expressed support for the decision of the Presidents of the region to declare Central America a region of peace, freedom, democracy and development and emphasize the work accomplished by the Central American Integration System in favour of subregional integration to promote economic growth;

-- authorized the renewal of the United Nations Human Rights Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) until 31 March 1997 and called upon the Government of Guatemala and the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca to continue efforts to comply with human rights agreements;

-- and, by the terms of a resolution on the United Nations Office of Verification in El Salvador, decided to withdraw the Secretary-General's Special Representative when the Office's mandate expires on 31 December. Instead, the United Nations would fulfil its verification responsibilities through periodic visits to El Salvador by a high-level envoy from New York.

Also this morning, the Assembly President appointed Chile, Fiji, France, Gabon, Japan, Namibia and the Russian Federation to three-year terms on the Committee on Conferences, with effect from 1 January 1997. Those appointments were made to fill vacancies created on the 21-member Committee by the expiration of the terms of office of Chile, Egypt, France, Gabon, Japan, Pakistan and the Russian Federation. After 1 January 1997, the Committee membership will consist of the appointees and the following current Committee members: Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Ghana, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Latvia, Morocco, Nepal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal and the United States.

The Assembly also approved the second report of its Credentials Committee.

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At the outset of this morning's meeting, Assembly President Razali Ismail (Malaysia) said it was with regret that he had to inform the Assembly of the assassination of six representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) today. The incident had occurred near the capital of Chechnya. He extended his condolences to the families of those who had lost their lives in that shocking tragedy.

The draft text on the Security Council was introduced by the representative of Colombia. The following representatives spoke in explanation of vote: France, United Kingdom, Mexico, United States, Russian Federation, Canada, Ukraine, New Zealand, Brazil, Norway, Ireland (on behalf of the European Union), Japan, Australia and Belarus.

In connection with the texts on humanitarian assistance, the following representatives spoke: Sweden, Congo, Sudan, Ireland, United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Norway, Pakistan and the United States. Statements on human rights in Haiti were made by the representatives of Chile, Argentina, Canada, Ireland (for the European Union), France, Haiti and the United States.

The representatives of Mexico, Ireland (for the European Union), Spain, United States, Guatemala and El Salvador spoke on the situation in Central America.

The Assembly will meet at 3 p.m. today to consider the appointment of the Secretary-General for a five-year term beginning 1 January 1997. The Assembly will also consider the remaining items on its agenda.

Assembly Work Programme

The General Assembly met this morning to consider the second report of its Credentials Committee, the report of the work of the Security Council, as well as parts of the report of the Economic and Social Council. Also, several members of the Committee on Conferences were scheduled to be appointed by the President of the Assembly. In addition, the Assembly was expected to take up resolutions on strengthening the United Nations humanitarian assistance system and on emergency assistance to specific countries, as well as draft texts concerning the situation in Central America.

The second report of the Credentials Committee (document A/51/548/Add.1) informs the General Assembly that at its second meeting on 10 December it had accepted the credentials of the representatives of 42 Member States to the fifty-first session of the Assembly which had submitted formal credentials. The Committee also accepted the credentials for representatives of 17 Members States which had communicated the appointment of representatives in a non- formal manner, on the understanding that the formal credentials for those representatives would be communicated to the Secretary-General as soon as possible.

The report also notes that the Committee Chairman informed the Committee that, as a result of contacts he had with Committee members, two views were held concerning acceptance of the credentials of the representatives from Afghanistan. While some expressed the view that the representatives of Afghanistan currently in New York should continue to occupy the seats of that Member State, others believed that no decision was necessary or appropriate. Since such a decision was to be made by consensus, the Committee decided to defer any decision on the question.

The Assembly also had before it a draft resolution on the work of the Security Council (document A/51/L.64) by which it would stress the importance of enhanced interaction between the General Assembly and other principal organs of the United Nations.

By that draft, sponsored by Colombia, the Assembly would call upon the Council to include in future reports to the Assembly information on the consultations of the whole undertaken prior to action or deliberation by the Council, and to highlight the extent to which Assembly resolutions had been taken into account by the Council on issues falling within its mandate. It would also invite the Council to update the Assembly regularly on the steps taken, or about to be taken, on improving its reporting to the Assembly. (For information on the report of the work of the Security Council presented this year to the Assembly, document A/51/2, see Press Release GA/9174 issued on 26 November.)

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On the report of the Economic and Social Council (document A/51/3), the Assembly was scheduled to take action, as appropriate.

The Assembly had before it a note from the Secretary-General (document A/51/107) regarding appointments to fill vacancies on the 21 member Committee on Conferences, which will be created when the terms of office of Chile, Egypt, France, Gabon, Japan, Pakistan and the Russian Federation expire on 31 December 1996.

The members of the Committee are appointed by the President of the Assembly to three-year terms, following consultations with the chairmen of the regional groups. The appointments are made on the basis of the following geographical distribution: six members from African States; five from Asian States; four from Latin American and Caribbean States; two members from Eastern European States; four members from Western European and other States. The terms of one third of the membership expires annually and retiring members are eligible for reappointment.

The following current Committee members whose terms extend beyond 1 January 1997 are: Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Ghana, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Latvia, Morocco, Nepal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal and the United States.

By the terms of the draft resolution on strengthening coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations (document A/51/L.45/Rev.1), the Assembly would encourage governments to ensure coherence in the direction given to the governing bodies of relevant organizations, funds and programmes of the United Nations system to improve the system-wide capability for a quick and coordinated response to complex humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters. All relevant United Nations agencies would be requested to collaborate closely at the country level in carrying out their relief activities, in order to enhance the overall policy coherence, operational complementarity and cost-effectiveness of the response of the United Nations system in emergencies.

The Secretary-General would be encouraged to develop, in consultation with the Emergency Relief Coordinator and with members of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, a procedure for establishing effective coordination arrangements in the field. In addition, the Secretary-General would be encouraged to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the Department of Humanitarian Affairs and other relevant United Nations departments, to ensure an effective and coherent response to natural disasters and other emergencies. Further, the Secretariat would be encouraged to develop the Humanitarian Early Warning System, and to make it fully operational as soon as possible.

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The Assembly would call upon the United Nations system to strengthen accountability in the field of humanitarian assistance, in particular through improved monitoring and evaluation. Such improvements would ensure that United Nations bodies involved in humanitarian assistance activities develop common methodologies in such areas as reporting, situation analyses and needs assessment. In addition, system-wide evaluation would be arranged and lessons learned would be systematically applied at the operational level. All operational agencies of the United Nations would be urged to collaborate fully with the Department of Humanitarian Affairs, by providing human and logistical assets to enhance coordination and the rapid-response capability of the whole system.

The Assembly would call on States to respond quickly and generously to consolidated appeals for humanitarian assistance, taking into account the importance for donors to be flexible in their response to the specific requirements of affected populations, for rapid response as well as for early rehabilitation and recovery. The critical need to create a sound and predictable financial basis for the Department would be stressed and the Secretary-General would be encouraged to continue to explore all possible options to achieve that goal.

The Secretary-General would be asked to include in his report to the Economic and Social Council substantive session in 1997 recommendations of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee on measures aimed at making it a more effective and transparent mechanism, under the leadership of the Emergency Relief Coordinator, for inter-agency decision-making on coordination. The Assembly would underline the need for the Secretary-General to draw on conclusions reached by various governing boards, the work of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee and the assessment of the Emergency Relief Coordinator.

The Secretary-General would also be asked to include in that report proposals for identification of priority needs and the formulation of a coherent humanitarian strategy within consolidated appeals. The goal of such proposals would be to ensure that consolidated appeals consider the need for the smooth transition from relief to rehabilitation, reconstruction and long- term development. He would also be invited to make recommendations on how to make the Central Emergency Revolving Fund more effective. (For details on the Secretary-General's report on the matter, document A/51/172-E/1996/77, see Press Release GA/9170 of 21 November.)

The following Member States have co-sponsored the draft: Angola, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Chad, China, Cyprus, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Sierra

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Leone, Slovenia, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States and Zambia.

By the terms of the draft resolution on assistance to the Sudan (document A/51/L.26), sponsored by Cameroon, the Assembly would call upon the international community to continue to contribute generously to the emergency needs, recovery and development of the Sudan. The international community would be urged to give priority to assistance for the rehabilitation of roads, railways and airports and to provision of means of road transport in order to facilitate relief supplies to the affected areas. The Assembly would also call upon the donor community and the United Nations to provide financial, technical and medical assistance to combat malaria and other epidemics in the Sudan. The international community also would be urged to support the programmes of rehabilitation, settlement and integration of returnees, refugees and the internally displaced.

Also by the draft, the Assembly would stress the need for Operation Lifeline Sudan to be operated with efficiency, transparency and effectiveness, and with the full participation of the Government of the Sudan in its management and operation. The Assembly would stress that Operation Lifeline Sudan should operate within the principle of national sovereignty and the framework of international cooperation, as well as in accordance with relevant national and international law. At the same time, the Assembly would stress the importance of assuring safe access for personnel providing relief assistance to all in need, and the importance of strict observance of the principles and guidelines of Operation Lifeline Sudan.

Also, the Assembly would welcome the signing in April of the political charter between the Government and many factions of the rebel movement for the achievement of peace in the Sudan. The Assembly, in that regard, would encourage the remaining factions to join the peace process. All parties would be urged by the Assembly to offer all feasible assistance, including facilitating the movement of relief supplies and personnel, so as to guarantee maximum success of Operation Lifeline Sudan in all affected parts of the country. Parties would also be urged to stop using anti-personnel mines. The international community would be called upon to refrain from supplying mines to the parties and, instead, to provide the Government of the Sudan with financial and technical assistance in mine clearance.

Under the terms of the draft resolution on assistance to Burundi (document A/51/L.48), the Assembly would urgently appeal to Burundi's neighbouring countries to lift the economic blockade against Burundi imposed in July, in order to put an end to the terrible suffering thereby inflicted on the people of Burundi and on the entire national economy. The Assembly would urge the international community, in particular the States Members of the United Nations and humanitarian organizations, to show greater concern for and generosity towards the social groups in Burundi most seriously affected by the

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general economic embargo, namely displaced persons, returnees, the sick, women, children and the elderly.

The Secretary-General would be encouraged -- in consultation with neighbouring States, other concerned Member States, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and humanitarian organizations -- to establish mechanisms to ensure the safe and timely delivery of humanitarian relief throughout Burundi. All States, the United Nations and humanitarian agencies would be urged to substantially increase their economic, financial, material and technical contributions. The Secretary-General, together with the OAU Secretary-General, would be instructed to coordinate efforts within the United Nations system to alleviate the severe shortages in Burundi and to mobilize and provide large-scale assistance from the international community to the people of Burundi, who are threatened with economic strangulation.

The Assembly would urge the Government of Burundi and all other parties to the conflict to begin negotiations leading to the restoration of peace and security and to national reconciliation, which are prerequisites for the strengthening of humanitarian assistance and for overall economic recovery. All Burundian parties would be called on to refrain from any act likely to hinder or complicate humanitarian operations and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

By the terms of the draft on assistance to Burundi (document A/51/L.65), sponsored by Austria, the Assembly would decide to defer, until its resumed session, consideration of the draft resolution on emergency assistance for the economic recovery and reconstruction of Burundi (document A/51/L.48). (For background information on assistance to the Sudan (document A/51/326) and on assistance to Burundi (document A/51/464) see Press Release GA/9170 issued on 21 November.)

Also before the Assembly is a draft resolution on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security (document A/51/L.49).

Relating to international assistance for Afghanistan, the draft would have the Assembly request the Secretary-General to authorize the United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan to continue its efforts to facilitate national reconciliation and reconstruction in that country. The Secretary- General would also be asked to develop plans for national reconstruction and rehabilitation beginning in areas of peace and security.

The Assembly would call upon the leaders of all Afghan parties to place the highest priority on national reconciliation, acknowledging the war- weariness of the Afghan people. It would demand that all Afghan parties fulfil their obligations and honour their commitments regarding the safety and full freedom of movement of United Nations personnel and other international

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personnel, as well as the security of their premises in Afghanistan. It would also demand that the parties cooperate fully with the United Nations, associated bodies and humanitarian organizations in their efforts to respond to the humanitarian needs of the people of Afghanistan.

Also by the draft, the Assembly would urgently appeal to all States, United Nations bodies and international organizations to continue to provide, on a priority basis, and as far as conditions on the ground permit, all possible financial, technical and material assistance. That assistance would be utilized for the restoration of the basic services and the reconstruction of Afghanistan, and the voluntary, safe and secure return of refugees and internally displaced persons. Also, the international community would be called on to respond to the inter-agency consolidated appeal for emergency humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan.

Further, by the draft, the Assembly would denounce the discrimination against girls and women and other violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Afghanistan, and note with deep concern possible repercussions on international relief and reconstruction programmes in Afghanistan.

Addressing the implications to international peace and security, the draft would have the Assembly stress that the main responsibility for finding a political solution to the conflict lies with the Afghan parties. The Assembly would call upon those parties to cease immediately all armed hostilities, to renounce the use of force, to put aside their differences and to engage in a political dialogue aimed at achieving national reconciliation, a lasting political settlement, and establishing a fully representative and broad-based transitional government of national unity. States and international organizations would be urged to take all steps necessary to promote peace in Afghanistan, to support the United Nations efforts to that end and to use any influence they have to encourage the parties to cooperate fully with the Special Mission.

The Secretary-General would be requested to authorize the United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan to continue its efforts to facilitate national reconciliation and reconstruction in Afghanistan, specifically to mediate an end to the conflict and to facilitate the implementation of a comprehensive peaceful settlement, to be agreed upon by the Afghan parties. Such a settlement would establish an immediate and durable cease-fire among the Afghan parties, to be supervised by a commission composed of representatives of all the warring parties, facilitated by the United Nations and the Organization of the Islamic Conference; and the demilitarization of Kabul, with adequate safeguards to ensure security and public order.

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The settlement would also include a provision on the establishment of a broad-based and fully representative authoritative council, with authority to: create and control a national security force to provide for security and oversee the demobilization of all the warring parties through the collection and safeguarding of all heavy weapons in the country, and to stop the flow of arms and of equipment related to arms production to the parties; and to form a fully representative and broad-based transitional government which would control the national security force and create conditions for free and fair elections leading to a representative national government.

In addition, the Assembly would express its support for the proposal by the Secretary-General to further strengthen the United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan by increasing the number of its military advisers from the current two to five and also by assigning to it two civilian police advisers. All States would be called on to refrain from any outside interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan, and to immediately end the supply of arms, ammunition, military equipment, training or any other military support to all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan.

The draft is sponsored by Afghanistan, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, Ireland, Japan, Kazakstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkey, United Kingdom and Uzbekistan.

According to a report of the Fifth Committee on programme budget implications of the draft on Afghanistan (document A/51/736), additional requirement of $3.1 million would arise under the peace-keeping operation section of the programme budget for the biennium 1996-1997. Under the staff assessment section, an additional $282,600 would arise. The requirement would be considered by the Assembly in the context of the revised appropriation for the biennium.

(For background information on the situation in Afghanistan, see Press Release GA/9203 of 13 December.)

The Assembly was also scheduled to consider the Secretary-General's report on the situation of democracy and human rights in Haiti (document A/51/703) in which he reviews the activities of the International Civilian Mission to Haiti (MICIVIH). The Secretary-General notes that the emphasis which has been placed on institution-building and reform by the Haitian Government and the international community is starting to bear fruit. New institutions, such as the Haitian National Police as well as Haiti's prison administration, were being consolidated and there is a noticeable change in the public's perception of the performance of the Haitian police. Nevertheless, the Secretary-General states that recent events demonstrate that continued vigilance is necessary. For public confidence to be restored in the justice system, the structural weaknesses in the judiciary must be resolved.

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The Secretary-General concludes that the implementation of judicial reforms of the magnitude needed, together with the need to overcome remaining weaknesses in the police and prison administration, will require continued assistance from the international community. Due to the extensive field experience of the MICIVIH and its accumulated expertise, the Mission would be able to make a significant contribution to the consolidation of key structures charged with protection of human rights and the deepening of the democratic process.

The Secretary-General states that following consultations with the Secretary-General of the OAU, he has decided to recommend that the Assembly authorize a 12-month extension of the mandate of the United Nations component of the MICIVIH at its present level when its current mandate expires on 31 December. The extended mandate would focus on assisting the Haitian authorities in their efforts to rebuild and consolidate the cornerstone institutions of a democratic society.

By the terms of the related draft resolution on the situation of democracy and human rights in Haiti, sponsored by Argentina, Canada, Chile, France, Haiti and Venezuela, the Assembly would welcome renewal of the mandate of the joint participation of the United Nations and the OAU in the International Civilian Mission to Haiti to verify full observance by Haiti of human rights and fundamental freedoms; to provide technical assistance to the Government for institution-building; and to assist with the development of human rights programmes. The Assembly would decide to authorize the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations component of the International Civilian Mission to Haiti through 31 July 1997, with the possibility of a further decision to renew the Mission until 31 December 1997.

A report of the programme budget implications of the draft on Haiti (document A/51/739) states that, should the draft be adopted, additional requirement of $3.4 million would arise under the peace-keeping section of the budget for the biennium 1996-1997. Additional requirement of $365,900 would arise under the staff assessment section of the programme budget, offset by the same amount under the income from the staff assessment section.

Turning to the situation in Central America and the report of the Fifth Committee (A/51/723), the Assembly had before it three related draft resolutions .

By the terms of a draft on the situation in Central America (document A/51/L.18/Rev.1, the Assembly would commend the efforts of the peoples and governments of the Central American countries; support the decision of the Presidents of the region to declare Central America a region of peace, freedom, democracy and development; and emphasize the work accomplished by the Central American Integration System in favour of subregional integration to promote economic growth. The Assembly would also support the adoption of the

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Framework Treaty on Democratic Security and would call upon the parties to comply fully with their commitments under the Comprehensive Agreements on Human Rights in Guatemala.

The draft is sponsored by Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Russian Federation and Uruguay.

By the provisions of a draft resolution on the United Nations Mission for the Verification of Human Rights, and of Compliance with the Commitments of the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights in Guatemala (document A/51/L.57), sponsored by Colombia, Mexico, Norway, Spain and Venezuela, the Assembly would call upon the Government of Guatemala and the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca to continue their efforts to comply with their commitments under the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights, and with the human rights aspects of the Agreement on Identity and Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Assembly would also authorize the renewal of the Mission's mandate until 31 March 1997 and would invite the international community to intensify its support for the peace process.

By the terms of a draft resolution on the United Nations Office of Verification in El Salvador (document A/51/L.58), which is sponsored by Colombia, Mexico, Norway, Spain and Venezuela, the Assembly would decide that the Representative of the Secretary-General should be withdrawn at the conclusion of the mandate of the United Nations Office of Verification on 31 December 1996. The responsibilities of verification and good offices entrusted to the United Nations should be executed through periodic visits to El Salvador by a high-level envoy from New York, who would keep the Secretary- General informed on a regular basis. The envoy would be assisted for a period of six months by a small support unit in El Salvador. The Assembly would also call upon Member States and international institutions to continue to provide assistance to the Government and people of El Salvador. It would also request the Secretary-General to submit a report on the implementation of the present resolution, before June 1997.

The Assembly, on this same item, also had before it a report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of draft resolution A/51/L.18, contained in document A/51/723. Under the programme budget's section 3 on peace-keeping operations and special missions, $331,300 would be required; additional requirements of $60,600 would also be required under section 32, Staff assessment, offset by the same amount under the section for Income from staff assessment.

For background information on related reports of the Secretary-General (A/51/338, A/51/693 and A/51/695), see Press Release GA/9167 of 19 November.)

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Credentials Committee

The General Assembly, acting without a vote, adopted a draft resolution by which it accepted the recommendations contained in the second report of the Credentials Committee.

Report of Security Council

ANDELFO GARCIA (Colombia) introduced the draft resolution on the report of the Security Council.

Speaking before the vote, HERVE LADSOUS (France) said the draft was contrary to the interests of the United Nations because it insidiously attempted to hamper United Nations reform, even though the need for reform had been universally recognized. The French delegation learned of the draft only indirectly, and at a late stage. It had proposed several amendments to the Colombian delegation, most of which had been rejected without discussion. France invited all delegations to dissociate themselves from this "unfortunate and harmful" draft. He said the Charter specified that the Security Council and the General Assembly were two of the Organization's main organs, and did not make one a subsidiary of the other. The proposal that the Council review General Assembly resolutions was inconceivable. The French delegation, he said, would continue to seek actual areas of agreement, and to work in favour of revitalization and reform of the United Nations. It would vote against the draft.

STEPHEN GOMERSALL (United Kingdom) said his delegation was prepared to see further changes to the Council's report. The report was a document of record. The draft, unfortunately, sought to pre-empt discussion in the working groups on the matter, and would not aid United Nations reform. His delegation agreed with many of the suggestions made by France, and had made its own proposals, but they had not been accepted. The draft was brought forward after little discussion, with no attempt to reach common ground. The United Kingdom would vote against the draft, which contained a number of proposals that would be impossible to implement. It was a piecemeal approach, and was inaccurate as well.

MANUEL TELLO (Mexico) said the draft contained measures which he supported. Mexico had frequently said that the Security Council should report according to the letter of the Charter. It would vote in favour of the draft. He said he was concerned that a group of countries had decided to bring up objectives in the Assembly in an isolated manner. His preference, which was what the Assembly had always said, was to seek agreement within the context of the working group set up by the Assembly to that end.

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PREZELL ROBINSON (United States) said he could not support the draft resolution, not only because of its content but because of the lack of willingness of its sponsors to find common ground. The established practice for the Assembly's handling of the report had been for the Assembly to take note of it, for delegations that wished to make comments to do so, and for those comments to be taken into account by the Council. The draft failed to recognize the substantial increases in the openness of the Council, made at the initiative of the Council itself.

On the substantive or analytical reports referred to in paragraph 3 of the draft resolution, he said efforts within the Council in the past suggested that such an undertaking was harder, more elusive, and more time-consuming than many seemed to realize. Suggestion in the Council that those who favoured analytic reporting provide a draft of such a report on items of their choosing had not resulted in any being provided. Because of these and other problems, the text did not reflect a common basis, or even an attempt to reach a common basis, and parts of it were distinctly ill-advised.

ALEKSANDR GORELIK (Russian Federation) said the report gave Member States a picture of the work being done by the Council and its efforts to improve its work. His delegation was interested in the views of Member States in the enhancement and improvement of its procedures and methods. To his disappointment however, the delicate balance between the Assembly and the Council could be harmed by the draft resolution, since the sponsors had not found it worthwhile to consult with all members of the Council. Rather, the draft sought to make the Council do nothing but sit around and write reports. That was not right, he said, and his delegation would vote against it.

DAVID KARSGAARD (Canada) said his delegation attached great importance to improving the working methods and proceedings in the Security Council, and Canada welcomed the attempt made by the Non-Aligned Movement to improve those methods. However, the proposals should be based on consensus. Given further time and discussion, the draft might have received the full support of Member States. Canada would abstain.

OLEKSANDR HORIN (Ukraine) said his delegation found the draft timely and important. It aimed at enhancing transparency. Although some of the proposals were rather unrealistic, his delegation supported the draft and wished to co-sponsor it.

MICHAEL POWLES (New Zealand) expressed his delegation's support for the draft.

The Assembly then approved the draft resolution on the report of the Security Council by 111 votes in favour to 4 against (France, Russian Federation, United Kingdom and United States), with 41 abstentions. (For details of the vote, see Annex I.)

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ANTONIO DE AGUIAR PATRIOTA (Brazil) said he had supported the draft, but more discussions on the text would have been welcome.

JAKKEN BIORN LIAN (Norway) regretted it had not been possible to reach agreement, and hoped efforts would continue in the working groups towards reform of the Security Council. It was necessary to respect the principles of the Charter. Norway had abstained on the draft.

ANA MARIA RAMIREZ (Argentina) said her delegation had voted in favour of the draft because it supported its main provisions. However, the present resolution had not exhausted consideration of the various aspects related to the Security Council's obligation to inform the General Assembly. The initiative of the Non-Aligned Movement was a worthy one, but full agreement should be reached.

JOHN H.F. CAMPBELL (Ireland), for the European Union, said that, while efforts to make the work of the Council more transparent and to strengthen the relationship between it and the Assembly were to be welcomed, the European Union wished to see the most comprehensive agreement on reforms of the Council. It was not appropriate to seek decisions in the Assembly on only some aspects of the situation while more comprehensive negotiations continued in working groups. The European Union had been unable to support the resolution.

MASAKI KONISHI (Japan) said that, while his Government also supported enhancing the transparency of the work of the Council, it was in favour of a comprehensive package of reforms. The present resolution did not conform to that objective, and Japan had abstained.

RICHARD ANTHONY ROWE (Australia) said his Government would like to have supported the draft, instead of abstaining, but it would be better to await the outcome of the efforts of the working groups and the comprehensive package of reforms which would emerge.

ALYAKSANDR SYCHOU (Belarus) said his Government had abstained because the success of reform efforts would be possible only if based on consensus.

Economic and Social Council Report

The President of the Assembly, RAZALI ISMAIL (Malaysia), recalled that the recent report of the Economic and Social Council had contained a recommendation that the General Assembly examine, at its fifty-first session, the question of the participation of non-governmental organizations in all areas of work of the United Nations. In response, the President had instructed the representative of Pakistan to undertake informal soundings with Member States and non-governmental organizations, in order to make a proper determination on the methodology and on the substantive issue of facilitating

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the participation of those organizations. At those informal meetings, participants had accorded priority to the matter and they expressed their expectation that there would be urgent, focused and result-oriented action on the subject.

The PRESIDENT said that, following consultations undertaken with Member States and the Bureau of the High-level Working Group on the Strengthening of the United Nations System, he had decided to recommend the establishment of a subgroup of the High-level Working Group. The subgroup could commence its work simultaneously with the Working Group next year. After determining its working methods and timetable, it would address the substantive aspects of the subject.

The Assembly also took note of chapters I, II, III, IV, V (section A), VI and VIII of the report of the Economic and Social Council.

Committee on Conferences

The PRESIDENT said that following consultations with the Chairmen of regional groups, he had decided to appoint Chile, Fiji, France, Gabon, Japan, Namibia and the Russian Federation to three-year terms on the Committee of Conferences, with effect from 1 January 1997. Those appointments are being made to fill vacancies created by the expiration of the terms of office of Chile, Egypt, France, Gabon, Japan, Pakistan and the Russian Federation.

United Nations Humanitarian Assistance

PETER OSVALD (Sweden) introduced the draft resolution on strengthening the coordination of United Nations humanitarian and disaster relief assistance. He said Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malta, Mongolia, Nicaragua, San Marino, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Togo and Zimbabwe had joined as co-sponsors. He noted a few minor corrections, and said the draft had been approved in informal consultations conducted by the Permanent Representative of Austria, Ernst Sucharipa. He hoped it would be adopted by consensus.

Special Assistance to Individual Countries or Regions

GEORGES BAKALA (Congo), on behalf of the African Group and also Oman, Pakistan, Syria and Yemen, introduced the draft resolution on emergency assistance to the Sudan.

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HAMID ALI ELTINAY (Sudan), on a point of order, said that since the forty-third session of the General Assembly, it had continued to adopt the resolution on emergency assistance to the Sudan due to the spirit of compromise among delegations. The prolonged civil war in the Sudan was affecting the lives of countless civilians and any effort made merited his delegation's thanks. The draft resolution before the Assembly was destined to help innocent civilians, who would be deprived of assistance if it was not adopted.

Explanation of Position

HELEN BROWNE (Ireland), on behalf of the European Union, and the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland, said the Union regretted it was not possible to reach consensus and remained deeply concerned about the situation in the Sudan, in particular through the Operation Lifeline Sudan. "We wish to place on record our deep unhappiness that the General Assembly was about to have a vote on a draft on humanitarian assistance", she said. All parties made compromises in the negotiations under the able leadership of Ernst Suchariba (Austria). It was regrettable that despite those efforts, the draft had now been tabled. The European Union wold vote against the draft.

JAMES C. HORMEL (United States) said that as the largest donor of humanitarian assistance to the Sudan, the United States remained concerned about the humanitarian crisis affecting the people of the Sudan. It was regrettable that the Assembly was unable to reach consensus on addressing emergency assistance to the Sudan. From the beginning, the drafters of the resolution put forward a politicized text. Three weeks of good-faith negotiation "brought us extremely close to a resolution, but one delegation could not join consensus on one paragraph", he said. Rather than continuing work for a consensus text, the sponsors instead disregarded the progress made and went back to their original draft. Certain aspects of the resolution were contrary to the spirit of Operation Lifeline Sudan and could prevent urgent humanitarian assistance from reaching all war-affected civilians. The United States delegation called on the Sudanese delegation to clarify their position on the present draft. The United States would vote no.

DREW McVEY (Canada) said his delegation regretted that consensus could not be achieved on the resolution on emergency assistance to Sudan; Canada had reservations about certain language in the text that could effectively detract from the delivery of assistance to the Sudanese people. It was a great shame that the parties could not agree on a humanitarian draft of this nature.

ALAN MARCH (Australia) would abstain on the resolution before the Assembly. It was regrettable that consensus could not be reached.

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The Assembly adopted the draft resolution on strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations without a vote. It then adopted the draft resolution on emergency assistance to the Sudan, by a vote of 103 votes in favour, 34 against and 15 abstentions (Annex II).

MANUEL TELLO (Mexico) said his delegation had voted in favour of the resolution, due to the importance of humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese people. However, such assistance should conform to the principles of objectivity and neutrality and tend to the needs of the victims, in this case the Sudanese people. Mexico, he said, would like to support the draft resolution.

HANS JACOB BIORN LIAN (Norway) said his delegation regretted it was not possible to reach consensus. His country had a long-standing commitment to developments in the Sudan and would continue those efforts. He wanted to make it clear that its vote was not against further assistance to the Sudan.

Emergency Assistance to Burundi

The Assembly then proceeded to adopt without a vote the draft decision deferring action on the draft resolution on emergency assistance for the economic recovery and reconstruction of Burundi until the resumed fifty-first session.

Emergency Assistance to Afghanistan

The Assembly then resumed its consideration of the emergency international assistance for peace, normalcy and reconstruction of war- stricken Afghanistan, together with the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security for the purpose of taking action on a related draft resolution. Additional sponsors were also announced: Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Guinea-Bissau and Honduras. The draft was adopted without a vote.

Explanation of Position

AHMAD KAMAL (Pakistan) said his country had not co-sponsored the draft on Afghanistan, due to reservations on two parts of the draft. While Pakistan did not condone actions against women, it did not see a reason to establish a link between that issue and humanitarian aid. It was an unfortunate precedent. Also, it was not at all clear which body would authorize the demilitarization of Kabul.

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Mr. HORMEL (United States) said his delegation had joined the consensus on the resolution. The United States fully expected that the cost of the present resolution would be offset by other means.

Situation in Haiti

JUAN LARRAIN (Chile) introduced the draft resolution on democracy and human rights in Haiti.

FERNANDO PETRELLA (Argentina) said the draft resolution was designed to help consolidate respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Haiti. He trusted that the sensitivity that the international community had brought to bear in Haiti would continue. His Government had become involved in Haiti before it regained democracy and believed that the cause of democracy was today the paramount concern.

Mr. KARSGAARD (Canada) spoke of changes both in Haiti and at the United Nations since August, when the mandate of the MICIVIH was considered. He cited the Secretary-General's report which said that while relative calm was disrupted in August, the public security situation had improved. And while the MICIVIH issued a disturbing report in July on human rights abuses for which the Haitian National Police were responsible, the Secretary-General had now reported that the Government had helped curb the most egregious violations. The MICIVIH continued to perform invaluable work and should take credit for the progress towards full respect for the rule of law and human rights in Haiti.

Canada believed that in spite of some problems, notably in the judiciary and penal administration, Haiti had entered a transition phase. It was clear that the time for a peace-keeping mission was coming to an end and that peace- building would now become essential. Activities which strengthened democracy and civil society would become ever more important. He urged all delegations and specialized agencies to "join with us in developing innovative ways of providing assistance to the Government of Haiti".

Mr. CAMPBELL (Ireland), for the European Union and also for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Iceland and Norway, noted that democracy and human rights continued to be consolidated in Haiti. The Government had undertaken important steps to address the pressing economic and social problems that confronted the country. Those efforts were starting to bear fruit, but the Secretary-General had noted the fragility of the situation, and the violence of last summer underlined the need for continued vigilance.

In those circumstances, he went on, it was clear that continued involvement of the United Nations Support Mission in Haiti (UNSMIH) and the MICIVIH was essential to the effort to strengthen and consolidate democratic

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government and respect for human rights. Members of the European Union had co-sponsored the draft resolution extending the mandate of the MICIVIH until 31 July 1997, reiterating the importance of providing assured funding for the operation and of ensuring that it could enjoy a degree of certainty in relation to the length of its mandate.

Mr. LADSOUS (France) paid tribute to United Nations personnel for their fine work in Haiti. He noted that the General Assembly had been invited to extend the mandate of the MICIVIH to 31 July 1997, which coincided with the Security Council's extension of the mandate of UNSMIH. The draft made it possible for that to be done, and he hoped that the resolution would be unanimously adopted by the Assembly.

PIERRE LELONG (Haiti) said since the return to constitutional order, the United Nations had played an invaluable role in the reconstruction of Haiti. The United Nations Mission in Haiti helped consolidate the rehabilitation of Government institutions. Because of that, actions infringing on the dignity of the individual by the police were ebbing, and units had been able to respond to threats to public order with professionalism. United Nations agencies had provided economic assistance to address the severe poverty and to rebuild the Haitian economy.

However, much remained to be done, he said. Democracy must be consolidated and the work on the police force and the judicial system must be completed. The people of Haiti were counting on further assistance from the international community.

The Assembly PRESIDENT noted that the programme budget implications of the draft resolution on Haiti were contained in document A/51/735. Through that report, the Fifth Committee informs the Assembly that, should it decide to adopt the draft resolution on Haiti, additional requirements of $7,102,400 would arise under section 3, Peace-keeping cooperations and special mission, of the programme budget for the biennium 1996-1997. Additional requirements of $500,100 would also arise under section 32, Staff assessments, offset by the same amount under Income section 1, Income from staff assessment. The requirements would be considered by the Assembly in the context of the revised appropriations for the biennium 1996-1997.

The resolution on the situation of human rights and democracy in Haiti was adopted without a vote.

Speaking after the vote, Mr. HORMEL (United States) said that while his Government fully supported the renewal of the MICIVIH mandate, it was concerned that the resolution could jeopardize the $2.068 billion budget cap that the Organization had implemented. To avoid that, the United States fully expected that the cost of the mission would be offset by savings in other United Nations expenditures.

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Situation in Central America

The Assembly then turned to the situation in Central America: procedures for the establishment of a firm and lasting peace, and progress in fashioning a region of peace, freedom, democracy and development.

GUSTAVO ALBIN (Mexico), introduced two draft resolutions, relating respectively to the United Nations Mission to Guatemala (MINUGUA) and to the United Nations Office of Verification in El Salvador.

The Assembly also had before it the draft on the situation in Central America, supporting the decision of the Presidents of the region to declare it a region of peace, freedom, democracy and development.

Mr. CAMPBELL (Ireland), for the European Union and also Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, said the signature of the peace agreements (in Guatemala) would bring an end to the longest conflict in the region and would bring peace. Nevertheless, the situation for human rights was still precarious, notably regarding the problem of impunity. The signing of the accords would bring new responsibilities to the United Nations; the renewal of MINUGUA until 31 March 1997 was welcomed. The further assessment in six months was to be looked forward to.

CARLOS WESTENDORP (Spain), endorsing the statement on behalf of the European Union, said Guatemala was living a historic moment. It was now at the last stage of negotiations, before the signing of the final, lasting cease-fire. It was necessary to study ways to reintegrate the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (URNG) into Guatemalan society. The draft resolution would renew MINUGUA's mandate and would enable the United Nations to prepare the new tasks of verification of all the peace accords. He said that Spain, one of the "Group of Friends of Guatemala", also took part in the group of countries known as the "Friends of El Salvador". A special envoy would visit that country periodically, supported by a small unit within the country. He said the peace process in El Salvador was indeed exemplary; the country had in its hands the elements to build up democracy and stability.

The Assembly then proceeded to adopt, without a vote, the three draft resolutions on Central America.

Explaining his support for the drafts, Mr. HORMEL (United States) said that the people of Guatemala were on the verge of peace for the first time in 36 years, a conflict during which more than 100,000 lives had been lost. The MINUGUA was helping to eliminate the climate of fear and insecurity throughout the 36 years of civil war, and had hastened the end of that war. It had strengthened civil institutions; its presence provided needed assistance to victims of abuse. The people of El Salvador and the Farabundo Marti

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Liberation Front had made enormous progress, with the assistance of the United Nations. The few remaining elements of the Chapultepec Accords should, however, be fully implemented. The United States had provided nearly $300 million in assistance, and continued to help El Salvador through bilateral projects and other programmes. It was now time to reduce the mission in El Salvador. The United States also supported the omnibus resolution on the Central American situation. It fully expected that the cost of missions would be offset by savings in other expenditures.

FABIOLA FUENTES ORELLANA (Guatemala) thanked the Assembly for the extension of MINUGUA until the end of March 1997. By adopting the resolution by consensus, the Assembly was demonstrating support for the people and their desire for peace. She wished to thank all members of the United Nations and its staff, as well as Spain, Colombia, United States, Venezuela, Norway, and Mexico for their tireless support throughout negotiations.

GUILLERMO MELENDEZ-BARAHONA (El Salvador) said that one more step had been taken towards implementing the Peace Accords in El Salvador. He stressed that there was a commitment on the part of the people of El Salvador and its Government to the building of democratic institutions. The United Nations presence in the country was seen as being very important; there were some administrative issues which still had to be dealt with. It was important that the institutions deriving from the Accords would have the necessary resources to fulfil their roles. He thanked the Secretary-General, the donor community and the United Nations for their support since the agreements were signed. He hoped that various delegations would continue to support El Salvador in the quest for peace and security within the country and in Latin America as a whole.

(annexes follow)

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General Assembly Plenary Press Release GA/9207 87th Meeting (AM) 17 December 1996

ANNEX I

Vote on Security Council Report

The draft resolution on the report of the Security Council to the General Assembly (Document A/51/L.64) was adopted by a recorded vote of 111 in favour to 4 against, with 41 abstentions, as follows:

In favour: Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.

Against: France, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, United States.

Abstentions: Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakstan, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Palau, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tajikistan, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Bahamas, Belize, Comoros, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Greece, Guatemala, Kyrgyz Republic, Latvia, Lesotho, Niger, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Swaziland, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Zaire, Zambia.

(END OF ANNEX I)

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General Assembly Plenary Press Release GA/9207 87th Meeting (AM) 17 December 1996

ANNEX II

Vote on Emergency Assistance to Sudan

The draft resolution on assistance to Sudan (Document A/51/L.26) was adopted by a recorded vote of 103 in favour to 34 against, with 15 abstentions, as follows:

In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yemen, Zimbabwe.

Against: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States.

Abstentions: Argentina, Australia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Federated States of Micronesia, Georgia, Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Palau, Republic of Moldova, Samoa, San Marino, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.

Absent: Albania, Armenia, Bahamas, Bhutan, Comoros, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, Greece, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Niger, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Swaziland,

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Turkmenistan, Viet Nam, Zaire, Zambia.

* *** *

For information media. Not an official record.