GENERAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS 166-ITEM GENERAL ASSEMBLY AGENDA

Press Release
GA/9434

GENERAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS 166-ITEM GENERAL ASSEMBLY AGENDA

The General Committee, in two meetings held today, recommended 166 items for inclusion on the General Assembly's agenda for its fifty-third session and allocated them among the six Main Committees and the plenary.

The Committee recommended 10 new items. Among those were consideration of the Bethlehem 2000 Project to celebrate the two thousandth anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ and the onset of the millennium, and the World Solar Programme 1996-2005, which involves the contribution of renewable energy sources to sustainable development. The causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa was also included as a new item.

In addition, the Assembly will address the global implications of the Year 2000 date conversion of computers, as well as the issue of observer status in the Assembly for the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Association of Caribbean States (ACS). Financing of United Nations missions in the Central African Republic and Sierra Leone will be considered, as will new items on the Joint Inspection Unit and the election of judges to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.

As there was no consensus on the issue, the Committee decided not to recommend inclusion of the proposed item that called for a review of General Assembly resolution 2758 (XXVI) of 25 October 1971, which recognized the Government of the Republic of China as the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations. That decision was taken after a debate involving 56 speakers.

Speaking on that issue, the representative of China said raising the question of Taiwan's representation at the United Nations was "a brazen attempt to challenge the Assembly resolution" and split a sovereign State to create "two Chinas" at the Organization. Assembly resolution 2758 reaffirmed the "one China" principle. By raising the question of the so-called "Taiwan's membership at the United Nations", the handful of countries were only moving to severely sabotage the process of the peaceful reunification of China.

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However, the representative of Swaziland, one of several speakers in support of the item's inclusion, said the unparalleled economic and political development of the Republic of China on Taiwan had engendered a strong desire on the part of its people to participate in international activities. They were frustrated by the denial of their fundamental right to participate in the United Nations, he said, noting that the Republic of China on Taiwan, under Article 23 of the Charter, was still recognized as one of the founders of the United Nations. The Republic of China on Taiwan did not intend to engage in a debate over supremacy with the People's Republic of China, but rather wanted to exist on an equal footing with the People's Republic of China in the international community.

Many speakers in support of the item's inclusion cited the Republic of China on Taiwan's attributes of statehood, such as its major global economy, its democratic Government, its diplomatic relations with many countries and its aid to developing countries. Others, speaking against the proposal, referred to the issue as an internal matter for the Government of China and basically one of territorial integrity.

Statements on the proposed item were also made by the representatives of Senegal, Malawi, Gambia, Argentina, Kazakhstan, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Paraguay, Iraq, Burkina Faso, Kuwait, Georgia, Mexico, Liberia, Sao Tome and Principe, Honduras, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Chad, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Nicaragua, Chile, Grenada, United Republic of Tanzania, Cyprus, Nepal, Myanmar, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Libya, Belarus, Brazil, Djibouti, Russian Federation, Italy, Syria, Bangladesh, Iran, Mongolia, Algeria, Cuba, El Salvador, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Turkmenistan, Germany, Yemen, Suriname, Uganda, Tunisia, Cameroon, Kenya, Lesotho, and Pakistan.

The Committee also deleted the item on Burundi, as the Assembly had concluded its consideration of the issue in its previous session. Items relating to the Malagasy islands and East Timor were deferred until the next session.

A proposed item on the fiftieth anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was included as a sub-item under consideration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Further, the Committee changed the wording on the agenda item formerly listed as "Activities of foreign economic interests which impede the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples in Territories under colonial domination". It now reads, "Economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories".

The recess date for the Assembly's current session was set for 11 December. The Committee also recommended the following closing dates for the Main Committees: First, Fourth, Third and Sixth Committees -- 20 November; Second

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Committee -- 27 November; and Fifth Committee -- 4 December. However, the Committee did recommend that the Assembly review its decision taken last year establishing a fixed opening and closing date for General Assembly sessions.

Finally, the Committee authorized the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and the Working Group on the Financing of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to meet during the main part of the Assembly's current session.

Statements were also made by the representatives of the United Kingdom, United States, Armenia, Senegal, Germany, San Marino, Brunei Darussalam, Zimbabwe, Georgia and China.

The General Committee will meet again at a date to be announced.

General Committee Work Programme

The General Committee met this morning to consider the organization of work of the fifty-third session of the General Assembly. Comprising the President of the Assembly, Vice-Presidents and Committee Chairmen, the Committee reviews the provisional agenda for the Assembly's session and makes recommendations regarding the inclusion of new items and the allocation of agenda items to the six Main Committees.

The Committee had before it a memorandum by the Secretary-General (document A/BUR/53/1 and Add.1) containing the 171-item provisional agenda for the Assembly's current session. The memorandum also reviews the past procedures of the Assembly and decisions dealing with the organization of its work.

The provisional agenda cites 12 new items for inclusion on the agenda. They are: Bethlehem 2000 (item 160); World Solar Programme 1996-2005 (item 161); observer status for the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) in the General Assembly (item 162); Global implications of the Year 2000 date conversion problem of computers (item 163); Financing of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic (item 164); observer status for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in the General Assembly (item 165); need to review General Assembly resolution 2758 (XXVI) of 25 October 1971 owing to the fundamental change in the international situation and to the coexistence of two governments across the Taiwan Strait (item 166); financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Sierra Leone (item 167); fiftieth anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (item 168); causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa (item 169); Joint Inspection Unit (item 170); and electing judges to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (item 171).

Inclusion of the proposed item "Bethlehem 2000" is requested in a letter from the Permanent Representatives of Afghanistan, Cuba, Malta and Senegal (document A/53/141). The Bethlehem 2000 Project has been launched by the Palestinian National Authority to celebrate the two thousandth anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ and the onset of the new millennium. It is envisaged that the commemoration will begin at Christmas 1999 and conclude at Easter 2000. In order to engage the participation of the international community, the Project convened the Bethlehem 2000 Participants Conference in Brussels on 11 and 12 May 1998, in association with the European Commission, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Bank. It is expected that approximately 2 million visitors will visit Bethlehem to honour its legacy and the Project envisages six programme components: events; infrastructure; services; cultural heritage; tourism and private sector development.

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The proposed item entitled "World Solar Programme 1996-2005" was requested in a letter (document A/53/142) from the representatives of China, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Malaysia, Niger, Pakistan, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia and Zimbabwe. The Programme was adopted by the World Solar Commission in June 1997, using as a basis the outline approved by the World Solar Summit in September 1996 and the commitments made in the Harare Declaration on Solar Energy and Sustainable Development, also adopted at the Summit. As described in the letter, the Programme is "an instrument at the service of the world community for the promotion, development and deployment of renewable energy technologies as a major contribution to sustainable development". It contains a series of recommendations for actions to be taken at the national and international levels to attain the objectives resulting from the Summit and the Harare Declaration and includes, as well, global, regional and national renewable energy projects to be implemented as a joint effort of the United Nations system, other governmental and non- governmental international organizations, academic and research institutions, financing entities, industries and the private sector. The letter states that the Assembly's endorsement of the Programme would constitute a major contribution to its successful implementation and a recognition of the work of the World Solar Commission for the promotion of renewable energies.

The request for inclusion of the item on the observer status for the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) in the General Assembly is explained in a letter dated 23 June from Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela (document A/53/143).

An explanatory memorandum, attached to the letter as annex I, states that one of the objectives of the ACS is to promote sustained cultural, social, scientific and technological achievement in the region. The ACS promotes economic integration, facilitates regional participation in various multilateral forums, preserves and conserves the region's natural environment, and strengthens relationships between governments and peoples of the Caribbean. The memorandum states that, as a regional organization with 25 members which are also Members of the United Nations, the ACS is convinced that observer status in the Assembly would be beneficial to it.

The request for the inclusion of the item on observer status for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in the General Assembly is explained in a letter dated 30 June from the representatives of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States.

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An explanatory memorandum, attached to the letter as annex I, states that the OECD promotes policies designed to: achieve the highest sustainable economic growth and employment and a rising standard of living in member countries; contribute to economic expansion in member and non-member countries; and contribute to the expansion of world trade on a multilateral, non-discriminatory basis. The OECD enjoys observer status in the Economic and Social Council, as well as in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and has working arrangements with other economic bodies and organizations of the United Nations. However, the ad hoc arrangements for observing selected Assembly sessions have become increasingly unworkable. The OECD considers that observer status in the Assembly would be mutually beneficial.

The request for a proposed item concerning "the coexistence of two governments across the Taiwan Strait" is contained in a letter from the representatives of Burkina Faso, Dominica, Chad, El Salvador, Gambia, Grenada, Liberia, Malawi, Nicaragua, Panama, Sao Tome and Principe, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Swaziland, Solomon Islands and the United Republic of Tanzania (document A/53/145).

In an explanatory memorandum annexed to the letter, the representatives state that the continued exclusion of the Republic of China from the United Nations is archaic and they call upon the Assembly to decide to revoke part of the decisions contained in resolution 2758 (XXVI), by which the Republic of China on Taiwan was excluded.

The item entitled financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Sierra Leone (UNOMSIL) was requested by the Secretary-General as a supplementary item in the provisional agenda (document A/53/91). Owing to the nature of the item, he further requests that it be allocated to the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary).

Also before the Committee was a letter requesting the inclusion of a supplementary item entitled "Fiftieth anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide", from the representatives of Armenia, Bolivia, Burundi, Cyprus, Rwanda and Uruguay (document A/53/192). As described in an explanatory memorandum attached to the letter, both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention were born out of the international community's commitment to create mechanisms that would protect mankind from the repetition of the atrocities that marred its past. Despite all the advances in civilization, the twentieth century was replete with instances of genocide, the latest of which was witnessed in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Rwanda. Therefore, there is a need to take a fresh look at the Convention to try to determine why on the eve of the third millennium the world is still witness to genocide and to discuss the ways and means of prevention and punishment.

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The memorandum goes on to say that, in April, the Commission on Human Rights adopted resolution 1998/10, entitled "Fiftieth anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide", which reaffirmed the significance of the Convention as an effective international instrument for the punishment of the crime of genocide and called on all States to intensify their activities aimed at the full implementation of the provisions of the Convention. It is proposed that the item be included as a sub-item of item 46, "Fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights".

The proposed item on causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa was proposed for inclusion in a letter by the Permanent Representative of Namibia (document A/53/231). In it, he said that despite the various efforts put in place by African governments, the socio-economic situation in Africa remains precarious due to a combination of factors, including unfavourable external economic conditions. For this and other reasons, he requested that this item be included in the Assembly's fifty-third session, in the plenary, and as close as possible to the end of the general debate.

The request for inclusion of items on global implications of the Year 2000, financing of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic, the Joint Inspection Unit and the election of judges to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia was the result of General Assembly decisions.

Organization of Session

The representative of the United Kingdom said he agreed with the recommendation contained in paragraph 35, which refers to observances and commemorative meetings, on the understanding that in accordance with previous practice, the rule be applied with the necessary flexibility.

The Committee then endorsed the suggestions that observances and commemorative meetings take place, where possible, immediately following the general debate and that statements be limited to 15 minutes.

The Chairman drew the Committee's attention to the remainder of the Secretary-General's memorandum concerning organization of the session.

Adoption of Agenda

The Committee recommended deletion of item 62 concerning the situation in Burundi. Concerning item 89, the Committee recommended changing the wording to read, "Economic and other activities which affect the interests of the people of the Non-Self-Governing Territories".

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Genocide Convention

The representative of the United States speaking on item 168, entitled the fiftieth anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, said his delegation had no problem with the request of the sponsors to include it as a sub-item of item 46 entitled the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The United States would prefer, however, that the two commemorative events be held on separate occasions, in order to properly honour both anniversaries.

The representative of Armenia said his delegation had no objection with the request to include item 168 as a sub-item of item 46. He would, however, support the move to have an anniversary celebration of the sub-item on a separate day.

The Committee recommended the inclusion of item 168 as a sub-item under the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Chairman noted that items 1 to 6 had already been dealt with and the Committee then proceeded to recommend inclusion of items 7 through 92 [except item 62, which had been previously deleted].

Question of Malagasy Islands of Glorieuses, Juan de Nova, Europa and Bassas da India.

The representative of Senegal suggested that the General Committee recommend that the General Assembly defer the item to its fifty-fourth session and to inscribe it on the provisional agenda for the next session without prejudice to the two parties involved.

The representative of Germany said that, after consultations with the delegations of Madagascar and France, he proposed that the General Committee recommend that the General Assembly defer the item to its next session and inscribe it on its provisional agenda.

The Committee recommended that the item be deferred to the fifty-fourth session.

Question of East Timor

The representative of San Marino, speaking on item 93 on the question of East Timor, said recent meetings between the Secretary-General and Portuguese and Indonesian officials and other subsequent discussions had been held without prejudice to the possibility of a special status for the Territory. It was hoped that agreement could be reached on the question before the end of the year. He stressed that the present momentum must be maintained and recommended that consideration of the item be deferred until the fifty-fourth

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session of the Assembly and included on the provisional agenda of that session.

The representative of Brunei Darussalam supported San Marino's proposal to defer discussion of item 93 to the fifty-fourth session of the Assembly. The item should also be included on the provisional agenda of that session.

The Committee recommended deferral of the item until the fifty-fourth session.

It proceeded to recommend inclusion of items 94 to 159.

Statement on Bethlehem 2000

The representative of Senegal requested the inclusion of the item on the provisional agenda of the fifty-third session. Beginning next year, people from all over the world would visit Bethlehem to celebrate the two-thousandth anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ. Celebrations had been planned and 2 million visitors were expected for the occasion. The celebrations would begin during Christmas of the year 1999 and run through Easter of the year 2000. International cultural celebrations would be included, as would programmes for the preservation of the rich Palestinian history. The European Commission and the UNDP were already involved in the preparations for the celebration. The General Committee was strongly urged to include the item on the provisional agenda for the fifty-third session.

The Committee recommended inclusion of the item.

World Solar Programme 1996-2005

The representative of Zimbabwe said the main issue was that of renewable energy, and, specifically, solar energy, which was linked to the broader goal of sustainable development. The World Solar Commission's decision to adopt a world solar programme could not be considered as being isolated from other processes, such as those initiated by UNESCO. The Commission had already agreed on the draft of a resolution, which would be introduced during the course of the current session. It was the Commission's wish that the item be addressed in the plenary.

The representative of Georgia attached overriding importance to the inclusion of the item on the provisional agenda of the fifty-third session. Renewable energy was a major contribution to sustainable development. The Assembly should adopt a resolution in support of the proposed World Solar Programme 1996-2005.

The representative of China said solar energy was an important source of renewable energy. It was important for the protection of the environment, as

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well as for economic development. His delegation supported the proposed World Solar Programme 1996-2005.

The Committee recommended inclusion of the item.

General Assembly Resolution 2758 (XXVI)

The representative of Senegal said he fully supported the inscription of the item entitled need to review General Assembly resolution 2758 (XXVI) of 25 October 1971, owing to a fundamental change in the international situation and to the coexistence of two governments across the Taiwan Strait. The world, as well as its configuration, had changed. The Republic of China on Taiwan was a reality, and, just as an eclipse could not avoid the sun, the People's Republic of China could not avoid the Republic of China on Taiwan.

The Republic of China on Taiwan had its own population and territory, he said. It had the power to conclude international treaties and was subject to international law. It had commercial relations with 121 nations and was a member of various international non-governmental organizations under various forms and names. Today it met the criteria to be a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). It was a democratic and peaceful republic which complied with human rights and freedoms. The Republic of China on Taiwan had made highly valuable contributions to a number of developing countries. He hoped that the item would receive the backing of the General Committee and would be inscribed in the provisional agenda.

The representative of China said that this year, in a brazen attempt to challenge General Assembly resolution 2758 (XXVI), a handful of countries had once again raised the question of Taiwan's representation at the United Nations. In essence, that proposal was part of an effort to split a sovereign State and create "two Chinas" or one "one China, one Taiwan" at the United Nations. Such an illegal act constituted a grave encroachment on China's sovereignty and brutal interference in its internal affairs. It trampled on the United Nations Charter, on Assembly resolution 2758 (XXVI) and on the principles of international law. The Chinese Government and people strongly condemned such an act. China was, therefore, strongly opposed to inscribing the item on the agenda of the fifty-third session of the Assembly.

He said he hoped that the General Committee would continue to uphold justice and support the position of his Government. It was known to all that Taiwan had been an inalienable part of his country since ancient times. To date, 162 countries had diplomatic relations with his country and recognized that there was only one China in the world. Assembly resolution 2758 (XXVI) clearly reaffirmed the "one China" principle. The question of Taiwan was purely an internal matter for China -- a matter for the Chinese people themselves. China would brook no interference by any country or individual in any way. The handful of countries that had raised the question of "Taiwan's

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membership at the United Nations" were only moving to severely sabotage the process of the peaceful reunification of China.

The representative of Swaziland said he attached great importance to the item and added its voice to the proposal. The unparalleled economic and political development of the Republic of China on Taiwan had brought a strong desire on the part of its people to participate in international activities. They were frustrated by the denial of their fundamental right to participate under the auspices of the United Nations, an institution they helped establish. His country had developed strong relations with the Republic of China on Taiwan and was pained at it being left out of the United Nations body.

The Republic of China on Taiwan did not intend to engage in a debate over supremacy with the People's Republic of China, he continued. Rather, it wanted to focus on existing on an equal footing with the People's Republic of China in the international community. In the post-cold-war era, the international community could not ignore the Republic of China on Taiwan. He noted the fact that the Republic of China on Taiwan, under Article 23 of the Charter, was still recognized as one of the founders of the United Nations.

The representative of Malawi said the question of Taiwan was a perennial one. Against all academic arguments, the Republic of China on Taiwan had steadily developed and consolidated the attributes of statehood. Its 21.5 million people aided many developed countries, and it had a truly democratic government which was the envy of many nations in the United Nations.

The Republic of China on Taiwan's Government had also developed diplomatic relations with many countries. General Assembly resolution 2758 stood in the way of its long overdue recognition. Malawi felt that parallel representation of the two sides in the Organization would create momentum towards a resolution to the situation. Malawi favoured inclusion of item 166 in the agenda of the current session of the Assembly.

The representative of the Gambia said that excluding the Republic of China from world affairs was not a wise thing to do. It should rejoin the international community and take its rightful place in the United Nations. Not only was the Republic of China one of the major economies of the world, but in the area of information technology it was ranked among the most advanced in the world. The new millennium would be dominated by information technology and, thus, the Republic of China had much to share with both developed and developing countries. Furthermore, it was proud of its achievements in the area of democracy and human rights and conducted its affairs in accordance with the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

The representative of Argentina said that in 1971 the United Nations resolved the question of the representation of China through the adoption of Assembly resolution 2758. The People's Republic of China was the only lawful

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representative of the Chinese people. Argentina had supported the adoption of that resolution as it was based on the principle of respect for territorial integrity, as expressed by the United Nations Charter.

Argentina had been one of the first States to normalize relations with the People's Republic of China in February 1972. Argentina explicitly recognized the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole representative of China. Taiwan was an integral part of that territory. Argentina was not in favour of including the item in the provisional agenda of the fifty-third session because the issue had already been resolved.

The representative of Kazakhstan said his delegation fully supported the Government and the people of China in their efforts to safeguard their sovereignty and territorial integrity. His country, therefore, opposed the inclusion of item 166 on the agenda of the current session of the Assembly. Kazakhstan proceeded from the clear understanding that the Chinese Government was the only legitimate government representing the Chinese people and that Taiwan was a part of China. The question of Taiwan was an internal affair for the Government and the people of China to address.

The representative of the Solomon Islands stated that the resolution was "the creation of cold-war fear and rigidity that no longer have a place in this Organization". No intellectual acrobatics could alter the fact that the People's Republic of China was not the Republic of China. Refusing to review the resolution would continue the march in cold-war lock step into a new century of danger. That danger might come from denying the nearly 22 million people on Taiwan their right to be represented in the United Nations, which could make more difficult the peaceful reunification of the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China.

Of further concern to his delegation was the refusal earlier this year of the World Health Organization (WHO) to assist an outbreak of enterovirus diseases among infants and young children on Taiwan, resulting in 55 deaths and between 60,000 and 300,000 milder infections. Apparently, he said, the "WHO interprets resolution 2758 as requiring it, in this instance, to deny its own mandate". He noted that, in past sessions of the General Assembly, resolutions were reviewed and revoked in whole or in part. The General Committee should not deny the fifty-third session the opportunity to do the same.

The representative of Sri Lanka said there was only one China, the People's Republic of China, which has its capital in Beijing. He did not support the theory of two Chinas or any theory of coexistence of two governments. Sri Lanka continued to support the General Assembly's decision on China in its resolution of 1971 and opposed the request to include the item on the provisional agenda of the fifty-third session.

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The representative of Paraguay said the request for inclusion of the item had sufficient merit for consideration. The Republic of China on Taiwan undoubtedly constituted the three essential elements of a State: territory; population; and government. He was in favour of consideration of the item and hoped that, in the future, both parties would be able to resolve their differences.

The representative of Iraq said that resolution 2758 (XXVI) settled the matter of the representation of China once and for all. The resolution had acknowledged the People's Republic of China as the sole representative of China and one Chinese State. Iraq objected to the inclusion of the item, as there was no justification for such an action. The inclusion would represent a flagrant violation of China's territorial sovereignty. Renewing discussion was a waste of time for the General Assembly.

The representative of Burkina Faso requested the inscription of the item on the provisional agenda and noted that the Republic of China on Taiwan was a tangible reality. Most Member States had multi-faceted relations with it. He believed that the United Nations had a duty to take up any and all questions likely to have a negative impact on international peace and security. No situation was unchangeable, and he asked only that the reality of the Republic of China on Taiwan be recognized in a new context.

The representative of Kuwait said the issue of the membership of Taiwan in the United Nations was a settled matter that was evident in resolution 2758 (XXVI). Any attempt to include the item would, therefore, be a violation of the resolution and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China. There was but one China and one Chinese people. The item should not be included in the agenda.

The representative of Georgia believed that the General Committee should recognize that the United Nations was an intergovernmental organization composed of sovereign States. Therefore, there should be a full understanding of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China. The item should, therefore, not be included on the agenda of the current session.

The representative of Mexico said his delegation supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China. The inclusion of the item would not be compatible with the interests of the Organization. There were also no grounds to question the decision of the Assembly in 1971, which had resulted in resolution 2758 (XXVI).

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The representative of Liberia said her Government firmly supported the rights of the Republic of China on Taiwan and those of its people. As part of the effort to restructure the United Nations, the Organization must adhere more closely to the principle of universality. The principles of the Charter must be observed through action, not only rhetoric. The restoration of the lawful rights of the Republic of China on Taiwan in the United Nations would be practical and rational. She was convinced that sustained and well- intentioned negotiations would lead to a durable resolution.

The representative of Sao Tome and Principe said the terms of resolution 2758 denied over 21.8 million people their right of international representation and contravened the United Nations Charter's principle of universality. The language of the resolution reflected the cold war mentality of that time, but the new reality of today had to be dealt with. He said the Republic of China on Taiwan was a country with elected officials and democratic institutions. The nation enjoyed a strong economy and maintained active commercial ties worldwide.

Parallel representation was not an obstacle to reunification. It could instead benefit both sides on the Taiwan Strait in reaching that goal. The admission of the Republic of China on Taiwan to the Organization would not pose a challenge to any of the existing Members. Indeed, the peaceful coexistence of the two sides within the Organization could be a catalyst to ending one of the most enduring sources of instability in Asia. For the sake of world peace and security, the situation merited the attention of all United Nations Members.

The representative of Honduras said he firmly supported the proposal submitted by Senegal to include the item on the provisional agenda of the fifty-third session. Honduras did not want to interfere in the internal affairs of another State but, along with other peace loving States that cherish international security, requested the inclusion of the item.

The representative of Saint Lucia supported and respected the one China policy which was predicated on the principle of sovereignty. Taiwan's heroic, but futile, efforts to carve a separate way within the international forum had won the sympathy of a few Member States. It was imperative, however, to reinforce the global trend towards peace and unity. It was important to uphold resolution 2758.

The representative of Dominica said the cause in support of Taiwan's inclusion in the Organization was not only noble, but equitable and right. The principle of universality, predicated on the concept of sovereignty of States, was compelling in any situation. The Republic of China on Taiwan had been a sovereign State for many years and its statehood had been internationally recognized. There was, however, a determined and well- orchestrated effort to deny Taiwan its equal status. General Assembly

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resolution 2758 formed the bedrock of the arguments of those who sought to deny membership of Taiwan to the Organization. The current realities commanded a reappraisal of the situation of the Republic of China on Taiwan and of the resolution in question.

The representative of Chad said resolution 2758 had not achieved the objectives intended by its co-sponsors. Owing to the fundamental change in the international situation, Chad viewed inclusion of the item as a just request.

The representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines said there was definitely a need to review resolution 2758 (XXVI). Since the United Nations had allowed membership of both East and West Germany before reunification, as well as of North and South Korea, the Republic of China on Taiwan should be also admitted. As stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, proper and effective participation was a fundamental right of every citizen.

It was the obligation of the United Nations to protect universal human rights, he said. The people in the Republic of China on Taiwan continued to be excluded from the United Nations and its affiliated organs. He asked whether the Security Council had the authority to intervene if the Republic of China on Taiwan decided to test nuclear bombs. The international community should be grateful that the Republic of China on Taiwan had a government committed to peace. The issue should be looked at objectively and rationally.

The representative of Nicaragua said General Assembly resolution 2758 (XXVI) was a reflection of the cold war's ideological situation, which should now be revised if any solution to the problem of the two Chinas was to be found. Taiwan's participation in the United Nations would inevitably facilitate broader communication and contact between both parties. That development would benefit security and stability in the region. For that reason, his delegation felt that the Republic of China on Taiwan should be readmitted as a Member of the Organization. His country was, therefore, in favour of including item 166 on the agenda.

The representative of Chile said the question of representation of China had been definitively resolved by resolution 2758 (XXVI) in 1971. The representative of the People's Republic of China was the sole official representative of China. Chile did not suppport the proposal to include the item.

The representative of Grenada said change was generally viewed as good for society. Resolution 2758 (XXVI) had been passed during a different era. The geopolitical structure had changed and there was a need to re-examine the issue. Change was not new to the United Nations -- as it was undergoing reforms to perform more efficiently. Grenada subscribed to the ideas of

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self-determination and democracy for all. Democracy and good governance could only flourish in peace. Grenada recommended that the item be included.

The representative of the United Republic of Tanzania said General Assembly resolution 2758 (XXVI) was still valid today. It gave the right to the People's Republic of China to a seat in the United Nations. Two separate sovereign States would only undermine the resolution and the sovereignty of the People's Republic of China. His country opposed inclusion of the item and urged the General Committee to reject it.

The representative of Cyprus said his country adhered to the cardinal principle of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States that was enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. The People's Republic of China was the only authority in China.

The representative of Nepal said his delegation opposed the inclusion of the item on the agenda of the current session of the General Assembly. China's representation in the United Nations was settled by the Assembly 27 years ago. As Taiwan was a part of China, any consideration of the item by the Assembly would constitute interference in the internal affairs of a Member State.

The representative of Myanmar said when China was conferred its rightful place in the United Nations, resolution 2758 (XXVI) expressly recognized the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate representative of China. Taiwan was part of China. The question was an internal matter and one for the Chinese people to decide upon by themselves. Myanmar opposed the inclusion of the item on the agenda.

The representative of the Lao People's Democratic Republic said resolution 2758 (XXVI) established the inalienable and legitimate right of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations. Any reconsideration of that issue could only harm the spirit of the resolution. There was only one China -- the People's Republic of China -- and it was the authentic representative of the Chinese people. His delegation opposed inclusion of the item in the agenda.

The representative of Libya said the resolution, which was adopted by an overwhelming majority, reaffirmed that the People's Republic of China was the sole representative of the Chinese people. The issue was settled by that resolution. Reinscription would be a waste of time and energy. He strongly opposed the inclusion of the item and reaffirmed the sovereignty of the People's Republic of China.

The representative of Belarus said he supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People's Republic of China. There was only one China and the People's Republic was the sole legal representative of China.

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The Republic of China on Taiwan was an integral part of China and could not be a separate member. He strongly opposed the inclusion of the item 166.

The representative of Brazil said he supported the view of the People's Republic of China against the inclusion of the item. The resolution of 1971 was a definitive conclusion on the question of China.

The representative of Djibouti said the question was not a new one. The international community had decided once and for all, in resolution 2758 (XXVI), that there was one indivisible China of which Taiwan was an integral part. Any attempt contrary to that was doomed to failure. He asked that the item not be included.

The representative of the Russian Federation said he supported the arguments of the People's Republic of China. He supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China. There were no grounds for including the item on the agenda and he opposed the proposal.

The representative of Italy said the question of representation of China was already decided by resolution 2758 (XXVI). The General Assembly recognized the People's Republic of China as the sole legal representative of China. He was not in favour of including the item.

The representative of Syria said inclusion of the item would not be in accordance with the provisions of the United Nations Charter. Any attempt to create two Chinese States would be a waste of time.

The representative of Bangladesh said his delegation reaffirmed its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China. The question of the territorial authority of China was resolved in resolution 2758 (XXVI), in which China was given its rightful place in the United Nations. He would not support the inclusion of the item in the agenda of the current session of the General Assembly.

The representative of Iran said the Government of the People's Republic of China was the sole and legitimate representative of the Chinese people to the United Nations. His delegation did not support the inclusion of the item on the agenda.

The representative of Mongolia said his delegation felt that there was no compelling reason for the item to be included in the agenda of the current General Assembly session. Resolution 2758 (XXVI) had decided that issue. The proposal to include the item in the agenda would confuse the present reality.

The representative of Algeria said his delegation fully supported resolution 2758 (XXVI), which gave a final, just and legitimate point of view about the representation of China in the United Nations. The resolution was

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still valid. The General Committee should reject the inclusion of the item on the agenda of the current General Assembly.

The representative of Cuba said the provisions of resolution 2758 (XXVI) remained totally relevant and in force. Review of that resolution would call into question age-old realities and contravene principles of international law. The People's Republic of China was the sole legitimate representative of the people of China in the United Nations. The item should not be included in the agenda of the current General Assembly session.

The representative of El Salvador said the request for the inclusion of the item in the agenda of the current session of the Assembly had been submitted according to the principle of sovereignty and equality of States that was stipulated in the United Nations Charter. El Salvador had long relations with the Republic of China on Taiwan. Resolution 2758 (XXVI) resolved the problem of the representation of the people of China in the United Nations, but disregarded the fact there were two governments across the Taiwan Strait. The division of China was, thus, not resolved.

For the last 50 years, the Republic of China had established relations with many countries and various cooperation agreements with international financing and development agencies, he continued. His country's support for inclusion of the item in the current agenda was not a challenge to resolution 2758 (XXVI), nor was it interference in the internal affairs of another Member State. Twenty million inhabitants with whom his country had links deserved support. The United Nations had a responsibility regarding the Republic of China that must not be obviated.

The representative of the Sudan said resolution 2758 (XXVI) had decisively judged the issue, and the attempt to include it in the agenda of the current session of the General Assembly was a violation of the Charter of the United Nations. The issue was an internal one for the People's Republic of China.

The representative of Zimbabwe said although fundamental changes in the post cold-war era had been cited as justification of a change in the status of the Republic of China on Taiwan, those changes were not justification for sanctifying and legitimizing the dismembering of a Member State of the United Nations. Resolution 2758 (XXVI) was as valid today as it was in 1971. He urged that the item not be included.

The representative of Egypt said the issue had been decisively decided by resolution 2758 (XXVI). The People's Republic of China was the only legitimate representative of the people of China. He joined with all other delegations who had rejected the inclusion.

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The representative of Turkmenistan supported the People's Republic of China and said it was not necessary to re-examine the resolution. He was against inclusion of the item in the agenda, since it contradicted the provisions of the United Nations Charter.

The representative of Germany said he was committed to the one China policy and saw no need to include the item on the agenda.

The representative of Yemen was against the inclusion of the item for reasons already stated by other delegations. His Government only recognized one China, the People's Republic of China.

The representative of Suriname said that on several occasions the General Committee had been preoccupied with the issue. The General Assembly had always upheld that the People's Republic of China was the sole representative of China. It was not appropriate to open the discussion, since it had already been decided in 1971. There was no need to include the item.

The representative of Uganda said he was not convinced that the changes that had taken place warranted a review of resolution 2758 (XXVI) of 1971. The question of the Republic of China on Taiwan was an internal affair of China. He opposed inclusion of the item, because it would be interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign State.

The representative of Tunisia said there was one China and resolution 2758 (XXVI) had resolved the question of representation. There was no need to include the item on the agenda.

The representative of Cameroon said he supported the People's Republic of China in its determination to defend its sovereignty over all Chinese land. The solution to the question was contained in resolution 2758 (XXVI).

The representative of Kenya strongly opposed the inclusion of the item now and in the future, as resolution 2758 (XXVI) remained valid.

The representative of Lesotho opposed the view that resolution 2758 (XXVI) be reviewed and included on the agenda. He recognized only one China with its capital in Beijing. A review would not yield a different solution to the question.

The representative of Pakistan said resolution 2758 (XXVI) recognized the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations. The decision was essential for protection of the provisions of the United Nations Charter and the causes the United Nations must serve under its Charter. The United Nations must bury the issue once and for all. China was a sovereign Member of the United Nations and Taiwan was a part of China. Therefore, he opposed the inclusion of the item on the agenda.

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The General Committee decided not to include item 166 on the agenda owing to a lack of consensus on the matter.

The Committee then proceeded to recommend inclusion of items 167, 169, 170 and 171. (The Committee had previously decided to include item 168 as a sub-item of item 46.)

The Committee then allocated the agenda items among the six Main Committees and the plenary.

Statement

The representative of the United States recommended that Chapter VI on the coordination of the policies and activities of the specialized agencies and other bodies of the United Nations system be allocated to the plenary, Second Committee (Economic and Financial) and the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural).

In order to facilitate the work of the Main Committees, the Secretariat would circulate the report of the General Committee at the earliest possible opportunity, for consideration by the plenary on Tuesday, 15 September, in the afternoon.

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