unitex@rubbs.fidonet.org (unitex) (10/03/89)
Somalia supported the Palestinian struggle for self-determination, freedom and independence, under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) their sole and legitimate representative. He urged the current session of the General Assembly to undertake a decisive course of action in support of the peace process in the Middle East. Affirming Somalia's commitment to the cause of the oppressed people of Namibia and South Africa, he welcomed the commencement of implementation on the United Nations independence plan for Namibia, but warned against "manipulations and manoeuvres by the racist South African regime." If the Pretoria regime continued its policy of internal repression and external aggression, the Security Council should impose comprehensive and mandatory sanctions. He urged continued efforts for a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan, emphasized the need for dialogue and intercommunal talks on the question of Cyprus and said the conflict in Cambodia should be settled on the basis of withdrawal of all foreign forces, and guaranties of the right of the people to determine their destiny without outside interference. ANISUL ISLAM MAHMUD, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, said in the recent months the credibility of the United Nations had not only been enhanced, but the confidence of the global community in its institutions had also increased. There was widespread belief that the United Nations had the unique potential and capacity not only to adjust and accommodate, but also to fashion a concerted response to multi-dimensional contemporary problems through co-operative approach and management. Following last year's devastating floods in Bangladesh "unparalleled international response, together with the courage and resilience of the people, helped avert the famine, epidemic and negative growth that were predicted", Mr. MAHMUD said. Although his country would do all that was possible nationally, disaster control involved co-operation beyond its borders, and resources beyond its modest means. Special emphasis had been paid to conducting studies for a durable solution. An international conference on floods in Bangladesh was scheduled for December this year in London convened by the World Bank. Many of Bangladesh's serious economic problems, he went on, such as severe development constraints and environmental degradation were shared by other least developed countries as well. In the 1980s, the gap between the developed and developing nations had increased. "Although richer nations were able to pull out of a serious economic recession to enjoy the longest period of economic expansion since the Second World War; the crisis in a vast majority of the developing countries has continued unabated", he stated. He called for substantial increases in concessionary financial flows to developing countries to meet their investment needs. Further, a growth- oriented debt strategy should be directed towards reduction in interest rates, lowering of interest payments, a decisive and substantial reduction of debt obligation and outright cancellation of debt of the least developed countries. Other urgent measures, he added, should include finding ways to improve the export earning potential of developing countries ensuring food security, including emergency measures to expand food production in the least developed countries, and harnessing and mobilizing human resources development with emphasis on the disadvantaged segments; women, children and the handicapped. Mr. MAHMUD then said the improved international political climate was very comforting. "Guns have fallen silent in the Gulf region, and the bloodletting that eight years of fierce fratricidal war between Iran and Iraq involved has finally ended." Bangladesh was proud to be a part of the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG) which today was helping keep the peace. Bangladesh soldiers and civilians were also in Namibia as an integral part of the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG). The leader of the military observer group had died in Namibia in a tragic accident, while performing his duties. ANISUL ISLAM MAHMUD, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh went on to say that some problems still remained intractable. In the Middle East, Israel's continued occupation of illegally acquired territories had created an explosive situation. "The valiant intifadah of the Palestinian people today serves as a clarion call to mobilize world public opinion against a brutal suppression of freedom." He reiterated his country's support for the early convening of an international peace conference, of which the PLO must be an equal and integral part. He also endorsed the call for comprehensive mandatory sanctions against the racist regime of Pretoria. While nuclear disarmament was a priority item, he said further, a restraint in conventional arms was both urgent and necessary. Work towards a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty must be continued. The United Nations role in monitoring compliance and verification must be strengthened. Naval arms limitation must be resolutely pursued. A convention on the non-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon States should be concluded. Of vital importance was the need to strengthen security assurances, both positive and negative, to non-nuclear-weapon States. The establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones across the globe should be encouraged. On the issue of the environment, he said that poverty and ecological degradation were inextricably linked. The proposed * Origin: UNITEX --> Toward a United Species (1:107/501) --- Patt Haring | United Nations | FAX: 212-787-1726 patth@sci.ccny.cuny.edu | Information | BBS: 201-795-0733 patth@ccnysci.BITNET | Transfer Exchange | (3/12/24/9600 Baud) -=- Every child smiles in the same language. -=-