unitex@rubbs.fidonet.org (unitex) (10/25/89)
elections must be free and fair. On Western Sahara, as there
had been progress in the search for a peaceful solution, further
meetings would improve the prospects for a successful settlement
of the question.
ANA ELISA MARTINEZ (Nicaragua) said there were still two cases
of colonialism in Africa -- Namibia and Western Sahara. She
hoped resolution 435 would be implemented in its original form.
Regarding the conflict in Western Sahara, Nicaragua reiterated
its position that the Saharaoui people be allowed to exercise
their right to self-determination and independence. The conflict
could not be resolved by force, but by dialogue.
Nicaragua was convinced that the two parties to the conflict
should negotiate a peaceful agreement for a referendum on
freedom for the people. Ongoing dialogue was of paramount
importance for the peace process. The Saharaoui people had the
support of the international community.
YEOH CHEE YAN (Singapore) said the will towards independence in
Namibia under the leadership of SWAPO was irrepressible, and, in
a matter of months, Namibia would join the community of
nations. However, Singapore was concerned that South Africa
continued to circumvent the implementation of some key aspects
of resolution 435. There was great need for vigilance, as the
credibility of the United Nations and its ability to ensure free
and fair elections were at stake. Any successful manipulation
by South Africa would only encourage other aggressive Powers to
threaten the sovereignty of smaller and weaker States.
Singapore supported the rights of the people of New Caledonia and
all the remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories to
self-determination and independence. The old colonial order
would soon be history. The success of many independent
ex-colonies had shown that neither size, population nor lack of
resoruces should be used as a pretext for delaying the process
of decolonization.
JOACHIM ANVIRE (Cote d'Ivoire) said colonialism had not
disappeared. It still existed in many parts of the world, in
many guises, as in Namibia, under the odious system of
apartheid. He called on South Africa to abide by the
agreement so that free and fair elections could be held in
Namibia. The United Nations, especially the Security Council,
should be alert to avoid any deviation from resolution 435. The
Secretary General's most recent report had confirmed his
country's fears. South Africa's manipulation of the electoral
registers and intimidation of SWAPO supporters could delay the
process. He demanded the dismantling of the Koevoet. Namibia
should be genuinely independent, free from outside interference,
with due respect for its territorial integrity and the dignity
of the people.
On Western Sahara, he said although recent developments had been
a cause for concern, he was confident that through the efforts
of the Secretary-Genera and the Chairman of OAU, parties to the
conflict would accept the settlement plan without any
conditions, and allow the Saharaoui people to decide their own
destiny.
JAMES VICTOR GBEHO (Ghana) said the Secretary-General's report on
Western Sahara, the relevant paragraph of his report to the
plenary on the work of the Organization and the working paper of
the Secretariat, had aroused mixed feelings in his delegation.
They appreciated the Secretary-General's involvement in the
peace process there, the efforts of the United Nations and OAU,
the positive responses of Morocco and the Popular Front for the
Liberation of Saguia el-Hamra and Rio de Oro (POLISARIO) and the
beginning of the dialogue.
Ghana was however concerned at the developments reported in the
working paper of the Secretariat on the future of direct talks
between the two parties. The reported lack of intention by
Morocco for further meetings coupled with the declaration by a
leader of POLISARIO that the unilateral cease-fire had come to
an end, would not contribute to the peace process.
Mr. GBEHO said he feared the latest positive changes in the
international arena could induce a "wait-and-see attitude" or
even account for the "ominous developments" reflected in the
working paper, and he urged the two parties "not to yield to
such delusions".
Ghana shared the hope of the Secretary-General and the current
Chairman that there would be further meetings on Western Sahara,
which might be "the litmus test of the good faith of the two
parties", he added.
* Origin: UNITEX --> Toward a United Species (1:107/501)
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