GENERAL ASSEMBLY EXTENDS MINUGUA'S MANDATE UNTIL 31 MARCH 1998

Press Release
GA/9230

GENERAL ASSEMBLY EXTENDS MINUGUA'S MANDATE UNTIL 31 MARCH 1998

The General Assembly this afternoon authorized the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Human Rights Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA), for a further period of one year, until 31 March 1998, to carry out international verification of the peace accords signed between the Government of Guatemala and the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (URNG) in December 1996.

The Assembly took that action in a resumed fifty-first session in which it also acted on decolonization matters and on the financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL).

In adopting, without a vote, the resolution on MINUGUA, the Assembly, authorized the Secretary-General to commit up to $21 million for the Mission from 1 April to 31 December 1997 and requested him to continue to develop appropriate means to identify resources for the Mission within the limits of the approved budget for the current biennium and to submit a report with his recommendations on the structure and staffing of the Mission after 31 March 1998.

Statements on that text were made by the representatives of the Netherlands (on behalf of the European Union and associated States), United States, Canada and Guatemala. The text was introduced by the representative of Mexico.

Also this afternoon, the Assembly, adopted without a vote an omnibus resolution submitted by its Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) as a result of its consideration of the report of the Special Committee on decolonization.

By the two-part resolution, the Assembly called on the administering Powers, in cooperation with the territorial Governments, to facilitate political education programmes to foster an awareness among the people of their right to self-determination in conformity with legitimate political status options, including those in the Declaration on decolonization (resolution 1514 (XV)).

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In addition, the administering Powers were asked to include, in information submitted by them to the Secretary-General, reports on the wishes and aspirations of the peoples of the Territories regarding their future political status. It reaffirmed that United Nations visiting missions to the Territories, at an appropriate time and in consultation with the administering Power, were an effective means of ascertaining the situation in the Territories. The second part of the text addresses conditions in each of the 12 Non-Self-Governing Territories.

Statements on that text were made by the representatives of the United States, Mongolia, United Kingdom, Cuba, Papua New Guinea (as Chairman of the Special Committee on decolonization), St. Vincent and the Grenadines (on behalf of the Caribbean Community) and Thailand. The Fourth Committee's report was introduced by its Rapporteur, El Walid Doudech (Tunisia).

In a related matter, the Assembly also took note of the nomination by its President, Razali Ismail (Malaysia), of Saint Lucia, as a member of the Special Committee on decolonization.

In addition this afternoon, acting on the recommendation of its Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary), the Assembly authorized the appropriation of $12.2 million gross ($11.8 million net) to the special account of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL). An additional $17.9 million gross ($17.5 million net) would also be appropriated into the special account for the Observer Mission operation from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997.

In other action, the Assembly appointed David Leis (United States) to the Committee on Contributions for a term of office beginning on 27 March and ending on 31 December, following the resignation of William Grant (United States).

It also decided to include on its agenda an item entitled "Election of judges of the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991", to be considered directly in plenary session. The current term of office of the judges elected by the Assembly in September 1993 will expire on 16 November.

At the outset of the meeting, the President of the Assembly drew attention to a letter from the Secretary-General, indicating that Ecuador and Latvia had now made the payments required to reduce their arrears below the amount that would have resulted in the suspension of their voting privileges in the Assembly.

The Assembly will meet again at a date to be announced in the Journal.

Assembly Work Programme

The General Assembly resumed its fifty-first session this afternoon to consider a report of its Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) on the implementation of the Declaration on Decolonization and a report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Human Rights Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA). It was also scheduled to take up the appointment of one member to the Committee on Contributions, a letter from Saint Lucia concerning membership in the Special Committee on decolonization and reports of its Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) on financing of MINUGUA and of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL).

Decolonization Matters

The report of the Fourth Committee (document A/51/588/Add.1) contains an omnibus two-part draft resolution on chapters of the report of the Special Committee on decolonization, including matters related to the 12 Non-Self- Governing Territories. By the provisions of the first part, the Assembly would call on the administering Powers, in cooperation with the territorial Governments, to facilitate political education programmes to foster an awareness among the people of their right to self-determination in conformity with legitimate political status options, including those in the Declaration on decolonization (resolution 1514 (XV)).

The administering Powers would be asked to include, in information submitted by them to the Secretary-General, reports on the wishes and aspirations of the peoples of the Territories regarding their future political status. It would reaffirm that United Nations visiting missions to the Territories, at an appropriate time and in consultation with the administering Power, are an effective means of ascertaining the situation in the Territories.

Reaffirming the administering Powers' responsibility to promote economic and social development and to preserve the cultural identity of the Territories, the Assembly would ask them to take all necessary measures to protect the Territories against environmental degradation and to counter problems relating to drug trafficking, money laundering and other offences.

In addition, the Special Committee on decolonization would be asked to continue its examination of the question of small Territories, and to recommend to the Assembly appropriate ways to assist the people to exercise their right to self-determination.

The second part of the draft resolution addresses conditions in each specific Territory.

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In the section of the draft on American Samoa, the administering Power would be called upon to continue its assistance in the Territory's economic and social development, including strengthening the functions of the territorial Government.

Regarding Anguilla, the draft would call for the administering Power and all countries, organizations and United Nations agencies to continue to assist the Territory in social and economic development.

By the draft's section on Bermuda, the administering Power would be requested to elaborate, in consultation with the territorial Government, development programmes aimed at alleviating the economic, social and environmental consequences of the closure of military installations in the Territory.

Under the section of the draft on the British Virgin Islands, the administering Power, specialized United Nations agencies and all financial institutions would be requested to continue providing development assistance, bearing in mind the vulnerability of the Territory to external factors.

Regarding the Cayman Islands, the terms of the draft call for continued cooperation between the administering Power and the territorial Government to counter problems relating to drug trafficking, the smuggling of funds and other related crimes, and money laundering. Continued cooperation would also be requested in the expansion of employment programmes for the local population, particularly at decision-making levels.

In the section on Guam, the draft's provisions would call on the administering Power to take into consideration the expressed will of the Chamorro people, as endorsed by the people of Guam, and encourage continued negotiations on the matter. The administrative Power, in cooperation with the territorial Government, would be asked to continue the orderly transfer of land to the people of the Territory and to safeguard property rights.

The administering Power would further be asked to continue to recognize and respect the political rights and cultural and ethnic identity of the people of Guam, including the Chamorro people, and to respond to the territorial Government's concerns with respect to immigration.

It would also be asked to cooperate in establishing programmes specifically intended to promote the sustainable development of economic activities and enterprises by the people of Guam, including the Chamorro people, and to continue to support appropriate measures aimed at promoting growth in commercial fishing, agriculture and other viable activities.

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Regarding Montserrat, the administering Power, specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations, as well as regional and other organizations, would be called upon by the draft to provide emergency assistance in alleviating the consequences of the volcanic eruption.

The draft would request Pitcairn's administering Power to continue its assistance for the improvement of economic, social, educational and other conditions in the Territory.

By the section on St. Helena, the Assembly would ask the administering Power to keep the Secretary-General informed of the wishes and aspirations of the people regarding their future political status, as ascertained through a democratic process. It would also ask the administering Power and relevant regional and international organizations to continue supporting efforts to address the Territory's socio-economic development.

Also by the text, the administering Power of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and other relevant regional and international organizations, would be called upon to continue to provide assistance for the improvement of social and economic conditions in the Territory. The administering Power would be further called upon to cooperate with the territorial Government to counter problems related to money laundering, smuggling of funds and related crimes, and drug trafficking.

In the section on the United States Virgin Islands, the administering Power would be requested to continue to assist the territorial Government in its political, economic and social goals. It would further be requested to facilitate the Territory's participation in organizations, especially the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and the Caribbean Community.

Also before the Assembly is a letter dated 24 January from Saint Lucia addressed to the President of the General Assembly (document A/51/799). It informs the President of Saint Lucia's desire to become a member of the Special Committee on decolonization, and requests him to also inform the Assembly of that decision.

United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala

The report of the Secretary-General (document A/51/828) 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, recalls that December 1996 saw the culmination of the negotiating process between the Government of Guatemala and the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (URNG) which put an end to 36 years of armed confrontation. During the first half of the month, three important agreements, namely, the Agreement on a Definitive Cease-fire (S/1996/1045, annex), the Agreement on

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Constitutional Reforms and the Electoral Regime, and the Agreement on the Basis for the Legal Integration of URNG (A/51/776-S/1997/51, annexes I and II), were signed in Oslo, Stockholm and Madrid, respectively. The negotiations, which began under United Nations auspices in January 1994, were brought to a successful conclusion in Guatemala City on 29 December 1996, with the signing of the Agreement on the Implementation, Compliance and Verification Timetable for the Peace Agreements and the Agreement on a Firm and Lasting Peace (A/51/796-S/1997/114, annexes I and II).

He adds that the latter, which brought into effect all the agreements reached between the parties since 1994, was signed at a formal ceremony at the National Palace attended by President Alvaro Arzú, by the heads of State and representatives of numerous Member States and by former Secretary- General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who signed the Agreement on behalf of the United Nations. The report lists the agreements signed by the parties since 1994

During the first two months of 1997, several steps were taken with a view to implementing the peace accords, the Secretary-General states. On 20 January, the Security Council authorized for a three-month period the attachment to MINUGUA of a group of 155 military observers and requisite medical personnel to verify the Agreement on a Definitive Cease-fire -- resolution 1094 (1997). In order to comply with constitutional requirements, the Guatemalan Congress formally endorsed that deployment. An exchange of letters dated 24 January and 18 February completed the appropriate supplement to the existing Status of Mission Agreement between the United Nations and the Government of Guatemala. On 13 February, he informed the Security Council that verification of the cease-fire would begin on 3 March, by which date the military observer group would be in place with full operational capacity (document S/1997/123).

Reviewing other steps taken to establish another essential component of the peace process, namely, the Historical Clarification Commission provided for in the corresponding Agreement (A/48/954-S/1994/751, annex II), the Secretary-General states he has appointed Christian Tomuschat, who was the Independent Expert on Guatemala of the Commission on Human Rights from 1990 to 1993, as the international member of the Commission. Also, on 31 January he informed the Presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council that he had decided to appoint Jean Arnault, who had been the United Nations Observer to the peace process since June 1992 and Moderator of the negotiations since January 1994, as his Special Representative and Head of MINUGUA (A/51/794-S/1997/106). In the same letter, he also mentioned his intention of proposing that, while retaining its current acronym (MINUGUA), the Mission's name be changed to the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala as from 1 April in order to reflect its new mandate.

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Explaining the revised structure and staffing of the mission, the Secretary-General says that the entry into force of the peace agreements requires the creation of five separate verification areas, each of which would be headed by a Chief who would report to the Chief of Mission. The areas would be organized as follows: human rights; indigenous affairs; social, economic and agrarian; strengthening of civilian power and role of the army in a democratic society; and resettlement and integration.

In order for the Mission to fulfil its expanded mandate, the report states, it is estimated that 71 positions in the Professional category and above would be required. Related financial requirements inclusive of support staff and operational costs for the period 1 April through 31 December are estimated at approximately $21 million net. Assuming the same monthly level of expenditures amounting to $2.3 million, the cost for the biennium 1998-1999 is estimated at approximately $56 million.

As a verification mission, MINUGUA's primary function is to serve as guarantor of the accords' full implementation, the report states. In doing so, however, the Mission also serves another important purpose, namely, to instil the confidence within society at large that will allow for the momentum towards the ambitious goals established by the peace accords to become irreversible. While consolidating peace is primarily the responsibility of the parties and the Guatemalan people, he expresses hope that a sense of confidence in the peace process will make a substantive contribution to national dialogue and reconciliation, to a lasting peace and a stronger democracy.

In this context, he recommends that the Assembly authorize the renewal of the mandate of MINUGUA for a further period of one year, that is until 31 March 1998, and provide it with the resources referred to in the report.

A draft resolution on the matter (document A/51/L.69) is sponsored by Colombia, Mexico, Norway, Spain, United States and Venezuela.

Under its terms, the Assembly would call upon the Government of Guatemala and the URNG to continue to implement fully the commitments entered into in all the agreements that have come into effect with the signing of the Agreement on a Firm and Lasting Peace. It would decide to authorize the renewal of the mandate of MINUGUA for a further period of one year, until 31 March 1998, to carry out international verification of the peace accords in accordance with the recommendations of the Secretary-General.

Also by the draft, the Secretary-General would be requested to continue to develop appropriate means to identify resources for the Mission within the limits of the approved budget for the current biennium and to submit a report with his recommendations on the structure and staffing of the Mission after 31

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March 1998. The international community would be invited to intensify its support for peace-related activities in Guatemala, through voluntary contributions to the Trust Fund for the Guatemala Peace Process established by the Secretary-General and through other mechanisms provided for by the international donor community.

The report of the Fifth Committee on the above draft resolution (document A/51/842) would inform the Assembly that, should it adopt the resolution, it would authorize the Secretary-General to commit up to $21 million for MINUGUA for the period 1 April to 31 December 1997. The amount would fall under the 1996-1997 budget section on peace-keeping and special missions. Any related adjustment to existing appropriations would, in accordance with the procedures of Assembly resolution 41/213, be submitted in the context of the final performance report of the 1996-1997 budget to be presented to the Assembly's fifty-second session.

Financing of UNOMIL

The report of the Fifth Committee on the financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) (document A/51/504/Add.1), contains one draft resolution by which the Assembly would appropriate to UNOMIL's Special Account about $12.2 million gross ($11.8 million net), already authorized and apportioned by resolution 50/210 of December 1995 for the Mission for the period from 1 February to 31 March 1996 and extend the period covered by the appropriation from 31 March to 30 June 1996.

The Assembly would also appropriate to UNOMIL's Special Account an additional amount of $17.9 million gross ($17.5 million net) for the Observer Mission's operation for the period from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997.

The Assembly would also decide to apportion among Member States the additional amount of $13.2 million gross ($13 million net) for the Mission's operation for the period from 1 December 1996 to 31 March 1997.

For the period from 1 April to 30 June 1997, the Assembly would also decide to apportion among Member States the amount of $4.7 million gross ($4.5 million net) at the monthly rate of $1.6 million gross ($1.5 million net) for Mission maintenance. That amount would be apportioned in addition to $1.2 million gross ($1.1 million net) per month already authorized by Assembly resolution 51/3, should the Security Council decide to extend the Mission's mandate beyond 31 March 1997.

The draft text would also have the Assembly apportion among Member States the amount of $5.8 million gross ($5.5 million net) for the Mission's maintenance for the period from 1 July to 30 November 1996 in accordance with

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the composition of the four groups on which peace-keeping assessments are based.

By other terms of the text, the Assembly would decide further that, for Member States that have fulfilled their financial obligations to the Observer Mission, there shall be set off against the apportionment their respective share in the unencumbered balance of $13.5 million gross ($13.4 million net) for the period from 1 July 1995 to 30 June 1996. It would also decide that, for Member States that have not fulfilled their financial obligations to the Observer Mission, their share of the unencumbered balance shall be set off against their outstanding obligations.

The Assembly would also express concern about the financial situation with regard to peace-keeping activities, particularly regarding the reimbursement of troop contributors, which bear burdens owing to overdue payments by Member States of their assessments. Member States would be urged to make every possible effort to pay their assessed contributions to the Observer Mission in full and on time.

Other Matters

A note by the Secretary-General (document A/51/102/Add.1) states that he has received notification of the resignation of William Grant (United States) from the membership of the Committee on Contributions. Thus the Assembly is required to appoint a person to fill the remainder of his term, which expires on 31 December. The United States has nominated David Leis to fill that vacancy. Biographical information on Mr. Leis is annexed to the note.

Another note by the Secretary-General (document A/51/237) requests the inclusion in the agenda of the fifty-first session of an item entitled "Election of judges of the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991". It explains that according to the Tribunal's statutes judges shall be elected for a term of four years. Judges were elected in 1993 by the Assembly for four-year terms of office that will expire on 16 November, the letter explains, requesting that the item be included and considered directly in plenary, drawing attention to its important and urgent character.

Action on Fourth Committee Report

EL WALID DOUDECH (Tunisia), Rapporteur of the Fourth Committee, introduced the Committee's report on the implementation of the Declaration on decolonization. He recommended that the Assembly adopt the draft resolution contained in it without a vote.

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The two-part draft resolution on the report of the Special Committee on decolonization was adopted without a vote.

Speaking after action, VICTOR MARRERO (United States) said his country welcomed the adoption of the amended resolution on the Non-Self-Governing Territories administered by the United States and the United Kingdom. It was a milestone event, representing a collective effort to begin disposing of long-standing issues and to spare the Assembly from further sterile debate. Its adoption was also a critical step to the next stage of informal dialogue.

Past resolutions had not adequately recognized the progress achieved in the Territories to move them towards acceptable options of self-determination, he said. For the first time, the resolution was appropriately balanced, shunning cold war-style rhetoric and acknowledging progress towards self- government. It also recognized that self-determination was not a unitary concept satisfied only by full independence, but encompassed a much broader range of acceptable options, as long as they were freely chosen through informed elections by the people affected.

In the next phase of discussions with the Special Committee on decolonization, the United States was prepared to discuss the modalities for visiting missions to the Territories, he said. It was also prepared to review the efficacy of and the need for regional seminars sponsored by the Committee. It also hoped to consider appropriate mechanisms for recognizing expressions of self-determination by the peoples of the Territories, based on an informed free and voluntary choice, with a view to removing them from the list of Non- Self-Governing Territories.

RAVJAA MOUNKHOU (Mongolia) welcomed the adoption of the resolution by consensus. Differences should be resolved by cooperation, taking account of the wishes of the people of the Territories concerned. He hoped that that spirit would continue.

DAVID RICHMOND (United Kingdom) said that the consensus proved that dialogue was preferable to the sterile confrontation which had marked decolonization matters for too long. As a result of the successful conclusion to the dialogue initiated by the Chairman of the Fourth Committee, his delegation was ready to continue informal discussions with the Special Committee. It approached those discussions with an open mind. It looked forward to exploring ways in which the levels of distrust which unfortunately remained could be reduced. The United Kingdom believed that with perseverance and goodwill, solutions to the outstanding issues could be found.

The resolution was a good start, he said. It acknowledged that there were particular circumstances prevailing in the territories concerned. It accepted that there had been positive constitutional developments in some Non- Self-Governing Territories and requested the administering Powers to provide information on democratic processes indicating the wishes and aspirations of the people of the territories, such as elections, referendums and constitutional developments. It also acknowledged that visiting missions could take place at an appropriate time and in consultation with the administering Power. It accepted that the role of regional seminars needed to be reviewed.

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His delegation was ready to discuss those and other issues which were of concern to the Special Committee. It did not expect instant results, but believed that the sceptics who so nearly prevented continuation of the dialogue would again be proved wrong.

BRUNO RODRIGUEZ (Cuba) recalled that the Committee had been flexible in its approach. Cuba had worked hard towards achievement of consensus. The people of the non-self-governing territories still awaited action by the United Nations and the international community on their future. He said that the United Nations programmes for the territories should be intensified through the visiting missions. Efforts would be required from all, including the administering Powers, to achieve the objectives of the United Nations. It should be noted that colonialism was not over. Puerto Rico was a case in point. Efforts should be made to enable the people there to achieve their wishes. He also referred to the situation in Guam, noting that the people depended on the United Nations to help them achieve self-determination. Cuba would work unfailingly to help Non-Self Governing territories to achieve self- determination.

UTULA SAMANA (Papua New Guinea), Chairman of the Special Committee on decolonization, said that Committee members looked forward to a full and constructive cooperation from the respective administering authorities and to address the most sensitive and critical issues still outstanding to establish a practical and logical approach to implementing the United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism. Members of the Committee fully understood that it was their duty to prescribe a political status for the remaining Non- Self-Governing Territories.

It was entirely up to the peoples concerned, he stressed. The Committee members would like to focus on the constitutional developments of each of the Territories that would give a clear indication as to how the peoples there were moving progressively forward to a stage where they could exercise their right to self-determination freely and genuinely, without interference, within a constitutional framework that met their political aspirations and wishes.

He said advantage should be taken of all the goodwill established so far and in the spirit of cooperation and dialogue, to focus on the constitutional developments of each of those Territories which would enable the United

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Nations to move towards the implementation of the decolonization process. The Committee looked forward to a positive cooperation with the administering authorities and their understanding in allowing United Nations mission to visit some of those Territories.

Noting that certain administering authorities had not guaranteed their cooperation with the Committee, he expressed concern that failure to assist the elected representatives of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories to participate fully in meetings of the Committee and attendance of seminars, especially meetings with visiting missions, posed difficulties for the United Nations. Colonial situations could only end when and if the people of the Territories concerned decided on their external political status through an acceptable legal standard with the United Nations involvement.

H. YOUNG (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) speaking on behalf of the 13 members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), said they regarded the achievement of consensus with particular significance, since several of those Territories referred to in the resolution were within the Caribbean region, and were integral parts of many of their regional, subregional groupings, including the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, as well as the wider CARICOM. Several of the Non-Self-Governing Territories were members of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and as such, shared the Eastern Caribbean Currency with other States of the region.

He said the advancement of the Caribbean Non-Self-Governing Territories was important to the advancement of the region. Accordingly, CARICOM Governments placed paramount importance on and sustained review process by the General Assembly, as well as by the Economic and Social Council in respect of the relevant agenda item on assistance to the Territories by specialized agencies and other international institutions associated with the United Nations.

The Community strongly believed that ultimately it was for the peoples of the Territories to determine their future political status, he said. It recognized the need for programmes to educate the peoples of the Territories on their rights to self-determination in conformity with legitimate political status options, including those defined in resolution 1541 (XV).

He recalled that four seminars had been held in the Caribbean and Pacific from 1992 through 1996, specifically in Grenada in 1992, in Papua New Guinea in 1993, in Trinidad and Tobago in 1995 and again in Papua New Guinea in 1996. The seminars represented one of the few opportunities available to the United Nations to hear first-hand the concerns of the very people whose advancement we seek to foster. In that regard the cooperation of the administering Powers in facilitating the participation of representatives of elected Governments of the Non-Self-Governing Territories in the Caribbean

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region in particular, would facilitate the work of the Committee, in reviewing the role of those seminars for ascertaining the future political status of those Territories.

He was pleased that Antigua and Barbuda had offered to host the 1997 seminar next May and that the Government intended to seek membership on the Special Committee of 24 this year. Further, CARICOM Governments were of the view that other elements of the Plan of Action for the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism should be addressed from a regional perspective as well, in particular the "Review of the Impact of the Economic and Social Situation on the Constitutional Advancement of Non-Self-Governing Territories -- an activity called for in the Plan of Action, but never carried out. That area of activity should be addressed in the context of the 1997 seminar.

The CARICOM countries welcomed the agreement for the commencement of visiting missions, where appropriate and looked forward to the formulation of a programme in the near future for visits to some of the Territories in the Caribbean, whose elected representatives had indicated that they would like such missions to take place, he said. The United Nations had reached a critical point in the history of the decolonization process and in the nature in which it would address the issue in the future. The same level of commitment showed in helping Namibia and in defeating apartheid must be devoted to the constitutional socio-economic development of the remaining small island Non-Self-Governing Territories in the Caribbean and Pacific as well. Because the Territories were small, it did not mean that their decolonization was any less important.

CHARIVAT SANTAPUTRA (Thailand) said adoption of the omnibus resolution was an important development, and expressed appreciation for the efforts that went into its achievement.

RAZALI ISMAIL (Malaysia), the Assembly President, then nominated Saint Lucia as a member of the Special Committee on decolonization, at its request. The Assembly took note of that nomination.

Verification Mission in Guatemala

GUSTAVO ALBIM (Mexico) introduced the draft resolution on MINUGUA, on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Guatemala peace process (Colombia, Mexico, Norway, Spain, United States and Venezuela), as well for the following co-sponsors: Germany, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Russian Federation, Finland, France, Greece, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Nicaragua, Netherlands, Panama, Portugal, United Kingdom, Sweden and Trinidad and Tobago.

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JAN BERTELING (Netherlands), spoke on behalf of the European Union and the following States: Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Iceland. He said the Union welcomed the fact that verification of the cease-fire had begun on 3 March and urged the Government of Guatemala and the URNG to continue to cooperate with MINUGUA and to abide by their agreements.

He said the parties themselves had the sole and primary responsibility for the success of the peace process. Further internal consensus-building efforts would be of critical importance. The Union called on all parties, in particular, to honour their agreements with respect to the protection of human rights. He called for the draft resolution before the Assembly to be adopted by consensus.

CARLOS WESTENDORP (Spain) stressed his country's commitment to the Guatemala peace process. Today's draft resolution would extend the mandate of MINUGUA, with the task of verifying the peace agreements between the Government and the URNG. Spain welcomed the report of the Secretary-General on the restructuring of the Mission to meet its new functions. The maturity of the Guatemalan people would build a common future of peace.

BILL RICHARDSON (United States) said the Government of Guatemala under President Alvaro Arzu and the URNG had made impressive progress in implementing the comprehensive agreement that was transforming their society. The six substantive and four operational accords that MINUGUA would monitor were the road map for economic, social and political reform in Guatemala. Successful implementation would result in improved respect for human rights and the rule of law, a more open economy, greater integration of the country's majority indigenous population into national life, and improved living standards for the 80 per cent of the population who lived in poverty.

The United States, as a strong supporter of the peace process and a member of the group of friends, was certain that MINUGUA was working in the best traditions of the United Nations. For that reason, the United States was proud to co-sponsor the resolution. Already, MINUGUA had strengthened civic and governmental institutions which dealt with human rights, and provided accurate and unbiased reporting on human rights issues. The MINUGUA's presence throughout Guatemala provided needed assistance to victims of abuse. By helping to strengthen respect for human rights and end impunity for human rights abusers, MINUGUA was helping to eliminate the climate of fear and insecurity which prevailed in Guatemala throughout the 36-year civil war.

The United States was confident that Jean Arnault, who moderated intense negotiations between the Government and the URNG for the last three years, would lead MINUGUA successfully in the new era. The new, restructured MINUGUA would oversee an unprecedented transformation in the political, legislative,

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social, economic, agrarian, ethnic, military and public security life of Guatemala. Many changes, once unthinkable, were already taking place.

Civil action patrols had been disbanded and military personnel charged with common crimes would now be tried in civilian court, he continued. The URNG leaders had returned to Guatemala to fight for their beliefs not with bullets, but with ballots. Thousands of URNG guerrillas had taken their first steps on the road to reintegration and turned in their weapons to the military observer contingent attached to MINUGUA. That essential element must be complied with fully. In April, the Historical Clarification Commission, established as part of the peace accords, would begin its investigation of abuses committed by both sides during the 36-year war.

While much progress had been made, he said, the reconstruction of Guatemala's infrastructure and reconciliation in Guatemalan society would take much more work, time and international support. With the adoption of the resolution the Assembly gave the Guatemalan people the support they needed to guild a bright future based on the principles of justice and democracy.

ROBERT FOWLER (Canada) expressed recognition for the tremendous achievements of the Guatemalan people and Government in ending decades of bitter conflict. As post-conflict reconstruction became an increasingly important facet of the United Nations work throughout the world, it was hoped the example of MINUGUA would provide a further example of operations authorized by both the General Assembly and the Security Council. While there was still much work to be done to consolidate the peace in Guatemala, the Secretary-General's recommendation for the renewal of MINUGUA constituted a solid base for a renewed sense of confidence in Guatemala's future.

The draft resolution on the report of the Special Committee on decolonization was adopted without a vote.

JULIO ARMANDO MARTINI HERRERA (Guatemala) said his Government was very pleased by the extension and expanded mandate of the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala for an additional year, up to 31 March 1998. The signing in Guatemala City of the Agreement on a Firm and Lasting Peace represented the culmination of years of effort and marked the official conclusion of the domestic armed conflict which had affected the nation for over 36 years. It marked the beginning of a new era for Guatemala, and made it possible to implement all the agreements which had been reached between the parties.

Action on Financing of UNOMIL

The Assembly then adopted the draft resolution submitted by its Fifth Committee on the financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL).

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