unitex@rubbs.fidonet.org (unitex) (08/28/89)
the goals of the United Nations -- offered the most eloquent and effective
means of demonstrating the government's stated commitment to the policy of
reform and openness.
VANIAS MARKIDES, observer for Cyprus, stated that unfortunately, to this
very moment the anxieties and concerns about the human rights situation in
Cyprus were still valid. Yet, at the same time, Cyprus was determined to
continue the United Nations-sponsored intercommunal talks, the latest phase of
which started about a year ago. It wished to reach the goal established by
the Secretary-General, namely to arrive at an outline draft agreement by the
time of the New York meeting next month. Cyprus envisaged a solution fully
respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms including the freedom
of movement, the freedom of settlement and the right to property, as enshrined
in all relevant international instruments. Cyprus also envisaged a negotiated
solution based on the principle of federation as accepted under international
law.
TIAN JIN, expert from China, said that a discussion of conditions in
China had been going on in academic circles and the political institutions
over the past decade. A correct and profound understanding of the special
characters of all aspects of national life was called for in order to ensure
the progress of China's modernization along the right path and to avoid
unnecessary upheavals. This matter had become all the more important
following the incident which occurred in Beijing. All people, both foreign
and Chinese, must objectively look at what happened in China and bear in mind
the specific conditions of China. The reason for the development from student
movement to turmoil and later to riot, was that a handful of political
conspirators wanted to negate the socialism in China and overthrow the Chinese
Government. Furthermore, some foreign political forces, unwilling to see the
progress of the socialist system in China, wanted to impose their political,
economic system and values on the country. Some Western media had already
admitted their own role of instigation during the turbulence in Beijing. One
should look at the human rights situation in each country in a comprehensive
way. No country could boast of a perfect human rights situation. While it
was necessary to pay attention to a country's deficient aspects, one should
not neglect the improved aspect if there was an improvement.
LUIS VARELA QUIROS, expert from Costa Rica, in response to the Chairman's
appeal, called for finding ways to economize time in the discussion taking
place in the Sub-Commission, on the basis of resolution 1989/36 of the
Commission on Human Rights.
Rights of Reply
S. WIRYONO, observer for Indonesia, referring to the statement of the
non-governmental organization which referred to the impressions of a recent
visitor to East Timor in May 1989, pointed out that this was only one of
hundreds of visits made by foreigners to East Timor, including parliamentary
delegations, diplomats, journalists and tourists. On the allegations of
massive arrests, his delegation had already provided its clarification to the
Commission in March. Sixty persons were interrogated but only eight were
detained and only two brought to trial, one of which received a seven-month
sentence and the other six months. His delegation hoped that references of
the delegation of Portugal were not intended to disrupt the ongoing
discussion, since a fundamental aspect agreed to by all sides in the conduct
of the talks had been the principle of confidentiality.
SIDNEY SOKHONA, observer for Mauritania, referring to the statement by
the United States observer concerning his country, noted that Mauritania and
Senegal were neighbours and maintained close ties. The agreement between
Mauritania and Senegal should be observed by both sides and he was surprised
at the biased attitude of the United States delegation.
ONUR GOKCE, observer for Turkey, emphasized that the real issue in the
Turkish-Bulgarian relations was the uprooting from Bulgaria of 300,000 Turkish
Bulgarians. The Bulgarian citizens of Turkish origin had now to obtain
Turkish visa, in the interest of their orderly departure.
TODER DITCHEV, observer for Bulgaria, noted that the experience of
Bulgaria in dealing with Turkey was that this country understood the dialogue
only on its own terms, that is, on the basis of an ultimatum. It was the
Turkish side, not Bulgaria, that had refused to sit at the negotiating table.
As for Bulgaria, it was ready for such a dialogue without any ultimatums and
preconditions.
MIGUEL ALFONSO, observer for Cuba, said that it was paradoxical that the
United States delegation did not show the same interest in the human rights
situation in its own country which it showed in respect of other States. The
black people, the Puerto Ricans, the poverty-stricken people and many others
suffered from human rights violations in that country.
ONUR GOKCE, observer for Turkey, said that he did not believe that he had
received an answer from the representative of Bulgaria. He reiterated the
readiness of Turkey to engage in negotiations with Bulgaria on the basis of a
mutually agreed agenda.
TODER DITCHEV, observer for Bulgaria, said that she would give up her
right of reply taking account of the appeal of the Sub-Commission to save time
by avoiding extended discussions.
* Origin: UNITEX --> Toward a United Species (1:107/501)
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Patt Haring | UNITEX : United Nations
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