unitex@rubbs.fidonet.org (unitex) (08/24/89)
SECURITY COUNCIL HEARS 11 MORE SPEAKERS IN NAMIBIA DEBATE
The Security Council heard 11 more speakers this morning as it held its
third in the current series of meetings, begun on 16 August, to consider the
situation in Namibia.
The Council is meeting in response the request of the Group of African
States that it consider "the deteriorating situation in Namibia", and of the
Non-aligned States that it consider "South Africa's non-compliance with ...
Security Council resolution 435 (1978) on the Namibian Independence Plan".
The Council will continue its debate when it meets again at 10:30 a.m. on
Monday, 21 August.
Today's first speaker, OSCAR ORAMAS OLIVA (Cuba) said that Cuba was
concerned that non-compliance by South Africa with resolution 435 (1978) would
hamper the process toward independence in Namibia. The Council must consider
the facts exhaustively, and do whatever was necessary to ensure complete
implementation of resolution 435. It must not stand idly by, while Koevoet
forces were being incorporated into regular South African forces. Further,
South Africa must not be allowed to register "thousands" of its citizens on
Namibian electoral roles. Unless such manoeuvres were checked, a
neo-colonialist territory would emerge.
HASMY AGAM (Malaysia) said the reports of South Africa's non-compliance
with the Council's resolution 435 had been corroborated by indepedendent
observers of the Namibian political scene. What was in question was the role
and responsibility of the Council in ensuring fair and free elections in the
Territory. The Council must fully discharge its responsibility, without fear
or favour, and ensure that South Africa strictly adhere to its commitments and
obligations. Malaysia supported the adoption of a resolution which would
bolster the position of the Secretary-General and his Special Representative
in dealing with the situation, rather than undermine it.
Yesterday's meeting of the Security Council was the 2877th.
ENRIQUE PENALOSA (Colombia) said Colombia 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, and was confident that the
Secretary-General's Special Representative was raising those points with the
South African authorities. The fundamental aspects of resolution 435 must not
be subject to unilateral interpretation which could compromise not only the
independence process but the credibility of the parties.
MARJATTA RASI (Finland) said 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 all 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. Finland was ready to support further additions to
the composition and resources of UNTAG that the Secretary-General might
consider necessary. She looked forward to further steps by the South African
authorities that could help to dispel continuing doubts about its commitment.
SLOBODAN KOTEVSKI (Yugoslavia) said the only generally accepted basis for
the solution of the problem of Namibia was the settlement plan, worked out by
the Security Council. The Security Council was therefore duty-bound to ensure
consistent and speedy implementation of resolution 435 in its original and
definitive form. Various pretexts to justify the continued activities of
Koevoet were absolutely unacceptable. Resolution 435 required their
unconditional and immediate disbandment. The Security Council must
* Origin: UNITEX --> Toward a United Species (1:107/501)
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Patt Haring | UNITEX : United Nations
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