unitex@rubbs.fidonet.org (unitex) (08/24/89)
SECURITY COUNCIL -- TAKE 3
ENRIQUE PENALOSA (Colombia) said his Government, as a member of the
Council for Namibia from the beginning, had always looked forward to the
achievement of full independence for that Territory. He was therefore
particularly concerned that the process toward independence was being
jeopardized.
Colombia, he said, understood the complexity and difficulties involved in
bringing about the desired goals for the Territory but believed that adherence
to the agreed plan was the most appropriate course of action.
He expressed support for the recommendations presented on 16 August by
the Chairman of the African Group, particularly in relation to the draft
proclamation on the rules for the Constituent Assembly and the restriction on
voting rights. He was confident that the Secretary-General's Special
Representative was raising those points with the South African authorities.
Colombia resolutely supported the Secretary-General in his efforts to
ensure that the fundamental aspects of resolution 435 were not subject to
unilateral interpretation which could compromise not only the independence
process but the credibility of the parties.
MARJATTA RASI (Finland) said his country, which had more than 800 Finnish
nationals serving with UNTAG, had never expected that the transition process,
with all its elements of reducing military strength, checking the exercise of
police functions, repatriating refugees, registering voters and many other
duties, would be easy and smooth. However, the shocks and challenges
encountered at the very beginning had been staggering. What was important now
was that the independence process, having gone through some delays and
adjustments, was back on track. The overriding concern was to ensure that
free and fair elections were held at the appointed time with wide
participation.
The current debate could not have any other purpose than to call upon
everybody concerned to work for that goal and to ensure the Secretary-General
of the Council's continued support in his task of guiding the activities of
UNTAG.
Recently, she said, much attention had been given to problems related to
the operations of the South West African Police. The number of police
monitors in UNTAG had already been increased. Finland was ready to support
further additions to the composition and resources of UNTAG that the
Secretary-General might consider necessary. Of course, it also welcomed the
recent announcement by the Administrator-General that the so-called
counter-insurgency component in the South West African Police would now be
confined to bases. She looked forward to further steps by the South African
authorities that could help to dispel continuing doubts about the commitment
of South Africa to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 435.
Referring to other current problems in addition to those concerning the
actions of the South West African Police, she said intimidation and violence
must not be allowed to interfere with the peaceful conduct of the electoral
campaign. All outstanding issues concerning the full release of political
prisoners must be resolved. The return of Namibian refugees and other
expatriates must be completed. The registration of voters must be
successfully concluded in the whole country.
Much was at stake, but the final goal -- a free and independent
Namibia -- was already in sight, she concluded.
* Origin: UNITEX --> Toward a United Species (1:107/501)
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Patt Haring | UNITEX : United Nations
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